Thoughts On Redeeming the Time         

                               
Since turning 50 a few years ago I've begun to consider time in a new light. I've realized I probably have less years to go in this life than I have now lived.
I certainly wasted a lot of time before coming to Christ at age 23. I have been asking myself lately how am I using this valuable "non-renewable resource" now? Am I "redeeming the time" as encouraged to do in Ephesians 5:16? Am I "pressing on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?" (Philippians 3:14) What is my calling? Do I have a vision for my life and the lives of my children and grandchildren? Am I spending my time pursuing that vision or am I pursuing the empty distractions that the world has to offer?
Mark 4:19 talks about the Word or life of God in us being choked out by the "cares of this world"
In 2 Timothy 2:4, we are told that a soldier cannot entangle himself with the affairs of this life if he desires to please Him that he serves.
I believe God would have me begin to eliminate "distractions" in my life so I can better focus on what I am called to be doing. I want to begin to seek His face in a new and deeper way. If that is my first priority, I know He will take care of ALL the rest and order my time in a way that is pleasing to Him and a blessing and encouragement to others. Please pray for me.             Jeff

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

                                                                                                                              Matthew 6:33

Homeschool Helps

In our journey of home-discipleship and schooling, we have come across many products that have been helpful. One of my favorites are the Language reference charts that were created  and sold by Christian Light Publications. These charts are grade-combined and specific to each level. They are very precise and easy to follow and use for class preparation or class use.

I have appreciated the ease with which they can used. And because they are laminated, they are durable and are protected from finger smudges or sticky spots that we may have missed on the dining room table! I also like the contrasting colors in which they are printed as it makes the information easier to read and follow.

They can be purchased at http://www.clp.org/  These resources are also available for different subjects and CLP offers many other helpful items.

Have a blessed day~

Tamara

~MAJESTY~

You alone are the Lord.

You made the heavens,

even the highest heavens,

and all their starry host,

the earth and all that is on it,

the seas and all that is in them.

You give life to everything,

and the mulitudes of heaven

worship You.

Nehemiah 9:6

De-cluttering..to be of one mind and one heart~

About a month ago I began a quest to de-clutter my life. My home, my heart and my spirit were bogged down. God has brought a lot of direction in this process and I am grateful. He has used friends in their love  and wisdom to help me  see the truth. I needed to focus on Him more and listen for His voice in every area. As He is helping me to do this, I am experiencing more peace and His direction. I cannot look at others and compare. I MUST be obedient to His Word and not other's opinions. God in His gentleness and faithfulness has brought me back to a place of fasting and more serious prayer. Daniel 9:3 says, Then I set my face toward God to make my request by prayer and supplication and fasting.

My desire is to sweep out all the things that distract me from knowing His heart and loving Him with my whole heart, soul and mind. I want to be of ONE  mind and ONE heart with Him so that I may accomplish HIS purposes for my life and HIS kingdom. Nothing else matters.

As a friend so wisely put it; God is showing me that LESS is MORE.

God Bless,

Tamara

cold frosty morning....

Sometimes in the evenings our family sits around and plays music and sings. We love to worship the Lord and sometimes just play songs that are enjoyable to listen to. Practicing our skills is part of why we play as well. On this particular evening we were playing a song called Cold Frosty Morning.

This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Loaves & Fishes

As a family, the Lord has given us a desire to minister in music. We have done this in various ways throughout the years. We have led worship in the community and in the local church.  We have shared at senior centers and nursing homes as well as at family gatherings. Our family has always enjoyed singing and music. Most songs are accompanied by a variety of instruments. At times the children have signed to a song and others are sung accapella. The music ranges from patriotic to classical. However, as diverse as it has been, our desire has always been to honor God and to encourage others.

In the past year, we have been feeling  a stronger desire to minister to people with our music and have been practicing a lot. Our hearts desire is to minister to the lost and encourage the family of God. We would like to add prison ministry to our outreaches.

  It doesn't matter how small the gift. Just give it in faith, out of love and obedience and allow Him to touch it and bless it...just like the loaves and fishes.