WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT | Words of Encouragement ...from the pen of a ready writer |
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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT Learn more about Jesus! Let the Bible show you how to fix your life! Enjoy Christian words of encouragement from the Bible, inspirational Bible stories, Bible verses to live by, and sound Bible teaching. Learn how to homeschool and prepare healthy easy recipes. Scroll down for our menu...
by Linda Hull
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"I meditate on all thy works." Be Transformed! ...by the renewing of your mind
Copyright © 2012 Linda G. Hull All rights reserved. Photos are copyright © 2012 Linda G. Hull Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. |
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Mission Statement:
"As we live out our daily lives, each must choose whom they will serve. I seek to maintain a close fellowship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to serve Him as He directs. My desire is to be in the center of His will at all times. It is my prayer that Words of Encouragement will encourage and exhort all of us towards a closer relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through increased knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. May it provide the help and hope you seek. May it strengthen the Church of believers."
- Linda Hull
Click above to find out how to be sure that you will have a place in Heaven with Jesus.
"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16
Letter from the Editor...
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*Day of Purity - Wear a white ribbon as a symbol of your commitment to purity and fidelity in marriage. Visit the website, Day of Purity, for more information including t-shirts, wristbands, and more resources. |
Let us be diligent to talk about our faith and our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Savior of the world, to those will believe Him. Others need to hear the Gospel message.
Ray Comfort's film called "180" What Changed Their Minds in Seconds.... is a great witnessing tool. It is an important film comparing the Holocaust and abortion. It contains graphic pictures of the Holocaust, but is a must see. You can find it after "Thought Provokers".
Begin reading Words of Encouragement by clicking to continue for the first article... or just scroll down to In This Issue.
Enjoy!
Linda
*Praed, Winthrop. "One Honeymoon." Heaven, Home, and Happiness. Ed. Mary Lowe Dickinson and Myrta Lockett Avary. New York: 1901. 42.
"To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." Proverbs 21:3
IN THIS ISSUECLICK ON THE LINKS TO TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO AN ARTICLE
| Solomon Loved His Son |
| Favorite Things |
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Copyright © 2011 by Linda G. Hull
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"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:1-10 (KJV)
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"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of they mother..." Proverbs 1:8 (KJV)
I love the Book of Proverbs! I read a proverb a day, meaning I can get through the entire book in a month. When I first started reading Proverbs they seemed to be just random bits of wisdom. Yet the more I read, the more I realized that collectively they are pleas to a son to wise up! Solomon is the author and our clue that these are meant for his son.
Loving a wayward child is tough! Solomon understood how it feels when a child is foolish and rebellious. He understood the frustration of trying to "train up a child" only to watch that child walk away from God. I think much of the Book of Proverbs was Solomon's attempt to reach his children, while warning parents to be diligent. Solomon said, "train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) Oh the frustration of trying to teach someone who will not learn! Yet Solomon's greatest problem was his poor example to his children. Still, Solomon loved his son and tried to bend him to God's ways.
Solomon entreated God for wisdom and received it. Yet, Solomon was foolish because though he knew the power and might of God, he chose to follow after the false gods of his many, many wives. He was weak, despite his wisdom. He knew what to do, but could not find it in his heart to obey God all the time. This is a case of don't do what I do, but do what is right.
"And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice. And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Not withstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father's sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son." 1 Kings 11:9-12
Consider Solomon's son, Rehoboam, who inherited the throne upon Solomon's death. His story is found in 2 Chronicles 9:31-12:16. Rehoboam did not listen to the wise counsel of his father's trusted advisors, but sought the counsel of his friends. Consequently he brought ruin to the kingdom resulting in a division of the tribes into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and the ultimate captivity of his people. Rehoboam was much like his father because sometimes he obeyed God and sometimes he did not. It is clear from the Bible account that Rehoboam's heart was not established in God's ways.
A parent knows his child, whether the child is wise, obedient, and seeking the Lord. Solomon knew Rehoboam. I imagine he took a special interest in Rehoboam because he knew he would be his successor. The Proverbs are a testimony of Solomon's love and concern for his son. The words of Solomon address many of the issues parents face today with their children. He knew what his son was doing and he sought to bend his will to righteousness. He failed.
We fail too. Only God can change a heart and a mindset. We must remember that our duty as parents is to teach and train our children to love the Lord. Jesus said this, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." (Mark 12:30) We are to teach our children about our Lord and instruct them in the ways of righteousness. Then we must let them go and allow our Lord to work in their hearts and minds. He must reveal Himself to them, just as He did to each of us. They must choose whom they will serve, just as we did.
Solomon loved his son. He instructed him in wisdom, for he was the wisest man that has ever lived. Despite his great wisdom, he was unable to persuade his son. Let this be a comfort and a warning to us.
We must be diligent to use every opportunity to teach our children the truth, the ways of our Lord, and to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength while they are young. We must set good examples of righteousness. We must pray for them regularly. For we love our children too.
When they stray, hate the sin, but love the sinner. Demonstrate your love, grace, and mercy to them. Do not be double-minded, but stand firm on the truths of the Word. Then let us cling to Solomon's words in Proverbs 22:6, "...when he is old, he will not depart from it."
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"He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." Proverbs 21:21
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him." 1 John 3:16-19
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
"Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love, me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." John 14:23-24
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life his friends." John 15:13
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven..." Matthew 5:39-45a
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." 1 John 2:15-16
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." 1 John 5:7-11
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" 1 Peter 3:15
I love beautiful music! Browsing the internet, I discovered a blog where music by David Nevue was playing softly in the background. From there I found Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio which was founded by Mr. Nevue. When I need to think or focus on a project, I enjoy listening to Whisperings. I think you will too, so I encourage you to visit! Oh, and no I am not affiliated with Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio in any way. I'm just a fan! Following is a selection by David Nevue I found on YouTube.com. Hope you enjoy it!
"By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life." Proverbw 22:4
Photo of Lois Rebecca Brice (1880-1918)
"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
A HUSBAND'S TRIBUTE
"The following beautiful lines were written by an aged gentleman to his wife on the fifty-fourth anniversary of their marriage."
Yes, we go gently down the hill of life,
And thank our God at every step we go;
The husband-lover and the sweetheart-wife;
Of creeping age what do we care of know?
Each says to each: Our four-score years, twice told
Would leave us young; The soul is never old!What is the grave to us? Can it divide
The destiny of two by God made one?
We step across, and reach the other side,
To know our blended life is but begun.
These fading faculties are sent to say:
Heaven is more near to-day than yesterday! -M. B. C.
M.B.C. "A Husband's Tribute." Heaven, Home, and Happiness. Ed. Mary Lowe Dickinson and Myrta Lockett Avary. New York: 1901. 412.
Public Domain
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"Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old." Lamentations 5:21
HOME SCHOOL TIPS
Teaching Kids Skills and Crafts...
I remember my grandmother and mother teaching me to hand embroider. I learned at my grandmother's feet, watching the colorful thread turn into flowers and leaves on dresser scarves. When I was old enough, my favorite ladies taught me how to make the various stitches. A good motivator was the beautiful cookie tin that was filled with a variety of threads in a multitude of colors, a package of embroidery needles, hoops, a thimble, and scissors. I started with simple iron on transfers that were ironed onto the prefab dresser scarf. Then I followed the lines, choosing appropriate stitches. It was a wonderful hobby and served to teach me a skill that ladies of old found rather commonplace I imagine. Today, anyone with skills from old times will find themselves in demand. Younger girls want to learn too! Here is a great Squidoo lens for beginners: How to Embroider for Beginners, featuring basic stitches and how-to videos.
Boys enjoy learning survival and camping skills. I found a really cool Squidoo lens site that teaches the very things boys will want to know. Check it out at: Primitive Skills and Wilderness Crafts Here you will learn how to make cordage from natural materials such as yucca. Watch the video to view a demonstration. I remember as a girl camping with the family trying to rub sticks together to start a fire. We finally gave up, despite assurances from my Dad that it works. Making a fire without matches is an important skill, but tools are needed. Find out how to perform this survival task. The boy next door taught me how to dig a hole to make a fire pit for outdoor cooking. Unfortunately I was too young to light fires so had to be content with digging holes all over the yard and laying twigs for a grate. My grandmother graciously provided a pot and some beans for my imaginary fire. Learning how to make a Dakota fire hole is fun and a good skill to know.
School time is always fun when you make time to learn some fun skills and crafts. Prevent boredom by keeping your time short. Start a project and encourage perseverance to completion for a great character building lesson as well. Remember young hands need to be trained, so plan on exercising patience!
"The Highest Task." Heaven, Home, and Happiness. Ed. Mary Lowe Dickinson and Myrta Lockett Avary. New York: 1901. 108.
*******FEBRUARY HOMESCHOOL TIPS*******
Make your own Valentine's to share with others or mail to far away family members as an art project.
Provide red, white, and pink tissue paper, red construction paper, foil, paper doilies, craft scissors that cut in zigzag lines or decorative edges, and plenty of decopage glue. Be creative! It's fun for the younger set to decorate with stickers or use a Valentine stamp. Or use photos, magazine pictures, or colored pictures to decorate. Use ribbon as a trim!
Older kids may enjoy creating a special poem or sentiment and typing into Word. Use fine tip pens for writing a sentiment or use a delicate font in your word processor. Use a small amount of peppermint oil in a spray bottle to create scented Valentine cards. This is a good time to learn calligraphy!
Plan a fun time of refreshments afterwards!
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Don't Quit! Get Help!
There is help available if you want to homeschool, but maybe you don't know where to find it.
If you are struggling to find information, resources, and support for your journey, you will find my book, "Homeschooling: The Modern Day One Room Schoolhouse" very helpful. My affordable booklet explains the basics about how to get started, record keeping, legalities, curriculum choices, and more.
If you have questions about homeschooling, please contact me!
My homeschool booklet is available to help you on your journey:
Homeschooling: The Modern Day One Room Schoolhouse.
>>>Just click on the book cover or the link above to go directly to the secure store site to order.
MORE HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES:
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***Visit Homeschool Resources & Tips Squidoo Lens for more homeschool info! Just click on the icon:
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If you are looking for an easier way to keep records, Homeschool Tracker is the best solution I've found!
This is a free downloadable program for all your record keeping needs! I have used it successfully for years! Record keeping couldn't be easier or quicker!
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"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Ephesians 4:7
THOUGHT PROVOKERSINTEGRITY AND THE FOUR SPHERES OF YOUR LIFE
Featuring Dr. O. S. Hawkins and Dr. Jack Graham
I believe you will enjoy this informal discussion by Dr. O. S. Hawkins and Dr. Jack Graham on the nature of integrity and character. I came across it by accident, and decided to post it. In this discussion, Dr. Hawkins tells us where the root of integrity is found. I believe these are timely words for us today. As Believers, we need to have an unimpeachable character that is rooted in Christ or we will never have the credibility we need to reach the lost souls in this world.
I met Dr. Hawkins in the '80's when my husband and I attended First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale when Dr. Hawkins was the senior pastor. It was my privilege to be on staff at FBC for three years.
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"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:20
Ray Comfort's video, 180...
Years ago I served as a volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center. I personally counseled women who were trying to determine if they were pregnant. Some, when asked how they would respond to an unwanted pregnancy indicated their choice would be abortion. It was my task to give them the facts and to provide information about the resources available for both mother and baby. I believe this video is life changing and will make a difference in how abortion is perceived because it exposes abortion for what it is.
*Please note that this video is copyright protected. However, it is available as a free download from Ray Comfort's website: http://www.livingwaters.com/index.php?option=com_jdownloads&Itemid=237&view=view.download&catid=7&cid=41&lang=en or on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI . For more information and additional resources, and the html code to embed this video on your website, please visit http://www.heartchanger.com .
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"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps" 1 Peter 2:21
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6
Click on the links below to go to a recipe or the tip of the month or scroll down.
"Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:10-11
* More recipes can be found at Free Recipes or Free Cooking Recipes.
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1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup oil 1/2 cup honey 2
eggs 2 pureed bananas 2 cup granola 1 1/2 cup unbleached or whole wheat
flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup unsweetened
carob chips or chocolate chips Cream butter and oil together. Add
honey, then cream together with butter mixture. Beat in eggs and
bananas. Sift together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Add
granola to sifted dry ingredients. Add to all dry ingredients to creamed
butter mixture, beating until well mixed. Add carob chips. Bake at
350 degrees for approximately 17 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
Makes 3-4 dozen.
1 cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour
2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 egg yolk (reserve egg white) 1 teaspoon vanilla 1
cup chopped walnuts Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg yolk.
Sift flour and cinnamon together. Add sifted flour and cinnamon to butter
mixture. Add vanilla. Press batter/dough into large cookie sheet 1/4
inch thick. Beat egg white until fluffy. Spread over cookie dough.
Sprinkle walnuts over dough. Press down nuts. Bake at 350 degrees
for approximately 15 minutes or until light brown. Slice while warm.
Cookies will be crispy.
I found this wonderful blog and a recipe for making your own laundry soap... http://thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com/2009/02/i-made-my-own-laundry-detergent.html I'm planning to try it out!
MORE FUN BLOGS>>>>>
http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/farmgirl-connection/
http://www.astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/
The
Believer's
Mission...
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