tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82817848012174944512024-03-13T11:03:39.036-07:00WHO CAN STANDCONSIDERING CULTURE IN THE LIGHT OF CHRISTAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-17397051250344245592014-10-09T20:16:00.000-07:002014-10-09T20:21:03.441-07:00My Mother Has Brain Cancer<div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Have you heard about <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/07/opinion/maynard-assisted-suicide-cancer-dignity" target="_blank">Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old with brain cancer who is choosing assisted suicide on Nov. 1st</a>? She fears that otherwise "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">I probably would have suffered in hospice care for weeks or even months. And my family would have had to watch that. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">I did not want this nightmare scenario for my family."</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I just came from the Hospice where my mother moved two days ago. She too has brain cancer, and her prognosis is similar to Brittany's. Like Brittany fears, my mother could and is "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">suffering personality changes and verbal, cognitive and motor loss of virtually any kind". And yet - how I treasure EACH moment with her. Let me tell you a bit about our day:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This morning I read to her. For a whole year after she was diagnosed she kept a journal where she wrote down what she was grateful for every day. I had brought it from home, and with my dad listening on we reminisced about all the memories she had captured. She listened on with a smile on her sweet face and chimed in now and again with details of the day. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Later in the afternoon the nurses helped move her into a wheelchair and we walked out to the gardens. It was a crisp fall day with bright blue sky. We had quite the little entourage, with my dad, brother and cousin (hobbling around on crutches!), my husband with our 8 month old in a baby carrier and our two year old speeding by on a scooter. There were geese in a nearby field and we all smiled and breathed in the fresh air. We had nothing but time. Later she said this was the best part of her day.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">In the evening I came back and as the PSW's got her all ready for bed, I set up the DVD player with the movie we had rented. We had our kleenex boxes ready as we'd heard it was a tearjerker. I pulled the couch in her room right up beside her bed, and we ate the chocolates she keeps stashed in her top drawer while we watched. We could hardly hear it, and even with the subtitles on the plot was escaping us. But the movie was really just as excuse to be together. Months ago we would have stayed up late, but today about 40 minutes in she suggested we finish it tomorrow. The nurse came in to help get her all set up for bed and I kissed her goodnight, we'll plan to finish the film tomorrow.<br /><br />
How many days like this will Brittany Maynard rob her family of? Is this the "nightmare" she desires to protect them from? Yes today was a good day. They aren't always so lovely, and I know they will likely get harder. But I've come to see that the hard times are always interspersed with moments of joy - and those are what we need to hold on to. My sweet, wise mother has taught me, more in the last month than ever before, that we can be thankful no matter WHAT the circumstance. I pray for us, that God would continue to give us strength, joy and peace throughout this trial. And I pray the same for Brittany and her family - that she would not have a spirit of fear, but that she would be thankful for every day, every moment that God gives her on this earth.</span></span></div>
</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-71683985157325760752014-05-28T04:32:00.000-07:002014-05-28T04:32:04.807-07:00Why I'm Thankful My Life is Hard<div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
My life is good. Really, really good. My husband is a loving, kind, understanding, self-sacrificing leader in our home. My children bless me with smiles, laughter, hugs daily. <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/02/the-perfect-million-dollar-family-how.html">Some would even call ours the perfect, million dollar family</a>. I live in a country with many freedoms; I can choose to go to church, homeschool my children, and speak my mind without fear of imprisonment or worse. We have a roof over our heads, our bellies are full, and we're surrounded by supportive extended family. <b>So yes, my life is very, very good...but it's not always easy.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odrdJ340eVU/U4OUIqGXF4I/AAAAAAAAA7s/QsltIW0krzw/s1600/lifeishard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odrdJ340eVU/U4OUIqGXF4I/AAAAAAAAA7s/QsltIW0krzw/s1600/lifeishard.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I don't need to tell you much about this part - because you probably experience it daily: Tired before you even wake up, you drag yourself out of bed to nurse your little one. Immediately the toddler wants your attention, and your husband is eager to start working. All you can think is "</span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">my life is so HARD.". </i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Fast-forward to dinner-time, when </span><a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/why-we-dont-have-5pm-meltdowns-anymore.html" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">you're doing your best to put a tasty meal on the table</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">, but since your two-year old is helping there's sure to be flour on the floor and drool in the casserole (ignore that if you've actually ever been to our house for dinner!). Your phone rings and you know its going to be a conversation you don't want to have. Ignoring it, you go gripe to your husband about how you don't want to be humbled, and he just smiles at you and says "let's pray". You sigh and say "</span><i style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Okay...<b>I just wish life wasn't so HARD!</b></i><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">"</span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
Writers nowadays weren't <br /><div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
the first to tell us that we need to be thankful in the midst of trials. That in fact, we should be thankful FOR the trials. It's biblical. We are to "<i>give thanks in all circumstances</i>" (1 Thes 5:18) and to "<i>consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds</i>" (James 1:2), "<i>always giving thanks to God the father for everything</i>" (Ephesians 5:20). And I knew that. <i>I know that.</i> But maybe, like me, you think this verse has to apply to some really big trial - not the little ones you face everyday. <b> And maybe you think this verse needs to mean we pretend they aren't trials. That we must only think of them as blessings.</b></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Well let me tell you - life is hard and it always will be. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, life was destined to be difficult. And actually, even BEFORE they sinned, there was work to do! And so we need to stop thinking that easy is the best. I think this is a lesson God has really been trying to teach me recently because it is coming at me from all different angels, and daily I see how it applies to life. <b> </b><i>Often the hard times, are the good times.</i><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i> We all know the mother who looks back fondly on the years when their children were young. Or the senior who tells stories of the Great Depression with a twinkle in their eye. Or the couple who shares how those years when they were dirt poor were the best ones. <b>There is something about hard times that draw us closer to those around us, challenge us to grow in ways we don't expect, and make for the most memorable times. </b></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
This truth has been a such and encouragement to me recently, and it really has started to change the way I think. <b>So these days, though you'll probably still hear me say "<i>Why does life have to be so HARD!</i>", I'll likely have a smile on my lips and a twinkle in my eye when I do.</b> </div>
<div style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<img style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /></div>
</div>
<b>(A huge part of this epiphany has been thanks to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591280818/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1591280818&linkCode=as2&tag=whcast-20&linkId=HUBCOMP6XD5NWCZY" target="_blank"><i>Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches</i></a>, which I finally read after hearing about it from just about every other young mom I knew! Read it yet?)</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-20178411695924051852014-05-16T12:21:00.003-07:002014-05-16T12:21:57.659-07:00Mom's Night Out Review - Is It Good Art?When I first saw the trailer for Mom's Night Out I wasn't very impressed. I'm not generally into comedies, and this one seemed more silly than funny. I had seen trailers for other mom movies that had me in stitches, but I couldn't say the same for Mom's Night Out. I wrote it off. But then I started hearing about it in the Mommy Blogosphere - women I knew who NEVER went to the movies, were planning to see it - and I became curious. It had a Christian message? It is a secular movie with Christian undertones? Or is it a Christian movie? I started to wonder if I'd want to check it out for myself. I made plans to take my mom to the movies to celebrate Mother's Day (which of course, is what the marketing team behind Mom's Night Out hoped I would do!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTxdKylkBhs/U3ZkoSJXGoI/AAAAAAAAA7M/tdcmuNgJbUA/s1600/momsnightout4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTxdKylkBhs/U3ZkoSJXGoI/AAAAAAAAA7M/tdcmuNgJbUA/s1600/momsnightout4.jpg" height="190" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(FYI - This is my honest review. I am in no way being endorsed for this. I'll share the things I liked about Mom's Night Out, and also my concerns - and I'll do so in a not-that-organized fashion!)<br />
<br />
For the first half of the movie I was pretty disappointed. I had gotten myself pretty excited about this movie by the time it came to seeing it, and I had high hopes. I basically go to the movies 2-3 times a year, so it's a pretty big deal for me and I like to make the most out of these events. The first half of the movie didn't elicit the gut-wrenching laughter I was hoping it would, but this really picked up in the second half, and by the end I was glad I went - read on!<br />
<br />
She's over-stressed, her-kids-are-nuts-and-she-never-sleeps, yet-her-job-is-the-best-ever seems to be the theme of motherhood these days, with a new video popping up just about every week on Facebook. And though that is a message many need to hear - there are also dangers there. Are we making excuses for ourselves? Are we taking it for granted that children are normally disobedient and disrespectful? Are we scaring single people out of the idea of having children? Judging by it's opening scene, it looked like Mom's Night Out was going to be another one of these. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhMdyLHRXwI/U3ZkiQc83XI/AAAAAAAAA64/D-cE_Q0lmnc/s1600/momsnightout2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EhMdyLHRXwI/U3ZkiQc83XI/AAAAAAAAA64/D-cE_Q0lmnc/s1600/momsnightout2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And yet, when Allyson turns to Bridget and says "This mom thing - it's crazy hard!" I nodded in agreement - motherhood IS hard. But it is also SO GOOD. Often, as mothers, our expectations are "too high" in that they are OUR expectations - not God's, not even our husband's. <b> I once read that God gives us enough time to do the work HE would have us do. If at the end of every day we still have 6 things left on our to-do list, perhaps it is because our priorities are not His.</b> If you're feeling overwhelmed, like you can't keep the house clean, drive the kids to all their playdates, write two blog posts a week, and have a home-cooked meal on the table every day when your husband comes home ...one way to start re-prioritizing is by asking your husband what he would like your priorities to be. You might be surprised! And also - accept help when its offered! Oh how our pride does us in! I'm learning this more and more. As Christians, we are part of a FAMILY of believers. And we are meant to help one another. <b>Let others help you! Even be so bold as to ASK for help.</b><br />
<br />
And now back to the review! :) <br />
<br />
I think it is so great that Christians are making and acting in movies which are competing with Hollywood in terms of quality. From the trailer, I didn't know this movie was a "Christian" film (I'm still not sure it is - only people can be Christian, after all!). The acting was quality, the storyline was good, and the Christianity blended in obviously with the storyline. <b> Really this was a movie about people who happened to be Christians - so you would expect their faith to be part of their life - and it was! </b> I think that is all really great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha3ccENpunY/U3ZkjHLidaI/AAAAAAAAA7A/klYdB1R7SCc/s1600/momsnightout3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha3ccENpunY/U3ZkjHLidaI/AAAAAAAAA7A/klYdB1R7SCc/s1600/momsnightout3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That said, although it can hold it's own against secular films of a similar genre perhaps, I wouldn't exactly call Mom's Night Out "great art" - and maybe it didn't aspire to be that. This raises some interesting questions...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>How do we define "great art"? </li>
<li>Is there an objective standard, or is beauty truly just in the eye of the beholder? </li>
<li>When we are told to "do everything as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23), is it okay to intentionally create something mediocre?</li>
<li>What does it mean to create something which is inconsistent with our belief system?</li>
</ul>
<div>
I don't have all the answers, but these are the sorts of questions I'm really interested in thinking about. <b> That's one main reason why we started this blog - to look at our culture in light of our Christianity. </b> But they are hard questions - and most people are content to watch movies, listen to music and attend art exhibits without thinking too hard about them. Some might even say "let's not ruin this by taking it too seriously". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpX_K4I6BAs/U3ZkheQes2I/AAAAAAAAA6s/P36ZEuQlwNA/s1600/momsnightout1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dpX_K4I6BAs/U3ZkheQes2I/AAAAAAAAA6s/P36ZEuQlwNA/s1600/momsnightout1.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The one standard I've been using recently to try and judge whether something is good for me to be interacting with is "<b>Does this make me feel better about my God-given role as wife to my husband and mother to my children?</b>" For example, does this book (perhaps a "Christian romance" novel - don't get me started!) make me feel discontent about my husband? Does this movie make me wish I was a career woman? Does this piece of art in any way hinder me in my role as wife and mother, in thought or in action? I wouldn't go so far as to say this is a perfect standard - but it's one that makes sense for me. And I know it's better than just mindlessly taking in whatever I see or hear, without thinking about it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All that to say - Mom's Night Out passed my "art test" in this regard. I came home filled with so much love for Andrew (because I saw many of his good qualities reflected in the husband in the film, but more than that I saw how much Andrew supports me in my role as mother) and with a renewed desire to take joy in my mothering of Jake and Elisabeth! I was encouraged that the work I am doing is important and to laugh even when things seem super crazy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
What about you - what did you think of Mom's Night Out?<br />
<br />
And what criteria do you use for judging whether a book/movie/song is a good one?</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kdhjN6ZIDc/UVXi98vnbLI/AAAAAAAAG5w/V5vRmSMmqXE/s1600/Signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-64937405823002266702014-05-06T17:49:00.001-07:002014-05-12T05:12:55.663-07:00Slow Cooker Coconut Beef StewYou'll be happy I got permission to share this AMAZING <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> meal I made recently. In case you're new here - <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> is the #1 reason why <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/why-we-dont-have-5pm-meltdowns-anymore.html" target="_blank">we don't have 5pm meltdowns anymore</a>, and this month they are having a <b>semi-annual sale</b> <b>(that means if you don't get on board now you have to wait until November), so a yearly membership is only $35! (It was $76 when I signed up). Just use coupon code MAY35</b><br />
<br />
Anyway - on to the recipe! Coconut Beef Stew is as delicious as it sounds. <b>It's ultra filling thanks to the coconut milk, and full of healing spices like cumin, tumeric and ginger.</b> It's delicious, creative, and it's a simple as all get out. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww4XLnSLkcQ/U2fWjlbYSNI/AAAAAAAAA58/lb6SQym_Me0/s1600/coconutbeefstew2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww4XLnSLkcQ/U2fWjlbYSNI/AAAAAAAAA58/lb6SQym_Me0/s1600/coconutbeefstew2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whocanstandblog.com%2F2014%2F05%2Fslow-cooker-coconut-beef-stew.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Ww4XLnSLkcQ%2FU2fWjlbYSNI%2FAAAAAAAAA58%2Flb6SQym_Me0%2Fs1600%2Fcoconutbeefstew2.jpg&description=Simple%2C%20healthy%2C%20tasty!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Slow Cooker Coconut Beef Stew</h3>
1.5 lbs stewing beef<br />
one onion<br />
two carrots<br />
1 can coconut milk (400 oz?)<br />
1 TBSP curry powder<br />
1 tsp cumin<br />
1 tsp tumeric<br />
1 TSP fresh ginger<br />
1/4tsp pepper<br />
1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)<br />
<br />
Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and give it a little stir. I cooked for 8 hours on low, but I expect you could to 4 hours on high. I served it over rice with a spinach salad on the side. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiRpW8b_ung/U2mCPkGgSRI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Ly2Vbl2YbrE/s1600/BAMsecret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiRpW8b_ung/U2mCPkGgSRI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Ly2Vbl2YbrE/s1600/BAMsecret.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>This is my new favourite meal! (Except I say that every other day now that we're using our <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> membership). Remember, use code MAY35 to get over 50% off - you will not regret it!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Eating!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">(Linked up at A <a href="http://amamasstory.com/" target="_blank">Mama's Story</a>, </span><a href="http://growinghomeblog.com/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Growing Home</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://www.themodestmomblog.com/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Modest Mom</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Raising Homemakers</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://walkingredeemed.org/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Walking Redeemed</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Raising Arrows</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://www.raisingmightyarrows.net/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Raising Mighty Arrows</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, and </span><a href="http://www.gracedsimplicity.com/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Graced Simplicity</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Thrive @ Home</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">, </span><a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/" style="color: #f4a03d; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Serving Joyfully</a><span style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; line-height: 27px;">)</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-3846353023687802742014-05-01T04:39:00.001-07:002014-05-01T04:39:25.758-07:00You Want to Change the World? Start By Cleaning Your Room! (And Other Lessons from Kevin Swanson)If you're not familiar with Kevin Swanson of <a href="https://generationswithvision.com/" target="_blank">Generations With Vision Radio</a> - you should correct that right now! :) He is one of the most dynamic speakers I know (it's almost an athletic activity for him) and he is spreading a counter-cultural, biblical vision for the family that we so need here in North America. He has an annual Family Economics Conference in the US, but we were blessed to attend a mini-conference up here in Canada recently. I wanted to share some of the encouragement we received there with you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ac7LA4pJo9Q/U1ASXc4ag7I/AAAAAAAAA3A/HxK7C68FraQ/s1600/kevinswanson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ac7LA4pJo9Q/U1ASXc4ag7I/AAAAAAAAA3A/HxK7C68FraQ/s1600/kevinswanson.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/eflon/4169851497/in/photolist-7mtzzk-CRyi7-7CqhEh-4zDNVf-7twHcP-8JjzbJ-x9uAK-6VsvEd-4NNXUz-4NTdrN-4NNY4n-4NNXLF-4NTdis-5yhS1v-5MTqe-eBmRdn-5MTqH-5eCJ72-wUptJ-c4Xwzo-2bzD3n-2rojg4-9FS5qi-4Erhbj-4ry6M-7dLzA3-8drii5-5L3DhM-gHfXGx-5p2CSU-4RP6X9-e3Qcgj-3M87A-4A1EFm-3M87C-zo8Y4-6K6HHx-4En3hV-7RaE9Z-3M87B-56FN1M-e6ELv4-7GrPFP-7JVDRf-7JRK1n-ebYBgf-7JRJwv-7JRJAz-7JRJEz-7JVEjq" target="_blank">photo credit</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol>
<li>To begin, the statistics are depressing: 3/10 parents consider the salvation of their children an important parental emphasis, 1/20 have ever tried family worship - and we wonder why young people are leaving the church in droves. I know - family worship can be intimidating and even seem weird if you've never done it or weren't raised that way, but there are lots of great resources out there - and <b>really all you have to do is open up the Bible</b>, read a bit as a family and then talk about it!<br /></li>
<li>We need to look for "islands of freedom". In 1 Corinthians 7:21, Paul tells slaves that if they can be free, they should be. These days the American and Canadian governments are encroaching more and more on the freedoms of their citizens, and <b>we would do well to seek out areas where we have more freedom.</b> Homeschooling is one of these. Christian Medical Sharing is another (especially relevant to those in the USA). Having a family, home based business can be one. The internet (obviously this is used for bad, but it can also be used for good - like <a href="https://generationswithvision.com/" target="_blank">Kevin's radio show</a>, <a href="http://themattwalshblog.com/" target="_blank">Matt Walsh's blog</a>, <a href="http://www.drudgereport.com/" target="_blank">the Drudge Report</a> - and many others who are working to speak truth).<br /><br />
</li>
<li>We aren't going to fix our culture in this generation. And we probably won't do it in the next either. <b>We stand on the shoulders of our parents and we need to pass on our vision to our children.</b> Kevin used the analogy of being in a spacecraft which isn't going to get to it's destination in your lifetime - so you need to make sure your children know what they are trying to get to and how to get there - and THEY need to be ready to pass that on to their children. <br /><br />
</li>
<li>One way our governments are destroying families is through major taxation on inheritance and property. It makes it almost impossible for <b>parents to leave a good inheritance for their children</b>, let alone their grandchildren! (Proverbs 13:22). An island of freedom in this circumstance is the opportunity to pass on your "inheritance" to your children before you die as gifts - which are not taxed up to a certain amount. This is what Kevin Swanson is doing with his children. <br /><br />
</li>
<li>If you are given the opportunity to disciple three people for 100,000 hours OR speak to a stadium full of 100,000 people for 3 hours - what would you choose? If you understand how Jesus modeled his ministry - it would be the former. Training up your children to fear the Lord and giving them a vision for godly family life, government, culture, etc - will not be glamorous and you probably wont get much praise from men. Instead you will be teaching the same thing over and over and over for years and years - but that is the model of discipleship and that is what Jesus did. <b>It isn't the elections which are going to change the course of our nations - but hundreds of thousands of dads and moms making millions of choices about how they spend their time with their children. </b> You want to change the world? Go clean your room! (That is - start in your own home! Start in your own heart!)<br /><br />
</li>
<li>When everything collapses (our culture, our economy, our governments) we need to be like Job, who said "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord". <b>We won't despair because our hope wasn't in money or material things, it is in the Lord. </b> And we know that everything we need to know to build a godly culture can be found in the Bible (Kevin spoke specifically of the book of Proverbs).<br /><br />
</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><b>You'll often hear parents saying that they want their daughters to grow up to be independent. </b></span> Maybe that's why they are sending them off to University, or encouraging them to travel alone, or don't want them to be in any hurry to marry. <b>However, what is it you want them to learn to be independent of? And does the Bible teach that independence a virtue? </b> The only place the word "independent" is used in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 11:11 "Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman". Ironic, isn't it? Throughout scripture a woman is either under the authority of her father or her husband (with the exception of widows, who are encouraged to marry again if they are younger). Nowadays most parents are happy to have their daughters dependent on the state - and those same parents sure don't want their daughters depending on their parents for too long! <br /><br />
</li>
<li> <b>If you had to choose to send your children to public school or popular media - you'd be better off sending them to public school. </b> If your children are more influenced by movies, music, and celebrities (even Christian pop culture), than they are by their parents (and last week's sermon) you should be concerned. Homeschooling is not a guarantee that you will have their hearts - you need to invest both quality time AND quantity time in them.<br /><br />
</li>
<li>You don't need to know when your children "became Christians". <b>Your job is to be a faithful farmer: plant the seed, water the seed, water the seed, water the seed</b>.... Regeneration is what happens under the soil by the Holy Spirit. <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/02/are-you-truly-converted-just-because.html" target="_blank">Knowing they once "prayed the prayer and asked Jesus into their heart" is in no way a scriptural assurance of salvation</a>.<br /><br />
</li>
<li><b>The very essence of education (as defined by the book of Proverbs) is faith and character </b>- these should be our emphasis throughout all our children's education. All teaching should have three parts: 1. knowledge (book learning) 2. life application 3. worship (fear of god, confession of sin, accountability). <br /><br />
</li>
<li>In a survey of 722 very successful American men - they ranked the characteristics which most contributed to their success thus:<b> 1. tell the truth 2. hard work 3. self discipline 4. getting along with others 5. supportive spouse </b>All of these can be found as virtues in the book of Proverbs. (academics was like #26)</li>
</ol>
So there ya have it - I hope there was something there to encourage or inspire you to a greater vision of godliness for your family! Remember, don't take our word for it (or Kevin Swanson's for that matter), instead search out the Bible for your own answers!<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-19139308236161925462014-04-28T04:18:00.000-07:002014-04-28T04:18:25.852-07:0010 NEW Reasons You Should Buy the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle (if you haven't already!)You've been putting it off, I know. That's what I would be doing too - waiting until the last minute for someone to really convince me. So here are 10 reasons, you might not have considered, why you really should just <b>head on over, <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/buynow/a798/" target="_blank">buy the bundle now</a>, and give a sigh of relief that you didn't let this opportunity pass you by!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/BigBookBundle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>You are welcome to <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/buynow/a798/" target="_blank">buy the Bundle</a> and split it up. Is there a book you think your mom would love? One you know is perfect for your best friend? <b>You can give those specific books to them (hello Mother's Day!) </b>and just delete the files off your computer.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Better yet - you can give a <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" target="_blank">WHOLE bundle </a>to your mom! Your best friend wants one too? <b>You can buy three bundles for the price of two! </b> That means each bundle is only $19.98. <br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Did you know that you have the option to <b>own all the e-books in a <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/kindle/a798/" target="_blank">KINDLE version</a>?</b> For an extra $10 you'll get all the PDF files, AND the Kindle files. Pretty sweet, right?<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Last birthday Andrew got me a cookbook and it cost almost $30. For less than that, you can own the FOURTEEN cookbooks in the Bundle. (<b>Mother's Day present for YOU, perhaps?</b>)<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>This specific package of books and bonuses will NEVER be available again. That means you have something like 12 hours to <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/buynow/a798/" target="_blank">buy it</a>. <b>You might as well just <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/buynow/a798/" target="_blank">do it now</a>.</b><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>I know I've talked about <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bonus/a798/" target="_blank">the bonuses</a> before, but really? They're fantastic! <b>Mineral make-up, Phosphate-free laundry detergent, sweet little girl dresses, greeting cards, e-planners</b> ...the list goes on and on and on!<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><b>You can basically learn to do anything homemaking related: </b>sew, cloth diaper, make ice cream, teach your children to read, memorize scripture, budget...Am I missing anything? <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/books/a798/" target="_blank">Check out the list yourself.</a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/Boots.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Change your mind about the whole thing? <b>15 day risk-free return policy</b> - so really what have you got to lose? You can change your mind if you <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/buynow/a798/" target="_blank">buy it</a>, but if you miss it today - it's gone forever!<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Just in case you missed this: the cost versus the value. <b><a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle</a> includes nearly $900 in products</b> and resources but is less than $30. It's not every day you find that much bang for your buck.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Feel overwhelmed by the idea of owning <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/books/a798/" target="_blank">that many e-books</a>? <b>Just think of it as having a reference library when you need it. </b> Run out of things to do with your toddler? Oh yeah, I have an e-book for that! Want to make some meals for the freezer? Recipes at your fingertips! Looking for a new devotional to do with the kids? No need to head to the bookstore! <b>You get the idea, right? </b></li>
</ol>
<div>
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div>
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong style="color: #645f5b; font-family: 'Century Gothic', arial; font-size: 23px; line-height: 27px;">Act now to get the ultimate eBook collection on homemaking at a once-in-a-lifetime price.</strong></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ubhome2014graphics/UHomB/Buy-PDF.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ubhome2014graphics/UHomB/Buy-Kindle.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Winners of our e-book giveaways! </b>Contact whocanstandblog@gmail.com within 7 days for your prize.<br />
<br />
My Simple Healthy Life - Cathy F. L.<br />
The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule - Tracy D. M.<br />
More Than a Holiday - Tracy D. M.<br />
Intentional Marriage - Renee J. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-49092135599112875432014-04-26T04:53:00.002-07:002014-04-26T04:53:43.222-07:0031 Days to a Better Marriage!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>**This post is part of 4 days of giveaways celebrating <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a>** $900 worth of resources, products and e-courses for less than $30!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Only available until Monday!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Could your marriage be better? Have you and your husband become like two boats passing by one another without notice (or worse yet, crashing into each other constantly)? That was the situation Crystal Brothers found herself in when she decided something needed to change. She writes: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
"The biggest threat to marriages in our modern world is daily neglect. When we stop trying, we start drifting apart. We get caught up in the busyness of life. We get selfish. We get thoughtless."</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>She issued herself a challenge to wake up in the morning thinking "What can I do to bless my husband today?"</b> You shouldn't be surprised to hear that this simple (but not always easy) decision, not only changed Crystal's marriage radically - but herself also.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
And from that was born "<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=238406&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband</a>". Made up of 31 daily readings - it is designed to start you on a <b>lifetime habit of blessing your husband and strengthening your marriage. </b> For each day there is a specific challenge - a way for you to intentionally love your husband. They aren't costly and most of them don't take more than a few minutes - but you might have to step outside your comfort zone, and you'll probably have to let go of your pride. <b>Your marriage is worth it, wouldn't you agree?</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqVDYzMpxHE/U1ub8MT1U1I/AAAAAAAAA48/RiisyHOvEq8/s1600/marriage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pqVDYzMpxHE/U1ub8MT1U1I/AAAAAAAAA48/RiisyHOvEq8/s1600/marriage.PNG" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As a bonus, Crystal includes three really practical, creative lists of over 100 different:</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="text-align: center;">Ways to Bless Your Husband</b><span style="text-align: center;"> (To keep you going when the 31 days are up!)</span></li>
<li><b style="text-align: center;">Free/Cheap Date Night Ideas </b><span style="text-align: center;">(We do the same things over and over so I'm excited to have all these new ideas!)</span></li>
<li><b style="text-align: center;">Conversation Starters </b><span style="text-align: center;">(I love these! Planning to print them off and put them in a jar for dinners when we have company - how fun!)</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>We're so happy to be giving away a copy of "<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=238406&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband</a>" today.</b> But my sincere prayer is that any woman reading this will be inspired to look for new ways to bless her husband. <b> <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=238406&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">Crystal's e-book</a> is full of inspiration for this</b> - from the really practical (cook his favourite food, flirt with him, send him an encouraging verse) to the attitude changing (brag about your husband, focus on forgiveness, assure him of your devotion). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3>
<b><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=238406&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">Will you start loving your husband more intentionally TODAY?</a></b></h3>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/272dcd11/" id="rc-272dcd11" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>This giveaway (along with all the previous ones this week) will <b>end Sunday night</b> - so be sure to enter and share today! The winners will all be announced here on Monday. You can get Intentional Marriage, along with $900 worth of other resources to help you as a wife, mother and homemaker, by owning<b> </b><a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" style="color: #f4a03d; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a> today!<b> Check it out now because after Monday it will be gone!<br /></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmeVkzdtzhs/U1ubUm2q0LI/AAAAAAAAA40/KJZU1lUykQI/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GmeVkzdtzhs/U1ubUm2q0LI/AAAAAAAAA40/KJZU1lUykQI/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whocanstandblog.com%2F2014%2F04%2F31-days-to-better-marriage.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GmeVkzdtzhs%2FU1ubUm2q0LI%2FAAAAAAAAA40%2FKJZU1lUykQI%2Fs1600%2Fbundle_giveaways.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%2F*&description=31%20Days%20to%20a%20Better%20Marriage%20%23giveaway"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><br /><img border="0" height="363" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/BigBookBundle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-12222470771553654082014-04-25T04:19:00.000-07:002014-04-25T04:35:55.822-07:00Christmas in April? (One week. Four giveaways.)<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>**This post is part of 4 days of giveaways celebrating <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a>** $900 worth of resources, products and e-courses for less than $30!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Only available until Monday!</b></div>
<br />
We're all trying to give our children a better understanding of Christmas, right? Last year I feel like I floundered through December - not sure what the say about Santa, how much emphasis to put on pretty Christmas lights, and how to really explain why it IS such a big deal that a little baby boy was born in a manger 2000 years ago. I know there are a million different opinions about what you should or should not do when celebrating Christmas, and I've heard of a few ways people try to give Jesus more of a central spot in the festivities (throw Jesus a birthday party, for example) - but none of these have really grabbed my attention. T<b>hey still seem so small in comparison to the overwhelming secular influences surrounding Christmas. What I really wanted was something that would permeate the whole Christmas season with the scent of Christ.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Enter: <a href="http://morethanaholidaydevo.com/hero-area/?ap_id=whocanstand" target="_blank">More Than a Holiday by Scott and Sarah Nichols</a>. What an AMAZING resource. It is truly impressive how much work has gone into this book. </b>It was no surprise when I found out that Scott has a Master's of Divinity - it is obvious that a lot of research went into the historical and theological explanations throughout the e-book. Now don't panic - we're not expecting you to work through a master's thesis with your kids! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q19ZwpaiqEo/U1m0Zz48TWI/AAAAAAAAA4U/9J8uWOUgTLk/s1600/mtah.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q19ZwpaiqEo/U1m0Zz48TWI/AAAAAAAAA4U/9J8uWOUgTLk/s1600/mtah.PNG" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Each day includes "A Closer Look" reading, designed to give parents a greater understanding of the background and also valuable for older children looking to dig deeper into the subject.<br />
<br />
In addition, each day in <a href="http://morethanaholidaydevo.com/hero-area/?ap_id=whocanstand" target="_blank">More Than a Holiday</a> includes a Bible Reading, a short Devotional, some "Let's Talk" questions and Family Time Activities. The 25 days are divided into four sections:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Is the Christmas Story Real?</li>
<li>The Characters of the Christmas Story (all the usual cast of characters along with John the Baptist, the angel Gabriel and even Herod)</li>
<li>The Elements of the Christmas Story </li>
<li>Why is the Christmas Story Important to Us? </li>
</ul>
<div>
This is not your average e-book, and it's not some thrown-together ideas about the meaning of Christmas. It's well-written, thoughtful, creative, and meaningful. It's such a wonderful opportunity to incorporate the truth about Christmas throughout the whole month of December. Your kids are sure to look forward to the creative and engaging ways that <a href="http://morethanaholidaydevo.com/hero-area/?ap_id=whocanstand" target="_blank">More Than a Holiday</a> takes a deeper look into the Christmas story, and its likely to become a Christmas tradition for years to come.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/272dcd9/" id="rc-272dcd9" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
This giveaway (along with all the others this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter and share this week! The winners will all be announced here on Monday. <b>Come back tomorrow for our third giveaway</b> <b>celebrating <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a>!</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3RsQs1t45E/U1pDlDJVWCI/AAAAAAAAA4k/ZHWnsKDiPGg/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3RsQs1t45E/U1pDlDJVWCI/AAAAAAAAA4k/ZHWnsKDiPGg/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whocanstandblog.com%2F2014%2F04%2Fchristmas-in-april-one-week-four.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-R3RsQs1t45E%2FU1pDlDJVWCI%2FAAAAAAAAA4k%2FZHWnsKDiPGg%2Fs1600%2Fbundle_giveaways.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%2F*&description=More%20Than%20a%20Holiday%20E-Book%20Giveaway%3A%20Teach%20Your%20Children%20the%20TRUE%20Meaning%20of%20Christmas"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked to <a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-19-featured-post/" target="_blank">Fellowship Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/faith-filled-friday-blog-link-up.html" target="_blank">Faith-Filled Friday</a>!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-87152009108382029042014-04-24T04:20:00.000-07:002014-04-24T04:20:40.773-07:00A Giveaway To Make Your Life Less Crazy! :D<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>**This post is part of 4 days of giveaways celebrating <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a>** $900 worth of resources, products and e-courses for less than $30! <br />
Only available until Monday!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Plans are useless but planning is indispensable." - Dwight D. Eisenhower</blockquote>
<br />
Whether you're running a country or your own home - Mr. Eisenhower's words hold true. There are usually two ways my day will go, and I'm sure you'll understand what I'm about to say:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>I wake up without a specific plan for the day. </b>We eat breakfast and then I spend some time playing with the kids, <b>waste time </b>on my smartphone, maybe start a load of laundry and all the while have this vague idea in my head about things I should be doing. By the time everyone's napping I open up my laptop to write a blog post <b>but get distracted by an interesting link on Facebook</b> and just as I'm thinking about getting back on task - Elisabeth wakes up. I haven't figured out what's for dinner and now<b> <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/why-we-dont-have-5pm-meltdowns-anymore.html" target="_blank">we're all set for a 5pm meltdown</a>. </b> By the end of the day I am <b>super stressed </b>because not only did I not accomplish any of the things I wanted to - I wasn't even intentional about the time I had with Jake and Elisabeth. <b>Ugh.</b></li>
<li><b>I set my alarm and wake up as planned per our daily schedule. </b> I blog for a half hour before Elisabeth wakes up, and after nursing her I join Andrew and Jake in the kitchen for breakfast. <b>We talk about what we both want to accomplish that day,</b> and I make a list of my own on an index card - making sure I won't be overwhelmed and can have some good play time with Jake. Andrew and I check-in with each other at lunch and once I get both children napping <b>I'm ready to hit the floor running for some really productive time! </b> I had <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/why-we-dont-have-5pm-meltdowns-anymore.html" target="_blank">a <b>meal planned and prepped in the morning</b></a> so that's not in the back of my mind, and at the end of the day I feel calm, cool, collected and <b>GREAT!</b></li>
</ol>
<div>
It's amazing what small changes like a morning routine, to-do list or <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/why-we-dont-have-5pm-meltdowns-anymore.html" target="_blank">meal plan</a> can make. <b>And that is why I am so excited to be giving away a copy of <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1162558&c=ib&aff=250766&cl=127736%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule</a> as part of our five-days of giveaways celebrating <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemakers Bundle</a>!</b> <br />
<br />
I love how Amy provides tactics for both the "Schedule Family" and the "Routine Family". Schedulers thrive when each item throughout the day (and week) is scheduled and the family knows what is meant to be happening most times throughout the day. Routine people (like me), are happy to have a prioritized list of things they'd like to get done that day (or week), and knock them off one by one, moving on to the next when the previous ones have been finished. <b> <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1162558&c=ib&aff=250766&cl=127736%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">Throughout the book</a>, Amy shows an understanding that some of us approach scheduling differently, and provides resources, strategies and inspiration for all types.</b> She emphasizes the need for schedules to constantly be in flux - something we've discovered from having changing routines throughout various stages: 1st trimester morning sickness, life with a newborn, summer, winter, and even seasons when I've been inspired to get up at 5am! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a section specifically on creating a homeschooling schedule, Amy speaks with the same wisdom, understanding and tact in knowing each family is different, but there are some principles that apply to everyone! <b>She is spot on when she writes "No matter how you order the day, you must order the day!"</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Amy, a homeschooling mother of 7, provides an interesting and helpful look at ideas, schedules and tips that have worked for their family - but doesn't put any pressure on the reader to do things just like she does! <b>Reading <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1162558&c=ib&aff=250766&cl=127736%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule</a> is really like having a wise friend sit down with you and help you come up with what will work best for YOUR family. Indeed, I wish I knew Amy in person! </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>For anyone who desires to thrive in their role as homemaker, Amy's book is a great resource!</b> <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1162558&c=ib&aff=250766&cl=127736%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule is available for only $4.99</a>. I am sure you will agree the investment will pay for itself quickly as you'll come away with some new inspiration and strategies towards creating a structure which works for YOUR family and brings more <b>peace, efficiency, and joy to your home.</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/272dcd7/" id="rc-272dcd7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br />
<br />
This giveaway (along with all the others this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter and share this week! The winners will all be announced here on Monday morning. <b>Come back tomorrow for our third giveaway</b> <b>celebrating <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/a-bundle-of-blessings-for-homemaker-78.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a>!</b></div>
<div>
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKDrWE6gG2w/U1hs_mZfiGI/AAAAAAAAA4A/V0byUJ2TV44/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKDrWE6gG2w/U1hs_mZfiGI/AAAAAAAAA4A/V0byUJ2TV44/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whocanstandblog.com%2F2014%2F04%2Fa-giveaway-to-make-your-life-less-crazy.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qKDrWE6gG2w%2FU1hs_mZfiGI%2FAAAAAAAAA4A%2FV0byUJ2TV44%2Fs1600%2Fbundle_giveaways.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%2F*&description=A%20Homemaker%26%23x27%3Bs%20Guide%20to%20Creating%20the%20Perfect%20Schedule%20Giveaway!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br />
</b></div>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kdhjN6ZIDc/UVXi98vnbLI/AAAAAAAAG5w/V5vRmSMmqXE/s1600/Signature.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-60339346906706262402014-04-23T05:00:00.000-07:002014-04-23T05:10:42.112-07:00A Bundle of Blessings for the Homemaker (78 e-books, $200 in bonus products, AND 4 giveaways!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyErGPPSdLw/U1ascmqU11I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/-5uKycwfwIU/s1600/thrive.png" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If any of the following describe you - listen up!<br />
<ul>
<li>Trying to transition your family to more <b>natural remedies</b></li>
<li><b>Need encouragement </b>for thriving in your role as homemaker</li>
<li>Always looking for more <b>delicious and frugal recipies</b> to feed your family</li>
<li>Could use a <b>wiser, older woman speaking into your life </b></li>
<li>Desiring to be<b> a better wife</b> but always saying the wrong things</li>
<li>Looking for<b> fun and creative ways to teach your children about Christ</b></li>
<li>Wish you could be <b>more disciplined</b></li>
<li>Just want some <b>practical homeschooling resources</b> that don't cost a fortune</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>All this (and much much more) will be yours when you add this year's <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" target="_blank">Ultimate Homemaking Bundle</a> to your library!</b> </span> It's got all the practical resources and inspiration you need to thrive in your role as wife, mother and homemaker: 78 e-books, 2 audio presentations, 2 e-courses, 2 printable packs and <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bonus/a798/" target="_blank">over 200$ in bonus products</a> (it's worth the price just for them!).<br />
<img alt="Get ALL of these eBooks for 1 LOW Price! One Week Only! " height="640" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/BigBookBundle.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="542" /><br />
<h3>
<span style="text-align: center;">Here's what you need to know about the sale:</span></h3>
<div style="border: 1px solid #ddd; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 30px 30px 20px 30px;">
<strong>When? Available for 6 days only!</strong> 8 a.m. EST Wednesday, April 23 until 11:59 p.m. EST Monday, April 28<br />
<br />
<strong>What?</strong> <b>$900 worth of resources and bonus items (3 free mineral eye-shadows? yes please!):</b> 78 eBooks, 2 eCourses, 2 audio files, and 2 printable packs PLUS over $200 worth of bonus products you'll really use!<br />
<br />
<strong>Where?</strong> <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle Website</a><br />
<br />
<strong>How much?</strong> Well now, that's the best part. The entire package is worth nearly $900, and it's selling for <strong>less than $30</strong>. Sweet deal, right?</div>
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 20px; max-width: 100%; text-align: center;"><img alt="Get The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle--Hurry: Sale 6 Days Only!" height="266" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/Boots.png" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="font-size: 125%;">
<br />
This huge wealth of information and guidance will be right there on your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or Kindle, whenever you need it.<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<strong style="font-size: 125%;"><br />
</strong></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<strong style="font-size: 125%;">Act now to get the ultimate eBook collection on homemaking at a once-in-a-lifetime price.</strong></div>
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/pdf/a798/" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy the PDF Bundle" height="65" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ubhome2014graphics/UHomB/Buy-PDF.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="300" /></a><a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/kindle/a798/" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy the Kindle Bundle" height="65" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ubhome2014graphics/UHomB/Buy-Kindle.png" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
At only $29.97, it’s the best deal on homemaking eBooks anywhere on the web. But it will only be available for <b>six days</b>. So grab yours before it's gone!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 125%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What's in the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle? ($698 value!) </span></span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;">(Prepare yourself for a really long list! Remember, you don't have to read them all at once!)</span></h4>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/HomemakingShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/diy-natural-household-cleaners" target="_blank">DIY Natural Household Cleaners: How To Make Your Own Cleaners…Naturally</a></em></strong> by Matt & Betsy @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/diy-natural" target="_blank">DIY Natural</a> ($9.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/filling-hearts-while-cleaning-homes" target="_blank">Filling Hearts While Cleaning Homes: Five Minute Devotions for Families</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-purposeful-mom" target="_blank">Jenn Thorson</a> & <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-road-to-31" target="_blank">Lindsey Stomberg</a> ($8.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/hospitality" target="_blank">Hospitality: The Duty of the Christian Home</a></em></strong> by Kathy @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/teaching-good-things" target="_blank">Teaching Good Things</a> ($4.97)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/strong-christian-home" target="_blank">How to Build a Strong Christian Home</a></em></strong> by June @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/a-wise-woman-builds-her-home" target="_blank">A Wise Woman Builds Her Home</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/life-your-way-printables" target="_blank">Life Your Way Printables Download Pack</a></em></strong> by Mandi @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/life-your-way" target="_blank">Life Your Way</a> ($7.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/sewing-school-101" target="_blank">Sewing School 101: Simple Tips to Get You Stitching</a></em></strong> by Nicole @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/gidget-goes-home" target="_blank">Gidget Goes Home</a> ($11.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/laundry-monster" target="_blank">Taming the Laundry Monster</a></em></strong> by Angi @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/schneider-peeps" target="_blank">SchneiderPeeps</a> ($3.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/visionary-womanhood-volume-two" target="_blank">The Best of Visionary Womanhood: Volume Two</a></em></strong> by Natalie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/visionary-womanhood" target="_blank">Visionary Womanhood</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1162558&c=ib&aff=250766&cl=127736%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle" target="_blank">The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule</a></em></strong> by Amy @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/raising-arrows" target="_blank">Raising Arrows</a> ($4.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/FoodShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/bliss-balls" target="_blank">Bliss Balls for Beginners: 21 Recipes to Get You Started</a></em></strong> by Luschka @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/keeper-of-the-kitchen" target="_blank">Keeper of the Kitchen</a> ($3.50)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/dairy-free-101" target="_blank">Dairy Free 101</a></em></strong> by Becky @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/for-this-season" target="_blank">For This Season</a> ($5.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/just-making-ice-cream" target="_blank">Just Making Ice Cream: Over 70 Delicious Recipes Made with Nourishing Ingredients - 2nd edition</a></em></strong> by Marillyn @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/just-making-noise" target="_blank">Just Making Noise</a> ($12.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/happy-mom-healthy-family" target="_blank">Happy Mom, Healthy Family Meal Planning Workshop + Cookbook</a></em></strong> by Lisa @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/wellgrounded-life" target="_blank">WellGroundedLife</a> ($29.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/meal-planning-made-easy" target="_blank">Meal Planning Made Easy</a></em></strong> by Kelly @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-nourishing-home" target="_blank">The Nourishing Home</a> ($6.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/no-cook-freezer-meals" target="_blank">No Cook Freezer Meals</a></em></strong> by Kelly @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/new-leaf-wellness" target="_blank">New Leaf Wellness</a> ($5.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simplified-dinners" target="_blank">Simplified Dinners</a></em></strong> by Mystie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simply-convivial" target="_blank">Simplified Pantry Cooking</a> ($12.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/abcs-of-freezer-cooking" target="_blank">The ABC’s of Freezer Cooking</a></em></strong> by K.M. @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/kmlogan" target="_blank">KMLogan.com</a> ($2.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/healthy-lunch-box" target="_blank">The Healthy Lunch Box: Sandwich-Free Secrets to Packing a Real Food Lunch</a></em></strong> by Katie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/kitchen-stewardship" target="_blank">Kitchen Stewardship</a> ($9.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/sweeter-side-of-candida" target="_blank">The Sweeter Side of Candida: Desserts for the Holidays, Special Occasions, & Everyday Sweet Treats</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/whole-intentions" target="_blank">Paula Miller & Sarah Ives</a> ($14.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/healthy-make-ahead-meals" target="_blank">{Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals & Snacks</a></em></strong> by Laura @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/heavenly-homemakers" target="_blank">Heavenly Homemakers</a> ($5.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/real-food-on-a-real-budget" target="_blank">Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less</a></em></strong> by Stephanie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/keeper-of-the-home" target="_blank">Keeper of the Home</a> ($18.97)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-cooking" target="_blank">Simple Cooking to Save You Money</a></em></strong> by Kelly @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/generation-cedar" target="_blank">Generation Cedar</a> ($4.97)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/frugal-secrets-of-real-foodies" target="_blank">The Frugal Secrets of Real Foodies</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simplesmiles" target="_blank">Shannon Miles</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-life-abundant-life" target="_blank">Sarah Nichols</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/smithspirations" target="_blank">Kristen Smith</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/modern-alternative-mama" target="_blank">Kate Tietje</a>, and <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/nourishing-simplicity" target="_blank">Katherine (Katie Mae) Stanley</a> ($9.97)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/MotherhoodShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/discipleship-discipline" target="_blank">Discipleship & Discipline: Practical Parenting Help for the Desperate Mom eCourse</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/i-take-joy" target="_blank">Sally Clarkson</a> and <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/sarah-mae" target="_blank">Sarah Mae</a> ($17.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/pieces-of-mommy" target="_blank">Pieces of Mommy: Putting Yourself Back Together</a></em></strong> by Sarah @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/sarah-strausbaugh" target="_blank">SarahStrausbaugh.com</a> ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/steady-days" target="_blank">Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood</a></em></strong> by Jamie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/steady-mom" target="_blank">Steady Mom</a> ($9.55)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-cherished-home" target="_blank">The Cherished Home: Protecting What's Important</a></em></strong> by Mary @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-encouraging-home" target="_blank">The Encouraging Home</a> ($14.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/pursuit-of-motherhood" target="_blank">The Pursuit of Motherhood</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-modest-mom-blog" target="_blank">Caroline Allen</a>, Jennifer Allen, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-encouraging-home" target="_blank">Mary Clendenin</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/generation-cedar" target="_blank">Kelly Crawford</a>, Jasmine Cucuta, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/a-mamas-story" target="_blank">Sara Elizabeth Dunn</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/deep-roots-at-home" target="_blank">Jacqueline Fitzgerald</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/a-wise-woman-builds-her-home" target="_blank">June Fuentes</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/raising-mighty-arrows" target="_blank">Heather Knopp</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/musings-of-a-ministers-wife" target="_blank">Melinda Martin</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/under-the-golden-apple-tree" target="_blank">Richele McFarlin</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/only-a-breath" target="_blank">Melanie Moore</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/raising-arrows" target="_blank">Amy Roberts</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/the-road-to-31" target="_blank">Lindsey Stomberg</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/growing-home-blog" target="_blank">Jacinda Vandenberg</a>, and <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/raising-real-men" target="_blank">Melanie Young</a>. ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/undivided-mom" target="_blank">Undivided Mom: Finding Christ in the Chaos of Motherhood</a></em></strong> by Kayse @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/kayse-pratt" target="_blank">KaysePratt.com</a> ($4.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/MarriageShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/build-a-better-spouse" target="_blank">31 Days to Build a Better Spouse</a></em></strong> by Ashley @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/life-by-ashley-pichea" target="_blank">LIFE by Ashley Pichea</a> ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/dear-wife" target="_blank">Dear Wife: Letters from a Help Meet</a></em></strong> by Misty @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/beautiful-ashes" target="_blank">Beautiful Ashes</a> ($2.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/intentional-marriage" target="_blank">Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband (A 31 Day Devotional)</a></em></strong> by Crystal @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/serving-joyfully" target="_blank">Serving Joyfully</a> ($3.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/ultimate-marriage-vow" target="_blank">The Ultimate Marriage Vow: 21 Days of a Life-Long Commitment</a></em></strong> by Darlene @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/time-warp-wife" target="_blank">Time-Warp Wife</a> ($2.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/love-honor-vacuum" target="_blank">To Love, Honor and Vacuum Audio Download</a></em></strong> by Sheila @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/to-love-honor-and-vacuum" target="_blank">To Love, Honor and Vacuum</a> ($2.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/FaithShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/a-heart-prepared" target="_blank">A Heart Prepared: A Simple & Effective Scripture Memory System</a></em></strong> by Jami @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/young-wifes-guide" target="_blank">Young Wife's Guide</a> ($9.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/manage-your-mouth" target="_blank">How To Manage Your Mouth: A 30 Day Wholesome Talk Challenge</a></em></strong> by Connie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/smockity-frocks" target="_blank">Smockity Frocks</a> ($5.97)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/lost-petal" target="_blank">Restoring the Lost Petal: A Journey Through the Loss and Restoration of Sexual Purity</a></em></strong> by Danielle @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/more-than-four-walls" target="_blank">More Than Four Walls</a> ($8.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/set-apart" target="_blank">Set Apart: Becoming a Woman of Virtue in a Modern World</a></em></strong> by <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/raising-the-barrs" target="_blank">Anjanette Barr</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/beauty-in-the-mess" target="_blank">Whitney Cornelison</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/growing-up-triplets" target="_blank">Jennifer Fountain</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/virginia-george" target="_blank">Virginia George</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/wisdom-seeking-mommy" target="_blank">Crystal Hatcher</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-life-abundant-life" target="_blank">Sarah Nichols</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/day2day-joys" target="_blank">Rachel Marie</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/joyful-thrifty-home" target="_blank">Ashley Roe</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/a-proverbs-31-wife" target="_blank">Kendra Stamy</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/more-than-four-walls" target="_blank">Danielle Tate</a>, and <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/feed-me-mama" target="_blank">Karli Von Herbulis</a> ($3.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/homesteading-devotional" target="_blank">The Homesteading Wife's Christian Devotional: Finding Biblical Truths on the Farm</a></em></strong> by Susie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/our-simple-farm" target="_blank">Our Simple Farm</a> ($3.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/FaithForKidsShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/be-thankful" target="_blank">Be Thankful: Cultivating Year-Round Thankfulness</a></em></strong> by Amanda @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-pelsers" target="_blank">The Pelsers</a> ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/character-badges" target="_blank">Character Badges</a></em></strong> by Caroline @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-modest-mom-blog" target="_blank">The Modest Mom Blog</a> ($9.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/god-gifted-virtues" target="_blank">God Gifted Virtues</a></em></strong> by Sara @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/your-thriving-family" target="_blank">Your Thriving Family</a> ($8.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/learning-to-speak-life" target="_blank">Learning to Speak Life: Fruit of the Spirit Family Devotional</a></em></strong> by Michael & Carlie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/learning-to-speak-life-blog" target="_blank">Learning to Speak Life</a> ($9.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/godly-boys-and-girls" target="_blank">The ABC's for Godly Boys/The ABC's for Godly Girls</a></em></strong> by Lindsey @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-road-to-31" target="_blank">The Road To 31</a> ($19.98)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/warrior-weekend" target="_blank">The Warrior Weekend: Helping Dads Raise Boys to Be Godly Men</a></em></strong> by Patrick & Ruth @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/for-the-family" target="_blank">For the Family</a> ($4.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/FinancialShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/budget-breakthrough" target="_blank">5 Days to Budget Breakthrough: Change Your Money - Change Your Life</a></em></strong> by Kimberlee @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-peaceful-mom" target="_blank">The Peaceful Mom</a> ($5.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/free-things-to-do-with-kids" target="_blank">76 Free Things to Do with Kids: A Real Mom's Guide</a></em></strong> by Shannon @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/growingslower" target="_blank">Growing Slower</a> ($5.97)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/advanced-penny-pinching" target="_blank">Advanced Penny Pinching: Stockpile - Strategize - Save</a></em></strong> by Tabitha @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/meetpenny" target="_blank">Meet Penny</a> ($3.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/cash-flow-your-college" target="_blank">Cash Flow Your College: Knowledge in Your Head Without Getting in the Red</a></em></strong> by Kayla @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/renown-and-crowned" target="_blank">Renown and Crowned</a> ($2.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/christian-wealth-building" target="_blank">Christian Wealth Building</a></em></strong> by Michael @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/michaelpink" target="_blank">MichaelPink.com</a> ($77.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/me-or-the-coupons" target="_blank">It's Me or the Coupons: How a Busy Mom Can Win the Grocery Budget Battle</a></em></strong> by Beth @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/eat-better-spend-less" target="_blank">Eat Better Spend Less</a> ($10.00)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/HealthShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/healing-with-gods-earthly-gifts" target="_blank">Healing With God's Earthly Gifts: Natural and Herbal Remedies</a></em></strong> by Kate @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/modern-alternative-mama" target="_blank">Modern Alternative Mama</a> ($7.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">My Simple Healthy Life: A Minimalist Approach to Herbal Remedies, Beauty & Natural Cleaning</a></em></strong> by Tammie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-healthy-tasty" target="_blank">Simple. Healthy. Tasty.</a> ($5.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-natural-health" target="_blank">Simple Natural Health: Wellness Made Easy</a></em></strong> by Nina @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/shalom-mama" target="_blank">Shalom Mama</a> ($10.00)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/HolidaysShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/100-days-of-a-new-year-2014" target="_blank">100 Days of a New Year 2014 eBook</a></em></strong> by Jennifer @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/list-plan-it" target="_blank">ListPlanIt.com</a> ($8.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/christmas-printables" target="_blank">Christmas Printables for Kids</a></em></strong> by Kristy @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/little-natural-cottage" target="_blank">Little Natural Cottage</a> ($2.50)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/feast" target="_blank">Feast! Real Food, Reflections, and Simple Living for the Christian Year</a></em></strong> by Daniel & Haley @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/carrots-for-michaelmas" target="_blank">Carrots for Michaelmas</a> ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://morethanaholidaydevo.com/hero-area/?ap_id=whocanstand" target="_blank">More Than a Holiday: A 25-Day Christmas Devotional for the Whole Family</a></em></strong> by Scott and Sarah @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-life-abundant-life" target="_blank">Simple Life Abundant Life</a> ($7.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/more-than-candy" target="_blank">More Than Candy: A 25-Day Christmas Countdown that Counts</a></em></strong> by Sarah Mae @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/sarah-mae" target="_blank">SarahMae.com</a> ($4.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/HomeschoolingShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/101-toddler-activities" target="_blank">101 Independent Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers</a></em></strong> by MaryEllen @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/imperfect-homemaker" target="_blank">Imperfect Homemaker</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/new-england-primer-sets" target="_blank">1777 New England Primer Cursive/Manuscript Printable Alphabet Sets</a></em></strong> by Jacinda @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/growing-home" target="_blank">Growing Home</a> ($5.98)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/simple-homeschool-planner" target="_blank">A Simple Homeschool Planner</a></em></strong> by Tsh @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-art-of-simple" target="_blank">The Art of Simple</a> ($4.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/charlotte-mason-way" target="_blank">The Charlotte Mason Way Explained</a></em></strong> by Dollie @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/teachers-of-good-things" target="_blank">Teachers of Good Things</a> ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/preschool-journey" target="_blank">The Preschool Journey</a></em></strong> by Angela @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/teaching-mama" target="_blank">Teaching Mama</a> ($6.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/weekly-homeschool-planner" target="_blank">Weekly Homeschool Planner</a></em></strong> by Jolanthe @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/homeschool-creations" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations</a> ($20.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/you-can-read" target="_blank">You Can Read</a></em></strong> by Carisa @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/one-plus-one-plus-one-equals-one" target="_blank">1+1+1=1</a> ($10.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/write-through-the-bible" target="_blank">Write Through the Bible: Exodus 20 (KJV, Manuscript)</a></em></strong> by Trisha @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/intoxicated-on-life" target="_blank">Intoxicated on Life</a> ($5.00)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/PregnancyShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/baby-ready" target="_blank">Baby Ready: Preparing For and Adapting to Life with Baby</a></em></strong> by Monica @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/happy-and-blessed-home" target="_blank">Happy and Blessed Home</a> ($7.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/breastfeeding-twins-triplets-more" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and More!</a></em></strong> by Jennifer @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/growing-up-triplets" target="_blank">Growing Up Triplets</a> ($10.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/cloth-diapers" target="_blank">Cloth Diapers: A How-To Handbook on the Basics of Cloth Diapering</a></em></strong> by Rachel @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/intentionally-simple" target="_blank">Intentionally Simple</a> ($5.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/breastfeeding-lifeline" target="_blank">The Breastfeeding Lifeline: A Guide to Navigating the Newborn Days</a></em></strong> by the authors at <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/breastfeeding-place" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Place</a>: <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/raising-the-barrs" target="_blank">Anjanette Barr</a>, Michelle Ferguson, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/growing-up-triplets" target="_blank">Jennifer Fountain</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/intoxicated-on-life" target="_blank">Trisha Gilkerson</a>, Sarah Harkins, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/atta-mama" target="_blank">Shary Lopez</a>, <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/smithspirations" target="_blank">Kristen Smith</a>, and Rhiana Wackenhuth. ($5.95)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/minimalist-moms-guide" target="_blank">The Minimalist Mom's Guide to Baby's First Year</a></em></strong> by Rachel @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-minimalist-mom" target="_blank">The Minimalist Mom</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/topical-devotions-for-pregnancy" target="_blank">Topical Devotions for Pregnancy: 13 Devotions to Nourish Your Soul</a></em></strong> by Becky @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/purposeful-homemaking" target="_blank">Purposeful Homemaking</a> ($3.99)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/SelfCareShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/21-days-more-disciplined-life" target="_blank">21 Days to a More Disciplined Life</a></em></strong> by Crystal @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/money-saving-mom" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/equipped" target="_blank">Equipped: Because You've Been Made to Live On Purpose</a></em></strong> by Elisa @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/more-to-be" target="_blank">More to Be</a> ($6.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/live-for-him" target="_blank">Live for Him: A Grace-Filled Look at Planning</a></em></strong> by Leigh Ann @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/intentional-by-grace" target="_blank">Intentional By Grace</a> ($2.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/homeschool-moms-guide-to-daylight" target="_blank">The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight: Managing Your Days Through the Homeschool Years</a></em></strong> by Heidi @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-busy-mom" target="_blank">The Busy Mom</a> ($10.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/your-retreat" target="_blank">Your Retreat: A Guide to Giving Yourself a Personal Planning Day</a></em></strong> by Erin @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/the-humbled-homemaker" target="_blank">The Humbled Homemaker</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/WorkingFromHomeShelf.png" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/blog-planner-2014" target="_blank">Blog Planner 2014</a></em></strong> by Sarah @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/my-joy-filled-life" target="_blank">My Joy-Filled Life</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/blog-at-home-mom" target="_blank">Blog at Home Mom: Balancing Blogging and Motherhood</a></em></strong> by Christin @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/joyful-mothering" target="_blank">Joyful Mothering</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/faithleaps" target="_blank">FaithLeaps: The Christian Mom's Guide to Passion, Purpose, and Profits</a></em></strong> by Alyssa @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/alyssa-avant" target="_blank">AlyssaAvant.com</a> ($4.99)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/monkey-see-monkey-do" target="_blank">Monkey See, Monkey Do: A Tutorial to Using PicMonkey with Professional Results</a></em></strong> by Richele @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/under-the-golden-apple-tree" target="_blank">Under the Golden Apple Tree</a> ($8.00)</li>
<li><strong><em><a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/blog-planning-kit" target="_blank">The Blog Planning Kit: A System to Maximize Your Blogging Efforts</a></em></strong> by Kat @ <a href="http://ultimate-bundles.com/go/how-they-blog" target="_blank">How They Blog</a> ($15.00)</li>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
What are the Ultimate Homemaking Bonus Offers? <br />
($200+ value)</span></h3>
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bonus/a798/" target="_blank"><img alt="bonus-images" height="205" src="https://ubhome2014graphics.s3.amazonaws.com/UHomB/BonusImages.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="400" /></a><br />
In addition to all the amazing eResources, this bundle includes the best bonus offers it's ever had. These deals are <strong>worth over six times the price of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle</strong>.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><strong>DaySpring</strong>—A <strong>FREE</strong> 10-pack of <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/cards/by_product/bundle_bonus_card_packs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Premium Greeting Cards">Premium Greeting Cards</a>. <em>(<strong>$20.00 Value</strong>. Standard shipping applies.)</em></li>
<li><strong>HopeInk</strong>—$15 <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/hopeink?ref=em" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="HopeInk">HopeInk</a> store credit to be used towards anything + a FREE 8×10 Art Print with order. <em>(<strong>$39.00 Value</strong>. Standard shipping applies.)</em></li>
<li><strong>Redeeming Beauty Mineral Makeup</strong>—3 <strong> FREE</strong> eyeshadows of your choice from <a href="http://www.redeemingbeautyminerals.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Redeeming Beauty">Redeeming Beauty</a>. <em>(<strong>$16.47 Value</strong>. Standard shipping applies - only ships to US and Canada.)</em></li>
<li><strong>Marie-Madeline Studio</strong>—A $15 store credit for anything in <a href="http://mariemadelinestudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Marie-Madeline Studio">Marie-Madeline Studio's</a> online store. <em>(<strong>$15.00 value.</strong> Standard shipping applies.)</em></li>
<li><strong>Once a Month Meals</strong>—A <strong>FREE</strong> One Month Pro Membership from <a href="http://onceamonthmeals.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Once a Month Meals">Once a Month Meals</a>. <em>(<strong>$16.00 Value</strong>. No shipping required.)</em></li>
<li><strong>Dizolve</strong>—<strong>FREE</strong> 64-load pack of <a href="http://mydizolve.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Dizolve Laundry Strips">Dizolve Laundry Strips</a> for you PLUS a Free 64-load pack of Dizolve Laundry Strips for food banks. <em>(<strong>$25.98 value</strong>. Standard shipping [$3] applies. Only ships in the US.)</em></li>
<li><strong>TrilLight Health</strong>—Get a <strong>FREE</strong> 2 oz. bottle of a liquid health formula OR $15 store credit from <a href="http://trilighthealth.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Trilight Health">Trilight Health</a>. <em>(<strong>$15.00 Value.</strong> Standard shipping rates apply.)</em></li>
<li><strong>ListPlanIt</strong>—Free 3-month membership OR 3 free ePlanners from <a href="https://www.listplanit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="ListPlanIt">ListPlanIt</a>. <em>(<strong>$15.00 value.</strong> No shipping required.)</em></li>
<li><strong>Bulk Herb Store</strong>—Instant download of the instructional video <em>Making Herbs Simple Volume 2</em> for FREE from <a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Bulk Herb Store">Bulk Herb Store</a>. <em>(up to a <strong>$15.00 Value</strong>. No shipping required.)</em></li>
<li><strong>Fit2B™ Studio</strong>—FREE 2-Month Online Fitness Membership at <a href="http://fit2b.us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Fit2B™ Studio">Fit2B™ Studio</a>. <em>(up to a <strong>$20.00 Value</strong>. No shipping required.)</em></li>
</ol>
<br />
<a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/pdf/a798/" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy the PDF Bundle" height="65" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ubhome2014graphics/UHomB/Buy-PDF.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto;" width="300" /></a><a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/kindle/a798/" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy the Kindle Bundle" height="65" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/ubhome2014graphics/UHomB/Buy-Kindle.png" style="display: block; margin: 0 auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Remember, this bundle is available for 6 days only, from <strong>8 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, April 23 to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 28th.</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong> <br />
<h3>
To celebrate the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle we're reviewing and giving away four e-books this week, each on a different day. You can still enter <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/04/10-homemade-remedies-youll-actually-use.html" target="_blank"><u>yesterday's giveaway</u></a>, and come back tomorrow for a chance to win!</h3>
<br />
(And in the meantime, check with your husband about making the <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" target="_blank">Ultimate Homemaking Bundle</a> part of your home library!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<em><br />
</em> <em><br />
</em> <em><br />
</em> <em>Disclosure: If you buy the bundle through our links, we will receive a small portion of the sale - and we will really appreciate it - <b>THANK YOU :)</b> Our sincere prayer is that as you'll have blessed us, the resources and products available here will be a blessing to you and to your family. Here's <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/fineprint/a798/" target="_blank">the fine print</a> and also answers to <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/faq/a798/" target="_blank">frequently asked questions</a> about the bundle.</em>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BXciYCHuR38%2FUVXi8joUGgI%2FAAAAAAAAG5o%2F0Vl_uLQp5kY%2Fs1600%2FStephanie.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-7200491282476663112014-04-22T18:09:00.000-07:002014-04-22T18:22:25.057-07:0010 Homemade Remedies You'll Actually Use! (One Week. Four Giveaways.)I'm not the only one who has Pinterest boards full of natural remedies and DIY cleaners, but never implements any of them, am I? That's something we call "paralysis by analysis". How am I supposed to choose from the 174 different kinds of natural cold and flu concoctions or the 63 versions of a lemon and vinegar cleaning solutions? It's overwhelming!<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>And that is why I love <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">My Simple, Healthy Life</a> - it really is what it claims to be: "<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank"><u>A Minimalist Approach</u> to Herbal Remedies, Beauty and Natural Cleaning</a>". Isn't this what we all want? Tried and true recipes from a real person!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADK2_r8Dt1o/U1cOKtLGkfI/AAAAAAAAA3w/ismhsgSAeCo/s1600/simplehealthylife.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADK2_r8Dt1o/U1cOKtLGkfI/AAAAAAAAA3w/ismhsgSAeCo/s1600/simplehealthylife.png" height="320" width="254" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>"This book has really been in the making for the past 18 years as I have found and formulated the things we most often need and use. Some recipes have come and gone but these have stuck around and we have used them often (many of them every day) for years now." - Tammie, author of <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">My Simple, Healthy Life</a></blockquote><br />
This e-book isn't boasting 200 homemade medicines, because how many of those would you really make? The beauty of <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">My Simple, Healthy Life</a> is that Tammie has only included the 10 herbal remedies that you really will use. Maybe you'd want to start by making the Beat The Flu Elderberry Syrup (because that stuff really works, but it sure is expensive at the natural health store!), or how about the Calm Tummy or Immune Boost remedies to keep the whole family healthy and feeling good? Looking for something REALLY simple to start with - try the Hot Honey recipe for that sore throat you feel coming on. Doesn't get more practical than this, does it?<br />
<br />
Tammie also includes 5 DIY cosmetics (including mascara and two types of natural deodorant) and 5 DIY cleaners - all you need to keep a sparkly clean house...along with a little elbow grease! You won't have to worry about dangerous chemical residue - and you won't be racking your brain wondering which natural laundry detergent is best - Tammie just gives you one that works!<br />
<br />
Owning <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">My Simple Healthy Life</a> will pay for itself over and over when you no longer need to be stocking your cabinets with Pepto Bismal, Nyquil, Mr. Clean and Revlon (or their even more expensive "natural" counterparts. Offered for only $5.95, <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=169474&c=ib&aff=250766" target="_blank">My Simple Healthy Life</a> really will make your life simpler and healthier.<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/272dcd8/" id="rc-272dcd8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script> <br />
This giveaway (along with all the others this week) will end Sunday night - so be sure to enter this week! The winners of all the giveaways will all be announced here on Monday morning. <b>Come back Thursday for our second giveaway</b> <b>celebrating <a href="https://us154.infusionsoft.com/go/bundle/a798/" target="_blank">The Ultimate Homemaker's Bundle</a>!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TREZMOw2Qc/U1cNur9MjkI/AAAAAAAAA3s/sKzSd0O4IwA/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TREZMOw2Qc/U1cNur9MjkI/AAAAAAAAA3s/sKzSd0O4IwA/s1600/bundle_giveaways.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whocanstandblog.com%2F2014%2F04%2F10-homemade-remedies-youll-actually-use.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-6TREZMOw2Qc%2FU1cNur9MjkI%2FAAAAAAAAA3o%2FJgsq2Zau9dU%2Fs1600%2Fbundle_giveaways.jpg&description=10%20Homemade%20Remedies%20You%26%23x27%3Bll%20Actually%20Use%20(Giveaway%20%231!)" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><br />
</b> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-77312755273741206882014-04-14T16:15:00.000-07:002014-11-14T12:21:40.834-08:00Why We Don't Have 5pm Meltdowns Anymore! (Build A Menu Review)<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(For the month of November the yearly membership is only $35 - over 50% off! This sale only happens twice a year so now is definitely the time to sign up! Head on over to <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> now and use coupon code: BAMfor35)</span></h2>
It's 5pm, <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2013/11/how-do-you-keep-your-toddler-busy.html" target="_blank">your toddler wants your attention</a>, your newborn is crying, and you have no plans for dinner - sound familiar? It was an all too frequent occurrence in our house! At this point you can blow the grocery budget by eating out, or deal with the stress of coming up with something to eat, making it, eating late and by that time everyone's really cranky (or at least all of us who aren't Andrew - he is cool as a cucumber no matter what!). We all know the BEST way to really deal with the 5pm meltdown is to PREVENT it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKPas4a2b50/U0xAAnJzXmI/AAAAAAAAA2o/o1rG80BXpCk/s1600/meltdowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKPas4a2b50/U0xAAnJzXmI/AAAAAAAAA2o/o1rG80BXpCk/s1600/meltdowns.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This past January, two things changed in our house: first, we <a href="http://www.whocanstandblog.com/2014/02/our-baby-girl-birth-story.html" target="_blank">gave birth to our darling Elisabeth</a>, and second we subscribed to <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a>. And let me tell you - the latter has made a world of a difference in dealing with the former! I can honestly say that since having Elisabeth we have had WAY less 5pm meltdowns than before she was born! My dinnertime prep with two children has been easier than when I had one!<br />
<br />
How does this work, you may ask? I'll tell you! Each Wednesday I log into my <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> account and <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">select my grocery store</a>. This is an awesome feature for those of you who live in the USA, because they update their meals and prices for that week based on the sales at whichever store you shop at. (There is also a generic option if you don't use any of the stores listed - for us Canadians I think the only specific option is Wal-Mart). <br />
<br />
After that is when the fun begins! You can choose from a number of different categories: Dinner (the one I use most), Desserts (our second most used one), Breakfast, Snacks, etc. And then for each of those you have a whole BUNCH of different options for meals! The ones I choose from most are Dine-on-a-Dime, Slow Cooker Meals, Family Friendly, and Manly Meals. There are also options for Gluten-Free, Clean Eating, Vegetarian, Trim Healthy Mama and many more. You're welcome to mix and match as much as you'd like, and can save which meals are your favourite.<br />
<br />
My favourite thing about <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> is how easy the meals are. Most dinners consist of two or three lines of instructions and are made up of basic ingredients. We're on a pretty tight budget these days, and I really appreciate being able to make delicious, tasty meals without having to go out and buy special ingredients every week. As well, with two little ones underfoot, part of what is keeping things sane around here is making simple meals. <br />
<br />
So each week, I sit down in front of my computer for probably 30 minutes to plan my meals for the week - and it saves us from hours of insanity prior to dinnertime! I first take a look at what we've got going that week, and plan my meals around that. I always pick one or two slow cooker meals and make those on days when we have plans to go out during the day, leaving the meals that take a bit more prep for days when I know we'll be home in the afternoon. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> puts together your grocery list for you, and also combines all your recipes into one document which can be printed off, and which you can always access retroactively. Meals we've tried and love so far include: Coconut Beef Stew, Salmon Quiche, Mexican Squash Ground Beef Casserole, and Slow Cooker Thai Chicken - and they taste as good as they sound! I know that with the <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> meals I don't have to stress about special prep, and I can rest assured we'll be eating a tasty meal come five-thirty!<br />
<br />
Now that I've got your mouth watering -<b> <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">head on over to Build A Menu</a> and check things out for yourself! </b>You can sign up for one month for $8, or jump in for a year which is just over $6 a month. And <b>they have a 30 day money back guarantee - so you really have nothing to lose by <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">giving it a try</a>....except maybe those 5pm meltdowns :)</b><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">For the month of November the yearly membership is only $35 - over 50% off! This sale only happens twice a year so now is definitely the time to sign up! Head on over to <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> now and use coupon code: BAMfor35 </span></h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIF7cEherpw/U2fGEXFGhTI/AAAAAAAAA5s/7CfTDFd614Y/s1600/BAMsecret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pIF7cEherpw/U2fGEXFGhTI/AAAAAAAAA5s/7CfTDFd614Y/s1600/BAMsecret.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Heads up! </b> If you subscribe to <a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a> through our links, we receive a small portion of the sale - and we will really appreciate it - THANK YOU! </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.buildamenu.com/share/2991" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Build A Menu</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> really has made our life easier and my sincere prayer is that it will do the same for you! :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Linked up at </span><a href="http://growinghomeblog.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Growing Home</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.themodestmomblog.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">The Modest Mom</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Raising Homemakers</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://walkingredeemed.org/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Walking Redeemed</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Raising Arrows</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.raisingmightyarrows.net/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Raising Mighty Arrows</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, and </span><a href="http://www.gracedsimplicity.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Graced Simplicity</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Thrive @ Home</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Serving Joyfully</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-34943282928433057402014-04-10T10:21:00.000-07:002014-04-10T10:21:26.856-07:00So You Think You're a Good Wife?I think I'm a pretty good wife. It's easy enough for me to look around and find people who are cheating on their spouse, constantly bickering with one another, show no affection, and so on, to make me feel good about how I'm doing. And it seems like a really popular message these days for women is "don't be too hard on yourself" and maybe this IS a message lots of women, mothers especially, need to hear. But I think often as wives, we could use a little shove in the other direction. A little more tough love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4H6H3yimjDA/U0bSa0dZxzI/AAAAAAAAA2M/jTjPO9kKBnQ/s1600/goodwifeGH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4H6H3yimjDA/U0bSa0dZxzI/AAAAAAAAA2M/jTjPO9kKBnQ/s1600/goodwifeGH.png" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
See, when we compare ourselves to the world, we may come out looking pretty good. But if you're a Christian, there is a higher standard. This is where maybe you're worried I'm going to start talking about submission, but I don't even have to go there. Let's instead look at a passage everyone loves: 1 Corinthians 13.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor 13: 4-7)</blockquote>
<br />
This is not the mushy, feel good verse it's often made out to be. <b>This is hard stuff.</b> There is no clause in this verse that says "Love is patient and kind ... when you are being loved in return". And sure, you can say "But my husband is supposed to love me like this too!", and you'd be right. <b>But see, you aren't responsible for him - you are responsible for you.</b><br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="http://www.growinghomeblog.com/think-youre-good-wife/" target="_blank">Read the rest at Growing Home</a>, where I am very honoured to be guest posting for one of my dearest real-life friends!</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /></a>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BXciYCHuR38%2FUVXi8joUGgI%2FAAAAAAAAG5o%2F0Vl_uLQp5kY%2Fs1600%2FStephanie.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-52099943927507341422014-04-03T18:22:00.000-07:002014-04-07T08:00:41.983-07:00The Rise of the New "More Equal" Class<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">In Orwell's book, Animal Farm, the pigs launched a campaign to rid the animals of the existing order of the farm (which in the book, was pretty bad at the time), and started a system where every animal was equal. They were successful. However, over time we see that the pigs had a plan to take all authority and enjoy all the benefits from the work the other animals contributed. Everyone was equal, but the pigs were "more equal."</span><br />
<div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">It seems there is a new "more equal" class that will not allow someone who thinks differently then themselves take a place of leadership. It is strange, yet predictable, that an agenda supposedly supporting "inclusiveness" makes its aim the exclusion of everyone except those who support their cause. Because Brendan Eich, an eminently qualified individual for leading Mozilla, has supported traditional marriage, he has been forced to "resign" (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Eich" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, <a href="http://www.worldmag.com/2014/04/mozilla_ceo_faces_firestorm_over_support_for_traditional_marriage" target="_blank">World</a>).</div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">The march of the <a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1561529/posts" target="_blank">communist agenda</a> continues.</div></div><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfxcJ8wZq38/UVXi6-o1QjI/AAAAAAAAG5g/qt4LU5vF-50/s1600/Andrew.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-28144541954689527602014-04-03T04:39:00.001-07:002014-04-03T07:00:05.177-07:00Add a Little Ladylike Style to Your Wardrobe {Pinspiration Post}I'm going to try something new around where every once in a while I'll write a post on a specific topic with some inspiration from Pinterest, as well as some tips from yours truly!<br />
<br />
To kick things off, and with the hope of warmer weather in mind, here's some ways you can <b>imbue your outfits with a touch of femininity this spring, while still remaining modest and comfortable as the weather changes</b>! Even if it's raining and you've thrown on jeans and a t-shirt, it's as easy as this to still achieve that ladylike style!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4N7HRXi7fI/UzYQzYSM3kI/AAAAAAAAAzs/jNGsy53U9qA/s1600/ladylikestylecollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P4N7HRXi7fI/UzYQzYSM3kI/AAAAAAAAAzs/jNGsy53U9qA/s1600/ladylikestylecollage3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca%2F2014%2F04%2Fadd-little-ladylike-style-to-your.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-P4N7HRXi7fI%2FUzYQzYSM3kI%2FAAAAAAAAAzs%2FjNGsy53U9qA%2Fs1600%2Fladylikestylecollage3.jpg&description=5%20Ways%20to%20Add%20%23Ladylike%20%23Style%20to%20your%20wardrobe!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Add a little sparkle </h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's as simple as putting on a bit of jewelry, a sparkly headband, or finding basic items that already have some bling on them.</span><br />
<br />
<center>
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422711190/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422716957/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422703039/"></a><br />
</center>
<br />
<h2>
Add a little pink </h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm biased because its always been my favourite colour, and I know it's the stereotypical girly colour, but for that very reason it will give you a look of youthful femininity!</span><br />
<br />
<center>
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422702996/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422716952/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422703066/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840421568792/"></a><br />
</center>
<br />
<h2>
Add a bow </h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bows are great because they can transform an outfit - and depending on the size, fabric, location, etc can be either whimsical or stately.</span><br />
<br />
<center>
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422703046/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422703035/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422717128/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422702983/"></a><br />
</center>
<br />
<h2>
Add flowers (to your hair!)</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">What a better sign of spring than putting a colourful bit of nature on. Though they won't last long (if they're real), they are sure to make those around you smile.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422711185/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422703037/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422702971/"></a></center>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<h2>
Add a smile</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">You'll look better and feel better! </span><br />
<center>
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422717025/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422717000/"></a><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-do="embedPin" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840422717388/"></a><br />
</center>
<br />
But remember <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Flesh and blood examples of outward beauty like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn may inspire us to carry ourselves with a little more dignity, but what should really raise our chins and straighten our backs is to know that we are perfectly, matchlessly loved by Christ (<a href="http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/author/jasminebaucham/" target="_blank">Jasmine Bauchum</a>)</blockquote>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<br />
<h3>
Link up to your Pinterest style boards in the comments!</h3>
<br />
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="320" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="http://www.pinterest.com/whocanstand1/ladylike-style/">Follow Stephanie @ Who Can Stand's board Ladylike Style on Pinterest.</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Linked up at </span><a href="http://growinghomeblog.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Growing Home</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.themodestmomblog.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">The Modest Mom</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Raising Homemakers</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://walkingredeemed.org/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Walking Redeemed</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Raising Arrows</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.raisingmightyarrows.net/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Raising Mighty Arrows</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, and </span><a href="http://www.gracedsimplicity.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Graced Simplicity</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Thrive @ Home</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">, </span><a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">Serving Joyfully</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-66479865790743800572014-03-31T04:58:00.000-07:002014-04-03T06:59:35.762-07:00NOAH: "The least biblical film ever made" -Aronovsky. "ANTI-biblical" - WhoCanStand. (A Christian Review)Here at WHO CAN STAND, <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/05/the-bible-holds-up-to-our-scrutiny.html" target="_blank">we stand on the truth of Scripture.</a> And so when it comes to Hollywood depictions, we understand that they will always fall short of the beauty of the biblical story. There will be areas where directors and screenwriters will have to make decisions about what to depict where Scripture is silent, and we knew this had to be the case with the Noah movie. However, we can hope the filmmakers remain faithful to the context of the whole Bible, which the Noah movie most certainly failed to do. The movie is not only unbiblical (including extra-biblical information and getting certain information wrong) but more importantly it is <b>anti-biblical</b>. It goes against what we know to be true about God, men, and their relationship with one another. <br />
<br />
(We have seen the movie and are going to be free with sharing any part of the plot relevant to our points throughout this review, just so you know!)<br />
<br />
The worst thing about the Noah movie was how it depicted God - referred to as "The Creator" throughout the film. The God in the movie gives Noah limited information about what will happen and leaves him in confusion about how to fulfill His plans. By the resolution of the movie, it's been "made clear" that "God" did this on purpose, so as to allow Noah himself to make the decision about what would be the outcome of mankind. The movie puts mercy strictly in the hand of Noah - stripping "God" of it almost completely. Noah's wife reiterates that their family is "good" because they have "love in their hearts", and "Isn't that all you need to be good?", she asks. Noah - who rightly sees the wickedness within all of them - understands that it would be just if God chose for them to die. What the movie fails to show is it was God's mercy that saved Noah, his family, and mankind. In the film, in not murdering his grandchildren, it is Noah who is shown to be merciful, not God, and Noah's mercy is made out as potentially disobedient to God.<br />
<br />
In truth, God's mercy towards mankind is completed in the work of bringing Jesus Christ through the lineage of Noah. When you read the biblical text, you get a sense of the hope within the story - hope which points to and is realized in the death and resurrection of Jesus - who was foreshadowed even at the fall of Adam and Eve. There is little hope in the resolution of the Noah movie, and there is no allusion to a coming savior. (As a Jewish atheist, one wouldn't expect this from Aronofsky, but even he would know that God was preserving the line of Noah in order to bring the Messiah.) <br />
<br />
Many have spoken of the environmental slant of the film, and the truth is that we get a glimpse of what radical environmentalism does look like in the lunacy of Noah in the second half of the film. His desire is only to see the animals and creation saved and preserved in a state untouched by humans. Noah values animal life over human life - like some of the proponents of the environmental movement today. Aronofsky paints an accurate picture of the logical outworking of radical environmentalism. The scene of Noah climbing the ladder and walking along the top of the ark with the look of a crazed madman with a knife in hand to kill his grand-daughters is an insight into the dark thoughts of some radical environmentalists.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dSGB8lNTqA/UzjOygGcOXI/AAAAAAAAAz8/NFt4UqTQtm4/s1600/Noah1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dSGB8lNTqA/UzjOygGcOXI/AAAAAAAAAz8/NFt4UqTQtm4/s1600/Noah1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Noah's apparent 180 with regards to the preservation of mankind is not only unbiblical, but it doesn't even make sense within the context of the film. Noah sees the wickedness of man and recognizes it in both himself and each of his individual family members and without much explanation this leads him to decide God wants the human race to end with them, and it is Noah's duty to kill anyone who may foil "God's plan" - even if they are his own grandchildren. <br />
<br />
This creates the major theological issue discussed earlier - that God, as depicted in the movie, has apparently left judgement and mercy both in the hands of Noah and is taking a "hands off" approach to the whole ordeal. When Noah spares his grand-daughters, he believes he is going against God's will. This problem is apparently resolved when his daughter-in-law explains to him that when God chose Noah to build the ark, He was also choosing him to decide whether or not to destroy mankind or to let it continue. In Scripture we see something quite to the contrary. God chose Noah because he was a just and righteous man. God instructed Noah to bring his sons and their wives onto the ark, and the first instruction He gives them when they leave the ark is to "be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth." (Genesis 9:1 and similarly in Genesis 9:7). So we see that it was God's plan from the start for Noah and his family to be saved and to continue to procreate. Nowhere in Scripture do we see the idea that God created the earth to be free of mankind. Though a popular idea in some circles, it is strictly anti-biblical.<br />
<br />
When we exchange the truth of God's plan for mankind with the lie of population control we get ugly things like "gendercide". It is only too common in India, China and becoming more common here in North America and was depicted in the film when Noah planned to kill his grandchildren only if they were girls. Having recently known the joy of birthing a baby girl, we cannot imagine the pain which endures in cultures where the knowledge that one is carrying a girl may be the worst thing you could hear - because it means your daughter will be murdered before she's born (or shortly after). Anyone who was disturbed by the film Noah's decision to murder his grandchildren because they are girls, but supports abortion, should question why they support a form of execution which has been the tool of choice in the capital punishment of well over 100 million (<a href="http://www.economist.com/node/15606229" target="_blank">The Economist, March 2010</a>) baby girls whose only crime was to be a girl. The term capital punishment is used intentionally, though loosely, because in almost all cases, the state condones the execution. (This also applies to feminists who support abortion - you can't support the abortion of babies but not support the abortion of girl babies - it just doesn't make sense. If you think otherwise, please try to make a coherent argument for it in the comments.)<br />
<br />
While we're on the topic of women, just note that throughout the film it is the women who consistently are the most compassionate, wise, and insightful characters. We believe, of course, that women can be all these things - but so can men. Could this be another subtle attempt within the feminist agenda to discredit men as foolish, crazy or unfeeling? (<a href="http://themattwalshblog.com/2014/03/13/an-open-letter-to-liberal-feminists-girls-dont-have-it-any-worse-than-boys/" target="_blank">Read this.</a>)<br />
<br />
You've probably already heard about the rock watchers... Some are saying they are inspired by the "sons of God" or the "giants" from Genesis 6, but really we don't see angels encased in rock anywhere in Scripture. More so, the whole idea that God would use disobedient angels to save mankind (and then forgive and redeem them) is contradictory to what we know of God's dealing with men and angels.<br />
<br />
We could spend all night listing inaccuracies but here are a few more:<br />
1. There was no need for numerous animals of the same kind to be on the ark, because natural selection gives us all the different species in a specific kind. Can a reasonable engineer, mathematician, or zoologist believe that all the animals we see in the world today could have come from ancestors that together fit in the ark? <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab3/how-could-animals-fit-on-ark" target="_blank">Yes!</a><br />
2. There were 8 people who entered the ark - Noah and his wife and his three sons and their wives - and Noah was clearly instructed to bring them.<br />
3. Though it is true that men did not eat meat before the flood, the movie failed to show that God allowed them to eat meat after the flood - he did not expect them to be perpetual vegetarians.<br />
<br />
The one major thing we feel was done well is that the depravity of mankind was clearly displayed. Man sinned in the garden, choosing his own ways over God's ways. This led to toil, pain, death and murder, to the point where "every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5) In the movie girls are sold for food. This is the kind of world that God in His justice chose to destroy. We also see that even after the flood, sin was still in the world - as it is today. You only have to read a few verses after the flood has ended to see Noah's drunkenness and Ham's wrongdoing. Again, what the movie fails to show is God's redemptive power in the face of such wickedness.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Two BAD Reasons to See the Noah Movie </h2>
"A secular studio has spent hundreds of millions of dollars telling a Bible story - we should support them!" But if they butcher the plot, twist the characters, and make a heresy of God, the hundreds of millions of dollars were spent in deceiving millions of people. Support studios that make Christian films which are true to the Bible.<br />
<br />
"You need to see it so you'll have a conversation starter with unsaved friends." Here's a better way you can start a conversation with unsaved friends: like Noah, live a life of radical righteousness. <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2014/02/10-ways-to-love-honour-your-wife-day.html" target="_blank">Show Christlike love to your wife.</a> <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/02/10-simple-ways-to-show-respect-to-your.html" target="_blank">Respect</a> and <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2014/02/10-simple-ways-to-honour-your-husband.html" target="_blank">honour your husband.</a> <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/03/why-read-leviticus-to-your-children.html" target="_blank">Raise your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.</a> <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/04/will-you-make-difference-in-lives-of.html" target="_blank">Take care of the poor and needy in your community.</a> Love your enemies. These sort of counter-cultural actions, done in obedience and out of love for Christ, will give you ample opportunities to explain why you do what you do. <br />
<br />
<h2>
In Conclusion</h2>
The sad thing is that this movie had great potential. A talented cast and team coupled with a truly great, moving, and awesome true story can make for a potent combination. It was sad to leave the theater knowing that such an opportunity had been missed.<br />
<br />
We don't recommend the film. But we pray that God will raise up men and women who will take dominion even over the film industry - using it as a tool to bring glory to God and shine forth the truth of Scripture and the gospel to many.<br />
<br />
1 out of 4 stars from the Who Can Stand movie critics. Don't waste your money on this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kdhjN6ZIDc/UVXi98vnbLI/AAAAAAAAG5w/V5vRmSMmqXE/s1600/Signature.png" /><br />
<br />
We also recommend reading <a href="http://www.growinghomeblog.com/the-bigger-problem-with-the-noah-movie/" target="_blank">The Bigger Problem with the Noah Movie by Growing Home</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Linked up at <a href="http://growinghomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Growing Home</a>, <a href="http://www.themodestmomblog.com/" target="_blank">The Modest Mom</a>, <a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/" target="_blank">Raising Homemakers</a>, <a href="http://walkingredeemed.org/" target="_blank">Walking Redeemed</a>, <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/" target="_blank">Raising Arrows</a>, <a href="http://www.raisingmightyarrows.net/" target="_blank">Raising Mighty Arrows</a>, and <a href="http://www.gracedsimplicity.com/" target="_blank">Graced Simplicity</a>, <a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/" target="_blank">Thrive @ Home</a>, <a href="http://www.servingjoyfully.com/" target="_blank">Serving Joyfully</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-1951910162314619272014-03-25T18:25:00.002-07:002014-04-01T04:29:56.284-07:00Anniversary Memory Date!Andrew and I are celebrating 3 years since <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/03/planning-christ-centered-wedding.html" target="_blank">our wedding day</a>! I know many of you have probably been married much longer than that (Maybe even 25 years? Shout it out in the comments!). <br />
<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17oiUPSThVDMtT6Xn99R6aaNgclT2Sh2XwKdozNd4rdI/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">This is an activity</a> which will be a blessing no matter how long its been since your wedding day. It really doesn't need an explanation, and is just a wonderful excuse to take a trip down memory lane. <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17oiUPSThVDMtT6Xn99R6aaNgclT2Sh2XwKdozNd4rdI/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">You can change it up</a> - adding in the number of years you've been married, and even edit the memories you come up with. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0AEjEAYJPw/UzIqjPBqOVI/AAAAAAAAAzM/rCoZKRQNJ9A/s1600/anniversary+activity+preview2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0AEjEAYJPw/UzIqjPBqOVI/AAAAAAAAAzM/rCoZKRQNJ9A/s1600/anniversary+activity+preview2.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhocanstandagainst.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F03%2Fanniversary-memory-date.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-N0AEjEAYJPw%2FUzIqjPBqOVI%2FAAAAAAAAAzM%2FrCoZKRQNJ9A%2Fs1600%2Fanniversary%2Bactivity%2Bpreview2.jpg&description=A%20fun%20%23datenight%20activity%20for%20an%20%23anniversary"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had included two printouts of it in the March envelope for Andrew's <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/11/a-surprise-christmas-gift-for-your.html" target="_blank">Year of Dates Christmas present</a>, and we took them out the week before our anniversary. We are filling them in separately, and then tomorrow when we go out for dessert, we'll share our own with each other and I'm sure it will be a great way to remember all the ways that God has blessed us and shown himself faithful over the past three years.<br />
<br />
May it be a blessing to you and your spouse as well - <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17oiUPSThVDMtT6Xn99R6aaNgclT2Sh2XwKdozNd4rdI/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">download and edit yours here!</a><br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Linked up at <a href="http://growinghomeblog.com/" target="_blank">Growing Home</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-40106756180813581212014-03-11T18:11:00.004-07:002014-04-07T08:00:08.007-07:00We Need More People To Say "We Just Can't Afford That!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We love budgeting. Weird as it may be, it's true. <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2014/01/how-we-budget-and-getting-you-started.html" target="_blank">I wish everyone had a budget just so that they could have as much fun as I do at the end of the month!</a> But I know as well as you that it's fun to be on a budget as long as it's not really affecting you too much. Once you start having to give up things you really enjoy - dinner out with your spouse, coffee with friends, new clothes for your kids, expensive groceries - it sorta takes the fun out of it, doesn't it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On top of that, it's not very cool to be frugal. It's not even trendy to save money. What's trendy is to get the things you want...right away! To not worry about money! To live like there's no tomorrow! To just loosen up a little and have some fun - YOLO! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And its because of a cultural mentality like that, that we end up with images like this: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgbbUuGDTtM/Ux-Ny6u-q0I/AAAAAAAAAyM/zdNE0vpFkf0/s1600/national+debt.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgbbUuGDTtM/Ux-Ny6u-q0I/AAAAAAAAAyM/zdNE0vpFkf0/s1600/national+debt.PNG" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The US national debt in 1791 was 75 million, now it goes up by that much ever hour (<a href="http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/faq.html" target="_blank">source</a>). Total student loan debt has exceeded 1 trillion dollars (<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/specialfeatures/2013/08/07/how-the-college-debt-is-crippling-students-parents-and-the-economy/" target="_blank">source</a>). For houses that have credit card debt, the average credit card debt is $15,779. Mortgage lenders in America have more equity in homes than the American people do (<a href="http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/debt-slavery-30-facts-about-debt-in-america-that-will-blow-your-mind" target="_blank">source</a>). We can't afford our homes, cars, school or stuff. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wKlj5Wdlk4/Ux-yO4SSJlI/AAAAAAAAAyg/t7Z5Xiguxas/s1600/cantaffordthat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wKlj5Wdlk4/Ux-yO4SSJlI/AAAAAAAAAyg/t7Z5Xiguxas/s1600/cantaffordthat2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/v1ctor/6100003414/in/photostream/" target="_blank">original photo source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what's the solution? For starters, we need more people to be honest and say "We just can't afford that". Imagine the freedom!? Instead of all the worry and excuses about what to say to people, we'd just tell them to truth! And then maybe they'd feel better about doing the same, and everyone will start making wiser financial choices. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To inspire you, here's a list of a few of the things we "just can't afford" right now:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>a vacation</li>
<li>restaurant date nights</li>
<li>a second car (or a minivan)</li>
<li>organic free-range meat</li>
<li>a house (we rent)</li>
<li>cute new baby clothes</li>
</ul>
So the next time someone asks you to do/go/buy something that you shouldn't, instead of beating around the bush, take a deep breath and tell them the truth - we just can't afford that right now!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Are you with me?! What's on your list?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You might also enjoy: <br /><a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/11/debt-termination-story-of-family.html" target="_blank">Debt-termination: the story of a family climbing out of bondage</a><br /><a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/04/saving-money-in-your-babys-first-year.html" target="_blank">Saving Money In Your Baby's First Year</a> <br /><a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/11/moving-on-budget.html" target="_blank">Moving On A Budget</a></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BXciYCHuR38%2FUVXi8joUGgI%2FAAAAAAAAG5o%2F0Vl_uLQp5kY%2Fs1600%2FStephanie.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-82440308005491986642014-03-07T04:13:00.002-08:002014-03-07T04:13:49.242-08:00Blueberry Greek Yoghurt Cheesecake!I wanted to make something special for Andrew's 30th birthday last week but I also didn't want to spend a lot of extra money and, if I could help it, I wanted to avoid having to go to the grocery store again that week - not too much to ask right? :)<br />
<br />
<b>Using a combination of recipes, I created this - may I say - masterpiece! It really was delicious, and surprisingly easy.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYeIydSpJxE/UxmyAc70qrI/AAAAAAAAAx4/M1pXokaYY_k/s1600/blueberrygreekyoghurtcheesecake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYeIydSpJxE/UxmyAc70qrI/AAAAAAAAAx4/M1pXokaYY_k/s1600/blueberrygreekyoghurtcheesecake2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhocanstandagainst.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F03%2Fblueberry-greek-yoghurt-cheesecake.html&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MYeIydSpJxE%2FUxmyAc70qrI%2FAAAAAAAAAx4%2FM1pXokaYY_k%2Fs1600%2Fblueberrygreekyoghurtcheesecake2.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%2F*&description=Decadant%20blueberry%20cheesecake%20-%20made%20with%20greek%20yoghurt!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_636094931"></span><br />
<h3>
The Crust</h3>
<b>1.5 cups graham cracker or Oreo cookie crumbs (store bought or you can blend/crush some up)</b><br />
<b>6 tablespoons melted butter</b><br />
<br />
Mix together and press evenly into the bottom of a 10 or 12 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes until set. Remove from oven.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Cheesecake</h3>
<b>3 packages 8oz cream cheese</b><br />
<b>1.5 cups sugar</b><br />
<b>4 whole eggs</b><br />
<b>1/2 cup plain greek yoghurt (or use regular yoghurt but don't take the watery part when it separates)</b><br />
<br />
Beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in yoghurt. Pour into pan and smooth out top. Bake at 350F fro 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then turn off oven, open the oven door and let stand for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Topping</h3>
<b>3 cups blueberries (I used frozen)</b><br />
<b>1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar</b><br />
<b>2-4 tablespoons water</b><br />
<br />
Mix ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil at medium-high heat. Be careful not to burn. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until thickened, stirring occaisionally. Remove from heat and let cool.<br />
<br />
Pour cooled topping over cooled cheesecake and refrigerate at least 2 hours - the more the better. (I made mine two days ahead of time.) Remove from springform pan, slice, serve and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
(As a starting point I used recipes from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812042786/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0812042786&linkCode=as2&tag=whcast-20" target="_blank">The Joy of Cheesecake</a> (specifically for the crust) and Pioneer Woman's <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/07/blackberry-cheesecake/" target="_blank">Blackberry Cheesecake</a>.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" border="0" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-BXciYCHuR38%2FUVXi8joUGgI%2FAAAAAAAAG5o%2F0Vl_uLQp5kY%2Fs1600%2FStephanie.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-63025146882921691732014-03-05T10:49:00.003-08:002014-03-05T11:00:18.751-08:00THE OSCARS: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - a Christian perspectiveThere was a time when I started counting down to the Oscar's as soon as Christmas was over, tried to see all the movies that were nominated, and waited in anticipation to see what all the stars would be wearing. Instead this year, I realized the Oscar's were on one week before the date, I had seen only one of the films, and ... well I was still excited to see all those pretty dresses!<br />
<br />
After the crude behaviour from last year's host - I wasn't even sure I wanted to watch them this year. But hoping the producers of the show recognized the problem too,<b> I tuned in with a critical eye...</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejqSLZOWJzg/UxdwX8272II/AAAAAAAAAxo/WA2LoXANwvU/s1600/oscar+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ejqSLZOWJzg/UxdwX8272II/AAAAAAAAAxo/WA2LoXANwvU/s1600/oscar+photo.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhocanstandagainst.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F03%2Fthe-oscars-good-bad-and-ugly-christian.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ejqSLZOWJzg%2FUxdwX8272II%2FAAAAAAAAAxo%2FWA2LoXANwvU%2Fs1600%2Foscar%2Bphoto.jpg&description=OSCARS%202014%20-%20let%26%23x27%3Bs%20think%20critically%20about%20them!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Good</h3>
<b>It is a great thing to celebrate excellence.</b> The Bible tells us: "whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). The purpose of the Academy Awards is to recognize great achievements in various aspects of the film industry - from acting and directing, to editing, sound, costumes, etc. In doing so, they applaud what has been done, and spur others on to do their best. In times past, the Oscar's have recognized such great movies as Ben Hur, The Sound of Music, Chariots of Fire and Schindler's List. This year, 12 Years a Slave won Best Picture - the pre-Civil War story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was captured and sold into slavery. <b>Stories like this teach us about history, help us understand the depravity of man, and inspire us to seek justice in our own time. </b> They demonstrate not only an excellence in the technical aspects of film making, but the moral element as well. (After all, all movies are moral.) <br />
<br />
The theme of the Oscar broadcast this year was "Heroes", and we saw the celebration of other real life people through the nominated films, such as Captain Philips, who showed true manliness and heroism in putting his own life before those of his crew when his ship was taken hostage by Somali pirates. (This was the one movie we did see, and we also read part of his book which was very interesting.)<br />
<br />
There was a time when the majority of winners thanked God in their acceptance speeches - but last night this number was limited to two. Darlene Love, winner for Best Documentary Short, followed up her "Lord God I praise you!" with a soulful rendition of the lyrics true for any believer: "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. 'Cause His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me". <b>I don't know how many people in that theater understood the true meaning behind those words, but they at least saw the beauty in them - and she received a standing ovation. </b> For me, that was the highlight of the show. <br />
<br />
A surprising aspect of the show was the class many of the women showed in their dress selections. It has been common in years past to see low necklines and high slits, <b>but many of the women this year demonstrated that <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/04/you-can-dress-modestlywith-style.html" target="_blank">you can dress modestly with style</a> - whether you are 20, 60, or even pregnant:</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_nTD2tb_Q4/UxdfRHNnvxI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TsDmPXdL4OE/s1600/OscarModestStyle2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_nTD2tb_Q4/UxdfRHNnvxI/AAAAAAAAAxA/TsDmPXdL4OE/s1600/OscarModestStyle2014.png" height="353" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ladylike Style: </b>Glenn Close, Naomi Watts, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, Camila Alves<br />
<a data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhocanstandagainst.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F03%2Fthe-oscars-good-bad-and-ugly-christian.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Z_nTD2tb_Q4%2FUxdfRHNnvxI%2FAAAAAAAAAxA%2FTsDmPXdL4OE%2Fs1600%2FOscarModestStyle2014.png&description=celebrities%20show%20modesty%20%3D%20class%20%23oscars2014"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Bad</h3>
<b>Unfortunately, the Academy's idea of excellence sometimes differs from "whatever is true, good, noble, just, lovely and admirable" (Phillipians 4:8). </b> The list of nominated films included celebrations of sin (The Wolf of Wall Street, even the movie poster my husband turns his eyes from), twisted ideas of love (Her - the story of a man who has a romantic relationship with a computer operating system), and movies you "wouldn't want to watch with your mother" (how someone I know described American Hustle). <br />
<br />
Hollywood obviously has an <a href="http://agendadocumentary.com/trailer/" target="_blank">Agenda</a>, and they are pushing it. Although this year it wasn't so blatant as having Michelle Obama present the final award (last year's pro-liberal, albeit nuanced, move), it shows itself in the movies selected. Morality became unfashionable years ago, but most recently we really see the boundaries of what should be acceptable being pushed.<br />
<br />
The second mention of God came when Matthew McConaughney accepted the award for Best Actor. <b>His speech was confusing at best, and heretical at worst.</b> Stating that God is who he looks up to, and that it is a "scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates", he also painted a picture of heaven (or maybe hell?) where men sit around in their underwear drinking beer. It hardly seems that he has an understanding of the glory and reverence due to God for the sacrifice Christ made when He died on the cross as atonement for the sins of all who believe in Him. He quoted one Charlie Laughton as saying "When you've got God, you've got a friend. and that friend is you." I'm not really sure what to make of this, but it sounds to me like he's saying we are our own God - and the true power comes from inside us. <b>However, the Bible teaches that we are all wicked in our own hearts (which we can easily see if we honestly consider our own thoughts and attitudes) and that it is only through the power of the Gospel that the Holy Spirit regenerates our soul.</b><br />
<br />
<h3>
The Ugly</h3>
And what about the parts of the Oscar ceremony which aren't really BAD, but they aren't really GOOD either? It seemed that the position of host - someone who introduces us to the films, helps with transitions between awards, and adds a bit of humour to the ceremony, has degenerated. <b>This year, learning from the criticism garnered by last years crudity - instead what we got was foolishness and a demeaning of the industry.</b> It's ironic that though comedies are rarely nominated at the Academy Awards, the broadcast seems to be trying to make itself into one. The focus is moved from the films itself, to the celebrities in the crowd - and how much they'll tip for pizza, or what they look like in a twitter photo. Even secular critics recognized this problem - <a href="http://entertainment.time.com/2014/03/03/oscar-review-ellen-degeneres/" target="_blank">TIME</a> reviewing the broadcast wrote: "The whole broadcast, really, was like a party-sized order of standard cheese pizza. You weren't going to go to your grave craving it. It was a little bland. But nobody actively hates it." <b>A show about excellence should really be able to do better than that. </b><br />
<br />
<h3>
What did <i>you</i> think about this years Oscars?</h3>
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<br />
<b>You may also be interested in: <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/02/3-reasons-christans-should-be-concerned.html" target="_blank">3 Reasons Christians Should Be Concerned about the Oscars</a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-86844473770960939532014-02-26T17:55:00.001-08:002014-04-07T08:01:45.818-07:00What Do Genealogies Tell Us About the Age of the Earth?<span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">The topic of the age of the earth and of the genealogies listed in Genesis 5 and Genesis 11 has recently come up in our family. I remember doing a short study on this ~10+ years ago but I do not have this readily available (probably hidden in a notebook in storage), and I was a little rusty on the results. I talked with my pastor </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">(we generally share the same point of view)</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">, and he helpfully reminded me that, for most of us, there are more important issues than genealogies to focus our energies on.</span><br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">The main points of God's Word are far more important than the genealogies. </span></div>
</div>
<h2 style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
The main points of God's Word to us</h2>
<ol style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<li>God created the universe, and created and placed man in the world. He did so in perfection, and to His own glory.</li>
<li>Man sought his own glory and not God's glory. Wanting to do things his own way he disobeyed God's command, thus bringing condemnation and judgment on the entire universe.</li>
<li>God, in his mercy, has worked throughout history to bring a Saviour by whom any man can receive salvation.</li>
<li>If any man will believe that Jesus is God and has the authority to forgive sins, died in our place for our sins, and rose again for our justification, and if that man will also repent of his sinful way of life, and give his life to Him, he will be saved.</li>
<li>"Saved" means that the person is no longer under the judgment of God, deserving of and destined for an eternity of hatred of God and pain in hell.</li>
<li>Instead, that person will be considered by God as having the righteousness of Christ, and will enter the new earth and new heaven, where there is no sin or suffering, but all is perfect.</li>
<li>Jesus died that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us and was raised. He did this that we might bear fruit for Him.</li>
<ol>
<li>For more on conversion, see our post <a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2014/02/are-you-truly-converted-just-because.html" target="_blank">"Are You Truly Converted".</a></li>
</ol>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GovEJ_BHUCs/Uw6aktRR2fI/AAAAAAAAAws/CdzLVob482A/s1600/genealogies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GovEJ_BHUCs/Uw6aktRR2fI/AAAAAAAAAws/CdzLVob482A/s1600/genealogies.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey/6143615821/in/photolist-amTCWH-7QeRWc-bB77Aj-bB78bG-amUCtK-amV4iH-aGzRcX-91yLCS-ch8rkL-7HF5nF-e5Fg11-9tybeM-e5wnjv-9GzoFH-cFb9Am-amWseb-9zPc9S-bsyiMf-9DvJpo-89Mu7e-81S7hG-amTD9c-9txUvX-ffkwRW-b6D9na-dALjCT-9sm7sa-ch8rfN-dALk2z-dALkbK-bPrGeP-ceLYvE-ch8t4W-9tok92-ch8t25-dHKNMK-7UXZML-7NRkz1-daAAHH-7ZZZP2-jzm1fa-ffkErQ-e4wT1j-e389qT-92BjFh-9gtQh9-bPrG7k-bPrG6i-bPrsW8-a9Bj3R-8t96NE/" target="_blank">original photo credit</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Our Family's Basic Position on Genealogies</span></h2>
<ol style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<li>We take the words of Genesis 5 and Genesis 11 at face value. It is difficult to understand how extra "skipped" generations or time can be inserted in sentences such as the following from Genesis 5: </li>
<ol>
<li>"When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. ... When Jared had lived 162 years he fathered Enoch."</li>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">This type of history is given from Adam to Terah, the father of Abraham.</span></li>
</ol>
<li><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">God's Word, written by Paul, in Titus 3:9 warns us to "...avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless." Titus 3:14 gives us a better option to focus our energies on: "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: auto;">Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, ..."</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<h2 style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
Our Family's Position on the Age of the Earth</h2>
<ol style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<li>Based on the testimony of Scripture (especially the genealogies) given in Genesis 1-11, the age of the earth is likely best measured in thousands of years, and not 10's, 100's, or 1,000's of millions of years.</li>
<li>For those who protest that the number of layers of sediment, or the distance light has had to travel from distant galaxies to our eyes confutes the idea of a "young" earth, the answer is easy: God created things in an already mature state: for instance, he created Adam and Eve, mature men and women (not single cells in a womb that had to grow to become mature) and there is no issue with God creating an earth that already has layers of rock and light from distant stars. In fact, God created light before He created stars.</li>
<li>Good resources on the age of the earth and creation science are available from <a href="http://debatelive.org/" target="_blank">Answers in Genesis</a>.</li>
<li>Scientific evidence best supports a young earth as compared to an old earth.</li>
</ol>
<h2 style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">In Conclusion</span></h2>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">As in all issues, our starting point should be "what do the scriptures say?" Where the scriptures give a clear answer, they must be our final authority. In the case of the age of the earth, it seems to us that attempting to make the scriptures support an "old earth" stems from the 'fear of man' and not the 'fear of God'.<br /><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><b>What is your position on the genealogies and age of the earth?</b></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfxcJ8wZq38/UVXi6-o1QjI/AAAAAAAAG5g/qt4LU5vF-50/s1600/Andrew.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-45790840058096204842014-02-24T03:59:00.004-08:002014-04-07T08:02:18.298-07:00WARNING: Life Without Pain Could Really Hurt You!When was the last time you thanked God for a physical pain you felt? If you're anything like me, your answer is probably never. Headaches, sprained ankles, paper cuts, cold sores, stomach aches (not to mention childbirth, dislocated shoulders, bullet wounds) - Is there really any reason to be thankful for such things? My new answer is a resounding yes!<br />
<br />
Allow me to explain. For the past three years, my father-in-law has gifted me with a book for Christmas. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the selected topics - except that they are usually something I never would have picked up myself, and end up being one of the best books I've read that year. His gift from this past year was no exception: "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310221447/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310221447&linkCode=as2&tag=whcast-20">Pain: the Gift Nobody Wants</a> (Warning: Life Without Pain Could Really Hurt You)". (Now published under the title "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310221447/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310221447&linkCode=as2&tag=whcast-20">The Gift of Pain: Why We Hurt and What We Can Do About It.</a>")<br />
<br />
It seemed sort of a funny selection, and you might be thinking that this is a strange topic to be reading a blog post about. Do you even really want to learn to be thankful for pain? Doesn't that sound a little crazy? But truly, this is one of the most interesting books I've ever read, and I am quite sure it will have an impact on my thinking decades from now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Dr. Paul Brand (the co-author with Philip Yancey), was born in the remote hills of India to missionary parents. He studied medicine in England, and eventually took a position back in India as surgeon - where he inadvertantly found himself beginning on a path which made him one of the leading doctors and surgeons involved in working with leprosy patients - people whose handicaps come largely not as a direct result of their disease - but because they no longer feel pain. It was this work which lead him to see what an essential ingredient pain is to our lives, and why he is often prompted to exclaim "Thank God for pain!". <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNvcTwnIjK4/UwlVRYA-YAI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/2sSz7ymb9Jw/s1600/life+without+pain.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNvcTwnIjK4/UwlVRYA-YAI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/2sSz7ymb9Jw/s1600/life+without+pain.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The book is part memoir, part non-fiction. Dr. Brand is a wonderful storyteller, and the episodes of his life growing up and later working in India, schooling in England, and later living in America are populated with unique and lovable people - both patients and colleagues - which make <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310221447/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310221447&linkCode=as2&tag=whcast-20">Pain: The Gift Nobody Wants</a> an easy and invigorating(?) read. He spends the second half of the book dealing with the issue of pain in a more topical format, and I'd be hard-pressed to tell you which part of the book I enjoyed more. In this second half, he looks at aspects of the issue such as:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Pain as something that happens in the mind:</b> "There is no simple direct relationship between the wound per se and the pain experienced. The pain is in very large part determined by other factors, and of great importance here is the significance of the wound...In the wounded soldier the response to injury was relief, thankfulness at his escaping alive from the battlefield, even euphoria; to the civilian, his major surgery was a depressing calamitous event." (204)</li>
<li><b>Preparing for pain:</b> "I had no way to measure the impact of community on the relief of pain, but I do know that in a land where pain-relieving drugs were in short supply and there was no universal health care, patients learned to depend on their families with confidence and trust. I certainly saw more pain, but less fear of pain and suffering, in India than I have seen in the West. In general, patients had less anxiety about the future."(236)</li>
<li><b>Managing pain:</b> "After trying a host of methods, she decided that distraction was the best and cheapest weapon available. She used to cancel activities when she felt pain, until she noticed that the only time she felt completely free of pain was during classroom hours when she taught English. World recommends work, reading, humor, hobbies, pets, sports, volunteer work, or anything else that can divert the sufferer's mind from pain. When pain strikes with fury in the middle of the night, World gets up, maps out the day ahead, works on a lecture, or completely plans a dinner party."(254)</li>
<li><b>What intensifies our pain:</b> "The word hospital comes from the Latin for "guest", but in some modern hospitals 'victim' seems more apt. Despite my medical background I felt helpless, inadequate, and passive. I had the overwhelming impression of being reduced to a cog in a machine, and a malfunctioning cog at that. Every sound filtering in from the hallway somehow related to my predicament. A rolling cart - they must be coming for me. A groan from the hallway - Oh no, they've found something."(261)</li>
<li><b>Pleasure and it's relationship to pain: </b>"I may risk sounding like an old man reminiscing about 'the good old days,' but nonetheless I suspect that affluence has made the modern industrialized West a more difficult place in which to experience pleasure. This is a deep irony, because no society in history has succeeded so well in eliminating pain and exploiting leisure. ... 'Everywhere a greater joy is preceded by a greater suffering,' Augustine concluded"(291,300)</li>
</ul>
If you're looking for a book that's sure to be an interesting read for a friend, spouse, parent, book club, or yourself - look no further! You might get a strange look when they first see the title, but it's likely they'll be raving about all they've learned shortly!<br />
<br />
And that's why I now find some joy in pain! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxEItsXcJHU/UwlSOPHI6dI/AAAAAAAAAwI/OYeLLMRkNM4/s1600/Pain+Quote+Final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxEItsXcJHU/UwlSOPHI6dI/AAAAAAAAAwI/OYeLLMRkNM4/s1600/Pain+Quote+Final.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310221447/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310221447&linkCode=as2&tag=whcast-20">You can see it on Amazon here</a>.<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-42339948800210146952014-02-20T19:08:00.003-08:002014-04-07T08:03:19.374-07:00Are You Truly Converted? (Just Because You Think You're a Christian Doesn't Mean You Are)So you think you're a Christian? Is it because one time when you were younger you "asked Jesus into your heart"? Or because you were baptized as a child? Or because you went to the front of the church when the preacher called? Unfortunately, none of those experiences of themselves will have made you a Christian.<br />
<br />
These are some of the issues Paul Washer addressed when we heard him speak this past Valentine's Day. (His talk just happened to be on February 14th, it had nothing to do with the holiday.) His sermon, "The Power of the Gospel and True Conversion" looked at 1 Thessalonians 1 as an answer to the question "What is true conversion?"<br />
<br />
Because of the experiences listed above, many in our culture today believe themselves to be saved without demonstrating any of the evidences of one who is a new creation. When Christ saves us, "the old has passed away, behold the new has come"(2 Corinthians 5:17) - Washer stressed that this makes itself evident through changed affections. We desire more and more to do what is good and pleasing to God. This is different from forcing oneself to act as a Christian would (eg: go to church, dress properly, be faithful to your spouse, etc), while all the time wishing you didn't have to do those things. If this is the case, and you're relying on having signed a card, prayed a prayer, or having grown up in a Christian church for your salvation - then we'd encourage you to really search the scriptures and examine yourself to see whether your idea of what it means to be saved lines up with the truth.<br />
<br />
Throughout 1 Thessalonians 1, we see that the apostle Paul knew the Thessalonians were Christians because of how they acted. The apostle says he knew their election, and Washer mentioned this knowing was by perception. The apostle Paul speaks of their "work of faith, labour of love, and steadfastness of hope"(vs 2), they "became imitators of us and of God" (vs 6), and it was reported throughout Asia how they "turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God". Our lives likewise should demonstrate how Christ has made us a new creation, and show outward evidence of the changed affections discussed above. And this is much more than wearing a certain t-shirt, listening to Christian music, or having a "slave" tattoo - it's about living a life of righteousness in accord with the will of God, as revealed in his Word - the Bible. This will speak volumes more about who you belong to than anything you could wear or listen to. You will know them by their fruits. (Matt 7:16) Similarly, you can know your own state by your fruit. Washer asked the question "If someone observed your life for the next six months, would they then testify 'I know by observation that God has elected this one'? Would they say that about you?"<br />
<br />
At this point, maybe some of you are thinking "Legalists!* God doesn't care what I do - it's only my heart he is concerned with." Yes, it is only repentance and belief in Jesus Christ that can save you. But it is sin you're repenting of, it is your sin that nailed Christ to the cross - and hating that sin will mean you will strive to mortify it. Oh you won't be successful in getting rid of all sin on this earth, but you will try, because of your love for Jesus and your gratitude for what he's done for you. If you think you have faith, but your deeds do not give evidence to that faith, your faith is dead. (James 2:17) Paul Washer mentioned that many today believe Jesus is the only Lord and king who doesn't require anything of us; that our generation claims the salvation of Jesus, and yet lives like the culture around us... the fallen, radically depraved culture. The Puritans and the reformers understood differently, and their greatest strength was that they desired to submit every area of life to Christ's authority. If your life is a contradiction - you claim to be a servant of Christ, and yet ignore his commands - than that should make you question who is your real master - Christ, or yourself and the idols in your own heart (Matthew 6:24).<br />
<br />
The reason we are sharing this here is because we don't want you to be one of those who thought they would enter the kingdom of Heaven, but because of self-deception is sent to hell. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, ..." but instead Jesus says "I never knew you, depart from me, you who practice lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23). The power to save you is in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that alone. Don't look around and decide you are "good enough" because of how you compare to others, compare yourself to the Word of God. Test yourself and examine yourself. (2 Corinthians 13:5) It is only in Christ's perfect righteousness you can find true salvation.<br />
<br />
You can watch the video of Paul Washer's talk <a href="http://new.livestream.com/rcmonline/events/2715970">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3kdhjN6ZIDc/UVXi98vnbLI/AAAAAAAAG5w/V5vRmSMmqXE/s1600/Signature.png" /><br />
<br />
* Paul Washer correctly identified true legalism as attempting to justify oneself by the works of the law, or adding to the works of the law and tying heavy burdens on people that are not scriptural.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-27985464146607040082014-02-15T10:28:00.000-08:002014-02-15T13:01:13.028-08:0010 Ways to Love & Honour your Wife the Day After Valentines (and every other day of the year.)<br />
<div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<ol>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spend time doing things she likes to do.</span></b> Before marrying Stephanie, I was not really into playing board games, preferring reading books or physical activity, but playing games is something Stephanie really loves to do, and I love to play with her.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lead your wife (and children) in family worship.</b></span> You are the head of the family, and you are responsible for doing this. Every day. Whether you feel like it or not. So be a man, humble yourself, and search the scriptures for how you should do this. Some of our most special times are when we come together after the children are in bed, or before they awake, and pray to our Heavenly Father, or sing a hymn that moves our souls.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Talk with her.</span></b> Talk about the things she wants to talk about. Try to understand (as best you can) what makes her passionate, and why. Laugh with her and cry with her.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Offer to take care of the children so she bathe.</b></span> Stephanie really loves to read a book in a bubble bath, and she loves when I take care of the children so that she can.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Give her flowers.</span></b> Make sure you know if she prefers potted or cut flowers.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Write her a card.</span></b> Stephanie loves to receive cards. Though I have never been excited by cards, I know she is. And I love to write or make cards for her. On the morning of the 14th, Jake and I each created a card with markers, pens, and lots of smudges, and then went running down the hall, body checking the door open, and brought the cards to Stephanie, who was nursing Elisabeth and had forgotten what day it was. Stephanie was so happy she almost burst. (Jake did the body checking, and somehow managed to grab and turn the handle and check the door in one smooth motion all while running... it was quite the scene I saw as I was following.)</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Help her get out of the house.</span></b> Sometimes, it is nice just to take a break from the regular routine. Stephanie enjoys <div style="display: inline !important;">
browsing books, and curling up on a chair to read at </div>
the local Chapters bookstore. On the plus side, its free.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Take her out on dates.</span></b> Stephanie came from a family of restaurateurs, and went out for dinner very often growing up. I on the other hand probably went out for dinner less than once a year, and was under the mistaken assumption that a 10% tip was generous. Now, we both enjoy planning and going on dates.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Encourage meaningful friendships with other women.</span></b> I encourage her to have friendships with older women (especially where she is gaining wisdom from the older women), with younger women (especially where she is passing on wisdom to the younger women), and with those who are in a similar stage of life.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tell her you love her.</span></b> Even if it is always true, and you have already told her multiple times in the day, most wives will always appreciate hearing those three little words<b> "I love you."</b></li>
</ol>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
In what ways do <i><b>you </b></i>tell your spouse you love them?</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfxcJ8wZq38/UVXi6-o1QjI/AAAAAAAAG5g/qt4LU5vF-50/s1600/Andrew.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8281784801217494451.post-69317083801640105332014-02-12T05:12:00.002-08:002014-02-12T05:20:59.174-08:0010 Simple Ways to Honour Your Husband this Valentine's Day (or any day!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cook his favourite meal.</span></b> Either let him choose one of his favourites, or leave one of your cookbooks out (preferably one with pictures) along with a note for him to go ahead and select the meal - which you'll make!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wear an outfit you know he loves.</b> </span>Make an effort to look extra pretty. Do your hair the way he likes it. These are all things he is sure to notice and appreciate. It's been said that women have a habit of dressing to impress other women - this Valentine's Day, dress to impress your man!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Start training your children to greet daddy joyfully at the door with a big hug, eager to bless him in some way. </b></span>Have them bring a cup of tea or coffee if they're old enough, put on some music he likes, ask him about his day - whatever will help him to feel relaxed and happy to be home!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't expect him to spend lots of money.</b></span> It's easy to drop hints and put the pressure on. But probably many of us could do better to let our husband's know we appreciate them no matter what they buy us for Valentine's Day. Take the pressure off!</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Give a gift that is meaningful to HIM (even if that means nothing at all!). </span></b> I love greeting cards, Andrew couldn't really care less about them. It's easy for me to enjoy picking out a special one for him, but he would rather have any of the above as a Valentine's Day present. Try to think like your husband!</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCvNB6k6Y8/UvpouY1wgzI/AAAAAAAAAvo/MtEHJ6bTzPQ/s1600/10+ways+honour+husband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5YCvNB6k6Y8/UvpouY1wgzI/AAAAAAAAAvo/MtEHJ6bTzPQ/s1600/10+ways+honour+husband.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhocanstandagainst.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F02%2F10-ways-to-honour-your-husband-on.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5YCvNB6k6Y8%2FUvpouY1wgzI%2FAAAAAAAAAvo%2FMtEHJ6bTzPQ%2Fs1600%2F10%2Bways%2Bhonour%2Bhusband.jpg&description=Good%20to%20use%20any%20day%20of%20the%20year!"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a><br />
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><br />
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Romance him.</span></b> You know what I'm talking about - give him a Valentine's Day he'll really remember.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ask him what he'd like to do! </b></span> We wives sometimes love to try and come up with surprises when our husbands would be just as happy to let us know what they'd like. Does he want to go out for dinner? Would he rather have another couple over? Or spend the evening doing something special as a family? Give him the choice!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be open to "celebrating" on a day other than the 14th. </b></span> Sometimes life gets in the way, and it's not so convenient to celebrate a holiday on a holiday! Sure it might be more fun to be Valentines-y during all the hype - but if your man is willing to make it a special day, just not the 14th - be thankful!</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't make it about yourself! </b></span>This really summarizes the best mentality you can have to honour your husband this Valentine's Day. Don't think of it as a day when you have the right to flowers, candy, dinner or other special treatments! If those things come along, you'll be so much more thankful if you didn't feel entitled to them. Plus, Andrew and I have learned that our marriage is best when we're first trying to please the other.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Honour your husband everyday! </b></span> Some people say it's silly to need a holiday to tell people how much you love them, when we should be doing that all year long. Same goes with this list. Imagine if you tried to practice things off this list every day - would it change your marriage? </li>
</ol>
<h4>
For more practical inspiration, take a look at last year's: "<a href="http://whocanstandagainst.blogspot.ca/2013/02/10-simple-ways-to-show-respect-to-your.html">10 Simple Ways to Show RESPECT to Your Husband.</a>"</h4>
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXciYCHuR38/UVXi8joUGgI/AAAAAAAAG5o/0Vl_uLQp5kY/s1600/Stephanie.png" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944269054864066543noreply@blogger.com1