I just cannot believe how much has transpired over this summer.  From an emotional and spiritual standpoint it has felt like a whirlwind.

I’ve had highs in friendship that made me feel like a sister from heaven had been given to me and lows that tore my heart in two.  Healing has come to follow.  How great is the Healer!   I’ve had stress over the house and prep for showings all to no avail… this was not God’s timing.  We were blessed in the mean time with financial prayers answered for debt that we didn’t think would be paid unless the house sold.  This comes as confirmation that the Lord is providing for us until He is ready for us to move.

We had a firestorm at church regarding the actual meaning of defending every word of the Bible as True and unbendable.  Heated debates over the very foundation that sets up the entire Word of God.  The tree was being shaken to loose those who were not ready to step out in faith.

Then we had new steps toward teaching in the church – apologetics was embraced and is being taught!  A chance was given for parents who utilize public school to feel as if they have avenues out there to equip them with how to raise Godly children in a non-Christ centered world. Eyes were opened and hearts were softened to others needs and desires.

Now we are in the first throws of the new school year.  God’s desire is being focused on.  In daily activity, in history, in science and in self.  Our thankfulness must come across with earnest love and appreciation for the salvation that we have been given.  Even my youngest is so in tune to how much Jesus loves her!  I am overly amazed at all of this.  I am thankful and blessed to be able to view this through His eyes and not the eyes of the world.

Here is a cute graphic I fell in love with that Isabel and I will be using.

I encourage those of  you with daughters to focus on just how precious and special they are in the Lord’s eyes as his daughters… His Princesses!  I found two sites to share.

http://www.princesswithapurpose.com/frmHome.aspx

http://www.raisinguproyalty.org/

Now onto research the Lord’s Princes!!!  Surely there are sites out there for his precious sons.    Here is the final question… do we limit ourselves as to how we approach sharing the Word of God or do we just go for it and let the seeds land where they may?  Do we worry about people’s perception of our God and our Truth or do we go and share Him without regard to being ‘politically correct’ to someone else’s beliefs?  I tend to rush head long full speed when it comes to these things… my husband sees it a bit differently.  Does it equal compromise?  Or does it equal loving in hopes of relationship?

Love in Him!!!

Of Vertical vs Horizontal change.

June 23, 2009
Expect Conflict
2 Corinthians 4:5-10

Contrary to a thread of popular but poor theology, salvation does not guarantee an easy life. It is tempting to present Christianity as a safe haven from which to watch the world swirl past–then one could open the door to allow in joy and blessing, but hardship could not squeeze through. That brand of religion would sell well in the world marketplace, but it isn’t real.

The truth is, Christians cannot escape conflict or ridicule. The biblical principles we hold dear often seem like foolishness to nonbelievers. What’s more, defending our faith and sharing the gospel frequently draw criticism or anger from listeners. But Scripture counsels against keeping quiet and blending in (Matt. 5:14-15). In fact, we are to welcome disagreement as a way to grow our faith. (wow!!!)

Consider this: Our belief system is named for a man who so thoroughly challenged the status quo that religious leaders called for His death. Jesus Christ was at the center of controversy during His ministry and very likely all through life. That’s why the biblical record so often shows Him slipping away for time alone with God–He was seeking direction and receiving strength. While Jesus was fully God, He was also fully human. He knew the sting of rejection and the taste of fear, just as we do (Heb. 4:15).

As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, but that doesn’t mean isolating ourselves from all who oppose the church. Accept conflict as inevitable and reach out anyway. Some who hear the gospel from you may believe. You can have a powerful impact simply by being the person God called you to be–a witness for Christ.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
and
click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

The following is from Dr. Charles Stanley: In Touch Ministries

May 8, 2009

A Mother’s Greatest Gift
Deuteronomy 6:1-7

The greatest gift a mother can give her children is instruction about faith principles. Do your youngsters see godly precepts lived out in your words and choices? Parents are a child’s first spiritual advisors. However, if moms and dads do not instruct young people, someone else will. We absolutely cannot neglect our responsibility to train up our kids in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6).

Each person comes into the world as a “blank slate” that over time develops a belief system–a grid that filters everything the mind takes in. A child who has been prayed over and taught God’s ways will see the world as it truly is. But one who’s been programmed by secular culture or another religion will view life as he or she wishes it to appear–or through someone else’s tinted lens.

Pastors and Sunday school teachers can help to form a child’s grid, but they cannot do all the work. It is the responsibility of parents to invest whatever time, patience, and love are necessary to grow boys and girls into godly men and women. Teach them biblical principles, talk about the Lord and His ways, and show them what a righteous life looks like by living one. In other words, be the kind of believer that you hope your child will become.

Sending a child into the world without a biblical foundation is like throwing him into a lion’s den without weapons or armor. Little ones cannot discern truth from error because their grid systems are immature. Parents must defend children’s minds against the world’s onslaught until they are ready to take over the challenge themselves.

How Concise and True!

I was having a sleepless 2nd half of my night and I decided to read excerpts (online) from some books that I would love to buy.

I found two that are just incredible.

The first is:

and the second is:

Not sure if you can read the text or not… here is the gist.  In understanding the hebrew culture the author explains that the typical home of a family contains both the stable and manger for their animals.  It is not at all like what we envision each year at Christmas time when we see the story of Jesus’ birth portrayed. They are actually in the home… the animals were brought in each night to protect them from the cold and from thieves.  So when Joseph, a “royal” (King David’s descendant) entered Bethlehem (local name: ’the city of David’) he would have welcomed in any home!

It is pretty neat to find out details like this.  Gives us a more intimate look at what it might have really been like for the Joseph and Mary.  Just thought I’d share.

This is the big topic of debate for most believers and non-believers.  We trust in the Bible and God’s word as the absolute Truth – not lacking in any answers that we were meant to know.  They trust in what they can see and reconcile with their human minds.  This battle of course has progressed to an alarming stage of worry now that Darwin and his theory of evolution has been around for some 200 years.  Even with so many notable scholars breaking their silence to debunk the theory and name the flaws that disprove the fairy tale… people still buy into it hook line and sinker.  It is forced upon our children in school for heaven sake – not even as a rebuttal to Creationism – just as an only option.  Does anyone else see what is wrong with this?  

This all leads me to the big question that plagues me… leave the kids in public school or take them out?  So I’ve decided to make a pros and cons list for both.  Here we go.

Public School

Pros: Educated teachers who are there because they love children and want to teach them out of sincerity not agenda (this applies for the majority of the staff that I have come to know). Educator who have specially trained with techniques that specifically encourage children to learn new skills such as reading and mathematics.  A facility that is equipped with a library, computer lab, gym (again equipped with teachers who are there with specific physical health training and equipment), science lab items (that would not be so easily obtainable for the home - Bunsen buners, etc).  Art supplies and resources available at any time. Music lessons free of charge.  Social development – interaction with children who are different, encouraging each to befriend and get along with others.  Authority structure… respect for the teachers, principal, etc. Routine (something children thrive on).  Field trips, school parties and field days.

Cons: Prayer is not openly permitted in school (even though the moment of silence is there to be utilized as such and the children are not prohibited from praying – just the staff).  Some of the exposure to other children will come with exposure to non-God honor behavior and language. (Causing the child to make a decision whether they will participate or walk away to honor what they are being taught at home – this is a skill they will have to learn and use all through their lives).  Secular events are celebrated – ie, halloween. (this does open an opportunity for the kids to talk about why we do not celebrate this as home – possible witness opportunity for both child and parent).  Non-biblical scientific education will be forced onto the child. (Evolution is the big one that I am truly burdened by and the reason for this post) 

Home School

Pros: You as the parent have the control over what is to be taught to your child.  You can reinforce biblical truths at every aspect of their day or schooling.  You have flexibility in schedule.  There are pro-HS resources available to you to assist you.  Re-enforced home authority structure.

Cons:  It is costly (not as costly as a private Christian school which would be my preferred option at this time – you get the benefits of the pros of public school and the pros of home schooling biblically)  The choices for home schooling curriculum are endless and daunting – not to mention costly. You are limited to the resources available to you (such as science equipment, gym equipment) without incurring a large expense to either purchase for yourself or use a facility that has them available – especially as the child proceeds through school.  There is no music or art instruction available to most (unless you are musical or artistic yourself) which results in extra cost for private instruction in these areas.  There is a large limitation to daily child interaction beyond siblings.   All of these extra items or instruction or events comes at the cost of driving your child to and for which requires time, money and a vehicle (of which we do not have available to us at this time).  As a parent – most are not properly educated themselves to instruct their child much further than an elementary education. (working as a teachers aid in a church pre-school with a public school teacher – I was amazed at the techniques that she used with the pre-schoolers! that I would never have thought of and were so beneficial.  We cannot undercut the importance of the degrees most teachers have worked hard to obtain)

Ok.. so it looks like I ended up with a while lot of Cons for the Home Schooling section – a few very important Pros.  And a lot of Pros for public schooling with a slightly less amount of Cons.  Which tells me my heart is not invested into home schooling as an option at this time.  

I know what my desire for my children is.  I do not wish to hid them away from the world in an attempt to insulate them.  I desire to equip my children to make the right decision according to what God would think is right and pleasing to Him.  I have already seen this happen with my children at the young ages of 6 and 7 in public school (which is where I was given the knowledge of what it means to be saved).

I will pray endlessly about this issue – for God to reveal to me and my husband what His will is for our children regarding their schooling.  

If it is to be a Christian school – He will provide the means,

if it is to be in public school – He will direct me in how to equip them in His Truth,

if it is to be at home – He will open my mind and heart and supply the means to allow it to happen.

I have also had the thought of finding out whether I could withdraw my children for the science portion of their studies and home school specifically on that subject if allowed through the school district.  Again – if its the Lord’s will – He will provide a way.  The most important thing I can do as a mother is to teach and reinforce Christ’s love and purpose to my children daily.

Have you ever thought about the fact that without God as a moral compass we humans are capable of such horrible acts of violence and hatred.  We would do as we pleased – seeking to appease the self instead of our Heavenly Father without hesitation.  

How can there ever be a question as to whether there is good vs. evil – God vs. satan the age old battle for power… and we are the main event.  Will we allow ourselves to be used for evil wicked things – hatred, murder, lies, destruction or will we seek the better way, the loving face of the creator, the one who longs to have us with Him again at all times?  

As you step back and look at the world today (fighting in Gaza, molestation, greed, abortion, pornography, slavery, blasphemy, murders, the list goes on) and compare it to all of the lessons in the bible – one can’t help but recognize the parallels.

A new survey by Ellison Research in Phoenix finds 87% of U.S. adults believe in the existence of sin, which is defined as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.”

Topping the list are adultery (81%) and racism (74%).

But other sins no longer draw majority condemnation. Premarital sex? Only 45% call it sin. Gambling? Just 30% say it’s sinful.

“A lot of this is relative. We tend to view sin not as God views it, but how we view it,” says Ellison president Ron Sellers.         USA TODAY 04/16/08

The same battles being fought, but under new names; the same false gods present, but using new names;(in biblical times people would sacrifice their children to false gods – today they sacrifice their children as well – satan uses different means, but accomplishes the same results) the same sins tempting us generation after generation… these names remain the same, but have been given a ‘face lift’ to keep up appearances.  

Stop and think about it.  Why do we question what has already been learned time and time again?  It is when we allow the ’self’ to override or, worse yet, deny the need for God that we fail and repeat the mistakes that generations before us have made.  

Are you willing to let your ’self’ die to gain a whole new life in Christ?  A life filled with the certainty of the Rock and the love that is unfailing.  I am.   I want to cling to Him with such fierceness that not even the devil himself could pry me away from God and the kingdom of heaven.  I choose to look away from the worldly things that are here among us, that are out to tempt and distract us and to look toward the heavens where an eternal life with God, the Son and the Holy Spirit awaits those who will only seek it.  I can only do it with His help, His Grace.

Will you choose to seek it?  If you do… you too will be able to see things in a whole, new, bright and awesome way that God has chosen for us all.  I promise.  I do.  I see it more clearly with every passing day.  I no longer ponder the words of Amazing Grace – I live them.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,    
That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.

Thank You LORD! With this new understanding comes a new appreciation for all that is good and lovely and given by God.  It truly becomes brighter, sweeter and more precious than before.  It becomes something that you seek to fight for and preserve and share.  The great commission was given to us for a reason.  It is our job, it should be our passion.  

Ponderings…

Well – here it is.  I love to create logos on the computer, so I put it to good use.  I have started a t-shirt and homemade accessory line that glorifies the Lord.

Here are some of the logos:

CHILDREN…

.

Prices range from $8 to $12.

(Sizes: 18 & 24 mos onesies, 2T-5T and 6/8 Small – 18/20 XL Kids t-shirts available)

ADULTS…

Prices range from $12 – $16. (Sizes…   Wm’s: S-2XL,  Men’s: M – 2XL available)

Each T-Shirt has our title verse on the back in either a male or female script…

If you are ever interested in wearing a t-shirt that shares the Living Word of the Bible… please contact me to order one!  I’d love to serve you by personalizing one for you.   I’ll keep creating new ones as the Lord leads.

pastacurls@gmail.com

I also have things like handmade aprons, tote bags, purses and bookmarks that all have a little touch of Christ on them.  All of these items can be personalized to fit your need or occasion.

My prayer is that these items will allow people to share God’s Word, start conversations or encourage others.

…my word for today is so powerful!!! I wanted to share.

2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.              

2 Timothy 4:2-5 NIV

WOW!!!  All I can say is wow!  Talk about a passage to pump you up.  It reinforces our world situation as it is today –  it explains - it encourages.  Thank you Lord for this word that has touched my heart today.

What an awesome photo of the Lord’s promise and these Navy soldiers standing at attention.

My prayer for this Thanksgiving is that all of our service men and women and their families know how truly thankful we are for them and their service to us!

May you feel the Lord’s love and warmth surrounding you wherever you are this Thanksgiving.

In gratitude,

The Fahs Family

Kyle, TX