Lessons from Genesis

Ok, so this is super cool to me...

Corbin and I are going over the creation of the world in Genesis so I've been studying the word meanings of certain words to use as vocabulary lessons for him to gain a better understanding of the passages. We are going to be reading about the things created on day 3 (plants, trees, etc.), so I was reading through it last night and stopped with the terminology 'yielding seed' and 'bearing fruit'... to me they seem like they might mean the same thing, so why the use of different words?

Here's what I found. The word for 'yielding' and 'bearing' seem similar but their difference is much like the difference between sowing seed and reaping the harvest. However, in both instances, the words used for what they are 'sowing' or 'reaping' means almost the same thing... in the short of it- children or offspring.

The original Hebrew word for seed is 'zera' and means offspring, children, descendants, of moral quality.
The original Hebrew word for fruit is 'periy' and means fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb), fruit (of actions).


Also interesting to note that when God created the plants and trees, He made them fully grown and already fulfilling their purpose. There isn't an indication of any kind of time lapse between their creation and when they produced seed/fruit.

I can't help but wonder two things from this observation.

First and foremost, if this was His design for the plants, how much more does He delight when His most prized creation produces fruit... of course, children, but also (as Christians) when we sow seeds of 'moral quality' or bear fruit by our actions?

Secondly, does he desire for these things to take place promptly after either marriage consummation or conversion to becoming a believer?

Now, don't misunderstand me, I know children will come in His own timing, but my point is that maybe we shouldn't be desiring to 'wait until we've had time to ourselves for a while'. Rather, give our children's timing into this world completely up to Him from the very beginning of our union. And as far as becoming a new follower of Christ, sometimes it takes time to be discipled, but we shouldn't wait until we have full knowledge of the Word, etc. to be sowing seeds of moral, Godly quality.

Some may feel this is a stretch of the Word to fit any agenda I may have, but there's no denying the original word meanings. Personally I find it fascinating! One thing's for certain... God LOVES reproduction!!! :)

Storms of Life

I felt a connection to Peter this morning like I never have.

He's just been with Jesus, witnessed His miraculous faith and power as He once again took a small amount of food and fed four thousand. I've been there too... not feeding four thousand mouths, but experiencing His presence and provision in my life in a big way. And then what happens? I go on my way, and a storm starts forming. The clouds begin to darken, the wind's force gains strength, and before I know it, I'm in the middle of a raging sea, fighting the waves that just won't seem to relent. I'm tired. I'm weak. What I need most is a break, some rest for my weary soul; I need someone to step in and tag me out of this fight. And then He appears. "Is that really You? Have You come to help me?" Of course He has. He is a very present help in time of need!

Suddenly I feel courageous, bold, full of faith. His presence alone can give me an energy like nothing else. It's almost like He's filled my spiritual gas tank... I'm ready for the long-haul now. So I ask Him to do something that takes GREAT faith... something I didn't feel strong enough to endure before I felt His presence. "If that's really you, Lord, ask me to..."

You know He delights in showing Himself BIG in our lives! So, I step out of the boat of security... confident at first with my decision to leave the only thing keeping me afloat (or at least I think). And as I go, I grow closer and closer to my Lord. "Wow! What a rush this brings," I think. "This is amazing, God, I feel like I could take on the whole world right now!" (At this point, I'm sure the enemy is fuming and conspires to attack me in a new and clever way. He does NOT want me in this place, at this time!!)

Why do I have to look away? Why does the enemy have to be so good at distracting me? It's only when I loose my focus and take my eyes off of Him that I begin to doubt what's taking place. I know it disappoints Him when I do this time and again. But he doesn't let me drown.

Out of His compassionate mercy and grace, He reaches down to help me up.

I'm SO thankful He extends me grace time and again! In my head, I know that "His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in my weakness." Sometimes it takes me falling on my face for this become a reality in my heart, though.

I heard someone say once, "If you're not going through a storm right now in life, you likely just came out of one or you're heading into one." I find this true, at least in my own life!

Regardless if you're at rock bottom right now, in the midst of a torrential downpour, or communing with the Father on the mountain top, rest assured, this life is temporary!

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Changing My Perspective

You are stirring my soul.

You give me a hunger to know your Word, Your Truth.

I seek to know You more; to know Your purposes and plans.

Can I trust in Your sovereignty alone?

Can I rest in You, even if You don't give me the missing pieces to this puzzle?

You know my anxious thoughts. 

You know the form of my inward being because You knit it together with Your own hands.

You brought everything into existance by Your very words.

I can't even fathom Your majesty and grandeur!

Of all the crisis in this dark world, You concern Yourself with me... with my life and that of my family... even with my thoughts.

And who am I?

 I am like a tiny finch going from tree to tree... no lofty home, no storehouse of provision to fall back on when the season of bitter cold comes.

Just like the tiniest of birds, I am invisible to most and loved by few.

You care for every little bird You created... and Your Word says You love me even more than them.

Thank you for allowing my eyes to be open to the birds of the air, especially the tiny birds who joyfully sing, oblivious to their 'bleak' state of living!

I trust You, Father!

I do not ask for bread. I do not ask for prosperity. I ask for Your peace that passes all my understanding.

I want my soul to find rest knowing Your thoughts and plans are far above anything I can ask or think up.

Grant me this one request as I seek Your face, Lord Jesus. Speak Your quiet Words in my heart... Confirm Your presence in my Life... I am waiting.

When The Lord Speaks To Your Children...



So early yesterday morning, Corbin came out, and I was still reading my Bible. He warmed himself in front of the gas heater for a few seconds, and then sheepishly said good morning to me. Then he stood a little straighter as he said, "Mommy, God spoke to me last night in my dreams."

He had my attention now! I was a little taken back, but seeing as Corbin has said some strange, 'random' things before that later came to pass, Dwight and I have learned not to disreguard things like this as mere 'ramblings'. So I swallowed hard and replied, "Really? Well, why don't you come over here and tell me all about it!"

He crawled up on my lap and infatically said, "He told me that since you and me don't do it that much, we should start talking to people more." Ok... I'm not really a shy person, so there had to be a deeper meaning to this message. So I asked him if God told him what we were supposed to say to these people? "Well, not really," then he paused, "...just that we are supposed to read them God's Word."

Ah! Now we're getting somewhere. I knew immediately what the Lord was conveying to my sweet five year old. I asked Corbin if he understood what that meant, to which he replied a simple no.

You see, Corbin is pretty shy around others until he gets comfortable with them. Even then, he is REALLY hestitant to say anything about Jesus to them because he's simply afraid. In this respect, he and I are alike. Many of you might not think that, seeing as I publish posts about Jesus and how He affects my life on this blog... but in person, that's not always the case unless I know you are a believer.

I know. It's sad. I feel ashamed that I am afraid to just come out and talk to others about Jesus!! And I know I shouldn't be. God is calling me to be more bold in sharing His Truth with others without fear... and He's confirmed that through my son.

I am reminded of what Jesus said to the Twelve Apostles before sending them out in Matthew chapter 10...

(14) "And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town... (16) Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves... (20) For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you... (28) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell... (32-33) So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."

I know I skipped over several verses, but those were the ones that stuck out to me as I read through them... as if they were being highlighted by the Lord.

I thought it was cool that God used my five year old son to speak to me, so I just had to share! That's simply proof that He can use ANYONE He desires to get His message across to you. I hope this is an encouragement to you, also, to stand firm and be bold in proclaiming God's Truth while you show the love of Jesus with those you come in contact with today... :)

'Child Training' post Update

In case you all are wondering how our first week of chore charts went, I wanted to give a little update.

First of all, I just have to say that, while there were days they might not have completed all the 'required' chores, they did most of them, and their help last week made my job of housekeeping so much easier and more enjoyable! :)

I am extremely proud of them to say the least! Their reward for this week was a dollar menu meal from McDonald's Sunday evening and a Family Movie Night of popcorn and "Dolphin Tale" (which was a very good movie, by the way). We had a wonderful time together as a family!! I LOVE memories like that...

In case you have been thinking about creating a chore chart for your own children but aren't quite sure how to go about getting started, I will share a little bit about what I did. I highly recommend you choose chores and a structure that suits your family's needs and schedule. I just thought, if needed, you might be able to glean a jumping off point by seeing a visual of mine. Feel free to take what you need and disreguard what you don't. :)

I separated out their chores into two categories: those required daily, and some optional ones, from which they had to choose four to do in addition to the required ones (giving them a total of twelve chores to complete daily).

The required chores are: Make Bed, Brush Teeth, Get Dressed, Brush Hair, Bible Reading & Prayer, Pick Up Toys, Put Dirty Clothes in Laundry, Organize Shoes (We take our shoes off at the back door, and by the end of the day it looks like a shoe factory if they don't get organized!)

The other chores to choose from are: School w/o Whining (We don't have school everyday or else it would be required daily), Unload Dishwasher, Load Dishwasher, Clean Bedroom, Clean Bathroom Sink & Toilet, Empty Bathroom Trash, Set Table, Sweep Under Dining Table, Fold Laundry & Put Away, Clean Up After a Meal

They seem to really enjoy having chores and getting to put stickers on their individual charts. This week their goal is to beat the number of stickers they earned last week! I really enjoy having help with housekeeping so I can devote more time to staying organized on school assignments and spending time in the Word. The house stayed WAY more organized and neat this week, and I think the children had a sense of satisfaction that they contributed to it looking so nice! :)

*Please know that I have not created these chore charts as a way to neglect my duties to housekeeping. I do not just 'supervise' their work while I sit in the overstuffed chair eating ice cream and reading the latest suspense novel, lol. I work alongside them... and there is ALWAYS plenty to do! :)

Don't You Just LOVE When Children Worship?

Last night as we were getting our children ready for bed when Corbin picked up his little guitar and began playing. He wanted us to have family worhsip time.

He seemed to be having quite a fit about being able to hold it or something, so what he started quickly turned into the Hayden Show, lol! She is way more outgoing than Corbin ever has been. She loves to sing and dance... and sometimes she even does it around complete strangers. Well, she took over his guitar, pulled up her little purple Tinkerbell chair, and began singing "Jesus Loves Me" while strumming a rhythm that was... well, let's just say if she wasn't singing, you wouldn't have been able to tell what song she was doing! However, it was the absolulte sweetest thing! When she couldn't remember the lyrics that came next, she would just start all over without even missing a beat. :)

We were able to capture a little of it on video, but unfortunately, it is taking forever to load on here. I guess you'll just have to imagine what it was like. I'll give you a little hint: It's super high on the cute factor scale! :)

I am so blessed by my children! Thank you, Jesus, for such wonderful gifts each day!!

The Lord Speaks Again... So Why Am I Afraid To Obey?

*Deep heavy sigh* "Why am I so afraid to say it?", runs through my mind over and over again. And then the Lord says, "Do not be afraid. I am with you." This is a spiritual battle I have been fighting all week (and longer really)! It exhausts me; I feel defeated when I don't obey; I try to occupy my mind with other things so maybe those feelings will escape, but each morning the Lord keeps bringing me back to the same issue. He's giving me another chance to obey Him. So I am here at the computer... typing... fighting internally. I desire to be obedient, but honestly, I'm afraid of the backlash I may have to face as a result!!

So here goes...

Have you ever done something in your life thinking there was nothing wrong with it (even for a prolonged period of time), only to later find out just how ignorant you were to what the Lord said about the issue? I have (and I'm sure to some extent still do at times).

Go back with me, if you will, about 5 years...

I'm overwhelmed with joy that we FINALLY have a baby! I'm sleep deprived because of the night feedings, and frankly, I'm exhausted from the constant crying my son does. (The Lord knew I needed Corbin first. If I would've had a 'non-colic' baby first I would've been out of my mind with him. But because I didn't know what colic even was, I continually reassured Dwight that there wasn't anything wrong with him... that's what babies do... they cry! Right?? Lol!)

Anyway, I go to the doctor for my six-week postpartum check-up and the Dr. asks me if I want to get back on birth control. "Of course I do! I mean I don't wanna find myself in this situation again within a year... that'd be a nightmare!" (Yes, this really was my attitude. And after all the crying, Dwight was thinking the same thing.) So the doc recommended the mini-pill. He explained that it was called that because it only had the artificial progestin hormone and lacked the estrogen side like the 'regular dose' birth control pill. He explained that it was safe to take while nursing. And that was it. No warnings, no side effects, nothing more. Of course, I didn't ask any of those questions because I was young and completely ignorant to 'self research'. I have always been pretty naive!

Now fast forward about a year and a half...

My crying infant is now a very busy, very handsome little blonde-headed boy who runs around the house with his sippy cup of milk and nothing on but a diaper. :) I am pregnant again, but this time around I desire to check into having a midwife because I just wasn't real happy with my 'hospital birth' experience. (This began my journey in learning how to do some research on my own.)

I find a wonderful midwife whom I love, and she begins teaching me all about what goes on inside our bodies during pregnancy, how the baby develops, and many great homeopathic methods to health, etc. One day we got on the topic of spacing between babies, and she tells me about this book "The Art of Natural Family Planning". It really peaks my interest so I go check it out from the library and begin reading about some VERY personal things about my body and how the Lord designed it to do certain things during certains times throughout each month.

Then I get to the chapter about the pill and IUDs.

I was reading along and WHAM! (my jaw about drops to the floor and the tears begin to flow). I found myself weeping on the floor, crying out to the Lord for forgiveness for all my ignorant, evil choices. "I promise I wouldn't have chosen those things if I had known...", I say over and over again. When Dwight came home from work that evening, I asked him to sit down so I could share my new revelation. I could hardly read without choking up. When I was finished I remember looking up at him with tear-filled eyes and said, "How many babies have we killed?!... I am SO ashamed!!" He held me while I cried, and that night we decided to (finally) turn to the Lord to see what He had to say about life and children. We found that He has MUCH to say about this topic, but for starters, He showed us Genesis 38:8-10 and used Onan as an example of what He thinks about deliberately thwarting His plan for offspring. (You should go read the passage for yourself, but in case you don't, please know that Onan's brother was dead when Judah gave him this message.)

"Then Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her, and raise up offspring for your brother." But Onan knew that the offspring would not be his. So whenever he went in to his brother's wife he would waste the semen on the ground, so as not to give offspring to his brother. And what he did was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death also." (emphasis mine)

If you are unaware of what I'm talking about and have been using either an IUD or taking birth control, please read the following with an open mind. I pray the Lord will soften your heart as you do and please keep in mind, the Lord knows we make 'ignornant' choices sometimes. Even in the Old Testament, the priests were to make regular sacrifices for the unintentional sins of the people... and Jesus gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice once and for all... Yes, even for our unintentional sins of ignorance! Thank you, Merciful Savior!!

I know it's widely promoted by doctors and physicians alike as a 'healthy alternative'. It is not preached out against in our churches. In fact, it's very common among our Christian friends...even our pastors and their wives. So there can't be anything wrong with using a form of regular contraceptive, right? Wrong.

God Almighty is the Author of Life... He LOVES life, and He takes great care in every detail leading up to it! Our enemy hates life. In fact, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy life any way he can (John 10:10). That's why God said what Onan did was wicked in His sight (Gen. 38). He gave men semen for the very purpose of bringing about life! When God ordained the very first union of marriage between Adam and Eve, what was the first commandment He gave them? "Be fruitful and MULTIPLY and fill the earth..."- Genesis 1:28 (emphasis mine). Malachi 2:15 reiterates this point regarding the purpose of marital union, "...And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring..."

Psalm 127 is one of my favorite passages. I often quoted verses 3-5, but when I found out the original word used for 'builds' in verse one, this passage took on a whole new meaning for me.

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain... Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

'Banah' is the word used in the original Hebrew text and means to establish a family; bring about an increase of offspring. You see, God says if we aren't allowing Him to be the one to establish our family and decide when to increase our offspring, we labor to build our family in vain!

Society's ideas and views of children and family building are in stark contrast to God's Word. Sadly, even in some of our churches, children are viewed differently than God does... but they weren't always.

In 1922, Margaret Sanger became a common household name. She fervently championed for sexual freedom and its sisters- birth control, sterilization, and abortion. She organized the Birth Control League, the foundation for the later worldwide Planned Parenthood. Her ideas are (at least in part) now accepted without argument by non-Christian and Christian alike. Margaret Sanger didn't like Christianity and she despised every race expect the 'superior Aryan race'. She was quoted as saying, "Birth control appeals to the advanced radical because it is calculated to undermine the authority of the Christian churches. I look forward to seeing humanity free someday of the tyranny of Christianity no less than Capitalism." Sanger was used greatly by satan to infiltrate our thoughts, our homes, even our churches and change our ideas about the children given to us by the Lord. We've been trained to believe we can actually 'control' when and how many children we have as if we can phyically cause conception to occur or not.

However, even with birth control and IUDs, conception CAN occur! The Combination Pill stops this process most of the time, but studies reveal that about ten percent of the time, there is break-through ovulation allowing conception to take place. However, the Mini-pill generally doesn't suppress ovulation at all. So how does it prevent a baby from being conceived? There is another mechanism that takes place. The progestin in the combo and the mini pill cause the lining of the womb to become thin and shriveled, so when a newly conceived baby tries to implant, it can't because the endometrium is shriveled up. This causes the new little life to be aborted!

Oh, sweet mothers, if you're like me, this goes against everything in your heart! I know how devestated you can feel if this is the first time you're finding out this bit of information... how betrayed you may feel that no one has ever taken the time to tell you the affects these contraceptive methods can have on your sweet children! That is exactly why I needed to share my story. I would never want you to come to me later and say, "Why didn't you tell me?!"

If you have been using the Pill or an IUD unaware of its possible abortifacient affects, and the Lord has spoken to your heart, please take some time to repent of these unintentional sins. Remember, Jesus died to pay the penalty we deserve, and He's ready to forgive you if you will just repent before Him.

If you would like some more information about these methods and their potential destruction, you can check out:
 "Birth Control and Christian Discipleship" by John Kippley. It is available from The Couple to Couple League, www.ccli.org.
"Does the Birth Control Pill Cause Abortions?" by Randy Alcorn. It is published by Eternal Perspective Ministries and can be downloaded from www.epm.org/bcpill.pdf.
"Be Fruitful & Multiply: What the Bible says about having children" by Nancy Campbell. It can be purchased at www.aboverubies.org or www.visionforum.com.

Ok, so I've said what I felt I was suppose to say. I understand this information may not be well received by all of you, and I apologize if I have said anything in an unloving manner. My intention was not to be harsh, but boldly proclaim Truth... and for that I will not apologize! If you know this information already, and the Lord's been asking you to courageously share it with others... don't be afraid! I have stood by scared for too long. I hope my fear of sharing has not caused others to continue down this path and unknowingly abort their blessings from the Lord!