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Showing posts from October, 2012

The Truth Project: Lesson Eleven – The American Experiment: Stepping Stones

These tours just get better and better. Each one challenges me more deeply. And I believe, after watching this one and participating in discussion with my small group, I am finally on fire to take action. So, here we go… Our founding fathers came from a comprehensive Biblical Worldview. These Pilgrims and Puritans wanted to use a Biblical model to establish the civil authority. Isaiah 33:22 identifies the Lord as judge, lawgiver and king. This is the basis of our three branches of government (judicial, legislative and executive). In colonial times in America, the second best-selling book (after the Bible) was The New England Primer. It was used to teach children to read. This book is filled with catechisms and prayers and morality. What a wonderful foundation for colonial children’s education. No wonder there was a deep belief in God in past generations. Universities were originally established on Christian values as well. Outsiders to our culture even noticed that th

At the Feet of Jesus by Joanna Weaver

About At the Feet of Jesus: You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him. Intimacy with God-to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted. For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, At the Feet of Jesus extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout. Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus-where true life begins! Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/erC31 Meet Joanna: Joanna Weaver is known the world over for

Bible Study: Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua Chapter 10

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Joshua, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Stay strong and very courageous. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 10 of the Old Testament book of Joshua. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the

A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds. Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city. As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart-that sometimes love comes when you're least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach? Summerside Press 2012 About Anit a Higman Anita Higman is the author of 24 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and plays. Among her published romance titles are Larkspur Dreams, The Love Song, and Castles in

The Truth Project: Lesson Ten – The State: Whose Law?

Dr. Tackett begins this lesson by saying that the student may not love this tour because it’s where many students learn that they’ve been captivated by the world. Whoa! He is not pulling any punches. Praise Jesus! According to the Webster’s 1928 Dictionary, politics is the science of government and a part of ethics. What? Ethics? Really? This definition goes on to say that politics is supposed to preserve and improve our morals. Did I miss something? That is so not what politics in the USA looks like! We must ask ourselves how God sees the ethics vs. morals dilemma. Dr. Tackett talks about stealing. The taking of what is not yours implies ownership of property. Tackett poses the question: Can the state steal? The answer is a resounding YES! Did you know that there are some laws that allow the state to steal half the property of a dead man? Look it up. Then take the time to have your Last Will and Testament drawn up! We must remember that God is in control. He is

A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller

Can a marriage of convenience ever become one of true love? Ingrid Larsen arrives in Michigan in 1871 with little more than the clothes on her back and a determination to find her brother, who has disappeared into the dangerous lumber camps. Destitute and barely hanging on to hope, the young Swedish immigrant crosses paths with Joshua Hunter, a newly widowed farmer with eyes the color of the ocean she had crossed and five rambunctious children to raise on his own. Marriage would solve both of their problems, and Ingrid finds herself proposing in broken English to a man she barely knows. Many difficulties lie ahead--but the hardest battle of all will be winning the heart of her new husband. Here's my review of this incredible romance novel: First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to Serena B. Miller and her publisher for sending me a copy of "A Promise to Love" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really

Bible Study: Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua Chapter 9

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Joshua, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Stay strong and very courageous. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 9 of the Old Testament book of Joshua. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the

The Sons of Jude by Brandt Dodson

The body of a young woman is found in a dumpster in Chicago and detectives Andy Polanski and Frank Campello are charged with finding the killer. The two are polar opposites. Polanski is the son of a disgraced Chicago police officer and is fastidious about his reputation. He has also recently been transferred from another district having blown the whistle on some corrupt cops. Campello, however, takes a live-and-let-live approach to his life and job. It soon becomes clear, as another young woman--a potential witness--is murdered, that a sex-trafficking operation in Chicago is preying on illegal aliens. As the ill-matched pair dig deeper, an influential alderman and his son are implicated. Then Polanski is framed for a narcotics offense, a payback for bringing cases against the corrupt officers and the alderman? Only when Campello is challenged by a local minister, whom he meets when visiting Polanski, does he find the motivation to seek justice. About the author: Brandt Dodson c

The Truth Project: Lesson Nine – Unio Mystica: Am I Alone?

This is my absolute favorite tour yet!   Unio mystica means “mystical union”.   Our mystical union with the infinite King of the universe is the heart of our belief as Christians!   We share a divine intimacy with the Lord.   Apart from Him, I am a dry stick on the ground. Because I am a believer, the infinite God of the universe dwells in me!   Do I act like I believe this?   Not really, no.   How about you? The topic of social laws was touched upon.   There are “Unique and Particular” social laws that apply to specific relationships.   These relationships are represented by the spheres at the top of the temple drawing that has been shown and discussed throughout The Truth Project study.   There are “General and Universal” social laws that apply to everything.   When we blur the social laws by applying the wrong law to the wrong relationship, we distort God’s design.   For example, with regard to “labor”, a man refusing to work for a woman and citing a verse about “family” i

At The Feet of Jesus by Joanna Weaver

About At the Feet of Jesus You were made for more than serving God; you were made to "know" Him. Intimacy with God--to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted. For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, "At the Feet of Jesus" extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout. Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus--where true life begins Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide. About Joanna Weaver With more tha

Bible Study: Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua Chapter 8

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Joshua, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Stay strong and very courageous. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 8 of the Old Testament book of Joshua. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the

When A Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

The highly-anticipated second installment in the Deadly Reunions series, When a Heart Stops will have readers staying up late as they race to the finish to find out what happens. Full of the suspense and romantic tension reader have come to expect from Lynette Eason, When a Heart Stops is intense, emotional and fast-paced. Spunky and outgoing, nothing much bothers medical examiner Serena Hopkins--except for the thought of falling in love again. But when a serial killer is picking off her former classmates, Serena's life becomes intertwined with her old high school crush, FBI agent Dominic Allen. Is the secret she's keeping putting her next on the killer's hit list? Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late? Lynette Eason is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including Too Close to Home, Don't Look Back, A Killer Among Us and When the Smoke Clears. She is a member of American Fiction Christian Writers and Romance Writers of America. A

The Truth Project: Lesson Eight – Sociology: The Divine Imprint

Before each session, I go through the materials I found online submitted by others.   They include transcribed notes from the teaching sessions and lengthy fill in the blank sheets.   Doing this gives me a decent overview of what is going to be presented in class that day. This week I actually had the opportunity to use what I’ve been learning through the sessions and my debriefing as I write these blog posts.   I read online where Bill Nye has recently blasted Creationism and lauded evolution.   When I first read the article, I couldn’t think of a single response to refute what was being said.   So, I went back to my notes and re-read Darwin’s thoughts on how the geological record doesn’t really support his theory of evolution and how what has been learned in molecular biology supports intelligent design.   But are those two nuggets of fact enough to refute a gung-ho evolutionist?   Maybe.   Maybe not.   What we must remember is that it’s God’s job to draw men to Him.   It’s no

The Trouble With Cowboys by Denise Hunter

Only one pair of boots-and the cowboy wearing them-can get Annie out of the mess she's in. Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek's premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie's column is cancelled, she's given first shot at a new lovelorn column-and she can't afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie's never been in love. Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town's smooth-talking ladies' man Dylan Taylor: She'll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he'll help her answer the reader letters. Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can't risk getting hurt now. The more Annie tries to control thi

Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Two families on opposite sides of the globe are shaken by the rise and fall of the Titanic, "queen of the ocean." When pampered Jacqueline Abington makes secret plans to elope with the family gardener, she concocts a scheme for another woman to take her place on the much-anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. From a poor corner of London, Tessa Bowen has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime-a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there's a catch: she must assume another woman's identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in expensive quarters, dresses in luxurious gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy young American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa must struggle to keep up the ruse even as she finds herself falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and Tessa's life is forever changed. "I absolutely loved this novel. Janice Thompson captures the true heart of the voyage and makes u

Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson

A young woman traveling the Oregon Trail in 1842 must rely on a stranger to bring her to safety. But whom can she trust with her heart? For two thousand miles along the trail to Oregon Country, Samantha Waldron and her family must overcome tremendous challenges to reach the Willamette Valley before winter. Together they weather autumn storms, hunger and thirst, and the dangers of a wild and unfamiliar country. But when their canoe capsizes on the Columbia River, they must rely on handsome British exporter Alexander Clarke to rescue them from the icy water. Alex escorts Samantha and her young brother, Micah, to Fort Vancouver. There Samantha is overwhelmed with men vying for her affections, but the only one who intrigues her-Alex-is the one she cannot have. When his betrothed arrives unexpectedly from England to escort him home, Samantha becomes determined to create a home for herself and Micah in the fertile valley far away from the fort. But how will an unmarried woman support

You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren

Sometimes the secrets we keep to protect ourselves can be our undoing. To all who know her, Annalise Decker is a model wife and mother. She's a permanent member of the PTA, never misses a sporting event, and is constantly campaigning for her husband's mayoral race. No one knows that Annalise was once Deidre O'Reilly, a troubled young woman whose testimony put a dangerous criminal behind bars. Relocated through the Witness Security Program to the quaint harbor town of Deep Haven, Deidre received a new identity and a fresh start, which began when she fell in love with local real estate agent Nathan Decker. Twenty years later, Annalise couldn't be more unprepared for her past to catch up with her. When Agent Frank Harrison arrives with news that the man she testified against is out on parole and out for revenge, Annalise is forced to face the consequences of her secrets. Will she run again, or will she finally find the courage to trust those she loves most with both

Bible Study: Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua Chapter 7

Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Joshua, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Stay strong and very courageous. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked… Stacey Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 7 of the Old Testament book of Joshua. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the

The Truth Project: Lesson Seven – History: Whose Story?

Oh, what an incredible video teaching and discussion!   Are you a believer?   The Bible IS your history.   Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to remember.   This is crucial for us to do.   We need to remember what God has done in the past so that we can trust in His abilities for our future. Del Tackett teaches that what you believe in the future is determined by the past.   Because of this, history is critical in the cosmic battle.   During this tour, lots of $5 terms are thrown around: Historical Revisionism is a process by which history is revised to meet an objective or accomplish an agenda.   If you rewrite the past, you can make people believe whatever you want them to in the present.   And it actually happens.   Scary!   The first historical revision took place in the Garden of Eden when the serpent asked, “Did God really say…”   The Mayflower Compact was even revised to remove God and the purpose of the trip (for the glorie of God) from history. To be hones