Goal-Making in 2014

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The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.

-Edith Lovejoy Pierce

                  Throughout elementary and middle school, we were encouraged to list our resolutions with each New Year. I remember hating this. I never really knew what goals I wanted to accomplish; therefore I would make a perfunctory list (you know the goals I’m talking about: be a better Christian, read the Bible more, be a better friend and so on). While there was nothing inherently wrong with this list (these were all are noble goals), it lacks the specifics on how these goals would be achieved.

                  Fast forward to the New Year’s resolutions of my high school and college years and you would see that I got the specific part of goal-making down, however I went to the other extreme-I overreached. My goals were still noble but unrealistic and unattainable, leaving me to feel like a failure rather than motivated & encouraged.

                  I say all that to explain that this is the first year in awhile that I have decided to participate in the resolution-making. I am not going to bore you with my personal list, but I am sharing a list of goals that we can work on together.

Christian resolutions to make (and keep) in 2014

1.     Rejoice in the Lord. Always. Be joyful in fellowship! (Philippians 4:4; Acts 8 & 16) People should see a difference in us. We should be happy and they should see that (especially when we come together to worship)! We should be joyful because there is joy in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-4). Be joyful 365 days a year!

2.     Be prayerful (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:12; James 1). What do you pray for? Are your prayers self-directed? Are you praying for opportunities to share the gospel? Do you pray to recognize those opportunities when they are presented? What about praying for your enemies as commanded in 2 Thessalonians 3:1? Do you pray that the gospel may have free course? Do you pray for the lost by name? The brethren? Church leaders? Political leaders?

3.     Support the work/activities of your local congregation. Do no allow yourself to become complacent or apathetic; it will cost you your soul. Support, pray, encourage and participate!

4.     Encourage! Encourage! Encourage! (2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:13) Encourage one another to be involved. Everyone needs encouragement. Leaders and young people especially need encouragement (Titus 2:6; 1 Peter 5:1).

So, what do you think? Are you with me?

A year from now you’ll wish you had started today.

-unknown

Mention-Worthy Monday (Link Ed.)

Bible.is - A great resource that will help busy moms (and everyone else) achieve their goals of reading through the Bible in this upcoming year. Adding in my disclaimer here: I cannot speak for the spiritual soundness of everything pertaining to this app/website (i.e. I have noticed videos and versions of the Bible known to contain error). I recommend this based on my own use of the KJV read-aloud Bible.

Monthly Reading Plan - You will not go wrong with any post from this website. Chris Clevenger is an incredibly talented writer, but it is something he makes no secret of working hard toward. In striving to be a better Bible student, he has decided to read through the New Testament each month in the upcoming year. I love this idea. I have tried the "Read through the Bible in 1 Year" plan and I tend to lose momentum. A month-by-month plan is much more up my alley! But wait, it gets better...he has included a free printable to help accomplish this goal!

TLN in 2014 - It's hard to believe that The Light Network has been around for almost a year now. If you haven't visited this site yet, you need to. TLN is a group of podcasts made available by a great group of Christian brothers & sisters. They do not take this work lightly and they have very exciting things planned for this coming year. Add this great work to your prayer list and go check it out. You will be hooked.

The 38 Most Haunting Abandoned Places on Earth - I just find this fascinating. I think you will too.

15 Things We Learned from Anne - I am a firm believer that every year should start with Anne.

Links to Love (Christmas Edition)

Praying for the Hurting this Christmas - It's the most wonderful, magical time of the year...for most people. For many this time of year is especially lonely and sad. Adam Faughn (as always) does an excellent job reminding us not to forget to pray for those in need.

5 Lessons from the Duck Dynasty Fiasco - The best article you will read about this current event. period.

Merry Memories Countdown-It doesn't have to be perfect - A great reminder for us to enjoy whatever state we may be in this holiday season and stop trying to achieve perfection (it won't happen anyway).


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As always, thank you to my loyal readers & I hope you will have yourself a

Merry Christmas

12 days of Christmas

Twelve holiday books.

Eleven pairs of boot socks.

Ten silver bells.

Nine felt ornaments.

Eight Starbucks cups.

Seven warm blankets.

Six cards from friends.

Five Christmas dishes.

Four festive scarves.

Three pairs of boots.

Two glasses of milk.

One Christmas cup of coffee.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

from our home to yours

Taking Stock on Tuesday

Making :  shopping lists
Cooking : Sante Fe soup also known as supper
Drinking : coffee
Reading: The Dark Side of Camelot
Wanting: to go to the Smokies
Looking: for ways to help others
Playing: daily
Wasting: nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Sewing: a torn shirt
Wishing: I was more organized today
Enjoying: the MANY blessings God has given me
Waiting: rather impatiently
Liking: this cold weather
Wondering: constantly
Loving: this time of year
Hoping: to get a few moments to read today
Marveling: at God’s infinite wisdom

Needing: to finish my Christmas shopping
Smelling: the coffee I’m drinking
Wearing: boots, jeans & cardigan
Following: OutofPrint on Instagram
Noticing: the toll that age takes

Knowing: there is more than just this world
Thinking: about those in third world countries
Feeling: like I have a lot left to accomplish today
Bookmarking: onlyhopepublications.com/blog
Opening: a bottle of water
Giggling: excessively
Feeling: blessed.

Mention Worthy Monday: CHRISTMAS! Link Ed.

The Truth About Christmas - Would you be surprised to learn that the Bible does not even mention Christmas? In this video, Don Blackwell examines the story of the birth of Jesus, exposing the mths and explaining what the Bible really says about Christmas.

Worst Christmas Songs (in one man's opinion anyway) - This post is several years old and it is clearly not an exhaustive list (I mean really Mr. Faughn??? Holly Jolly Christmas?!? What about Santa Baby, Last Christmas, So This Is Christmas or the ever-classic, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer? I personally think those should have made the cut.), but the explanations of who did make the cut will definitely put some jolly in your Christmas holiday (yes, I had to). 

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(free) Christmas Fonts  - Consider this your warning. You will not be able to download just one (& if you’re like me you could easily spend more time than you meant to on this link alone).

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Merry Memories  - Part of what makes Christmas such a special time are the memories we have to look back on. This is one in a series of stories shared by Sister Colley that will bring tears to your eyes and remember to keep the season in perspective.

Why I Believe In Santa (& my kids will too) - Hannah Giselbach (daughter of Sister Cindy Colley, mentioned above), did a great job in this post & I couldn't agree with her more. Remember, when you stop believing in Santa, you get underwear! Don't stop believin'....

Seasonal Beauty - By now you should be in the holiday spirit but if you happen to still be in Scrooging-it-up check out these gorgeous pictures from a blogger in Newfoundland. I almost guarantee they will get you out of Bah-Humbug mode.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Would you be surprised to learn that the Bible does not even mention Christmas? Would you further be surprised to learn that the story of Jesus’ birth, as commonly told, is very different from the inspired text? What is a Christian’s responsibility at this time of the year? In this video, Don Blackwell examines the story of the birth of Jesus, exposing the myths and explaining what the Bible really says about Christmas. - See more at: http://thetruthabout.net/video/Christmas#sthash.zTojK390.dpuf

Would you be surprised to learn that the Bible does not even mention Christmas? Would you further be surprised to learn that the story of Jesus’ birth, as commonly told, is very different from the inspired text? What is a Christian’s responsibility at this time of the year? In this video, Don Blackwell examines the story of the birth of Jesus, exposing the myths and explaining what the Bible really says about Christmas. - See more at: http://thetruthabout.net/video/Christmas#sthash.zTojK390.dpuf

Would you be surprised to learn that the Bible does not even mention Christmas? Would you further be surprised to learn that the story of Jesus’ birth, as commonly told, is very different from the inspired text? What is a Christian’s responsibility at this time of the year? In this video, Don Blackwell examines the story of the birth of Jesus, exposing the myths and explaining what the Bible really says about Christmas. - See more at: http://thetruthabout.net/video/Christmas#sthash.zTojK390.dpuf

Would you be surprised to learn that the Bible does not even mention Christmas? Would you further be surprised to learn that the story of Jesus’ birth, as commonly told, is very different from the inspired text? What is a Christian’s responsibility at this time of the year? In this video, Don Blackwell examines the story of the birth of Jesus, exposing the myths and explaining what the Bible really says about Christmas. - See more at: http://thetruthabout.net/video/Christmas#sthash.zTojK390.dpuf

Teaching On Tuesday-Handprint Blessings

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                  We live in a day and age where most people search the Internet for any and everything. We can find the answer to virtually any question on Google, Bing or Yahoo.  We even have smart phones that we can speak to and have a computer search the web for us. I am by no means exempt from this category. So, it will be of little surprise when I tell you that, as a Bible class teacher, I frequently turn to this very source in my preparation. However, I have been greatly disappointed at the lack of resources out there.

                  For this reason, I am introducing a brand new segment (if you will) of the blog dedicated to teaching little ones! Every other Tuesday, I will post a craft, lesson, song, tidbit, etc. pertaining to children’s Bible class. It is my prayer this will be a useful resource for you and I welcome your comments and ideas. ((homegrownsoutherngirl@gmail.com))

Handprint Blessings

                  It is great to encourage older children to send cards on their own. You can help younger children begin this habit by having them sign their name or even decorate their own cards at the beginning or end of class. This is a great practice to even do at home with your children. It serves a two-fold purpose. Discussing who the card will be sent to can help them become better acquainted with members outside their age group. This practice will also help them remember to focus on others.

                  During the “holiday months,” I like to do a themed card, of course if you are working with working with younger children, you will want to have cards prepared for them to simply draw whatever they are able. However, if you are working with older ones, I encourage you to give them some freedom, they have great imaginations and do a great job designing all on their own. Here is what I came up with for the month of November…

                  Help the children trace their hands and color in a turkey. (Although it is not included in the picture, I also wrote a Bible verse pertaining to thankfulness on these cards. I recommend doing this on all your cards as well. We used Psalm 100:4 but there are many more to choose from.) It doesn’t get much simpler than this. It can be done on practically any card and will be loved by everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mention-Worthy Monday (Holiday Gift Guide Ed.)

•  Apologetics Press Store has a great selection of resources that make excellent gifts. I particularly love the Discovery magazine for kids, which is available to give as a whole year's subscription or in a bound volume set. If you have a history buff on your gift list, I highly recommend the Silencing of God DVD and/or coffee table book by Dave Miller. (Oh, and mark your calendars for Nov. 28-Dec. 2 for their Black Friday Sale!)

• While I can think of countless gift possibilities from Hobby Lobby, I want to point you toward the Crayola products, namely the washable (yes, I said washable) dry erase crayons and the twistable crayons. If you pair these with a dry erase board and coloring book from the dollar store, you have a gift any child (or child at heart) is sure to love.

• In their own words: Tasteful Tikes is a boutique unlike any other! We create extraordinary baby clothing from fine vintage linens that have been refashioned into unique one of a kind baby clothing. We only use the most unique and interesting vintage linens to create baby clothing unlike anything you can find in retail stores today. As Moms ourselves, our mission is to bring you baby clothing that is special enough for every special occasion or event but is also affordable and practical for everyday living. Your little angel will love wearing our comfortable clothing! We also carry fine and rare vintage linens from the United States and Europe. 

My Picks: I am in love with these ADORABLE dresses and the vintage linens have completely stolen my heart!

Tough Truth Tuesday-The Waiting Game

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Often our idea of God’s blessings includes material blessings, good health, happiness, and a life free from problems, but God’s idea of blessings may not fit this notion. His will for you and me may include suffering, illness, financial strain or heartbreak. God’s blessing for the Christian is anything that draws us closer to Him. When we honestly pray to God, “Not my will, but Thine be done,” and we accept whatever God’s will for our life is, we begin a process where our strength changes to strength that comes from God.

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”

1Thessaloanians 2:4

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Philippians 4:11

Mention-Worthy Monday: Holiday Gift Guide Ed.

Gospel Advocate Holiday Gift Guide  - This is full of great gift ideas! "New products from Gospel Advocate Publishers, and deals on Gospel Advocate books, magazines, and commentaries as well as Bibles, Bible study tools, children’s resources, acapella CDs, and personal devotional books."

Wooden Whimsie - I love the adorable holiday signs this talented lady (along with the help of her husband) has created. I feel confident recommeding this Etsy store because I have had the pleasure of doing business with the owner recently. They do not disappoint.

Simply Cute Creations - Once again, this link comes from personal experience. I adore the sign I was able to order from this handmade shop. These signs are all the rage (according to Pinterest) and would make a great gift for any homemaker!

Mention-Worthy Monday (Link Edition)

Joy or Just Wait? - I stumbled upon this article through a Facebook friend last week. Do not think this doesn't apply to you if you do not have children; this is something everyone needs to read. Follow it up with this post from Melissa Clevenger, Please Don't Take It For Granted, & head on over to http://www.youtube.com/ to listen to the Oak Ridge Boys sing, Thank God for Kids. As the tears fill your eyes, take a moment to thank God for all the children in your life and pray that those raising them realize what a blessing they truly are.

Rediscovering Great Classic Family Films - I've only seen one from this list and I must admit I was disappointed that so few were mentioned. I would hasten to add films such as Pollyanna, Anne of Green Gables, Old Yeller, & Follow Me Boys. I would love to hear which ones you have to add! (Maybe I will do a post on this topic of my own!)

What Good Is Gratitiude? - Infographics make many things much easier for me to understand and since this month is all about giving thanks, this particular infographic is very fitting.

Holly Lane Gifts - With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to order a few presents and if you prefer to give one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts, Etsy is a site well worth your time. Holly Lane Gifts in particular.

Ebates  - If you do ordering from namebrand stores, check out Ebates. It's so easy to sign up to get discounts and cash back, which will come in especially handy for holiday ordering.

The Colley House has awesome resource materials for any age group! I've given these as gifts on more than one occasion and they are always a hit!

Didn't see anything up your alley? Don't worry! Each week I will feature a gift guide with the hopes of giving my readers inspiration on what & where to get gifts for their loved ones this year. If you would like to contribute you can reach me at homegrownsoutherngirl@gmail.com.

Tough Truth Tuesday-Going Forward by Going Backward

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Recently, the was statement made that, “Many years ago there was a closeness among neighbors. If you needed a cup of sugar or flour you walked next door to get it. Now we have an every-man-for-himself attitude. We need to go back to that closeness.” The society we live in is a major contributor of this attitude and it has trickled down into the church to the point that as Christians, we are often guilty of almost finding the “one another commands” a foreign concept.

                  The question arises, can we once again become a society that knows and cares about their neighbors? And, if so, how? How do we move forward? We move forward by going backward. We constantly hear about new things. Everyone wants to know what the latest thing is. Anything that is more recent than something else is assumed to be better. That may be true in the things that men make: cars, airplanes, and so on. It is not true in the things God makes. When God makes something, he makes it perfect from the beginning. There has been no improvement upon God’s sunshine or rain, or seasons, or the productivity of the ground. When God makes something, He makes it right, and so it is in the realm of religion. There has been no finer system of this or morals than you find in Christianity. Nobody has improved on the example of Jesus. Hence, I believe it follows that no one has ever, or ever will, improve on Christ’s church. God makes things right. There is perfection in what God does. The essential need of our time is that all of us simply take a step backward, for that is the only way we can go forward. When we return to the Bible, speaking where scriptures speak and being silent where they are silent, develop a loyalty to what God says above anything that anyone else may say, when we have a “thus saith the Lord, thy servant heareth,” then we are on the road which God would have us travel.

                  So we start at home. By home, I mean our church home. We begin with our local congregation and we put into practice those “one another commands.” We motivate one another toward love (Heb. 10:24) and push each other toward salvation. Toward a faithful life. Toward Christ.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Mention Worthy Monday (Quotes Edition)

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“We need to be people of prayer. Things happen when we pray.”

-Carl Dunlap

“Remember, you never fail until you quit.”

-Ken Tyler

“Jesus will be everything to us when we realize we were everything to Him.”

– Dan Winkler

“Fellowship is joint participation in the Lord’s work- 1 John 1:7.”

-Bill Cantrell

“The first time you quit, it’s hard. The second time, it gets easier. The third time, you don’t even have to think about it.”

-Bear Bryant

Tough Truth Tuesday - It's Time to Wake Up, Parents.

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A friend shared this via Facebook and I thought it was worthy of reposting.

"I am saddened by children who are not made to obey simple commands like, “Come here.” I am sad when parents call their children ugly names like “little fool.” I am sad when parents are paralyzed by the wild behavior of their children. I am sad when I see parents so busy giving children what they didn’t have, that they don’t give them things they did have (which were much more precious)! I am sad when I see parents taking their children to worship, but neglecting to give any Bible training at home. I am sad when parents care more about their children’s physical appearance than how their heart appears to God. I am sad when parents are more interested in homework from school than in ‘heartwork’ from the Word. And I am so sad when we spend more time at the ball field than on the battlefield for Christ. It makes me so sad to see parents who are much more concerned with what goes into their children’s mouths than what comes out of them. I am afraid that the prince of this world has managed to confuse many parents about what is truly important. The effect of this may only be realized on the day of judgment. I pray that the Lord will open the eyes and hearts of young parents and give them the courage and the backbone to be parents whose children will glorify God!"

- Sheila Butt

AMEN.

Mention-Worthy Monday - New & Noteworthy (book review ed.)

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Overcoming the World In 9 Innings (Winning the Game of Life God’s Way) by Ben Stevenson

9 Innings: a game plan for life, but in terms of baseball. I admit I was a bit nervous at the beginning of this book. Sports is not my strongest subject and I worried that while this was a worthwhile read, it might be over my head. I am happy to report that even with my somewhat standard knowledge of baseball, this book has left me with countless lessons and advice.

While, this book offers something for everyone, I would especially recommend this for young people. Ben does a great job of laying out the “game plan” that, we as Christians need to follow and he does so in a way that is straightforward and easily understood. This is a relatively short book, yet filled with memorable quotes. I feel so blessed to call this author a brother-in-Christ (as well as a life-long friend) and I urge you to order a copy or pick one up from the Mars Hill bookstore in Florence, Alabama. Trust me when I say it will most definitely by worth your time.

I love to share some of my favorite portions of my reads, not to take anything away from the author, but because I feel it is just enough of a glimpse to perk your interest and because their words are always much better than my own.

“When we first become new Christians or after some big event like a revival, lectureship or church camp we get pumped up about living the right Christian life and hold ourselves accountable for the things that we do and do not do day to day. However, over time, when we are back around the world everyday we lose our luster somewhat and fall right back to doing the same old things the way we see fit.”

“We can have a laundry list full of goals and tell everyone what our goals are, but it is only when we get our priorities straight that we will really begin to see our goals achieved.”

“There are so many kids who want to be the starting quarterback or running back, but are built to be an offensive lineman. Not everyone can play the star positions, but that does not mean that their job is any less important.”

“Figure out your talent, use your talent, know your role, and help the church grow.”

“Too often, we lose all humility when we feel we have accomplished something great and we need to let everyone know about it…loudly.”

“A humble person shows his humility through his actions, not just his words.”

“We have to understand our purpose and understand that there is no greater purpose in the entire world than that of serving God and letting His light shine through us.”

“The choice of eternity leaves us with two options. Something to keep in mind-if earth was the place to be, Jesus would have stayed.”