Hardships occur for a reason...

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever..... Psalm 73:26

Ya know, just recently my family went through a difficult moment. Communication is key--we all know this, but somehow the devil struggles to make 'lack of communication' a tool in his daily life to 'ruin' ours.

The wrong words are said and whammo---life abruptly STOPS. What we do during these moments, helps us to see where our hearts' measure...of course, we are only human, but at that moment---trusting in Christ and praying is what God wants to see. Not to hurt us and make us miserable (because He is not the one Sinning against us), but to see us grow in Him.

I can't believe that some 'famous' Christian speakers tell lies that some Christians believe: "If you have Faith, you will prosper 'richly' here on Earth; and if you don't have Faith---we'll that's why you are not living the 'rich' life (both spiritually and financially).

What?? Neither is that true and someone needs to read the correct BIBLE and not the 'Speakers' Bestseller! The Lord said we will have trials and tribulations in our lives...ever heard of the verses:

2Cr 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Rom 5:3 And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;


Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

2Cr 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Even though we are Christians and believe in Jesus as our Saviour---that does not give us a Free Pass on life struggles/difficulties...and for someone to say otherwise is just a liar.

These 'difficulties' help us to lean on Christ.... and like the verses say above...even though tribulation occurs--I'll still rejoice in hope of Christ and not Man.

Praying always and having a wonderful day,

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Part 2 of Coming Home: Everything's Bigger in Texas!

Part 1 of Coming Home: Here we go, we're at it again...

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Well, once we arrived from Germany, my aunt and uncle were able to pick us up from the airport...in two vehicles. Yes, with a family of six you are not able to fit in a compact-sized car. I was so happy to see them--in person! Being away from family for so long is one of the disadvantages (when you are stationed overseas) unless you have tons of money to disperse for a plane ticket 'home' whenever you want.

My husband did a consecutive overseas tour (COT)...one of the benefits of sticking around a couple more years is a free leave time or free plane ticket home. We chose the latter so that we may see family in-between our total of five years overseas.

Our flight was during the day --so coming to Texas...we gained even more hours(about 7 to be exact). Needless-to-say, we were thrown off-schedule a bit through out of time in the United States.

So, the plan was to stay in Ft Worth (arrived on a Thursday) till the following Monday to DRIVE to Dimmitt to see my Grandparents. As the Grace of God would have it-the 7th of Nov.---is my birthday! So, my aunt did an awesome job planning a birthday party while we were there. It was a busy day that day. The men and boys had a day planned, and my aunt, me, and baby boy had other plans...

They did this;
1. Shooting range
2. Shopping
3. Night Fishing

We did this;
1. Appointment (for my aunt)
2. Errands
3. Shopping

HA! Yes, shopping was the main theme for the day!~ I got to go to some thrift stores, Walmart, and Sam Moon!

Ever heard of Sam Moon??? It's a BIG HIT in the Dallas/Ft Worth area--I'll say. It's a Woman's accessories store to the max.
I got tons of earrings, headbands, costume jewelery (for upcoming Military Ball), and a purse! It was so busy that day---usually they allow you have strollers in the store, but not this day (it was a Saturday)... I was not deprived with things to buy--lets put it that way...LOL!

On Sunday, we went to visit a church in Ft Worth, not far from where my aunt lives...it's called Ft Worth Baptist Temple. It was a great church to attend and the people were ever friendly--OF COURSE we were in TEXAS!!

Another favorite--after church we ate at Matty's favorite place, BABE's

Then had getting ready for a week long trip (7-hour drive) to Dimmitt. Here is a photo diary of our trip. Next week, I'll describe the feelings I had when I went to see my grandmother (mom) since moving to Germany.

My trip was awesome!and I am glad that I was able to see our family after three years...

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Tektoma: Game Tutorial for Children--A Review

Do you want to learn how to make video games?

Tektoma offers you this:

• Engaging video tutorials for ages 7-17
• Tutorials of varying skill levels and topics
• Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home
• Natural progression helps develop technical skills
• Customize your learning experience
• Low monthly membership fee gives access to all our resources
• New curriculum available monthly

Read why more parents and kids are choosing Tektoma for learning to make online games…

SAFETY: Be assured that offering a SAFE learning environment is a top priority at Tektoma. All materials, projects and forums are moderated for appropriate content, language and graphics that are suitable for even young children. Come explore Tektoma’s online video tutorials and inspire your tech imagination!

UPDATES: New technology oriented tutorials are added each month!

PRICE: Just $14.95 per month or $140 per year gets you access to all the tutorials as well as online help via the forums. Payable by credit card or Paypal. Monthly fee automatically renews until canceled.

FREE MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
• Free 14-day Trial
• Earn Free Membership Time by Telling Your Friends: Use the Tell Your Friends link at the top to invite your friends to try out Tektoma, too. When they become paying members, you get 15 days free. There is no limit to the number of referral credits you can earn.

REQUIREMENTS:
• Currently, the tutorials are for computers running Windows XP or Vista only. Macintosh versions coming in the future.
• Broadband internet connection
• Any browser should work, but make sure it is a current version
o For GameMaker tutorials, you need a copy of GameMaker installed and the GameMaker resources folder.

Instructions for downloading these files can be found on the GameMaker Tutorials page. GameMaker requires 128mb of RAM, DirectX 8 with at least 32mb of video memory, and a screen resolution of at least 800×600.
_______________________________
Stemmerding Family takes on this product Tektoma:


Games, on-line games, is one my sons’ favorite past time. My oldest especially loves computer gaming. When I first told him that he’ll need and would be able to make his OWN game…needless-to-say he was ecstatic to begin.

By reviewing this product, we obtained a free membership for a specific time frame. With this membership we are able to view several tutorials for different types of gaming…e.g.—Race Games, Arcade Games, Platform Games, Fantasy Adventure, What’s New Puzzle Games.

He chose Arcade Game tutorial. To make a game online with Tektoma, we had to download two items; Game Maker Software (Game Maker *), a free download from YoYo Games, and Game Resource Pack (on our desktop)—at no extra cost. With downloading the total time is about 4-5 minutes.

After download, we started the Tutorial for Arcade Games. The tutorial was about 1 hour and 37 minute to complete. End results for anyone should produce an Arcade Game or whatever type of game you decide.

On the Tektoma website you’re able to see Featured Blog, Links, Applications—great resources for gamers and parents.

The one thing I was relieved by and think that its’ Tektoma best feature is that of Safety.

SAFETY: Be assured that offering a SAFE learning environment is a top priority at Tektoma. All materials, projects and forums are moderated for appropriate content, language and graphics that are suitable for even young children. Come explore Tektoma’s online video tutorials and inspire your tech imagination!

To ease the process of watching the tutorial and making the game, we used are desktop for the video tutorial and our laptop for the game. Otherwise, it's more time-consuming to do it simultaneously on one computer. The video was a little fast for us also, but thank God for the rewind button...

My 11 year old LOVED this and I am sure he would like to spend most of his time perfecting his skills!! I really enjoyed viewing and helping a little with my son’s game. It’s definitely a great option for extracurricular activity and programming for beginners. The price for membership is actually a great price! So, maybe (if you’re strap for cash---hm mm who isn’t right?) but, you can pay for a few months (or a semester) for programming/computer skills. I feel it is a great website and tool for your avid programming/computer child.

My eight year old boy loves playing on-line games, but he was not so interested in making them. I don’t feel that it’s above his level, but I think it’s something that one has to be interested in to get involved with. Also, I think that Tektoma can be a beginner’s guide to see if this is an interest your child(ren) would like to take on and probably do in the future. Giving them (our children) the best options for learning is what makes homeschooling all the more wonderful.

You can't beat their FREE 14-day trial with Tektoma. NOTE: Make sure to cancel if you don't want to subscribe after the 14-day trial.

Overall, fabulous website and if you have an avid computer-focused child this is a site you’ve been looking for.

NOTE: I am not paid to do the product reviews, so my review is exactly how I feel about the educational product and how my family used it.

If you would like to view other reviews on this same product or other education products you can visit here.

Bring them home where they belong.

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The Old School House: After Christmas Sale!

The Schoolhouse Store is running a new contest . . . 11 winners per day for 6 days starting December 26! Each day, the first 10 customers in the store to purchase $15 or more win a gift package worth $122.38. In addition, the biggest ticket of the day will win the same gift package.




The gift package includes:

· And Then Mama Said . . . It Takes Time to Learn to Read—value = $9.95

· Homeschooling Methods—value = $14.99

· Publisher's choice of a TOS audiobook—value = $17.95

· Daystar Gift Certificate—value = $10.00

· Greenleaf Handwriting by George—value = $10.00

· Sue Gregg Cooking with Children CD—value = $10.00

· 2-year TOS Magazine subscription—value = $39.00

· Sir Kendrick & the Castle of Bel Lione from Perfect Praise Publishing—value = $8.99

· The Mitten book—value = $1.50

Total value = $122.38

Besides the 11 winners per day, the store has over 38 vendors participating in a HUGE sale. Over 200 items will be marked 20%-50% off. Sale ends December 31.



$7.95 Subscriptions Plus 4 Free Gifts

Not only are we offering the $7.95, 1-year subscription and the $12.94, 1-year subscription plus current issue ( U.S. only), we are also offering these 4 free gifts from the summer promotion:

· Greenleaf Press - Handwriting by George

· Sue Gregg - Cooking with Children CD

· Daystar - $10 Gift Certificate

· Wikki Stix – Sample of six different Wikki Stix and activity booklet.

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Prayer for Freedom of Religion

Praying for this Christian couple. And prayer for freedom of Religion.
(Sad to say, I think this is and has been happening in America also.)

From the Book of Revelation 22:17-19;

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.

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When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Police Officer E-Book!

Whether playing cops and robbers in the backyard or watching real-life law enforcement television shows, children today are often exposed to police officers.

The question is—do they really understand what they do?
Do they know what it takes to become a police officer?
Do they understand the many aspects of solving crimes?

They will now!
The Old Schoolhouse® is pleased to introduce
another title in the WannaBe Series™

When I Grow Up, I Want to Be . . .
A Police Officer

Children, and adults, will gain a better understanding of the many facets of a career in law enforcement as this multi-age unit study sheds light on everything from uniforms and salaries, to fingerprinting and DNA.

Designed for children from ages 4 through 10, this incredible, downloadable E-Book includes all the information you need to learn more about the very admirable occupation of the police officer as the whole family, regardless of age, learns together.

This study reveals occupational information from the real life of an assistant chief working for a large school district in Texas. Be enlightened as he explains the need for police departments for larger school districts and exactly why they are important.

So many questions will be answered in this study! Learn along with your children:

What exactly is a police department for a school district and why is it necessary?
How does Assistant Chief Carnes start his workday and what does he do?
Is everything on a police uniform important—and what is most important?
Why is communication between officers important and how is it accomplished?
Are there Scriptures about police officers and what they do?
How does someone become a police officer? What do they get paid?
What makes writing, math, and sound judgment important skills essential to police work?


When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Police Officer includes activities to help your child recall information along with writing assignments for various situations a police officer often finds himself or herself in.

Do you love science activities? You will find them here! Enjoy a mystery as you learn about fingerprinting and even study a few prints taken using soap or with an ink pad and paper. Check out DNA testing and extract actual DNA using the included DNA experiment, right in your kitchen! Learn more about the technologies being used for methods of identification through video links and included vocabulary lists. Read about three scientists who contributed to the effectiveness of police work.

Complete a science vocabulary list.
Unscramble words in a word scramble.
Review what you’ve learned with a fill in the blanks worksheet.
Perform math calculations pertaining to police work.
Finish a story using a word bank.
Enjoy a word search and a crossword puzzle.
Complete 10 copywork pages in print and cursive.
Practice handwriting with 9 more pages in print and cursive.
Add vibrant color to coloring pages.
Practice a police officer phrase using finger spelling in American Sign Language.
Learn suggested memory verses from the Bible.
End the unit with fantastic themed party ideas to celebrate all you have learned as you make handcuffs, take fingerprints, make a jail and play Cops and Robbers!
Choose from games involving a scavenger hunt, observation skills, smells, a police chase and more—all related to the theme of police work!
Included resource lists provide books for further reading and Internet links expand on the study with video clips and additional information, while pages of copywork, worksheets, math problems and science experiments provide tremendous educational value.

Learn together with your children as you gain even more respect for the peace keeping task of your local police officer. Have a great time marking the completion of the study with a police car or magnifying glass cake—instructions are included!

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

You can help your children explore career options and reach their goals as your entire family learns together with the When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Police Officer E-Book!

Considering the homeschool option?

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Having Faith that God will provide...

For us it's having faith that God will provide for our family. As a military family, many of people don't realize that Soldiers don’t get paid much. Most military families (MANY) get approved for WIC and other government subsidies all the time...just to manage life.

Although, I'd say we were not rich (money-wise), my family is rich in love. Is that what poor people say??? No, that’s what Saved-Christian people say. We tithe, we pay our bills, food, fuel, and save in our Roth IRAs and what is left...we use for those around us and for extra things we might need. My husband heard other non-Christian Soldiers talking about our family tithing to the 'church' and figured the 10% of my husband pay plus the amount we give towards missions...

They were ASTOUNDED by the amount “we just give away” ...but to us, it's not tithing to the church...it's tithing to God and only God. And faith promise is just that---that we put our faith in Christ to keep us afloat by our giving. He gives us our blessings. And Faith brings us along for an awesome ride. We have not ‘lacked’ in anything we need.

This doesn’t mean there won’t be hard times. Yes, the truck will brake down, the car will need an oil change, you get into an argument with the spouse, kids are being disobedient…. Life is hard, he didn’t promise it would be paradise. You might be confused up Heaven and life here on Earth. Two separate things.

Our Pastor the other day just mentioned this…“Do you let things handle you or do you handle the things.” People spend so much time on things that don't matter...start investing in this that do matter; like your relationship with God, your spouse, your children, your health, your home.

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

God judges not the outside but the inside of your heart. It’s easy to deceive people, and to pretend you’re a loving, kind person, but God sees right through straight to your heart. No one can hide, lie, or cheat their way to Heaven. It’s silly how some people think it’s of good works alone. Just because you have never ‘killed’ anyone---that doesn’t mean you’ll get a one-way ticket to Christ and Heaven. News flash, it doesn’t work that way.

Now, I'd like say that we are frugal with our money----because we have to be. We are a family of six; two adults, and four boys---four growing boys! I have started on coupons, but being overseas –it’s a bit much to find coupons (I mean—coupons that I need) and am I relunctant because I also feel that there is still a stigma against using coupons. It doesn’t matter to me or detour me from using them also. I use WIC and I will continue to use coupons as well. We eat dinner at 7 PM every night (at home-meals I cook) and an occasional date out. Being frugal to me doesn’t mean being cheap, it means setting a budget goal (being responsible) and keeping to it.

It boggles my mind to see E-5 spouses and below with several kids in tow buying $300.00-$400.00 handbags (as an example) or anything extravagant for that matter. I can’t even afford those stupid print bags, and I know they can’t?! Ok, maybe they saved up for it…maybe they have a rich family who supply, or maybe their just living above their means putting it on a credit card or STAR card, so that they will look cool at the next FRG meeting. I don’t know.

As much as the PX makes on Soldiers and their Families (with their monopoly overseas) I still buy there, but only for sale items. All clothing I buy is on sale-if I buy from the PX. I don’t buy $50.00 t-shirts for my children just because it has a polo dude on the front or any other name brand for that matter. Yes, of course I’ll buy name brand…but after it’s been discounted once or twice.

I made a big compliant about a year ago. Look my hubby is an E7 ok…but we have four children. When my fourth son was born, we didn’t have much ‘infant’ clothing… I went into the PX one day…looking for 4-5 outfits. Needless to say the only outfits they had were $20.00-$24.00 each outfit. Now, mind you, I need at least one per day (that’s seven outfits), not to mention that babies barf and poop several times a day so you’ll need several more, but for now 7 outfits—at $20.00 each that totals to $140.00 dollars for SEVEN outfits –that will probably not fit him after a month and Lord knows they’ll stain after one barf! Are you kidding me?

I’m sorry but who has 140 bucks to spend on seven lousy, no choice clothing?? Not me and I would assume certainly not some E-1 spouse either. My complaint was to the pricing and the minimal choices on baby clothing. It’s totally ridiculous.

Yes, people are going to say—buy off-post, the thrift store, eBay, and to that I say—I DO! But AAFES is contracted to helping Soldiers and their families…they should also provide low-cost, high-quality items at BEST.

Anyway, I guess I went on this rampage because Christmas is closer to coming---to the outside world, Christmas is commericalized and fake. It upsets me greatly. My family has been very ‘frugal’ this Christmas year. It’s not a commercialized Christmas in this household. Christ came to this Earth, born of a virgin, to ultimately die for our sins. We should learn to appreciate Him and realize He is the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

I’d like to say that we are living in a difficult time and it’s only going to get worse; politically, socially, religiously, so please put your trust in Christ, today. It should be the ONLY gift you’d want to receive at this moment, for this season and always. Question: Where do your treasures lie?

Living and Learning on One Income

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Open Course Ware: What is that?

My favorite website(s) for this week are the OCW websites (OPEN COURSE WARE). Earlier this year I went to my first ever on-line homeschool conference with Heart of the Matter (HOTM). One of the sessions was on OCW. It was an awesome experience, especially as a first-time homeschool mother to do the conference, but also find out about this particular type of education.

What are they? Who are they? What is it? If you Google: Open Course Ware...you'll find MANY sites and information on it. It is basically distance-learning, personal enrichment, free-online classes.

Openculture.com
Online Education Database
Top 100 Open Course Ware Projects

You gain access to the classes, the lectures, syllabi, some on-line reading material, the catch is no certificate or degree (because you have no contact with the professor or pay for tuition). Wanna view how a class would look like?? Here's the answer.

I would assume it looks great on a resume--especially for high school kids, adults who are unemployed at the moment trying to brush up on their education, or like me; a homeschool mother who needs a hobby! Almost complete with a B.S. in Health Care Management (need 3 credits) and looking towards a Master's in Public Health Administration or Health Care Administration...I have found TONS of 'classes' I can take without braking the bank!

I have already started taking a 'class' from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Health Issues for the Aging Population. All classes are related to public health. BINGO!! I have found this not only interesting, but as a self-learner---I love it!

Just staying on John Hopkins Bloomberg OCW...will last me years to complete and also I'd like to mention that there are plenty other OCW colleges/universities who participate with OCW. It's really a neat idea. Information/education given to the people for free. Awesome.

SO, check it out!

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Honor and Glory

Helping Kids Understand Authority – Tedd Tripp, a Biblical Parenting Conference, Session 3.

In October 2008, Mars Hill Church hosted a Biblical Parenting Conference with Dr. Tedd Tripp, who presented biblical teaching on topics from formative instruction to corrective discipline.

This was a good session! I have known that I was strict mom. I mean I know I am compared to others; but it happens to be my downfall in my patience department and I need to show more outspoken love to my children. Mind you I do many things for my husband and children. I stay at home, clean, drive, care for them, teach them (children), and TRY to be a role model for them always.

In more ways than one I am hard on them than not. I like to strive to be better at things….though I’d say I am not a perfectionist (clearly since I can’t keep a clean house or clean kids), but I don’t strive mediocrity. Most people don't know that in Gods' word...there is a hierarchy within the family and community.

Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Psa 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psa 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Psa 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:
Psa 8:7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
Psa 8:8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, [and whatsoever] passeth through the paths of the seas.
Psa 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth!


I expect the children to obey because it is God’s will, but it is the manner of how that is achieved that is important. Like he said in the video that this video made me even more aware that kid’s response is reflected by *MY* behavior. And yes, I am not totally oblivious to this matter… it’s not an epiphany but more of a reminder.

I love the part of his discussion about children being like a train/locomotive on tracks. See, a train is an awesome force. What would happen if you said….let the train go free, be independent, and live the way ‘it’ wants to live on or off tracks. Well, hello!!! If you take a train OFF its tracks---it’s going nowhere—it doesn’t work the way it should. Freedom on the tracks is how it works. Being PARENTS to my children is how it works.

For our family it’s a matter of principles, and a matter of priorities. We don’t skip church to go to a game—especially not for the kids. We let them know that church---that God---is what matters most above all things in our lives.


Lately, a news report (Whether true or not) stated that an 8-year old boy had been suspended AND had to go through a psych evaluation because the teacher wanted the children to draw/write something about the ‘holidays.’ This boy and his family went to a Christmas event and it had Jesus on the cross-The crucifix. This is what he drew. Christian or not ---this is an icon. Jesus. Everyone knows who Jesus is---is a matter if they ignore Him or love Him.

Ok, forget that MAYBE the teacher did not ask the students to draw about Christmas…but my question is…WHY was he suspended then and why did he need a psych evaluation? Answer that one.

Believing in Christ does not equal or mandate a person to have a psych evaluation but this public school says so… and if not—they should clear that up and quickly and CLEARLY. People ask me why I chose homeschooling over public school---this is the reason—because we believe in Jesus Christ and we (as parents) won’t let anyone else telling us otherwise what we should do with our kids’ minds and souls. I don’t need the school telling me that he was suspended because he drew a drawing of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus.

The main bible verse for this day is Ephesians 6:1-3;

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Eph 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Eph 6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.



Chart/Idea taken from the Session 3: A Biblical Parenting Conference. Shown above.

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Photo of the Week, 16 Dec 2009

Four Generations of the Stemmerding Men, 2009

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Managing my Mood

Well, I will be starting a new devotional for myself and to share my thoughts. I have had this booklet for a very long time—a year or so now, but haven’t felt compelled to really studying it. Why? Because who likes to acknowledge their faults in themselves? I would assume that not most people do.

You know, being Christian, people, doesn’t mean that we are perfect saints put on this Earth—we sin everyday like the un-Saved people too—there’s only one difference, Jesus Christ. Being Saved means trusting in Christ as your Saviour. He alone is the key. Yes, I am stating that there is one way to get to Heaven.

Acts 15:11 - “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

John 14:6 – “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

It’s a gift. You ONLY have to receive it (gift). You say, “I don’t have to be Saved.”

Question: Do you believe in Heaven or Hell? It really doesn’t matter if you believe in Heaven and Hell or not—it’s in the Bible and the Bible speaks of both. Heaven for God’s children, and Hell for the unsaved. Of course no one wants to go to Hell….even God doesn’t want you to go to Hell. Yes, God is a loving God, but he is also a JUST God. In the end, we will all be judged….and it is not a matter of good works that out weight the bad ones because NO ONE is that perfect or without sin (omit Jesus on this statement).

1. Have you ever lied? (Thou shall not lie)
2. Have you ever taking the Lord’s name in vain?
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord in vain)
3. Have you ever stolen something? (Thou shalt not steal)
4. Wanted to possess what your neighbor has? (Thou shall not covet)
5. Ever desired a man or a woman that was not your husband or wife?
(Thou shalt not commit adultery)
6. Do you worship that handbag or pair of jeans more than anything else?
(Thou shalt have no other gods before me)

Sin is Sin, people. These that are above are only 6 of the 10 commandments…sad to say-I viewed a program where a Christian went into a mall and asked local teenagers if they knew the 10 commandments in the Bible. Not a one could say them all-at most three or four and most didn’t know what that meant!! Then they were asked about naming 10 different brands of beer—sure enough they started sprouting them out. UGH! Something is very wrong—don’t you think??? And everyone wonders why America is the way it is now...

I have been Saved now for only 3 years –you could say I was a babe in Christ. Spiritually, I am still growing and I know it’ll be a lifelong learning process. Hence, I do the Bible reading and devotionals as much as possible. Taking that step into growing deeper with God is a choice you make…sure-environment plays a factor, the people you hang around, the books/movies you view, the things you do or don't do, and what’s in your heart.

The main theme of the devotional book and in the first chapter is dealing with your heart. Most issues we face and how we perceive them is from our hearts. Not our minds---our hearts.

Matthew 15:18 “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”

You know I took a philosophy class couple of semester ago called Existentialism. As a Christian, this was an interesting class-to say the least. I actually was able to ‘witness’ to others and was given the freedom to do so…because, as a Christian, I know why I am here and this is what I believe to be true… Have you ever asked yourself that question? Why are we here?

I felt a certain amount of distress for the people who honestly stated that they did not know. How sad is that—not knowing...

Anyway, towards the end we had to discuss a play. A play I was not very fond of-as a matter of fact.

But it goes something like this…..

Three people were taking to a rather fancy but cold room; nothing homey sort to speak. Each person came in one by one. This was Hell (of course, Hell is completely different in the Bible). Each person knew why they were in Hell, but didn’t want to tell the other persons (until later on) But the thing that I got from it…is this--these 3 people (One man, two women- one a lesbian) ---they were all selfish, some prideful, all deceitful.

The meaning of this Hell is that they are bound to each other-Forever. Knowing that they can never leave the room, don’t eat, don’t sleep. One woman going after the man, man rejects her, and the other woman reject her. Seems complicated enough? Annoyingly enough--that would seem like an awful Hell.

But it’s only a figure of the author’s imagination. I could relate to the fact that others can and do annoy me. It’s a fact of life—trust me. But the one thing we should take away from this is the commandment to love one another. Christ can and will forgive us—if we let him in.

Self-pity doesn’t do any good…for our hearts, minds, family, or friends. You need help, you want help –we should all be praying about the situation rather than crying out, “Woe’s me!!!” Life is hard! Duh! Sometimes I need to be reminded that changing my heart for God, is what matters most of all and what will help me the most in this life.

Luke 6: 45 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

You got that right. Praying for a better heart today…

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Part 1 of Coming Home: Here we go, we're at it again...

As I stated before, we have been away on vacation (loosely termed) for over a month now and we have been home for only 1 week-so far. It is definitely a life stressor—vacation. Maybe not for others, but for this family of six, traveling overseas (1st with all four children under the age 12), multiple plane adventures, one 12 hour road trip, to two extend families to visit in two states; Texas and Ohio.

Some might even say---four kids, no problem…yeah right! Did your blood pressure just raise thinking about that trip or was it just me? So on 5th of November we flew out from Frankfurt, Germany to Dallas, TX. A plane ride was an eleven hour non-stop flight. Again, the pros and cons are numerous to a long non-stop flight which are:

PROS

Getting on plane and off plane only once
Don’t have to carry luggage to make next flight
Don’t have to carry children to make next flight
One time check-in, one time security line
One time customs line

CONS

Children.


Not to say that having children is a bad thing…hey, I have four of them. I am saying 11 hours on a plane with four children is a mad house. Considering it was the first flight with all four, it was also my baby’s (13 months old) first flight as well. Needless-to-say, he was NOT a happy camper nor were the immediate passengers.

Lufthansa personnel were excellent and very helpful to our family. I am most appreciating their customer service that day. The first time around (for meals) they did not ask us what we wanted—so by the time they came to us (we sat and the tail end of the plane) they only had what no one else wanted; to definitely include our children.

Second time around they served us first. I was so grateful! Good thing we had plenty of water and snacks along the way—we definitely needed it.

Entertainment wise—each seat had a touch T.V. screen. We had numerous choices of movies, T.V. serious, Movies, Cartoons for kids and radio of course. Awesome! It definitely kept my older three entertained…whereas my Roman had other plans.

That boy did not sleep—I mean at all!! O.K maybe one hour combined the entire trip vs. his daily three hour nap. Good thing this flight was not a overnight flight…or else we would have had a miserable time.

Being the worry-wort (I know I should not be), I had apologized and thanked the crew numerous times for our family. Even though it wasn’t as horrible as I thought we were being…the flight crew reassured us that we were a ‘wonderful family’ ---my goodness I thought—does it get worse than a crying baby here and there?? I suppose so. He could have been crying the entire time, our three-year old could have been hopping seats, and my other two could have been loud and obnoxious. I suppose.

Well, as you can imagine, we made it through the flight and arrived in Dallas safely and sanely—almost. Next week, I’ll describe our trip to Texas, people and places there.

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