The Problem with Children's Bible Stories

Many parents read Bible Stories to their children that are written by men. Children learn Bible stories in Sunday School from curriculum written by men. We should be reading the Bible, the Word of God, just as it is to our children since it does not come back void. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it {Isaiah 55:11}.  It is the only thing that has the power to transform lives. It is living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart {Hebrews 4:12}

Paul began 2 Timothy praising Timothy's grandmother and mother for passing on their faith  to Timothy when he was a child. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" {2 Timothy 1:5}. Later on in the book, Paul wrote this to him, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" {2 Timothy 3:15-17}.

Timothy's mother and grandmother didn't teach him Bible stories that were written by men. No, they taught him the Word to him from childhood and so should we with our children. Nothing man writes can compare to the pure Word of God. Nothing transforms like the pure Word of God. Nothing convicts, challenges, reproves or corrects like the pure Word of God. Nothing else can make children "wise unto salvation through faith...in Christ Jesus." Nothing can take the Bible's place.

When my children were young, I drove them to AWANA every week while they were growing up. AWANA is a great program that teaches and motivates children to memorize the Word of God. My last two children started when they were only three years old and they all went through junior high. They memorized a ton of Scripture. AWANA used the KJV which is easy to memorize because of the way it is worded. I love the KJV but if you want to use another version, use it but make sure your children are hearing and memorizing the pure Word of God since nothing can compare to it.

Finally, they must know the Word of God so they will be holding fast the faithful word as {they} hath been taught, that {they} may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers {Titus 1:9}.There will be many who will oppose what your children say if they speak Truth. There is a lack of Bible knowledge among people today but if they know the Word of God from childhood, they will be able to speak Truth into the lives of those who don't know it or oppose them. This, my friends, is the most important gift you can give your children for there is NO greater joy than to hear your children walk in Truth {3 John 4}.

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:7

Dangers of a Sedentary Life

God created Adam in a garden and wanted him to work hard in the garden. He created us to work and have physical movement. Up until technology took off, most people worked hard. Men worked hard on the farm, building things, etc. and women worked hard in the homes since they didn't have washing machines, dryers, etc. Back then, people didn't need to go to the gyms or go running since their lifestyle was one of hard, physical work. 

Now, we sit all day; at our computers, at our desks, on our couches, etc. Many of you probably don't sit all day, especially if you have small children but many more sit now than ever before. Homemakers can easily get bored at home since there isn't nearly as much to keep her busy at home as there used to be. Many men sit behind desks all day and rarely move. Way too many in our country are obese because of our sedentary lifestyle.

As many of you know, I have had a lot of health problems so I have been sitting a lot. My children are all grown and gone so there isn't much housework to do. I found that my knees began to ache, then my legs began to ache and now even my arms. I knew about Trigger Point Therapy and was doing this around my knee. Then a man told me that I should try sitting on a tennis ball on a hard chair to get all the trigger points in my hamstrings. This did the trick! My knees and legs finally didn't ache all night.

My arms were hurting from typing so much so I began giving trigger point massage to all of my muscles around my elbows and within a few days the pain was gone. Years ago, when I had a frozen shoulder, it is what cured me. Lately, I've been having pain on the top of my head. When ever I have headaches, I think brain tumor. However, I was looking in my Trigger Point Therapy Workbook for what may be causing pain on the top of the head and it was two points at the top of my neck. I used my Knobble on it and the headache was gone after suffering weeks with a headache! I have used this book for years to get rid of all muscular pain and tendinitis. It also works on carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, achy joints, bad hips, backaches, foot pain {which is almost always referred pain from lower leg muscles as knee pain is almost always from thigh or hamstring muscles}, and all types of pain. Sometimes it's not where the pain is but from somewhere else that is sending off referred pain. This book will help you figure out where the pain begins so you can trigger point that area. If it doesn't help at all after a few sessions, you are probably massaging the wrong trigger points. I have used this book for years and love it. Many trigger points come from a sedentary lifestyle!

Studies have proven that sitting all day is harmful to your health. Now, I try to stand up a lot more. I'm getting a lot more housework done and even am standing and swaying back and forth while I type this post! Is your home a mess? Are you overweight? Do you ache places over your body? Buy the Trigger Point book and knobble to work out your trigger points and get to work cleaning your house and moving. The theracane is great for trigger points in your shoulder and back.

Many women are getting healthy and in shape by following Trim Healthy Mama or Weight Watchers. Sedentary lifestyles are bad for us in many, many ways. Those who have lived long, healthy lives remained active for as long as possible. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit so do what is in your power to keep it healthy so you can continue ministering for Him whether in be in your home or somewhere else.

A hard worker has plenty of food, 

but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

Proverbs 12:11

Sickened By Immodesty Among Christians

Paul Washer said in a sermon called The Basics of Biblical Courtship that what Christians wear to the beach today, just 60 years ago would have been jailed or fined by unbelievers since it was against the law. The women in the chat room were discussing the onslaught of immodesty our men see on the television screen, in the supermarket and everywhere. Even before a football game begins a woman who claims to be a Christian is singing and dancing provocatively on a stage in a dress up to her fanny. It actually looks like a top that is missing its pants. In church, women who lead the songs wear skin tight pants. The church doesn't even set and uphold standards of modesty that Paul says should take place in the Church. It's sickening how much Christians look like our culture instead of being beacons of light shining in a dark and decaying culture. Now, we shouldn't expect modesty from unbelievers but from those who claim to follow Christ, we should.

People will tell me that I am not to judge. Yes, we are to judge those within the church and we are certainly supposed to call any and all sin what it is, SIN. We shouldn't have to worry about going to church and seeing immodest women. This should be a safe place for Christians to worship the Lord and learn about Him. The Church and its leaders shouldn't be afraid of the women in the church but should set standards for modesty. When we visited Michael Pearl's church as a family, the women were all very modest and it was wonderful! It was a peaceful and secure feeling. All of God's ways are like this; peaceful and secure.

  A friend of mine said her father was a pastor and he had a very strict dress code for those who were going to be on stage. I asked her why pastors today don't seem to have those same standards and she said that they cater to the young. This is not how it should be. The young should be catering to the older since they are the ones with wisdom. Some churches have robes for their choir like David Jeremiah's church. This is a great idea!

If you are a woman of God who desires to please Him in all that you do, dress modestly. Don't spend a lot of money on your clothes since this is forbidden by the Lord. Wear clothes that are neat, tidy and even pretty but make sure they are modest. Ask your husband what is modest if you're not sure since he is a man and thinks like a man! Be a godly example of modesty to those around you.

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.

1 Timothy 2:9

***Please take five minutes to watch this clip by Dennis Prager about a man's sexual nature if you don't believe showing more flesh is difficult on a man and why you should dress modestly around every man, except for your husband's eyes only.

"Why are men so easily turned on sexually by a woman's legs, but not vice-versa? Why are female strip clubs so much more prevalent and popular than male strip clubs, but not vice-versa? Why is the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue a nationwide hit every year...among men? In five minutes, Dennis Prager explains why the answers to these questions reveal so much about male and female sexual nature, and how the visual impacts the two sexes in totally different ways."

If Only Submission Fit Into a Nice Biblical Box

{Written by Ken}

There are far too many Christians who want truth to fit into a nice box, their box, and their perspective. They too desire to be true to God’s Word, but we find that they are so black and white, right and wrong, that they are even more far right on issues of submission than we are. All truth must stay in a tension with others of God's truths, and once one truth is out of its tension against another, one falls off the horse of truth and into something God does not intend for us to believe or live.

The Christian life is intended for us to try to learn all of God’s will and to walk in His ways, as we walk in the Spirit. We find Pharisaical attitudes prevalent in our segment of Christianity, where we are all on the same side of trying to honor God at His Word, all of His Word, yet we disagree with those who reject a scriptural common sense where Christians are intended to walk in the Spirit of Truth, and not "the letter of the law."

On Lori’s post Stipulations to Our Obedience  a few wanted to take Lori to task for suggesting that a Christian wife who disagrees with her husband is to “gently tell him why you disagree but if it is not against God's commands, obey him.” One accused her of creating loopholes and the other implied that a wife could not express any disagreement without showing her facial and emotional expressions in an unsubmissive manner. We strongly beg to disagree with such faulty thinking and teaching, and we do this with scripture.

The perfect example of godly submission is Jesus Christ in His relationship with His Father. Not only are they One in all things, we are told that Jesus willingly submitted to the Father. As the apostle Paul teaches us in Philippians 2:5-8:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Jesus is our perfect example of what our submission should like to God, and in turn a wife’s desire to submit to her husband. Did Jesus ever make a request of his Father in sorrowful pleading? You bet He did as the Word says,

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ’My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’” {Matthew 26:39}

Notice now that not only did Jesus express Himself and His desires clearly, He also added that He was willing to suffer what God had planned for Him from the beginning of time. His submission was never in question, even as he asked the question, “If it be possible.” Note that Jesus’ request was even wrong, as He in His humanity was asking for something that God the Father in His infinite will could not grant Him because God knew what was best for Jesus and it was to suffer death so that He and His children may be gloried. Hence, I find that even a wife’s wrong request is not sinful, so long as she is willing to accept the answer “no,” and to submit.

Also notice that Jesus did not say it once and drop the matter, but instead asked twice. Although we might encourage a godly wife to express herself once, and if she knows she has been heard, drop the matter and submit, we are not opposed in vital matters for her to make a second request. If she feels the matter so critical to her marriage and family, she is invited to ask a second time, maybe even a third. Look at the Word on this matter:

“Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done" {Matthew 26:42}.

I am sorry, but those who have boxed in submission to mean that a wife ALWAYS obeys her husband, as it says “in everything” and never with questioning him on the matter, you have fallen off the horse of truth and must try to get back on. The best way to get truth back in tension is to check your heart on the matter. If your heart’s desire is to please God in everything, then indeed you will desire to also submit to your husband in everything. But there are times, hopefully very rarely in a godly marriage, but perhaps not so rare in a marriage where a wife is married to an unbeliever, where a wife must continually check her heart on this matter, and follow her husband in all things that are not clearly forbidden by God’s Word.

The concern for some is that many a wife may find this to be a “loophole” where she gets to pick and choose which areas she is to submit. She may make up her own views of what the Word permits or does not permit, and in doing so she has taken the reigns of the relationship and given herself an excuse not to submit. We understand this concern, and it is something that perhaps far too many Christian wives do to their husbands at times. For instance, it is not permissible in the context of godly submission for a wife to make up things that she feels the Word says, but in an area that many other godly believers would claim Christian liberty. No matter what your individual opinion about the Word may be, if it is not in conformity to what other godly believers would counsel, you must submit your will to your husband. In other words, a wife does not have permission to make up her own things of rights and wrongs or not submit in items of conscience, unless it is clearly defined in God’s Word. And a godly submissive wife should always question her own motives for why she does not want to follow her husband’s lead.

Lori’s post was quite clear that “if it is not against God's commands, obey him.” This rightly assumes that a wife first stands in allegiance to her Lord and Savior, and second in submission to her own husband. Not her own loving husband, her godly husband or her sacrificial husband, but her husband, even if he is not a believer. But that said, God does not desire a wife to obey one of His strong and clear precepts of wifely submission just to blow off other clear Biblical commands. In all other areas of liberty, a wife is free to submit to her husband, even if she disagrees, and I believe she is covered by his authority when her conscience goes against his desires, yet she willingly submits. This is not to say that her conscience does not move her to ask a second time: “Will you let this cup pass from me, but if not, your will as my husband be done.”

We, as Believers, have much to be accountable to by God’s Word without adding in things that are not clearly forbidden. Let’s learn to trust in walking in the great liberty that the Lord gives us, and in all things not clearly forbidden, see them as permissible, yet some, or many things, still yet not profitable. If a husband decides to have you enter into an area that is permissible, yet you believe it unprofitable, express your concerns once, maybe twice, then enter into his will with joyful obedience if his mind cannot be tempered. The results may be that in time he will come to “be won without a word” or perhaps you will be won by a change in thinking realizing that indeed our God of liberty is not against what your husband desires. Either way, God is honored in the lessons learned, especially the valuable lesson learned by a husband that even at times when he is wrong, his willing companion sets aside her own will to conform to his will, just as Jesus has given us the perfect example of submission and humility.

How can a wife win a husband if she is not willing to follow, even at times when her spirit thinks that he is wrong? Pick your points to voice your concerns over clear Biblical violations, not on preferences or questionable issues. For the greater goal of a Oneflesh marriage is the conformity of two wills in harmony with God’s Will. And it is the husband’s responsibility to set the direction of the wills, and a wife’s role to willingly, and may I add, joyfully follow, if it is not clearly contrary to God’s Word.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17

The Hellish Cycle of Homemaking

Celine Dion was almost aborted by her mother. "My mother had already brought up 13 children. For more than 20 years, she'd been locked into a hellish cycle of washing, ironing and housework, 365 days a year. She thought, rightly, that she'd done her duty. The two little ones, twins Paul and Pauline, were about to go to school and at last she'd have some time to herself. At last she'd be able to go out, perhaps go travelling with my father and revisit the area where they were both brought up. Then suddenly she was pregnant again. She was so shattered she went to see the parish priest to see if she could do something about it. Once she got over her disappointment that an abortion was out of the question,” added Dion, “she loved me as passionately as she'd loved the last little ones."

Women today view homemaking as "hellish." It's drudgery that just needs to be done. We have become a nation of ungrateful, complaining people. While we are washing all of our dishes, we are not thankful that we have so many dishes to wash, hot water that comes out of our faucet, and soap that makes them clean. Many even have a dishwasher that we just stack our dishes in and it does the washing. Women complain about the laundry, not realizing how easy we have it today compared to all the generations before us and not being thankful for the abundance of clothes we are blessed to own. We have washing machines and dryers that do all the work for us so we don't have to use physical labor as they did in the past to accomplish this task. If women today think that these chores are hellish, imagine what they would have thought if they had been born a hundred years ago without all of the modern conveniences we have today.

Women in most past generations had to pump water from a well, heat it up on the stove and then scrub their clothes clean. They didn't know anything else so they may have been more content than women are today. They were so busy with the job of running a home and raising children that they didn't have time to be lazy or bored as easily. They also didn't have all the distractions we have like the smart phones, internet, etc. or even cars to keep them away from home for hours at a time. Their time was spent at home as keepers of their homes. They didn't know anything different but even so God still commanded women to be keepers at home and that godliness with contentment is great gain, therefore, women have probably always struggled with being content doing what God has called them to do.

The other thing that stands out to me in Celine Dion's statement is that her mother was so weary from housekeeping and child raising that she wanted to abort Celine so she could have time to herself and travel. Celine grew up to be one of the most amazing singers in our country. Once she had Celine, she loved her passionately even though she was her 14th child. Thankfully, her priest told her abortion was not an option. Just think how many children are being denied life because of abortion and it all comes down to women's selfishness. Instead of her mother being able to have some time to herself and being able to travel, she was able to hold another precious baby in her arms; nothing in life compares to being able to do this. 

Some think they won't love a second, third or fourteenth child enough; as if there was a limit on how much we can love. Others tire of homemaking and raising children but I can tell you that there is no greater joy on this earth than to have children walking in Truth! I saw a poster recently that said something like, "Don't mind the noise, the house that isn't spotless and the little fingerprints on the windows because one day soon enough the home will be quiet and spotless when they are all grown up and gone." I can completely relate. They grow up so fast! Treasure these years of having children in your home. They are the best years!

We are called to something different than most in the world. We are called to love and value life. We are called to love children enough to bear them and nurture them. We are called to be keepers at home and be thankful. Rejoice in your God ordained role of being a help meet, bearing children and being a keeper at home. Thank the Lord for your husband who works hard, the home you live in, for the food you eat, and for the clothes you wear; for all the Lord has blessed you with. We have light, heat and air-conditioning by turning a switch on. We get food by going to grocery stores filled with food. We get into a car, put a key into the ignition and drive wherever we want. We have way more than we need. However, the greatest thing we have is Jesus as our Savior! God's wrath will no longer be poured upon us, but instead we will live eternally with Him. Talk to your children about Him daily!

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, 
as to the Lord, and not unto men.
Colossians 3:23

Loving Your Children is Taking Good Care of Them

If you love your children, you will take good care of them. The first place you begin caring for them is when you find out you're pregnant! Eat the most nutritious food you can afford since everything you eat affects them. Cater more to your body and what is good for it than to your taste buds. Only take drugs if necessary since all drugs are toxic to the human body and have side effects. Care more for the baby being formed inside of you than for your desires of the flesh.

After they are born, nurse them for at least a year if possible, since this is so much healthier for them. Man will never be able to improve upon God's baby food. Understand that infancy goes by so quickly, so spend time rocking your baby and having your baby close to you. This is a special time for mother and child.

As the child grows, make sure your child is safe. Do everything in your power to accomplish this and then allow the Lord to do the rest. Be the one to raise your baby since you are their mother and this is the job God gave to you. Watch what goes into their minds. Only allow good and wholesome books to read. Shelter them from evil. Watch closely who they play with since bad company corrupts good morals. Be careful what they see. The images you see on TV may not affect you but they may affect them greatly. Watch what they eat and the amounts they eat; teaching them self-control in all areas of their life. Teaching them to enjoy healthy food begins when they are young. Train their taste buds for food the way God created for it to be eaten; not processed to death with a bunch of added chemicals to it. When you ask them to do something, train them to obey immediately. This will make raising them much more enjoyable. Make sure they get plenty of sleep for this is important for health and well-being.

As soon as they are able, teach them how to help you around the home. They should be able to empty the dishwasher, fold their clothes and put them away, keep their bedrooms clean, etc. Don't do everything for them. Make them learn to work hard. Teach them responsibility.

My four year old grand daughter folded these clothes and wanted her mommy to take a picture and send it to me. She folded clothes with me when she was very little and has become an excellent folder of clothes! It is never too young to begin.

Don't let them complain and fuss. Teach them to be grateful instead, saying "please" and "thank you." Make sure they respect you so they will respect all authority in their lives. Yes, raising children is a full-time job but when your children grow up walking in Truth, there is NO greater joy!

Finally, this is a comment Ken left on my post Do You Love Your Children Enough to Discipline Them? "Hard work, serving others over self, seeking to please instead of be pleased all the time, kind words, controlling anger, watching out for what goes into the body, their eyes, ears and mouth, being on time, exercise, maintaining proper weight and nutrition are all disciplines that must be put on with the fruit of self-control. What few realize that the punishments from a life with a lack of self-discipline is far worse than any pain of discipline one must accept to do the right thing in the first place. This is why accountability is so important. To have others help us to lead disciplined lives because we look into the future and do not like what we see as the results of our weaknesses or lack of self-control." 

That about sums it up! Without discipline, your children's lives will be a mess. Please, take care of the children the Lord has blessed you with by making sure they learn discipline for without it, they will suffer terribly. This is a huge aspect of taking good care of them.

Older women likewise...teach the young women to be sober, 

to love their husbands, to love their children.

Titus 2:3, 4

The Nature of Man and Woman ~ Chapter Eleven

Men and women are different as I have written about many times. Men have ten times the testosterone we have and they like to conquer, whether it is new land, enemies or a woman. This is their nature to do so. We have buildings, freeways, cars, airplanes, etc. because of their drive and ability God has given them. Men are also good at seeing the whole picture, which is why God created them to be the leaders. Men's nature is doubtful, skeptical, forceful and pushy.* {This can drive us crazy at times, right?} Did you know that neither Bill Clinton nor Obama would have been elected President if women didn't vote? Women used to be for abortion in far greater numbers than men. {This isn't a post to argue that women shouldn't vote. I am simply stating facts.}

Many men saw the long-term consequences and harm of electing a President who wants to make the power of the government bigger and stronger, whereas women like a government that will take care of them regardless of the long-term consequences. Many women think there should be abortion since it is "their body" and they should be able to do what they want with it, instead of seeing the long-term devastating consequences of millions of babies being murdered and affecting generations to come.

I wrote about the dangers of Jesus Calling a while ago and the author stating, "‘I knew that God communicated with me through the Bible, but I yearned for more." Do you wonder why Satan went to Eve instead of Adam? Women are more sensitive and emotional so are more easily deceived, as the Word states {1 Timothy 2:13, 14}. Eve did not follow logic; she followed her "sensibilities." She wanted "deeper" spiritual insights than those provided by God.* This statement reminded me of Jesus Calling. Sarah wanted more than the Word of God so she spoke as if Jesus was speaking and wrote a book. No thanks! Did you know that women are either directly or indirectly responsible for most of the past and present cults in Christianity?*

Man's objectivity and lack of intuitiveness make him appear less spiritual than the sensitive believing female.* This doesn't make one sex better than the other, just different and for their created purpose they are wonderful! God created women to marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully {1 Timothy 5:14}. This is what we are created to do. This is why we have a sensitive and emotional nature to bear and raise children, not to try to take the place of men in society since we weren't created with the long-term vision and strength that God gave men.

There was a discussion in the chat room about "baby fever." Some women wrote that they didn't desire children; they didn't "feel" like having them. Our feelings lie to us; never trust your feelings. I explained to them that it doesn't matter if they have baby fever or not or if they feel like having children or not. If they want to walk in obedience to the Lord, they will have children if they are able! I don't "feel" like being submissive at times or being joyful or not getting angry but I try do the right thing because I love Jesus and am so thankful for what He has done for me; it is the least I can do for Him. Never allow your feelings to get in the way of obeying God and doing good.

Then Debi wrote about the Jezebels among us. Any woman who defies the scripture's prohibition against women teachers in the Church is following in the grave tradition of Jezebel.* Besides not being leaders in the Church, we also should not try to be the leaders in our homes even if we think we are better leaders than our husbands, since our husbands will lose their natural drive to bear responsibility.* God created men to be the leaders, providers and protectors but in our "liberated" society with so many women working and having careers, it has taken away many men's desire to provide and turns God's created order on its head; chaos then reigns, as it does today.

Ruth, Esther, and the virtuous Proverbs woman are provided as examples to you of what we should aspire to be. Ruth had a thankful and submissive attitude with a willingness to work very hard. Esther was put in a difficult situation but she willingly allowed the Lord to use her to save her people. She was submissive to God's will in her life. You are also called to be women of virtue and a crown to your husband. God's created role for you is the best role you will find. You may look elsewhere but it will never come close to what God has ordained for you.

It is important for a woman to understand that she must be feminine {devoid of dominance and control} in order for her man to view her as his exact counterpart, and thus willingly respond to her protectively, with love and gentleness.* We will reap what we sow, women. You will never have a man who cherishes you if you insist on doing it your way. Once you give up your desire to have your way and instead obey God, you will be utterly amazed at how your life will fall into place. God is your Creator and His Word is your Instruction Book. Read it and live life the way He designed for you to live it. Stop depriving yourself and your husband of God's best for you.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

*Quotes from the book.

Stipulations to Our Obedience

A godly wife told her godly husband, "I don't mind being under your headship, as long as you are under the Headship of Christ." Is this correct thinking? It seems to be what the church is teaching to married couples, "Husbands must love their wife as Christ loves the church or the wife doesn't have to submit to him." This is destructive teaching and thinking this will destroy your marriage.

Our behavior and obedience to God's commands NEVER hinge upon someone else's actions. Never put stipulations on God's commands to us. We will all stand before God one day and have to give an account for our own actions; not the actions of our husbands or any one else. Therefore, we need to be happily under our husband's headship and submit to him regardless of whether or not he is under the Headship of Christ or the Bible would have told women to submit to and obey your husband along as ________{You fill in the blank.} but it doesn't do this. No, we are called to submit no matter what our husbands are like. In fact, God may use a wife's submission to win her husband to Him.

Therefore, if your husband is not the leader you think he should be, follow him any ways. If he tells you to do something you disagree with, gently tell him why you disagree but if it is not against God's commands, obey him. As you obey your husband, you are obeying the Lord since this is what He requires of you. No, it's not always easy. We'd much rather be the leader of the home but God didn't make us to be. He made us to have babies and nurture them. He made us to be help meets to our husbands. It's a good and holy role that God has given us. Don't ever let the lies of our culture convince you otherwise.

For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the Savior of the body.

Ephesians 5:23

Too Many People are Dying of Cancer

Several women and men I know are dying or have died from cancer recently. It's tragic! Mike Huckabee said in the third GOP debate that if this country could get rid of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease our health care costs would plummet. I'm not sure what he was thinking was a solution but there is no vaccine or drug that is going to automatically cure all three of these diseases. 

These diseases are caused by our lifestyles: what we eat, what we drink, the air we breath, the chemicals consumed including drugs and the overall toxicity of life today in America. Most cancers are in the body ten years before being diagnosed. There's not one simple answer for its cure but all I know is we've gotten very far away from the way God created us to live: the food He created, the clean air and water He created and the peace He created.

Yes, I believe we should do everything we can to prevent cancer: eat healthy and organic food, use non-toxic cleansers, live as stress free as possible, get plenty of sleep and exercise, etc. but even if you do all of those things, you can't control the quality of air, water, etc. that goes into your body. Therefore, we do the best we can do and leave the rest in the Lord's hands but there is not an easy fix to these diseases that some drug will cure.

Instead of spending millions of dollars searching for a cure with a drug, we should be researching how to clean up our environment of the toxic chemicals, learn to live with much fewer drugs and eat food the way God intended for us to eat it; not cooked to death and loaded with a bunch of chemicals and artificial ingredients that have been proven to cause cancer.

I have a good friend on a quest to create cookbooks with recipes that are healthy and filled with only ingredients that are good for our bodies. If you need help cooking healthy food for your family, which all wives and mothers should be pursuing, this is a great book to begin on your journey to health. {Tracy is a college friend of mine. She is a perfectionist and spends hours perfecting each recipe!}

 "The sequel to Delightfully Free is here!  Just released, Tracy Hill's second cookbook, appropriately titled Even More Delightfully Free, is exactly that.  Even more creatively healthy, surprisingly nutritious recipes that feature even more beautiful color photographs. Here is the front and back cover."

Even More Delightfully Free is made with the same quality as Delightfully Free:  Hardback cover with a practical hidden spiral, 100 lb glossy pages, featuring beautiful full-page color photos. The cost is $29.95 per book. Shipping is FREE. Tax for California residents only. 

Click below to order one book.

Or --  Share Delightfully Free or Even More Delightfully Free with family and friends & we'll thank you with 10% off each additional copy of either book. 

Currently, our online store is not set up to offer this multi-book discount, so we invite you to call us so we can personally handle your multiple book order and give you 10% off each additional book. As with single book orders, every multiple book order includes free shipping. 

If you are ordering 2 or more books, please call 714-281-2492. 
If you want to order only one book, click here.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, 
or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Do You Need More Clothes?

What is it in us to waste so much money on clothing? Ken and I were watching a movie from the 1920s and the mother said to her daughter, "Why do you want to waste money on clothes?" We, in America, think nothing of wasting money on clothing. In fact, many women have clothing in their closets right now with the price tag on them that have never been worn.

What is it in us to keep buying more and more clothes that we will rarely wear? Is it to fill an emptiness in our soul, to impress others, or to simply be greedy by having more and more stuff? All of these reasons are wrong and should be pondered in all of us since I would venture to say all of us have way more clothing than we need.

Christians are to be people of contentment since the Creator of the universe loves us and has saved us. We are told that godliness with contentment is great gain, yet few of us believe this. We listen to the lies of society that tell us that "just this one more thing and we will be content." Then we get it and nothing has changed. We will never find contentment until we are content with what we have and find contentment in Jesus alone.

Since we all have plenty of food and clothes, we should be the most contented people that ever existed. Are you content with what you have? Does not having something that you want cause you to be discontent? Do you have debt from wanting things you can't afford? These things should not be definitions of a believer's life. We must learn to find our contentment in knowing and loving Jesus.

How do we do this? We keep our eyes on things above, not on things of this earth. Our life is hid with Christ in God.  Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory {Colossians 3:1-4}. I had all of my children memorize these verses and I would have to say that my children are fairly content adults. I don't hear them telling me about all the things they want often. Are they perfect in this? No, but probably few of us are. It is something we must work on and continue to seek our contentment in the Lord and not the stuff of the earth.

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?...And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin...Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:26, 28, 30

Cherishing the Years with Your Husband

A young woman that I have mentored wrote me this text recently, "I just keep thinking of your best friend who married your friend and then lost him to cancer. She said she was glad she didn't waste the short time she had with him being ungrateful for him. That was the most humbling post I've ever read!!" I don't remember the name of the post so I'm going to tell you it again since it was so powerful for this one woman, it may be for you as well.

Sandy was my best friend in college. We met in 1976 and have been best friends ever since. After I married Ken, Sandy told me she was going to go to Wheaton College for business school. Rob was a good friend of mine who lived in Illinois so I asked him if he would pick Sandy up from the airport. He agreed, they fell in love and got married quickly afterwards. Before they got married, Sandy had decided that she would never nag her husband or complain about him or to him. She never wanted to debate him so she would give her opinions and then allow him to decide. She didn't feel the need to force her opinions upon him. She made the decision that she would show him grace instead of anger or being upset with him when he didn't act the way she wanted him to act. She knew that wouldn't accomplish anything beneficial so she figured it all out without an older women teaching her to love and obey her husband. She wanted to make Rob happy by having a gentle and quiet spirit, which she absolutely has and she adorns the Gospel with it. She kept her word. She found her strength in the Lord and in His ways. Rob adored her, which is an understatement. She loved and supported him.

They soon had three young boys. One day, Rob had a seizure. Soon afterwards, he was diagnosed with an incurable brain cancer. He died not too long afterwards leaving her with three little boys. {The above picture was taken shortly before his death, Sandy told me. She could tell because his left eye was droopy from the tumor.} Rob spent his married years very happy being married to Sandy.  She made his life good, very good. His life was cut way too short but he married a good woman who raised his sons to be godly men.

Can you imagine losing your husband so early in marriage? Wouldn't you feel a terrible sense of guilt if you had continually been angry and upset with him? It would be a regret you would live with for the rest of your life and I fear it happens way too often. It's taken me many years to gain Ken's trust but he knows my heart and intentions now that they are for him and not against him. He knows I deeply love and respect him. I will always regret the many years we wasted while I was trying to change and control him, instead of learning to have a quiet and meek spirit. Thankfully, the Lord has turned those years into years that I can use to minister to other women on what not to do and what to do in a marriage.

Life is way too short to make anybody's life miserable. Why do so many of us waste years making our husband's life miserable instead of doing all we can to be the help meet to him that God has called us to be? If you are causing your husband to not enjoy life due to your behavior and attitude, change it quickly. You are the only one that can change you and since you have the power of the Lord in you who raised Christ up from the dead, you can change!

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered.
1 Corinthians 13:3, 4

Women are to Be Discreet

Most young women are not discreet today. Each generation seems to becoming more and more indiscreet, yet the Lord commands that I teach young women to be discreet. I asked the women in the chat room, "What is something you would never do in front of your husband? There are some things that should be done in private." There should be some feminine mystery about us, especially towards our husbands. We should be known for being discreet and feminine.

Some of the young women bragged that they can do everything in front of their husbands. I have noticed that there is no sense of shame in the younger generations and I don't blame them. I blame the culture they are being raised in and the lack of older women teaching them about discretion. 

The definition of discreet is "judicious in one's conduct or speech, especially with regard to respecting privacy or maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature; prudent; circumspect." Just because we are married doesn't mean we leave discretion at the door. 

Some women were even bragging about their husbands wanting them to pass gas in front of them! Unfortunately, too many men are being raised by feminists mothers, therefore, they don't realize how attractive femininity is on their wives.

A woman shouldn't go to the bathroom in front of her husband. She shouldn't do anything where she can't sit in a feminine way in front of him. If you have to pump your breasts, do it in private. Floss your teeth without him having to watch. Whatever isn't feminine, don't do in front of him. Be women of discretion, especially in front of your husband. A lack of discretion turns most men off. They like their wives to be feminine and discreet. It is the opposite of them and this is what attracts men to women.

I want my husband to think of me as feminine, even in the way I eat my food. Do you gulp your food down in an unfeminine way? I have seen women do this and it is not appealing at all. Do you eat way too much and stuff yourself? This is unattractive as well. I knew a woman who would lick her fingers and use them to pick up all the crumbs on her plate to eat them! Eat like a lady!

Our goal is not to be sexy but discreet and modest. We are not trying to gain the attention of the men around us. We only do this behind closed doors with our husbands. God calls us to be women of discretion and I don't think he meant for us to stop doing this with our husbands. 

Work on becoming a classy woman. I have an older woman friend who mentors young women and she is the classiest woman I know. She buys all of her clothes at thrift stores or on sale for very little but she always looks great! She uses discretion in everything she does, even the way she eats. 

Most young women scoff at this today but if you are a young woman who desires to become a godly women, I encourage you to not scoff at this but learn to be discreet in all you do, especially with what you say. Never use foul language. Don't gossip and say mean things about others. Let the law of kindness always be on your lips. This is part of being discreet and feminine as well.

We are not part of this world. We are strangers and aliens and we should look like it. Too many Christians have fallen into the gutter with the rest of the world instead of rising up and being salt and light. Be a godly woman of discretion; for this pleases the Lord.

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, 

so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Proverbs 11:22