We had a good trip and drove between the bad weather, so had a good trip. Our sincere thanks for your prayers. AND I got to visit with Curlie and Freidaj! A fine visit and wonderful to think they made such an effort to come to us as we travelled north. Aren't I the fortunate one.
We are now back in Florence KY for a day and then begin our travels to Mt Sterling, onward east to Virginia, and back to Kentucky before Sunday morning.
What a busy time you are having renewing friendships and making new friends as you travel. I hope you'll put Illinois on your list of places to visit next time you make a trip like this.
Thank you so much for taking time to make notes for me! Definitely helpful! Right now I'm at the collecting stage -- the lesson is Feb. 4. Travel safely!
I have had many people read your article from my blog. Someone asked what you did with the butcher paper when teaching your sons the Bible. I always assumed you used it to draw a timeline of Bible events. Is this right?
Perhaps time for a lesson? The following was put together for my own sake many years ago and remains on my mind daily. . . .
When I was a young girl I learned very quickly to "save" myself from a lot of trouble by lying. In fact, I became so good at it I began to believe my own lies (whether exaggerations or outright falsehoods), believing they were truth, despite my parents intense concern to teach me the value of truth. Sadly this continued even after I became a Christian, thinking I was winning. It wasn't until I made the strong and definite choice to stop that I began to see daylight again, admitting I had a problem and seeking the help of my husband to question my words any time he thought I was exaggerating, etc.
I don't want you to go down this path, not even to begin! Hence, the following. I pray it will be of help to you or perhaps when you teach on this subject.
GOD CANNOT LIE
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
THERE IS NO LIE IN TRUTH
1John 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
GOD'S PEOPLE DO NOT LIE
Isaiah 63:8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
Proverbs 13:5 A righteous man hates lying, But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.
SATAN IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES
John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
GOD HATES LYING
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. ("abomination" – towebah – something disgusting – it smells! ISBE)
Proverbs 6:16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
Romans 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions.
LYING TO NEIGHBOUR
Leviticus 6:2 (Ex 20:16) "If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor... 4 "then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, 5 "or all that about which he has sworn falsely.
Proverbs 14:5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
HATED BY MAN
Psalm 52:1 Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. 2 Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 3 You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness.
LYING CAUSED BY PRIDE
Psalm 59:12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
LYING GIVES NOTHING IN RETURN
Proverbs 20:17 ¶ Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. (Matthew Henry: "When his conscience is awakened, when he sees himself cheated, and becomes apprehensive of the wrath of God against him for his sin, how painful and uneasy then is the thought of it! The pleasures of sin are but for a season, Heb.11:25.)
LYING RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Jeremiah 28:15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, "Hear now, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie.
IF WE LIE TO MEN, WE LIE TO GOD
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 "While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
STOP LYING!
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Psalm 31:18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, Which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
CONSEQUENCES OF LYING
Revelation 21:8 "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Revelation 21:27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Joanne, this is a great post, great timing...at this time of year as we all reflect. Someone recently shared this... "lying is the most difficult sin to deal with, whether within ourselves or others." Such a wise woman she is ;) Again I say great post...and that's the truth!
Great post. A lie is a lie which goes hand and hand with a sin is a sin. It doesn't matter how big or little the sin is, it is a sin. Is it lying if you do not out right lie to a question, but by not answering it which would be forcoming of the truth would this be misleading there forth a lie? Or is it only what is utter from our lips not our thoughts a lie?
one thing I see a lot today is people justifying their lies to protect the feelings of another. in my experience, the truth is always revealed anyway, whether in life or on judgment day. i hate lies too!
Ahhh yes, such wisdom here. I, too, really struggled with this. And even still, I feel I must clearly and consciously explain my words to thwart my tendency to exaggerate or "stretch" a word picture.
Just a few weeks ago Jeff and I were talking to the kids about the promise of the rainbow - that season after season would follow itself on the earth. A beautiful reminder, and a comfort!
I love her hugs, too! Got my share while they were with us. I knew early on that he needed her and she needed him; so happy they saw the need. I don't believe I've seen a more perfect "match" in awhile. He's an incredible son-in-law and I'm blessed beyond words by him. Happy continued travels to you! And here's a {{HUG}} from me. :)
Jo Anne, we wish you a very happy 2009. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you and grant you many more years to teach his love to others. We continue to pray for your safe travels. Hope to see you soon!
I have heard that you are going to be coming through Ohio Saturday. I live in Akron. I would love to meet you and Freida both, but don't think that is going to be possible. Where are you spending Friday night and Saturday night?
and two daughters (in-law) plus their six children all wrap up to equal a wonderful, memorable week. Lots of noise and laughter, lots of talk and sharing, lots of eating good food and savoring love. I'm praying you too also had the same joy this week. If not now, then soon. And to those of you whose week contained pain and heartache, I have not forgotten you, for I know joy and pain come equally to all of us in this life.
Do you know what really strummed my heart-strings? Watching and listening to our two sons talking with their father with their Bibles/computers opened before them. Teaching, advising, listening, laughing, sharing. And I kept on knitting.
My two daughters (in-law for clarity, but I have trouble thinking of them in this way) took me to enjoy my first pedicure. Even the fancy chair was willing to pummel me, but it only took two seconds for me to reach for the off button. My new back surely let me know quickly that it no longer bends that way!
When we returned to our menfolk (and seeing my pink toenails with a daisy painted on both big toes) I was amazed to hear my conserative husband remark, "How much?" and then, "wow! that is worth the price!" You see, my poor man silently cries when he accidently nicks flesh as he tries to cut my toenails -- and thinking it his lot for the rest of my life. So, guess who will be checking to find a pedicurist in Africa when we return :)
Have a good day in the Lord, giving praise to Him, seeking His help, while continuing to serve your neighbour. This is indeed our Father's world.
Ahh, pedicures. I had my first one this year - a 2008 highlight indeed! It was a gift from my daughter for Mother's Day. Being my first, I found joy AND pain (lol) in having it done as they had much work to do and straighten out!
So happy for you that you have had these precious moments with your "kids".
I've never had a pedicure. I've never heard anyone say they didn't enjoy it. I'm glad you enjoyed all your kids. I'm know they were thrilled to have you around.
I've never had a pedicure in all my 60 years but I also think that as ticklish as I am that I could get charged double if I tried it.....
I tried to call the number that was in my email to contact you and got somebody else. Could you maybe resend the number. I also sent you an email if you get the time to let me know what you think.
I so enjoy your posts. Thanks for touching base with us about what a wonderful time you are having. So fun to hear about your pedicure. Your husband is probably thinking "why didn't I think of that?" :o)
Ooohhh, pedicures, how nice! I've only had one in my lifetime. I gave one to my older daughter for her 18th birthday this year...she loved it as well! Hope you find a source in Africa!
The recital was great! He did a fantastic job. Not scared a bit. =-)
Pedicures are the best!! I usually only get one when my mom treats me, but I sure do love them!! Glad to hear you had a great week. It is so nice to be together. We are with Tim's parents this week, and will head to visit with my family (mom, dad, both brothers, sister-in-law, and baby niece) on Monday. I'm very excited!! Have a wonderful weekend!
Wonderful entry...and much appreciated. Glad you had a pedicure. I have had to in my life and enjoyed them tremendously! Agree with anitaj about the visual. I can feel your pride even here!
This is bringing back memories. When I was in college there was an older couple from the congregation that I attended that lived across the street from me. I would often visit them in the evening and he would massage her feet every night. They were so comfortable together after more than 60 years of marriage.
I have had two pedicures in my life! Totally fun! One of them was with my best friend, and the other with my two daughters! Such a fun thing to do with someone you love! Your daisy/pink sound fun and pretty!
Oh, honey, I am so glad you are having a good time... D-i-l's sound super sweet and Dave needs an extra hug for his comment after your pedicure! And Daisies!!! Photo? Please? Email me if you don't want to hang it out for the world to see.
Yes, it would be fun to see a picture of your pedicured toes -- daisies and all! The quiet times can be some of the most special -- and yours sounds wonderful.
So wonderful that you have made memories to enjoy later. Families times are so rich, what we savor and think about till we can be reunited again. Our 3rd son, Jared, 28, asked Morgan to marry him last weekend. He wired Morgan, Marry Me in Christmas lights on chicken wire. It looked so bright and unique. She is a new convert and very spiritually-minded. They will be married in June. Another prayer answered!
sweet sister. thank you, life is filled with difficult decisions. Awesome your holidays are filled with sounds of laughter! Keep your toes warm HUGS to a warm heart
So grateful for family and pleased that you are having this time with yours. Pedicures worth every penny. LOVE THEM! One of my favorite things my husband does for me is massage my feet. You just gotta love a guy that does that. It is sweet how our guys express their love. Dave is special to express his love for you by trimming your toenails regardless if it's a necessity.
Every grandchild is special to every one of us, but this morning during worship I discovered tears in my eyes while I was sharing a songbook with my 13-year old Hannah, as we sang together, joyfully and whole heartedly.
I remember welling up a bit when my boys started singing along when they were about 3. There's little more precious than hearig a child's voice singing praises to God. I look forward to one day possibly having grandkids to share that with.
I agree about the singing, we have lots of little ones at the congregation and they all sing with gusto! Love to hear their voices raised above the adults on some songs.
Isn't it awesome! I will never forget hearing my son in law say his first public prayer after he became a member. Our grandson is three and knows the books of the Bible already...while some adults do not know them even yet. Something more for me to be proud of!
Thanks for sharing that story. I bet you never forget that feeling!
I get those same "warm and fuzzies" when praying with my grandsons. It is especially rewarding with the older one who is 8. He prays for things so specifically - things like "look over Daddy while he heals" "help me and Jonathon be good and mind Grandma better" "look after so and so at the church" It is just so neat to watch them grow in Spirit.
I'm so glad you're having a great "tour"! We saw David Raif & Co. this past weekend as well. I heard you had a good visit with Vonnie.
Thank you for referring my website. I hope it will bear much fruit. I'd like to put some more of your articles on there some time. I think the things you write are such a help to Christians, esp. young families like ours.
Sorry I haven't figure out how to post a pic on my blog but I do have link just click on the gray print patio enclosure and it will take you to the pic then just click through the pics. There are a lot pics but when you first look at it it only looks like about 12 pics but if you keep clicking through you will see the patio enclosure complete. Or you can click on the link in purple on the side of my blog. I won't give up I will try again and see what I can do about post a pic on my blog. Thanks
Joanne, I also have a sweet granddaughter by the same name (Hannah) who is 18. Grandchildren are a treasure from the Lord and an extension of our children. I hope you are enjoying your stay in the States and the time spent with family. Wayne
We've been wondering how you were progressing with all the bad weather in other parts of the states. We have had more cold since you left here, but very little precipitation of any kind. Today has bright sunshine. We went last week-end to Austin to the kids, then on to San Antonio to the football game. Little SS are now state champs - who would have believed it? Stay safe and enjoy all your family.
Hey! I didn't realize you were on here! This is Stacy Butler. We met at the Calvert's get-together that Friday night you were in Conway. We were the ones with the three boys who had to leave early for a piano recital. Glad to know I can connect with you here. =-)
