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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 © 2011 Linda G. Hull All rights reserved. Photos are copyright © 2011 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
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"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16
Letter from the Editor...
Hello!My heart is enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season! Yet, I know that with my time under many constraints, the temptation is to put my Lord last. It is tempting to think of Him as the only one willing to wait. No, if we want our day to go well, we must seek Him first. So take some time to read the Word and speak to Him in prayer. Others need to hear the Gospel message. 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. 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
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"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
| Finding Faith |
| 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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"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that day of Christ is at hand." 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
So how does one muster up the faith to keep on believing God? It begins with the Word of God. Faith is not something we can conjure up. Faith grows as we hear and apply the Word of God. The Apostle Paul’s words to the Believers in Rome tell the truth.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17(KJV)
As we learn of God through His Word, we will come to understand His character. He is the Lord God Jehovah who cannot lie. He keeps His promises. Others may let us down, but not our Lord. God’s faithfulness has been proven over and over again.
Hebrews 11 records the mighty faith of Believers from long ago who struggled and overcame their fears through faith in a mighty God. These Believers from the beginning knew their faith would be tested. They understood from the first that faith in Jesus Christ would lead to great persecution. Many believed unto death, choosing to die rather than renounce the Lord.
I get excited when I read the accounts of the Israelites. Their historic account tells us of their disobedience and God’s patience. We learn from their experiences that He will meet needs, deliver from adversity, comfort the sorrowing, and heal the sick. We also learn that He disciplines and corrects so that we might learn to obey.
The testimonies of Believers who have experienced difficulties and witnessed God’s intervention give me encouragement and hope that God will also intercede for me. I just have to wait upon Him to intercede on my behalf when He is ready. I know that He will not withhold any good thing from me. His Word says so:
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11
We like to have immediate responses to our prayers and troubles, but God doesn’t always work that way. He accomplishes His will through us, and that means He uses our circumstances to get honor and glory for Himself. We already know that we are helpless and do not know what to do in dire situations. In fact, most of us turn to God more readily during hard times. Hmmm…God uses our hard times to bring us to Himself.
You may be thinking that God sets us up for woes. No, He doesn’t. We get ourselves into trouble. He bails us out and helps us to overcome our troubles or enables us to get through them. Life can be difficult and uncertain. When I’m in trouble, I want God on my side. I’ve come to realize I need to seek Him before trouble comes. If He is involved in my daily life and decision making processes, I am more likely to avoid trouble.
Here’s another good promise to meditate upon…it reminds us to seek the Lord first when in need. Then see what He will do!
“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall no want any good thing.” Psalm 34:10
Faith has to be exercised. If we don’t trust God for the small things we need, then how can we be ready to trust Him with the big issues in our lives? I am learning to trust Him. The more I trust, the more peace I have. The more I trust, the less likely I am to panic when things look bleak. We will never have perfect trust because we have a sin nature and a wicked tempter who loves to plant seeds of doubt and dismay. However, we can certainly keep on praying and seeking and believing, being careful to seek His forgiveness for all our doubts.
I believe if we could ever get in the habit of seeking Him first, life would be so much more relaxed. We wouldn’t be living lives filled with fear and anxiety. Therefore, let us learn and diligently practice asking Him first to meet our need, rather than looking for our own solutions.
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
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"Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God" but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29
"And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee,
And shalt return unto the Lord thy God, and shalt obey His voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
That then the Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee."
If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:
And the Lord thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and He will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
"And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord, and do all His commandments which I command thee this day.
And the Lord thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the Lord will again rejoice over thee for good, as He rejoiced over thy fathers:
If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine and with all thy soul." Deuteronomy 30:1-10
"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;" 1 Timothy 1:12
O
ne of the best things about Christmas is the joy of sharing God's blessings with others in fellowship, gift-giving, and sharing meals. Celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is a special time for me. From childhood, Christmas has always had a magical quality, but it wasn't until I was almost an adult that I realized it stemmed from the joy of the birth of MY Savior.As a little girl, my mother and grandmother instilled in me a love for Jesus. It's not every child who has a Sunday School teacher who is also her grandmother! Christmas is about worshipping our Savior and Lord, but it's also about giving of ourselves for the cause of service to our fellow humans.
The ladies of the Salvation Army who manned the kettles in Christmases past have truly inspired me. When a little girl, I remember asking my Grandmother one cold December day while shopping in her then small town about their mission. She explained they were collecting for the poor. Well, I didn't know what that meant, so she gently explained there were some who would not have gifts for Christmas. She let me peek inside the kettle to see the coins that had been placed there. Then she offered me my own to add to the collection. I think she was pleased and dismayed all at the same time, because I wasn't content to place coins in one kettle, but wished to give to each all along our main street!
Little children need to learn early the joy of sacrificial giving so the needs of others may be met. What better way than to give an offering at Church or to drop some coins in the Salvation Army kettle. You see I had understood that an offering was a gift to Jesus. By giving to the needs of others, I was giving to Him as well. It wasn't about receiving a blessing back, but about meeting a felt need for someone else.
Giving a gift of service is also a gift to Jesus. There are so many who need help in some small way. Make a difference for someone else by meeting a need in their life. How?
* Give a ride to the doctor, to the grocery store, or the mall.
* Give a gift basket of food for Christmas Dinner.
* Give a gift of time; share a friendly visit.
* Give a gift of friendship.
Giving always takes a measure of creativity and sacrifice. Once you get started looking for ways to quietly bless others, you'll get excited about all the opportunities that God will provide. Be sure to ask Him in prayer to guide you in how to reach out to others in a way that is compassionate and sensitive to their feelings.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matthew 5:23-24
Photo of Lois Rebecca Brice (1880-1918)
"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Romans 4:7-8
Wheeler, Kathleen. "A New Leaf." Heaven, Home, and Happiness. Ed. Mary Lowe Dickinson and Myrta Lockett Avary. New York: 1901. 102.
Public Domain
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"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:5-6
HOME SCHOOL TIPS
The Highest Task
-author unknown
Great deeds are trumpeted, loud bells are rung,
And men turn round to hear
The high peaks echo to the paeans sung,
And some great victor cheer, and yet great deeds are few.
The mightiest men find opportunities but now and then.
The sweetest lives are those to duty wed.
The world may sound no trumpets, ring no bells.
The Book of Life the shining record tells.
God help us mothers all to live aright.
And may our homes all truth and love enfold,
Since life for us no loftier aims can hold
Than leading little children in the light.
"The Highest Task." Heaven, Home, and Happiness. Ed. Mary Lowe Dickinson and Myrta Lockett Avary. New York: 1901. 108.
*******DECEMBER HOMESCHOOL TIPS*******
Plan worthy endeavors that will please the Lord and teach your children. Use this special time to enjoy Church gatherings, musical concerts, caroling, and service to others. Plan a birthday party for Jesus with your smallest ones. Encourage your teens to serve others by babysitting, helping with shopping, serving in a food pantry, or addressing Christmas cards. Don't let stress and the duties of preparing for the Christmas holiday detour you from the task of teaching and training up your children.
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HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES:
When we began our homeschooling journey, there were few resources to help us get started. We too struggled to find information, resources, and support for our journey. Homeschooling is more mainstream today, and for that I am truly thankful.
Still, there are times when reading about another's journey and gathering from the experience of others can inspire and be a help in time of need. To ask 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.
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***Click on my Homeschool Squidoo Lens icon for more homeschool info:
***Check out my Homeschool Encouragement Designs store for products geared to kids and homeschooling!
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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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"And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8
THOUGHT PROVOKERS
Three Wise Men Came
by Mary A. Lathbury
Over the hills of Bethlehem
A white star hung one night:
The low, gray walls of the little town
All lay in a silvery light.
Over the hills of Bethlehem
Three wise men came from afar;
"Where is the baby King?" they said,
"Who leadeth us by His star?"
Over the walls of Bethlehem
The great white star hung low;
And they found the King on a manger throne,
And the kine in a kneeling row.
And gentle shepherds were at His feet,
And over the manger throne-
A pale and radiant star of love-
The face of the mother shone.
Around the Baby of Bethlehem
The heavens once touched the earth,
And choirs of angels came thronging down
To carol the Saviour's birth.
Oh, where is the cradle of Bethlehem?
And where is the baby King?
Thy heart, dear child, is the cradle throne,
And around it the angels sings.
And the King-the stars are under His feet,
All worlds are within His hand,
And when thou are grown to the grace of Him,
Thy heart--it shall understand.
Lathbury, Mary. "Three Wise Men." Heaven, Home, and Happiness.
Ed. Mary Lowe Dickinson and Myrta Lockett Avary. New York:
1901. 170.
*Public Domain
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"He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." Deuteronomy 32:4
Ray Comfort's video, 180...
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"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live" Deuteronomy 30:19
"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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3 cups sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 (17 oz.) jar marshmallow cream 1 cup walnuts, chopped 3/4 cup butter 1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate 1 teaspoon vanilla Combine sugar, butter, and milk in large saucepan. Bring to full boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling five minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate until melted. Add marshmallow cream, vanilla, and walnuts. Beat until well blended. Pour into a well greased 13"x9" pan. Will make about three pounds of fudge.
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1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweets chocolate bits 1 can Borden's
sweetened condensed milk 2 cups unsalted peanuts 1 (10 1/2 oz.) pkg. mini
marshmallows 2 tablespoons butter In double boiler, melt chocolate,
butter, and condensed milk. In a large bowl, add marshmallows and nuts.
Pour chocolate mixture into large bowl. Mix all ingredients and place in
a wax paper lined 13:x9"pan. Refrigerate for at least two hours.
Cut into squares. Makes about 40 pieces.
1 cup + 1 tablespoon flour 3 eggs 1/2 cup oatmeal 3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup pecans,
chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix together in large bowl: 1 cup flour,
oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into greased
9"x9" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Beat together in
small bowl eggs, syrup, pecans, vanilla, salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1
tablespoon flour. Pour baked crust. Bake an additional 25-30
minutes in 350 degree oven.
This is a great time of year to pull out our treasured Christmas keepsakes! Earlier this year, I pulled the kids old bread dough ornaments. Some of them had not weathered the years, for they had begun to crumble. Moisture had taken its toll.
Make sure to store your treasures in plastic storage containers rather than cardboard boxes which absorb moisture. Plastic storage containers are the best means of storing your Christmas keepsakes. One tote box will hold a bevy of small ornament boxes. Save your original ornament boxes when you open this year's new ornament.
The
Believer's
Mission...
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