Some of you may have seen the show on tv last night…or seen the book in the shops…or heard the latest rave…all about the new book called The Secret.

I haven’t read it, nor will I. (Mind you, I’m not one to shy away from reading a book just because it is controversial…but this book is catching so many Christians unawares.) I have a few online friends who have read it and wrote about it and as I’ve read their posts and spoken with them, I know that I will not read the book- I believe it is contrary to God’s word, even though it sounds all spiritual and is apparently being used in some churches.

I’d like to list a few links for those who are interested:

Baptist Press – First Person, The Secret by Don Whitney

World Net Daily – Oprah’s got a secret by Joseph Farah

Robin’s thoughts– from Heart of Wisdom and she also writes here on her new blog: Looking for the secret.

Bill Muehlenberg posts his thoughts here and here.

Don’t just read this information and keep it to yourself. As parent’s we need to understand WHAT we believe and WHY…so that we can teach our children the truth of God’s word. Share your learnings with your children- inoculate them against false teaching and error.

It’s not too often that I’m at a loss for words…but I was last night when I went to bed and read over the Sunday paper. Now I love a good cappuccinos (skinny cap with a shot of caramel, thanks!) and I also like to look nice but this new brand of church has me confused and grieving.

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage?with great patience and careful instruction. 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. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 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

I like technology and think that as God’s people, we can certainly use progress and technology to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This denomination/church claims that when one would walk into the church they would see the message in a way that appeals. Hmmmm, the question is not about the message being appealing, rather WHAT message is being presented?

People are being encouraged to come to church to receive the freebies like “coupons for beauty treatments, clothes, interior decorating, meals, discount shoes, kitchen renovations and more.” One’s social life can be complete at the church with activities like, “group golf, enjoy family movie nights or join the Xbox gang ? a group of teens and twentysomethings who play computer games on church big screens between services.”

One attending woman said that God has given them a beautiful life and while this is true, there are many other people to whom God has given a different road to travel. I am concerned that this church is preaching the faith, health and wealth
doctrine, which is scripturally unsound and false.

It can be worthwhile to spend money on technology and equipment in order to proclaim the message of Christ but it certainly needs to be balanced. Of course, relationships and meeting the true needs of people are far more important than the latest and greatest gizmo’s. Mind you, I feel the same way in traditional churches where lots of money is spent on ornate decorations and sculptures…I’m not anti-modern, nor into tradition for the sake of tradition. I am concerned about the foundation that this church is laying. It can preach the right words but true faith is caught, as well as taught. You know…actions speak louder than words and all those proverbial sayings. Is the gospel of Christ being preached and thus drawing people or is it the false lure of money, fun, and other things that satisfy the lust of the flesh. What is the ‘good news’ being preached by this church? Is it the grace of Christ or the ‘good news’ of satisfying the worldly lusts of the flesh (under the guise of Christianity)? When Jesus is revealed to us, He will also be revealed in us. This could/should/would compel us to be prepared to deny ourself and follow Him…we need to give our every worldly care to Him.

My faith isn’t about what feels good. It isn’t about what prospers me. It isn’t about what appeals to my ego. I am thankful that God called me and washed me in the blood of the Lamb…that I wasn’t brought to the faith by education nor by the emotional, feel-good satisfactions of my flesh. I pity those that have found Christianity through having their material possessions and needs met, for they are missing so much!

So, what can I apply to my own life from all this? Well, quite a few things. 1) Just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning (remembering that he appealed to her sense of ambition and ego) I need to be diligently studying the word of God and keep abiding in Him so that I will not be led astray…that I may stand firm and continue to develop a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11: 3

2) To teach my children well. To teach the attributes of God…His purpose for His bride, what pleases Him, the nature of true worship, the role of the Church, and how easy it is for man to fall prey to satisfying the lusts of the flesh.

2 Corinthians 11 is worth a read.

Yesterday, John and I went to a Christian bookstore together for the first time in awhile. I go there fairly regularly and, as a creature of habit, there are specific sections that I just naturally avoid as they don’t interest me. John doesn’t go as frequently as I do so he decided to stroll around. He couldn’t believe the resources available for pastor’s and lay leaders. He remembers the day when an expanded concordance was groovy. Nowadays, all one needs to do with the right software, is type in the keyword and hey presto, not only does the software do all the work but it also generates a sermon! How easy is that? We live in an age where we have access to much more information than we need. We also need understanding and wisdom to follow that knowledge.

******

A few years ago, in my home-schooling experience, I learned how important it is to search for information for oneself. Predigested information rarely touches a person’s heart and mind, compelling them search further with the hope of finding a truth or impacting their life. However, as a person comes into contact with ideas and concepts, searches and studies to find the truths within, this process is his responsibility. It is in this process of responsibility, that the knowledge being learned is connecting with other ideas being learned and it is slowly being transformed into understanding and eventually, hopefully, wisdom. (Of course, predigested information can plant a seed in a listener’s heart, driving them to pursue truth further)

******

Knowledge is not a dirty word. There’s nothing wrong with knowledge- it’s necessary and good and worthwhile. However, the Bible tells us that…

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.
1 Corinthians 8:1b-2

 

So, what does all this have to do with leading our children into a lifetime habit of Bible study? We don’t need all the latest software or the latest book that gives us all the information. Sometimes it is good but most times it is predigested. Someone else has done the work…read and studied. No doubt they have benefited from their study but simply reading or listening to someone else’s nugget without doing any work for ourselves, will not yield the quality and life impacting gem we need. It’s easier but we need to think of process, not just outcome…we need to think of quality, not quantity.

How familiar with the Holy Bible are you? Have you learned any truths simply by being in God’s word with a few simple Bible study tools? I’d love to hear from you.

In His Grace,

In the Bible, Psalm 117 (2 verses) is the shortest chapter in the Bible, and Psalm 119 (176 verses) is the longest.

The Bible has 31,174 verses which makes the centre of The Book Psalm 118:8-9 . Do you know the verses that are the centre of the Bible?

So there you go! It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.

Jesus

THE WORD OF GOD
became flesh…

THE SON OF GOD
became man…

THE LORD OF ALL
became a servant…

THE RIGHTEOUS ONE
was made sin…

THE ETERNAL ONE
tasted death…

THE RISEN ONE
now lives in men…

THE SEATED ONE
is coming again!

We had visitors the other day! Friends that we hadn’t seen for several months. It was wonderful time of fellowship and general catching up. A memorable highlight was when the little 5yo daughter came running out of the car, whizzing straight past me and bounded straight into the arms of Bek. (12yodd) Full of heart-felt emotion she exclaimed,
“Oh, I’ve missed you so much!” as she continued to hug a smiling and touched Bek. Bek and I talked later on that evening and she was so surprised that this darling little girl had remembered her (it had been several months since they had seen each other). We were able to talk about the impact that we can have on other people’s lives if we only take time to build relationships.

I have always tried to encourage my daughters to spend time with younger children whenever we are out at homeschooling meetings or when we have visitors. Playing with little children is very natural for Bek while ‘Miss A’ finds it a little more difficult. Nevertheless, ‘Miss A’ gets on well with all ages but isn’t as drawn to younger children…usually. I have reminded the girls of how they have felt when older children had taken an interest in them and now they can do that for others. I love having visitors! Aside from fellowship and catching up, there are so many learning opportunities.

Training, guiding, correcting, and encouragement (discipleship) are all preparing our children for their life purpose. Home truly is a wonderful preparation ground.

Today, I’m feeling very blessed to be able to have all of my children at home with me, to share my life with them and to guide them with theirs and that I have a great relationship with them.

Thank you Lord, for my life, that I’m in a situation where I can be at home, discipling our children every day, that my husband is working his best to provide for us which allows me to be at home. I’m so glad that I have this opportunity. Please help me to make the most of my days and the opportunities that come along.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whew! What a fantastic, exciting, stressful yet satisfying week!

A whole week of softball, featuring U/16 Girls from each state playing off for the title of U/16 Girls National Championship.

New South Wales has been victorious for the last 7 out of 10 years, including the last 4 years in a row. Last year, ‘Miss A’ ‘s team played their way into the Grand Final but sadly, lost in the final inning with a score of 3-2.

But boy was this year different!! This year, Queensland came from fourth position to beat Victoria in the Semi-Final and face off against NSW in the Grand Final. The score was again 3-2 but this time, QLD were the VICTORS!!!

Oh, a week of softball at this level is like riding an emotional roller coaster as we cannot interact with ‘Miss A’ for 9 days; no phone contact and only a few minutes per day in which to encourage her in the game.

I have been amazed at how much strength and endurance (both physical and mental) can take place over the course of 12 months. There are simply some things that cannot be rushed…there are some things that cannot be ‘taught’ 100%, they must be experienced in order for true understanding to occur.

‘A’ pitched 11 out of the 14 innings on Saturday and she remained in control of herself, physically and emotionally during all that time. I had wondered how she would go as she had been announced Co-Captain of the team and I think this is a double load for a pitcher, but she held up beautifully.

So as the parents of the victorious team we looked forward to the State Dinner, which is a time for all team players and participants to relax and enjoy each other’s company. It is always a delight to watch the girls but the double whammy was when ‘A’ was awarded the Most Valuable Player for the 2007 U/16 Girls National Tournament. Oh, to say we were very proud of her would be an understatement.

People were offering their congratulations to ‘A’ and us, as parents…and while it was a most joyous event we would still be incredibly proud of her regardless of winning an award. It is a beautiful privilege to have the opportunity to teach and guide a young person through the journey’s of life, and to see them slowly take hold of those values for themselves and embrace them as truth for the truth they are, not simply because Mum and Dad told her to.

Seeing and experiencing this has given me fresh encouragement…vision to continue to develop bonds with my children and share my walk through the journey of life with them.

G’day,
A question that I previously asked, and one that arises fairly often on the Heart of Wisdom e-group is about the focus on Hebrew Roots or Heritage. Some people mistakenly believe that this focus takes away from Jesus Christ. Robin, the author of the HOWTA and Biblical Guide to Holidays has written a good post in response to this thought: I urge you to check it out!

Just when I thought life was going to settle down into a nice, steady routine – WHAMMO!!!!!! No way, it isn’t.

John is scheduled for surgery on Monday. The bone in his shoulder has to be scraped and chiseled in order for the repaired tendon to fit into place. Then, they have to drill a few little holes through the bone so that the tendon sits properly. We don’t know how long he’ll be in the hospital nor how long his recovery will be or what he’ll be capable of. He will likely be home between 6 – 8 weeks. (Those who know me and my hubby will know why this is a mixed blessing) So for now, we wait. But this comes on the heel of a horror week.

After ‘Miss A’ and I got home from Sydney, we had to rush around and buy a new (new to us but second hand) van as our Tarago van died. We bought one, went to get it registered only to find that it hadn’t had a safety certificate for a few years so we had to book in somewhere and get that done. Then, we thought we should change our license’s over to QLD which went smoothly for me but not so for DH who, unbeknownst to us, had been suspended! What? Why? How? When? Where? We asked. Turns out that two and a half years ago, we got a speeding ticket.Okay. I paid it. However, I must have paid it late, after some fees had gone on so it turns out that we still owed $30 in fees which had suspended his license. But they never let us know about it. After a great many of phone calls and frustration, we got it sorted out. We returned home from fixing all that up to find that the front tyre was flat. No worries- John taught 12yods to change the tyre which he did a great job with. John couldn’t do it with his arm in the sling. Bravo Rambo!

Then we had my Dad and his friend visit, which I found incredibly emotional and draining. It was lovely to see him again and to meet his ‘friend’ but very draining.

As you might remember from some photo’s of our new place, we don’t have much of a yard. Still, boys will be boys and ‘Rambo’ (12yods) had taken to kicking the soccer ball lightly against OUR house wall. It really wasn’t very much but it gave him something to do. Well, our neighbour came running out, yelling at him to ?Go inside. I’m sick of hearing that Bang!Bang! Bang! That’s all I hear all day is bang! Bang! Bang! And I’m sick of it. If you want to kick a ball you should go down to the park. Now go inside where you belong!

The neighbour is of Maltese descent, and her shrilly voice fairly scared the boys, while I got angry. I’m all for being neighbourly and that but goodness, can’t my boys do anything in their own backyard? They didn’t do it again for a few days, even though I told them they could so long as they ensured me that they would only do it on the house wall or other fence. Well, a few days later ‘Rambo’ went outside to practice his kicking and within a few minutes, the shrieking was heard again and ‘Rambo’ came inside pretty quickly. John was home (shoulder injury) so he went across to see what the problem is. Turns out that the neighbour was very apologetic but his wife has suffered a nervous breakdown a few months ago and is trying to recover. Gee, did I feel like a nasty pasty or what! However, I still feel for my boys. My heart breaks for them. No yard, no park close by…what ARE they supposed to do to burn off some energy?

Things were looking up for ‘R’ as she was excited to be going to her friends house for awhile. This would mean a plane trip to Canberra, which is all rather exciting. So, we awoke this morning at 4am in order to shower and leave for the airport, not realizing how much traffic would be on the road at 5.15am!Upon arrival at the airport, I went straight to the teller and stood in the short line when an orderly came up and asked me if I had already used the computer to retrieve the e-baggage ticket. No, I hadn’t I told him as I found it quicker and easier to use the teller. This was based on my experience only one week ago in the Sydney airport. Well, it doesn’t work that way here (with Qantas) I HAD to get my eticket first! I ran to the eticket machine, punch in ‘R’s name while the machine tells me that it is sorry but I am 2 minutes late for booking luggage! 2 min late? The time I was waiting in line for the teller! I was told to go to the ticket area and that ‘R’ would have to take the next flight! No way! So, John stayed in the line with the suitcase trying to arrange it to go at a later time while ‘R’ and I sprint for the plane. Nope! Luggage can’t be sent separately as it is a security issue. So, John met us in the boarding area while we explained to the flight crew what had happened. They informed us to simply go to the security luggage area which was only 15 metres away and they would handle the suitcase. Sounds easy eh? Ha! The fellow there said that if we had missed the luggage then all we could do was to take the next flight which left in 2 hours. Cool eh? Except it stopped over in Sydney and there was no way that I was going to allow my daughter to stop over! Then he said we could wait for 2 and a half hours for another direct flight, for the same price. It was at this point (6am) that I became a sobbing, blubbering mess. I couldn’t help it. I explained that this wouldn’t work either as the people who were responsible for picking ‘R’ up reside 2 hours out of ACT and they had already left to head into town to get her! At seeing me in such a mess he practically snatched the suitcase from me and stormed off with it, saying all the while that by doing this he was compromising the security of his personal life (whatever that meant). He tagged it and it was to be stowed away in the captain’s cabin. The lovely attendants listened to my blubbering and assured me that they’d keep an eye on ‘R’. A quick kiss and hug and ‘R’ was off! Yes, she landed safely. All is well. Friends picked her up and she’s as happy as Larry. Most surprising though was that through all this, not once did ‘R’ have to offer any identification- photo or otherwise! All this concern with security yet she boarded the plane having displayed NO identification!

I try not to be an alarmist or to be freaked out by progressive technology…but, I don’t like the sound of Australia’s new ‘progressive’ move toward the SmartCard.

Apparently, the access card will replace 17 health and social services cards and vouchers across the Human Services portfolio. Once registered, people will only need to show their card when they want to access Government services.

The card itself will have the cardholder?s name, a digital photograph, their signature and card number in clear view, while a smart card chip in the card will store a photo, address, date of birth and details of any children or other dependants. The card will also provide cardholders with the option to voluntarily store other information such as emergency contact details, allergies, health alerts, chronic illnesses, immunisation information and organ donor status.

While this card is not compulsory, by the year 2010 it is expected that people will only be able to obtain government health and social service benefits if they have an access card!!! So, it may not be compulsory but, if you want to receive benefits,and to get along with daily life you may not be able to do so without your smart card! But…it’s not compulsory, eh?

What happens after people realise that this card can be stolen? Where do we go then? Enquiring minds want to know.

Surely, I’m not the only one concerned about this?

Well, we’re moving! It will all be happening soon. I think most people know how excited we are…but I’m also getting nervous.

We’ve just had 18 months of solitude, where we didn’t get out and about very much or meet many people. That season was good for a time but boy, I’m glad to be moving to a place where it will be easier to get around. But, I’m also a little apprehensive. Once again, for the second time in 4-5 years, I’m moving to a new place where there will be lovely people…but those lovely people have been happily living their lives, content without me. I often feel like people don’t need me- I need people!

It can be tiring meeting new people, especially in group settings where they might have known each other for years and they share many common bonds. Again, they’re doing fine without knowing me…but it is my family who needs them. Maybe I’m not used to feeling vulnerable.?? Something else I’ll have to put before the Lord and ask Him to refresh me anew and give me strength and courage to face.

We’ve been talking about new habits to institute when we move. Often moving into a new house can be an ideal time as habits can be *hung on new pegs*. Some of the things we’d like to discuss further are:

• Family Bible study time
• Father/Child dates
• Family games time
• Re-organise morning routine

Also, I suppose that my computer habits will change as I get out and about…getting out of the home a little more might see me on the ‘pooter less. Not a bad thing though, eh? There were more things that we were discussing but I can’t think of them at the moment.

I love gardens. Beautiful flowers of varying colours delight my senses. I see many parallels between gardens and families…gardening and training a family. Sometimes the word, ‘training’ (in regard to children) holds negative thoughts for some people but I see it rather differently. To achieve the most beautiful display that a wisteria can create, it needs to be trained…to be pruned, to be fed and watered, etc. I was recently reading Psalm 144. It is written by David and in it, he thanks God for His mercy and he prays that God will protect him. He makes a promise to praise God and then he prays for his kingdom. Listen to verse 12:

Our sons in their youth will be like full-grown saplings, our daughters will be like sculptured pillars fit for the corner of a palace. Wow! We all want to see our children do well, don’t we? I want to see my sons as plants grown up! Not weeds or thorns but I want to see healthy, mature and fruitful plants! Nothing could make me happier and joyful. Sometimes our plants need to be strong in order to brave the elements…to weather the storms, the rain, hail and burning winds and sun. God often likens children, especially sons, to an olive tree. Olive trees were pretty important to the Israelites as they were a symbol of God’s blessing. They needed to be ‘trained’ else they become wild and unfruitful. They [the trees] had a purpose! They need to be strong in order to face the weathers.

Your children around the table will be like shoots from an olive tree.~Psalm 128:3

I see that word picture quite clearly but what exactly does it mean to be ‘sculptured pillars fit for the corner of a palace’? Palaces were indeed ornate and beautiful buildings and great care was taken in building of palaces even the angles or cornerstones of the building. Sometimes, the ancient Greeks used to make corner pillar type statues carved in the form of a woman, elegantly dressed in long robes. These even provided strength to the building . They would have been graceful, strong and polished, although the material would not originally have been smooth and polished. It took some polishing to get it that way. Even today, any good builder will tell you that the foundation is extremely important and then the cornerstone is vital to the longevity and strength of a building. The cornerstone is where all the other measurements are taken from.

What I found strange was that I thought this was back to front. What??? The word of God is back to front? See I imagined that the women would have been portrayed as beautiful ornaments in the garden whereas the men would have been the strong cornerstone of a palace…carrying the weight of the building. I would have to look into this one further. Why did God deliberately use these word pictures? What is He trying to convey to us? I’ll leave you to figure that one out for yourselves, if you want to. So, as a mother what does this mean for me? I start with the end in mind: I want my sons to be plants grown up…to be mature, fully developed…to be stable, healthy, fruitful, and able to withstand the storms of life. I want them to be rooted in good soil (rooted in The Spirit of God) so that they will not be blown about by every wind. What more could a mother of sons desire?

In training my daughters to be ‘cornerstones’ I need to train them in virtue of character…to train them into strong, polished pillars who have a pure heart…a modest demeanor filled with gentleness and graciousness…to see my daughters as polished cornerstones, fit for the service of the King.

Wahoo!! I just have to brag! Miss A has been selected in the U/16 Girls Australian Squad for softball.

She has been training and working hard for three years now at State representative softball. It hasn’t been easy as she has had to commute 4 hours to and from, staying with other families and being away from her family. Throughout the week she works hard at lessons, housework and softball as well as continuing to build her family relationships. Last year she represented the ACT State team and this year, due to our move, she represented Victoria.

Out of all the many girls who play softball in Australia, only 15 are selected from each state to compete in the National tournament against each other. This year, Seven months of traveling and training came to a climax as Victoria narrowly lost by one run to consecutive winners, NSW.

Each year, at this National tournament, Australian selectors are present to scout out prospective up and coming ball players. They watch them, their attitudes and log their playing statistics. Eight states competed (NT are not able to attend regularly) with 15 girls in each team (approximately 120 girls altogether) and only 30 of them are selected for the U/16 Girls Aussie Squad. And A was one of them!!!!

What this means is that she has various training camps to attend, even more rigorous trainings and health and fitness awareness. She has to compete in various tournaments to represent Australia and even play in one International tournament against other participating countries. Oooh, it’s so exciting!

This isn’t an original idea but something that I have just printed up and put in my kitchen. The idea was one of Christa. Christa doesn’t have a website but she shares on the HS Fellowship board. Thanks Christa!

She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Prov 31:27

WATCHES

W – Water and weight
A – Adoration (time with the Lord)
T – Teaching
C – Celebration (something special for someone or all in the family)
H – Home Blessing (cleaning)
E – Exercise and Eating
S – Study God?s Word

Our goal in studying the Bible is that we may know God…that we may know the mind of Christ…that we may be transformed by the power of the gospel, and to grow a Christian world-view.

Below are some of our family’s goals. Have you considered your own goals for your family? They will probably look different to our goals, and that’s the way it should be. I list our goals to give you ideas, in case you have not reflected on this as yet.

• Read through the Bible twice in the years while they are at home with us.
• To memorise key verses. (Hide the word in our hearts)
• To read key books of the Bible several times – develop a lifetime habit of studying the Bible.
• To learn how to use resource tools-to use study materials such as, concordances, lexicons, and dictionaries.
• To learn the flow of biblical history and geography.
• Learn from Proverbs and practical wisdom.
• Learn about the life of Christ and develop a relationship with Him.
• To learn about the story of God’s kingdom on earth- the history of the church.
• Become hears and doers of the Word!
• To learn the fundamental truths of who God is, and what He has done and therefore, what he requires.

This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-34