Changed By Love

Changed By Love

Following the Lamb wherever he goes… Revelation 14:4

For You They Signed (Updated)

For You They Signed

I won this contest!!!!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment and voted in the poll. I get to donate a copy of the book to my local library. I’m very excited! I get a copy of “Life of Washington”, “Morning and Evening with Spurgeon” and a book of my choice from Master Books.

So I want to say a big thank you to Master Books and to Lynda Ackert at Christian Home School Hop and to all of you who helped me win!

If you want your children to know the true beliefs and values of the Founding Fathers, then this book is a must for your home library. If you have any doubt that we live in a nation that was founded on Christian principles, then just read some of the quotes in this book by the men who signed our Declaration of Independence. Marilyn Boyer did her homework when she researched this book. It is full of primary source material, including quotes, excerpts from letters and journals, and what their contemporaries said about the Signers.

This book is FULL of history! My family has studied this era of American History pretty thoroughly, but we got an even fuller picture of the risks, the uncertainty, the selflessness and sacrifice of the signers of the Declaration, as well as their admirable character and integrity.

Mrs. Boyer gives a brief synopsis of the life experiences that led each man to the position of leadership that placed the burden of this momentous decision on him.

Through these biographies, we get to know them as husbands and fathers as well as learning about the careers some set aside to do public service for their country. We see the relationships between some of them, and to me that fleshes out and helps me understand what each man was like. Their stories are connected by this pivotal moment in history, and this book helps us to see those connections.

One of my daughters said that it was a lot more interesting to read about the Signers in this book than in a dry textbook. Another daughter said that she had never heard of men like Matthew Thornton unless they happened to be mentioned in a book about Thomas Jefferson. She was glad to be able to learn more about the other men who contributed so much to the founding of our country. My one son said that he feels that it is very important for us to know how our country was started and who started it.

In our reading, we learned that one of the Signers kept his house open at all times to the homeless and fed the poor at his own table. My son was so impressed with Matthew Thornton that he considers him a saint. To learn more about this godly man, you should buy this book!

I even learned where the word “gerrymander” came from. I’ll give you a hint: it’s found on page 42.

The author provides a bio of each Signer, a timeline of their public service, quotes and interesting facts, a picture of each man and his home, and questions for discussion.

The information in the preface and the appendices is important for us to know as Christians as we teach our children the TRUE history of America.

It is difficult to find primary source documents with the words of the Signers in them. Marilyn Boyer has done us a great service in collecting them all in one place.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love this book. If you only know what you were told in public school about our country’s history, you NEED to read this book. If you want your children to love history and to appreciate the caliber of the patriotic, Christian men who founded our nation, you will want to read this book to them or have it available for them to read.

If you buy the book, you will get access to a Family Activity Guide online that Marilyn has also written as a companion book. It includes coloring pages for the little ones and much more! You can find out how to get this companion book in the section titled “Suggestions for Using This Book”.

You can buy For You They Signed
here at Amazon.com

See the America’s Christian Heritage event that took place on Christian Home School Hub here:
http://christianhomeschoolhub.spruz.com/

Follow Master Books on Facebook!
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Follow Marilyn Boyer on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/MasterBooks?ref=ts#%21/marilynhboyer?ref=ts

~~I received this book free from New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

For those who enjoy a taste of history, here’s the scene from the HBO miniseries “John Adams” that portrays the drama and tension that surrounded the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

An Ever-increasing Revelation of Jesus Christ

David Wilkerson Today

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010

AN EVER-INCREASING REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

Ever since the cross, all spiritual giants have had one thing in common. They
were in close communion with the Lord; they became lost in the glorious
vastness of Christ; and they died lamenting they still knew so little of him.
So it was with Paul, with all the disciples, and with many early church
fathers; with Luther, Zwingli, and the Puritans; with the pious English
preachers; and with many godly leaders today.

Every one of these giants shared the same ruling passion: an ever-increasing
revelation of Jesus Christ. They cared nothing for the spectacular, the
earthly, the things of this world, success, ambition or worldly fame. They
prayed—not for things, not for physical blessings, not to be used, not for
anything of self, but only for a fuller revelation of the glory and vastness of
their Lord.

Satan is displaying greater power, and hell is unleashing all its fury on this
generation. The enemy strongholds are much more fortified, powerful, and
entrenched than in any past generation. Without a doubt, Satan is revealing
himself to the world as never before and he is becoming better known, less
feared, and more accepted.

A basic Bible school knowledge of Christ will not be enough in this final war!
Knowing about him is not enough. We need to seek for a greater revelation of
the Holy Spirit. That requires much time at his table. You get to know him only
by being much in his presence, only by sitting with him, hearing his voice,
waiting on him for divine wisdom. Busy, preoccupied men seldom get to know him.

Paul was committed to an ever-increasing revelation of Jesus Christ. All he had
of Christ came by revelation. He said, “By revelation he made known to me the
mystery” (Ephesians 3:3). The Holy Spirit knew the deep and hidden secrets of
God, and Paul prayed constantly for the gift of grace to understand and preach
“the unsearchable riches of Christ” (v. 8). Paul said we have access to these
glorious riches in Christ. In speaking of God’s eternal purposes, he said, “In
whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him” (v. 12).

God is looking for believers who will seek a revelation of him that is all
their own—a very deep personal intimacy that unlocks “the unsearchable
riches of Christ.”

Read this devotion online:

This is what I’m seeking.

Happy Freedom of Religion Day! aka Halloween!

Freedom Day!

That’s what we celebrated today. It’s our party, we can call it what we want to! During trick or treat time in our neighborhood, we gathered in our living room and reviewed the things we’ve learned during the school year.

Sounds exciting, huh? Oh, did I forget to mention that the kids got a piece of candy for each correct answer?

They each had a bag with their name written on it. I had questions for the twins and questions for the older kids. Emma and Abby each identified a letter of the alphabet, sort of. Then they just kept grabbing candy out of the bowl.

I had about 20 questions for the twins, including flash cards of addition facts and some science questions and general information.

I had a list of 20 History questions, 20 Bible questions, and 20 Creation Science questions for the older kids. I had several questions that encouraged narration, such as, “Tell me what you know about George Washington… about John Adams… about Thomas Jefferson”, and Morgan volunteered to tell us all about Davy Crockett. He knows a lot about him since he wrote this story about him. Then he changed his mind and said he would tell us about Simon Kenton, which he proceeded to do in great detail. I enjoyed immensely hearing all that my kids had learned about History, Creation Science and the Bible and seeing how thoroughly they had learned it. I think they enjoyed it, too, and would have even without the candy. It just kind of sweetened the deal. 🙂

We answered about half of the questions, then we watched “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and another episode about Linus running for class president and ate popcorn with some of our candy. The election episode just happened to come on right after the Great Pumpkin episode. I didn’t plan it, but as usual, the Spirit knew ahead of time how to tie things together with current events for me. Then we finished up the questions and distributed the rest of the candy.

I read our Bible reading for the day. It was some of the parables of Jesus, so it was really good.

Then we watched a movie called “The Lost and Found Family”. I didn’t know how good it would be or how family-friendly, but it was very good and very family-friendly. It had a wonderful message about helping foster children by really giving them love and support. I consider it a very good movie, because it made me cry about 10 times.

What did any of this have to do with Freedom of Religion? Well, we are allowed to homeschool because of the freedoms given to us by the Constitution, including freedom of religion, and homeschooling was a central part of our celebration. We read our Bible. That is definitely a privilege afforded us by freedom of religion. And the movie we watched had definite Christian overtones.

We really just called it that because we wanted a good name for our celebration, but I think it ended up being a pretty good match for our activities. We went a step beyond Reformation Day and celebrated Freedom of Religion Day!

Life Triumphant!

Great News from Shawn Carney from 40 Days for Life

It’s Day 40 — and I have great news to share! As of right now, we know of 541 babies — and their mothers — that God has spared from abortion.

That’s at least 3,352 since the first coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign a mere three years ago. And who knows how many more that we’ll never hear about?

“The Everett Planned Parenthood is closed again,” wrote Ed, one of the local 40 Days for Life leaders in Everett, Washington. “It’s the third Friday closed this campaign!”

In Columbia, Missouri … the Planned Parenthood facility there hasn’t done abortions since August 9. Faithful volunteers are continuing the vigil …

… and Planned Parenthood doesn’t like it.

“We found out that Planned Parenthood in Kansas is watching us on video — over 100 miles away,” said Kathy in Columbia, “and they called in a ‘violation’ to the Columbia police station.”

The “violation”? There was a camera tripod sitting in Planned Parenthood’s driveway. “Soon two police cars showed up and they went in,” Kathy said.

It turns out the tripod belonged to a reporter who was working on a news story. The police quickly left when they found out what was really going on. “One officer has come out twice — and he’s not too happy with Planned Parenthood.”

And all this time … no abortions in Columbia!

And of course … no abortions AT ALL in Severna Park, Maryland … where an abortion facility CLOSED ITS DOORS FOREVER at the very beginning of this campaign!

Who knows how many lives have been saved in Columbia and Severna Park?

There have also been at least four abortion facility employees who have left their jobs during this 40 Days for Life campaign — possibly more. And others may be thinking about it.

And then there’s Anita’s van — a life-saver on wheels. It has “pray to end abortion” painted on the side, along with a pregnancy help center’s phone number and the 40 Days for Life web address.

Lives have been saved because of the information on the van — no one knows how many. But this pro-life mission was about to come to an end. The van was about to be repossessed.

Anita had no idea what would happen. So she prayed. She had to decide whether to pay her tithe … or the note on the van. She paid her tithe.

Anita didn’t know it, but one of her friends sent out an e-mail that explained the situation. And people started giving. Before long, there was enough to pay off the loan!

“This is not my van,” she said. “This van belongs first and foremost to God, and then to every single pro-life person out there.”

The van — and its message — will stay on the road. And who knows how many lives will be saved?

“Abortion will truly be finished one day,” Anita said. “I pray it is very soon. The walls of deception are crumbling as we speak. The truth is spreading — one heart at a time — and all of you have played a part in getting that message out. Thank you all so very much!”

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life.

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DAY 40 INTENTION
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Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.

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SCRIPTURE
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He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

–Revelation 21:4-5

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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone
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Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the day when “death will be no more.”

Every victory we have when an act of abortion is prevented is prophetic of that day when death itself will be definitively conquered.

Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someone is brought to see the value of life and given the strength to welcome it, is a breaking into our history of that definitive future in which the old order of things will have passed, and all things will be made new.

As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the day is coming when all evil will be conquered. It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey.

Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven. When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away.

When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up in victory.

When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life.

Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be as real as our present sorrows.

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PRAYER
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Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision!

Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day40print.pdf

Letter from God

I just had the most amazing experience I’ve had in a long time. God wanted to give me a good surprise, and He sure did!

Fiona brought me the mail, and I saw a card among the envelopes. It was addressed to :)A Very Special Family 🙂 at our address. No return address. It came through St. Louis’s post office system.

It was a Thinking of You card. It said: Just to let you know someone’s remembering you in prayer… and trusting God to touch your life with warmth and loving care.

This handwritten message followed:   Your family has been on my heart and in my prayers. Asking God to “work all things together for your good.”
In Christ’s Love

And if that wasn’t enough, there was a letter, too. It said:

I know we don’t know each other, but I know that each and every member of your family is very special. God loves all of you.

I am not sure what your circumstances in life are, but I would like to let you know that I’m praying for favor and the blessing of God on the lives of each of you.

Please know also, that you are near and dear to the Father of all Creation. He placed you all strongly on my heart to pray for you. Because He loves you 🙂

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Phil. 4:4, 6, and 7
“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!” “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Much love and many blessings!

And then this prayer:

Father, in Jesus’ name, keep this family tightly in Your grasp.  Protect them and light their paths.  Lord, give them the desires of their hearts.  Bless them and pour Your favor upon them.  If any be sick, Lord, heal them.  Draw them closer to You.  Make Your face to shine upon them.  Lift any fears, worries, burdens, anxieties or troubles.  Thank you, Father, that You hear our prayers, and You answer them.  Your perfect will be done in their lives.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen and Amen.
🙂

I am crying and overwhelmed by God’s love and kindness. I honestly have no idea who sent this letter. I only know that God is proving once again just how very much we are on His mind and that He is with us and we have nothing to fear.

Phil. 4:6, 7 AGAIN! Okay, Lord, I am anxious for nothing.

Whom shall I fear? The Lord is on my side. He has us right where he wants us. And He will put us in the right place at the right time. I believe.