Excellent Lessons on Bible Study Methods, and Tools!
Hello Everyone!
Have you ever been really frustrated, when listening to a sermon (or some other talk/Bible study), wondering, “HOW in the world do they figure all this stuff out, from just reading the Bible?! I don’t see it in there…!” I sure have! Unfortunately, many times, it really was NOT in there that way…! Other times, it was sound doctrine, but how was I to know when I was being duped, or not?!
Well, help and instruction is here! There is a pastor (Trevor Hammack), on sermonaudio.com, that is doing a series to disciple believers in how to actually study the Bible for themselves! This is our only defense, in these times, when there are so MANY false doctrines being propagated in the name of “Christianity“. He is a good teacher, and I am learning so much on properly dividing The Word!
Below, you will find a link to Method 1 (The Devotional Method). This is the foundational method, that will be used at the end of all the other methods, so do not skip it! 
This audio is the longest, because it has an introduction, and example, along with teaching the actual method, itself. He also explains how he, himself ended up learning how to study the Bible. It was a kind of mini-testimony.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=217121428126
Next, is Method 2 (The Chapter Summary Method). Pastor Hammack will not allow anyone in his church to give a sermon, or even a Sunday School lesson, until they have mastered these two methods of Bible study.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=21812111866
And finally, here is an example, using Method 2.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=21812140262
I will forewarn you that you will be needing a few simple tools to implement these methods. You will need a PLAIN Bible (NOT a Study Bible, no notes in it, no highlights/markings, etc. – you want to start fresh - he explains why, in the first audio lesson), a pencil, and a simple empty notebook. You may already have these around your house! If not, I have even seen paperback KJV Bibles, 3-subject spiral notebooks, and packs of pencils at the dollar store! For $3 (plus tax), I could go get these tools, today! Also, there are many online bibles that are free (I just really like to be able to have a paper one in my hands…)! Here is one of my favorite online Bibles. The other online tools, that are listed further down, also have Bibles on them.
Also, he suggests that it would serve you well, to actually have three simple notebooks! One for your Bible studies, one to track prayers and answers to prayers, and then one for sermon notes and other thoughts to check into later (I would think that you could actually use a 3-subject spiral notebook, or put 3 spiral notebooks in a loose-leaf binder (which might be the best, because then you could replace each notebook, separately, as they are filled up) or a loose-leaf notebook with dividers, if you want to have them all in one place). I, personally, added a small spiral memo book, JUST for taking the notes on the methods being taught, so that I will have them all in ONE PLACE! 
Next, you will need the following websites for the other tools that will be needed. They are both free, and filled with a WEALTH of information! I would suggest that you use these tools, to figure out what you may want to buy, in print, eventually, for your ongoing studies.
I hope you will join me on this exciting journey! I will come back to my blog to make sure and let you know as each method lesson is uploaded.
Now, ready… set… GO!!!
~ Annette
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An Apology to All Who Heard My Public Testimony from 08/2010 (and a Humbling Lesson for Myself…)
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8 Nevertheless in like manner, these dreamers also corrupt the body, scorn and reject authority and government, and revile and libel and scoff at [heavenly] glories (the glorious ones). 9 But when [even] the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, judicially argued (disputed) about the body of Moses, he dared not [presume to] bring an abusive condemnation against him, but [simply] said, The Lord rebuke you! 10 But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen to be acquainted with and do not understand; and whatever they do understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like irrational beasts–by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed (perish). 11 Woe to them! For they have run riotously in the way of Cain, and have abandoned themselves for the sake of gain [it offers them, following] the error of Balaam, and have perished in rebellion [like that] of Korah! ~Jude 8-11 (AMP) (emphasis, mine)
I come to all of you, with a very heavy heart and under great conviction, right now.
Back in August of 2010, I did an online radio program testimony, that is probably still “out there” on the internet “somewhere”… It was my story of getting out of Neo-Paganism and New Age spirituality, and then, sliding right on into the Word-of-Faith movement, as a brand new Christian. I then was able to gradually, by reading God’s Word for myself, get out of the WOF, also. Unfortunately, at the time of that interview, my mind still was not totally out of all of the erroneous teachings that I had learned while in the WOF church, and under those teachings. I am sure I will continue to find even more of those beliefs, that may still be lingering in my mind, as I continue in The Lord’s Word.
The teaching that I am apologizing, and publicly repenting for, is that of railing against the devil, and his demons. I cannot, in good conscience, say that there is a solid biblical precedence for doing such things, if the scriptures cited by those teachers are taken in their full context! If even the archangel Michael (in his undefiled form) as a finite (a created being, having a beginning), but glorious angelic creation of God‘s, dared not to do this… I do not think that it is any coincidence that this little, but powerfully packed, book of Jude is placed right before The Revelation with its many strong warnings, to us! What in the world made me think that I should do such a thing?! The only thing I could come up with was a deafening, resounding answer… It was my own irreverence, arrogance, and PRIDE! One of the sins God hates the MOST!
16 These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren. ~Proverbs 6:16-19 (AMP) (emphasis, mine)
As a matter of fact, looking back, pretty much everything I learned (and allowed myself to continue to believe, and “buy into”), in that church (and the teachers they subscribed to), was from a self-centered, feel-good, prideful, arrogant, man-centered, scripture-twisting, meetings out-of-order and chaotic, chasing after signs/wonders/miracles/visions, point-of-view (may sound harsh, but it is the truth)…! Even now, when I happen to hear any of these types of preachers on the TV, radio, or internet, I am continually appalled at the lack of humility, or any semblance of a reverential fear of The Lord! The longer I have been out of the WOF, and into The Word of God, the more I see it.
Also, I helplessly watch how the errors inherent in these teachings, and the “different” false Jesus that they offer, ruins the minds, hearts, and spirits of so many of those who follow, previously followed, or just happen to “run into” these false teachers. So many of these damaged, and broken, people are practically unreachable, because of the inherent spiritual abuse, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, longings for a “Word from the Lord” (outside of the Bible), dependency on “feelings” and emotions, the addiction of chasing “signs and wonders”, and sometimes even deep brainwashing (mind control) that they have gone through! It is an ongoing, dark, and terrible, travesty…!
One thing that these misled individuals REALLY need to know, is the following truth:
14 And it is no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light; 15 So it is not surprising if his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. [But] their end will correspond with their deeds. ~2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (AMP) (emphasis, mine)
I daresay, and testify, that since totally abandoning the practice of “railing” (along with teaching my children to stop this, also), the demonic activity, AND horrific nightmares, have almost COMPLETELY come to a halt in our household (after so many years of wasted, railing battles)! What we DO need to do is continue to be subject and obedient to The Lord, continuously keep on the armor of God, and proceed in His righteousness!
I (and my children) now simply either say, “The LORD rebuke you” (following the archangel Michael’s example), or simply call on the name of Jesus Christ!
It IS a battle we are in, but it is a “different” kind of battle. An individual, spiritual battle. Not a battle where we need to shout, and rail against the devil and his demons. It is a battle to keep ourselves (through the help of the Holy Spirit within us) in the ways that are listed in the scriptures below. It is from a place of making sure that we are in right-standing subjection and obedience to The Lord, that we are even able to resist the devil, so that he cannot get an easy foothold (or open doorway) into our lives.
6 But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). 7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. 10 Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. ~James 4:6-10 (AMP) (emphasis, mine)
11 Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).12 The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.13 Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.14 But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts). ~Romans 13:11-14 (AMP) (emphasis, mine)
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people). ~Ephesians 6:11-18 (AMP) (emphasis, mine)
It really is very simple, yet not always easy to do. With the help of the Holy Spirit, though, it does get easier, as each day goes by.
Even if after all of this, I find that the Lord lets the devil have his way with me, I now know that it is only to keep me humble (not just because I did not have “enough faith”, or I am “not doing something quite right”, or I do not have the “right positive confession” or “life verse”, or a myriad of “other” reasons I was given, by the WOF followers, and leaders), and to refine me by fire (to see if I really do stand with God), like silver is refined to become pure.
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tries the hearts. ~Proverbs 17:3 (AMP)
~Annette
I am “Back”!
First, apologies to my “regulars”! The past four to five months have been both harrowing, and very physically painful… I have learned a lot about how our spines work, and what can happen when something is NOT working right! I also learned a lot about our medical system… The good (even sometimes great), the bad (sometimes horrible), AND the ugly (what it is like to have to be totally dependent – even in toileting… Yikes)!
I went from a very active, spur-of-the-moment woman, to feeling like I was almost twice my age! I was rapidly reduced to only being able to walk with a wheeled walker, when two canes were no longer enough! Actually, my Neurosurgeon said that when they opened my spine up, they all gasped, and she could not believe I was still able to walk, AT ALL! It was only by The Grace of God, and the tenacity He has given me, because I was in SEVERE pain with every move I made!
Anyway, if you want to see what happened from my spine operation (which was on October 28th), forward, here is the link where my husband and I put updates about the 
experience, for friends and family… It starts just before the surgery, and I still update it, periodically. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/annettehobart/
So, I am now still in the healing process, and ready to start blogging, again. If you just hang in there, with me, I do have a couple of blog posts I am already working on. One, having to do with believers in Christ needing to use critical thinking skills, and the other on some of my other past experiences. I have also realized that I need to continue our family story of how we arrived at where we are now, in the first place!
Hmmmm… I better get busy this next week… One thing about it is, I DO have to sit a lot, with all of my restrictions from the surgery. Now that my pain medications have been able to be reduced to a low roar, my mind-fog is also beginning to clear! So…. I guess I may as well be blogging! I can do that while sitting in the same room with my kiddos!
Hope to be posting something very soon!
~Annette
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Are Our Children Ready for Rejection and Persecution?
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NASB)
The title question is just as much for myself, as it is for my readers! Are we, as ADULTS, really even ready for what may be coming down the pike? Keep also in mind that Jesus said, ”For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26 NASB)
We live (especially here in the USA) in such a pampered, spoiled, feel-good, “best-life-now” society! Most people here think we have religious freedom, and that persecution could never really happen here… I can tell you, undoubtedly, that mild-to-moderate persecution is already here, and we had better brace ourselves for the possibility of much worse, to follow. As the old saying goes, “prepare for the worst, and hope for the best”!
The Holy Bible teaches that persecution, for being a Christian, is to be expected. One such passage (and this is only one), taught by Jesus Himself, is as follows (with my own emphasis):
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also.” (John 15:18-23 NASB)
As I look around and see how things are changing in this country (and yes, even worldwide), I believe that it is quickly coming to the point that we each had better know where stand, in Christ Jesus, and prepare ourselves now. We also have the responsibility to prepare our own children for rejection and/or persecution, for simply being an uncompromising Christian. They need to be prepared for these times, just as much as we do! Things of this manner will come as a real shock to MOST of our sheltered society’s children… leaving them VERY vulnerable to crumbling, under even the slightest pressure!
I do not know about you, but I do NOT want to be held responsible, in front of the Almighty God, for not taking the time and energy in preparing myself, and my children! Plus, I cannot bear the thought of Jesus denying them, because they denied Him (Matthew 10:33 and 2 Timothy 2:12), from my own lack of preparing them for the days to come! As Jesus said, ”For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26 NASB)
Okay, now I know what you are probably thinking… “How in the WORLD am I going to be able to do this without scaring them to death?!” I have some good news! I have found some tools, that others have put together, that should be able to assist you in this most worthy endeavor! I would suggest that you go ahead and print these out, so that you have them on hand, just in case the internet were to ever be shut down on us (and yes, that IS a strong possibility)…
This first link is to stories for children, about other children, who took a stand for Jesus. They all have three sections as follows: The story, scriptures relating to the story, and ideas for discussion. Some also have new word definitions. As a homeschool mom, I really like the setup of these! http://www.crossroad.to/Persecution/stories/contents.html
This second link is for you. You need to prepare yourself. http://www.crossroad.to/Persecution/persecute.html Dig around on here. There are scriptures, stories, and situations to think through.
The final link I am leaving you with is very heavy, but rich in preparation! It is titled “Preparing for the Underground Church“. If we are able to mentally prepare now, I believe, this will help us to be able to let The Lord’s Grace take over, when, or if, the time comes. http://members.cox.net/wurmbrand/prepare.html
My prayer for you is that these resources, that some godly people took the time to put together, will provide you with the time and ability (during your busy daily life) to prepare yourself and your family. I do pray that we will never have to face most of this, but if we do, I know that I will always try to keep the following passage in mind:
But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:14-17 NASB)
May God Bless you and Keep you. ~Annette
Time is Short – I Cannot Stay Quiet Any Longer!
First, let me say that I am not here to be calling out any names, or to try to “bring down” any ministries! I only hope to provide information to shed light on teachings that are in error, and to show people the real Jesus Christ, of the Scriptures of the Holy Bible.
I need to say some things, to my brothers and sisters in Christ, about some misconceptions of so MANY of the people who are caught up in the Word Faith movement and Prosperity Gospel, because that is exactly what it is – they have been “snared”!
We need to have a loving heart for those in that deception… It is, many times, like being raised by a highly dysfunctional parent! Most get caught when they were 1) raised in a dead church that did not emphasize, or teach, that they needed to read the Word of God for themselves, or 2) they are a non-believer who wandered in to a WOF church – got caught up in all the emotion (the whole experience in one of these churches is a highly charged, emotional experience) – and just never learned anything else, or 3) they are brand-new Christians floundering, by themselves, and looking for direction (which was my case), or 4) they were born and raised in it, and know nothing else, but what they have been taught their whole life. Many of these church members really do not know anything else! They really do NOT need to be made fun of. They need sound doctrine, instruction, to be shown the Truth, and MERCY!
You see, I did not have the luxury of even knowing the Scriptures, yet, back when I was snared…
I was a brand-new Christian, floundering on my own, coming out of neo-Paganism and New Age teachings. I was previously a witch, tarot card reader, into yoga, entrenched in ISA (previously known as EST), into clothing-optional gatherings, dabbled in Buddhism, dabbled in Reiki and crystal healing, read and believed much of “A Course in Miracles” (before it was made “popular” by Oprah), jewelry maker of “commitment bands” (which I sold to gay couples) and crystal jewelry (I “charged” those with spells and sold them at new-age and pagan festivals), into all the positive thinking stuff, persecuted Christians and their belief system, etc., etc., etc. This, sadly, was the first “church” I ended up in… See, if you do not know the scriptures for yourself (which is the state of MOST of the people in this movement), it is very EASY to get sucked into it…!
I remember sitting there thinking, “Cool, I did this stuff for satan’s team, before (the positive confession stuff – aka positive thinking, visualisation, etc.), but NOW I am on the RIGHT team, and I can do it for Jesus!” ***sigh***
We were never really encouraged to read all of The Word, for ourselves, we just flipped from scripture to scripture, along with the pastor, and the way he did it really made it seem “right”! I read all the books the pastor said to read (which, of course, were sold in the book store that the church had), got all the tapes he said to listen to, and listened to all the teachers on TBN he said were good to watch.
It was not until I had some run-ins with some of the “leadership” (in the children’s church), the pastor, the pastor’s wife, and some of the “ushers” (more like “bouncers”, in a bar), and some emotional abuse done to my two oldest kids, that we finally quit going to that church. You see, I realize looking back, I was not a really “good” cult-member (I began questioning things, and saying “no” to them). One of the “ushers” even kept calling my house, and coming to my door (always during times when my husband was not there – I did not answer either one), after we quit going. You see, that is one of the ways that they “get” people, “counsel” family members to get a family member to “get out of sin” (sin usually being – questioning anything the leadership says or does), and “keep” them in the church…
I first proceeded to wean myself OFF of the books, tapes, and TV messages… Also, I began to read the Bible FOR MYSELF! Wow, were MY eyes opened up to the depth of the deception, and how the scriptures had all been taken out of context, and twisted around to sound “right”! Then, I began to be able to (by the Grace of our LORD, and the help of the Holy Spirit) deprogram myself, from ALL of it (the Paganism, the New Age thinking, and the Word of Faith teachings – which are ALSO very “New Age” teachings)!
This transformation has NOT happened overnight, but The Lord has been FAITHFUL in the “renewing of my mind”! It has been a LONG journey, and I cannot even pinpoint the moment I really realized that I was getting OUT of all of it… There was, and still is, a LOT of JUNK, in my mind, to get rid of!
Also, please note, one of the BIG teachings (mentioned in almost every sermon) in WOF is to “touch not, the Lord’s anointed” (taken out of context, of course), thus, conveniently making it impossible to question ANYTHING that the pastors, or visiting pastors, might say or do, because if you do, you stand the chance of being CURSED BY GOD, and who in their right mind wants THAT to happen…?! These are just SOME of the ways in which these churches are very cult-like, and spiritually abusive… They are even very careful about the wording of the songs they sing in church (even sometimes changing the words in good, solid, traditional hymns – like getting rid of the word “wretch” in “Amazing Grace”!), so as to not accidentally have a “negative confession” of some kind, in the song…!
If you run into WOF people (most will go on the defensive, and actually be AFRAID to even question what they have been taught), and IF they begin (Lord willing) to REALIZE that they have been deceived, PLEASE know that they will need to go through a mourning process! They are really hurting! It HURTS to find out you’ve been believing in a “false Jesus” (more like a genie, magic 8-ball, or a Santa figure…), and that you may not really even be a true Christian! There can be sadness, anger, anxiety, euphoria (I had that, after I realized I did NOT have to worry about every single little word coming out of my mouth having the possibility of CURSING my whole life! There is SO MUCH BONDAGE in the WOF!), withdrawal, etc. and then, eventually, the Peace that passes all understanding! Please remember the following verse, and realize that most people coming out of this usally need the MERCY part!
Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)–[which will bring you] unto life eternal. And refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and on some have mercy who waver and doubt. [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by the flesh and polluted by their sensuality. Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]– To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it). (Jude 21-25 AMP)
Okay, I guess I am done, for now…
~Annette
Addendum:
Below, you will find three talks that are really very good at explaining what WOF preachers teach, how they teach it, and explanations of how they use the scriptures, and twist them around. He is NOT a raving, rabid, speaker. He teaches it in a very matter-of-fact way, so that you can know what people in this movement are talking about, and possibly find ways to talk to them about what they are being taught.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=640319236 (Part 1)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=6603164431 (Part 2)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=6120318137 (Part 3)
Some Thoughts on God, Pre-destination and Free Will…
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Okay, here goes… A peek into my freakish mind (as my hubby is fond of reminding me)…!
To me, if God exists outside of time (able to transcend any of our perceptions of space and time), and our human perception of linear time (Him being the only infinite being, and all of His creation being finite), and a thousand years is as a day, and a day is as a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8 and Psalm 90:4 – possibly Job 10:5), and He is all-knowing/sovereign/omniscient, then He can see ALL of the choices and actions that we have made/done, are making/doing, and will ever make/do (John 1:48, Psalm 90:2, John 8:58, Matthew 24:25, Matthew 9:4, Mark 2:8, Luke 5:22, Luke 6:8, Luke 9:47, Luke 11:17, Matthew 12:25, Romans 8:29, John 6:6, John 6:64, Matthew 11:13, 1 Peter 1:10-12, Ephesians 1:11, John 13:11, John 11:4, and many, many more). In this way (to me) His foreknowledge answers how and why He has pre-ordained or predestined our lives, gave us the free will to make choices, and the inerrant accuracy of prophecies that have come to pass, and the prophecies yet to come into fruition.
This is how I have come to terms with this whole issue, for myself. Not really putting it up for debate, just putting my thoughts into writing. ~Annette
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Some Helpful Frugal Sources 2 :-)
This first resource is one that I have used for so many years that I have a tendency to forget about it…!
Ever get frustrated when you download a really great resource that is in Word or Excel format, but you do not have MSOffice, thus making it so that you cannot change things in it to personalize it for your own use? Also, do you ever need a document to be a PDF file for sending to someone, because for whatever reason, they cannot accept a Word document? Ever wanted to watch or create a PowerPoint, but could not? I have a wonderful software suite that I have used to deal with all of these issues, and even more! Best of all, it is free (although they do accept donations)! It is called Open Office at http://www.openoffice.org/ To learn more about Open Office, go here. http://why.openoffice.org/
This next one is very helpful in finding bargains, freebies, and coupons for you and your family! http://moneysavingmom.com/ Psssst… Guys can use it too! You will want to grab a favorite beverage, and find a comfortable seat before exploring this site! Make sure you go here the first time, so you can learn how to get the most out of her site. http://moneysavingmom.com/beginners-page
These two should keep you busy for a while! One more thing, Money Saving Mom is updated with new items almost every single day, so if there is not something for you there one day, chances are, there will be something you can use the next day! Enjoy!
Some Homeschool and Special-Needs Links 1
Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr
This first one is a WONDERFUL website, by the author and very humorous speaker, Carol Barnier! It is a site dedicated to the celebration of, and appreciation for, the highly distractible people in your life! http://www.sizzlebop.com/ While you are there, make sure to sign up for her emails (especially if you have a distractible - ADHD, or otherwise – child in your life). They are such a blessing by reminding you to appreciate these people, even in the midst of the seemingly crazy and random things they might do! 
I also highly recommend all of her books – I own, and use them all, often! Besides being helpful, they just plain make me laugh!
The next, is one of my personally favorite educational sites, for ANY age! There are well over 2000 instructional videos here for Math, Science, Test Prep, Humanities, and some miscellaneous others. From the most basic arithmetic… to calculus and chemistry, and even money and bailouts explained! http://www.khanacademy.org/#browse These are really great for the visual and auditory learners. They can be played over and over, paused and backed up, and they NEVER GET TIRED OF EXPLAINING the concept! Works for me! LOL
This last one is one that I ran across recently. http://www.eyecanlearn.com/ There are eye exercises and tests for visual perception issues. They also talk about how visual perception problems can interfere with daily life.
It is my prayer, through Jesus Christ, that there will be something useful here, for someone out there struggling in the education of themselves, or their child! Be blessed! ~Annette
How We Got Here – Part 2 :-)
Picking up where I left off, in Part 1 of this series…
We now had two children sleeping in our bedroom (our eldest, now 2 years old, because of her night terrors, and also our new infant boy – because he would wake up the moment the sun would begin to rise, would be ready to nurse, and then be awake for the rest of the day). Also, I forgot to mention that BOTH of these babies were not planned conceptions (yes, we were using birth control – let THAT be a lesson to the people out there thinking that they can “plan” everything)!
This new baby boy of ours brought some more, and many times debilitating, issues to deal with (along with many blessings, joys, and life-lessons). One of the first things we found out, about him, was that he HATED riding in the car! As SOON as we strapped him into his car seat he would begin to scream, and would continue screaming until we arrived at our destination, and took him out of the car…! This would cause both my husband and I to be on our LAST NERVE by the time we arrived ANYWHERE (and always looming over us, was the fact that he would be doing that again all the way back home…)!
Then, at about 6 weeks old, he began to outright SCREAM every night at around 6pm, and it would end abruptly at around 10pm. He would then want to nurse, and go to sleep! We eventually figured out that he had colic! We tried every remedy that anyone suggested to us (including family, friends, acquaintances, doctors, nurses and even the chiropractor), but to no avail… THAT was when I cried out to God for help, and just gave up trying to soothe his crying. That evening, when he started in, I just laid him down in the playpen, and let him go ahead and just cry and scream while I went on about my business and gave my daughter attention during that time (his crying every evening, made her a nervous wreck). Then, like clockwork, 4 hours later, he stopped… What happened the next day was my awesome answer from God (when I TOTALLY GIVE UP trying to do things on my own, and depend on JESUS completely, is when I get the most powerful answers to prayer ~ You would think I would learn…)!
My mother-in-law called, and wondered why she had not heard from us for a couple of weeks. I explained to her what had been happening. She then told me that she had taken a class, with a naturopathic doctor years back, and she remembered having been told that colicky babies lacked vitamin C. Of course, I thought she was nuts, but I was desperate! Now, HOW was I supposed to get Vitamin C into this tiny baby…? Then, I remembered (from my years of working in the health food business) that Hyland’s brand made a children’s homeopathic Vitamin C, so I called my husband and asked him to pick up a bottle at the Health Food Store on his way home from work (he thought I had finally lost my mind, too)!
Well, my hubby got home at about 7pm, and the baby had been crying for an hour already. I immediately opened the bottle, and put a couple tablets into his mouth to melt… Within 10 MINUTES, HE STOPPED CRYING! Whoa! We were shocked! Pleasantly shocked, but shocked nonetheless! It truly did work, and only ONE TIME did we run out of them! When we did, he went right back into his colicky screaming that night (needless to say, we went and got more the next day)! Every friend, or acquaintance I have met since that time, with a colicky baby (I have a radar for that particular type of screaming now), I have told them about this (as a matter of fact, I put a bottle with every baby shower gift I give – just in case), they have tried it, and it has never failed! Praise God!
As these two beautiful children grew, some things began to become more pronounced in both their behaviors and growth patterns. For one thing, they BOTH had a really hard time keeping weight on, once they had started eating solid foods (their weight was just fine the whole time they were nursing exclusively). As a matter of fact, by the time my son was 2 years old, he was diagnosed as “failure to thrive“! THAT was NOT a fun experience (the mother of a “failure to thrive” baby, is automatically suspected of neglecting, or even abusing, their child)… After being required to see a nutritionist, and jumping through all the other hoops required (after this was reported), it still remained a mystery as to why this was happening.
My daughter had also become an increasingly anxious and accident-prone child. She still had her night terrors, along with many muscle pains and leg cramps, dizzy spells, vomiting spells (which did not help HER lack of weight-gain), headaches, depth perception problems, an allergy to cow’s milk (had to find a source of goat’s milk for her), severe aversions to touching or being touched by certain things (grass, wet foods, crumbs, mud, paints, rain, snow, wind, chalk - to name just a few), etc.
Our son, did not walk until he was 17 mos. old, and had very few words. Even though he walked late, this boy never stopped moving! He crawled all around, got into everything, and climbed everywhere (and I do mean everywhere – even up to the top of the backs of easy chairs and couches, up retaining walls, bookshelves, and even fences) BEFORE he could ever even walk! He would even climb onto the side of the crib railing, and just let himself fall out onto the floor! Speaking of this, he also showed no pain, when most kids would have been screaming from the pain…
Despite everything that they were going through, they were a delight to be with, and it was such a blessing to watch them grow and learn! The blessings from God that came through both of them were numerous, in all of our family!
Then, in the midst of this time (January of 2000), I went through an ectopic pregnancy (which I did not even know was there, UNTIL I was in the emergency room, in severe pain). When this heart-wrenching event happened, my hubby and I realized that we really did want to have another baby. So, we decided to give ourselves about 6 months to work through this loss, and talk about it then. Then, after that time elapsed, we decided to have another baby (our FIRST “planned” pregnancy). ;-)
…..to be continued…..
Some Helpful Frugal Sources1! :-)
Image via Wikipedia
With having special dietary needs, a need for several pairs of eyeglasses at our house, and wanting to be a vigilant steward of our finances – I thought that I would share some resources that I use, regularly, to help with our household budget spending!
The first one is, on Wednesdays, our sale ads double-up (one ad ends on Wednesday and the next one starts on that same day – so it doubles the options of saving) at Sprouts and Sunflower Farmer Markets! This is when and where I do my weekly produce, and bulk buying (and many times meats, and pre-made gluten-free items also)! Many times, there are organic produce items that are the same price, or even less than the non-organic! You just have to keep your eyes open. It is really wonderful when something is on sale, and I can add a coupon on top of it too! Also, Sprouts many times has coupon books available to you, if you just ask! To find out if there is a location near you, and to see other ways to save at these stores, follow the links below.
http://sprouts.com/home.php They also put up sneak peeks (on Saturday) of Sunday thru Tuesday specials that are only listed online, and not in their regular weekly ads!
http://www.sunflowermarkets.com/Ways-To-Save.aspx Enjoy!
Now, here is another really GREAT one that always gets me hyped up! For families, like ours, where everyone wears eyeglasses, and from fairly young ages… this can be a REAL MONEY SAVER! You can actually get a pair of COMPLETE plain eyeglasses (including basic lenses) for as little as $6.95! The shipping is also $5 for the COMPLETE order (at least, it was, on the most recent order of the 4 pairs of glasses that I received)! I do have to say, that if you have children, or are rough on your glasses, in some way, you do want to get the polycarbonate lenses (they are MUCH more durable) for an additional cost of $9. Still, where else can you get prescription glasses for $16?! These are even great to get, just to have a spare pair on hand (great for emergency packs, in your car, a style change, or even “just in case”)! We have never been disappointed – especially for the price!
All you need, is to have the numbers from your eye prescription, and the Pupillary Distance (PD)… THAT is what trips many people up…! You see, I have yet to find an eye doc who will give you the PD (I believe that it is because that it then empowers you to go and buy glasses, on your own, rather than from them)! What this is, is simply the distance from the middle of one eye’s pupil, to the middle of the other eye’s pupil. First, you need a ruler marked out in millimeters. Then, have the person you are measuring stand in front of you, and focus on something about 15 to 20 feet away. While they are focusing on this object, take the measurement, and this is their PD (the “near PD”, for reading glasses and bi-focals, is usually about 4mm less)! Now, you can order your own glasses!
I hope that you find something helpful here, for YOUR household budget!
