Jane Austen- Then and Today

Laura Hines
Glynda Schaad
English 101
27 November, 2007

Jane Austen - Then and Today

Jane Austen Then
Miss Jane Austen was born December 16, 1775 in England to a clergyman, Rev. George Austen, and his wife, Cassandra Leigh. A revolutionary authoress, Jane Austen, wrote a series of comic/novels that sparked a change in her own world and impacting us even today, a hundred years later. The seventh of eight children, she was impetuous and full of life. When she was 12 she started writing short juvenilia. At 21, she commenced writing that endearing story, Sense and Sensibility, of three sisters: Elinor, Marianne and Margaret Dashwood. (Austen Leigh,pp. 10) (Pemberly, Her Childhood)
The stories continued to flow from her very being. Her novels became composites of her own life and dreams. For instance, her alleged romance with a Tom LeFroy inspired her various heroes and cads: the proud Mr. Darcy, the wily George Wickham, the charming cad Willoughby and the reserved Col Brandon. Her brief affair with Tom LeFroy was a speculated one, for no one knows to the extent she took the romance. Tom LeFroy wanted to marry her, but his family didn't approve, because she
was a poor young lady. So, he soon stepped out of her life, and went on to be Lord Chief Justice of Ireland.(Smith,paragraph 9)
Austen's mother (while she herself married for love) inspired the character of Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice as she strongly desired that Jane and her sister, Cassandra, marry wealthy men. (Pemberley)
A true romantic, the core of Jane's stories always carried the theme of her characters having trouble and tribulation, and having an unpredictable ending! (Pemberley)
She wrote stories that pictured the central female character who was independent-minded and witty, yet who still needed her man. Her writings reflected her own ideal woman. (Pemberly)
The culture of the time she lived in, is expressed in the following paragraph:
Edith Lank says, “Remember that it was a fairly small and constricted world Jane Austen lived in: England's population was less, and further limited by the fact that she's writing about only one class, the lower gentry. Transportation was also limited, and the people she writes about go to the same places for the most part,
and the men attend the same university. It's likely that people ran into acquaintances of acquaintances all the time. (Lank)
She is known to be one of the many publicly well known woman who didn't use a male pseudonym.(Kaplan) Before h er time, female authors wrote with male pen names to avoid notoriety and persecution.
For example, the Bronte Sisters went by Currer, Ellis and Acton Bell. The
pseudonyms of the Bronte sisters were not known until after the deaths of her
two older sisters, when Charlotte made it known it was her sisters who wrote the books. Louisa May Alcott wrote some of her thrillers under a male pen name. (Andrew J.)
There is Mary Ann Evans who wrote her vastly popular books under a masculine penname of George Eliot. (Amrevus)
“Emily Bronte (1818-1848) used a male pseudonym Ellis Bell for her first publication- a work of poetry authored jointly with her sisters Charlotte and Anne. Her sisters used the pseudonyms "Currer Bell" and "Acton Bell" for that occasion. Her novel Wuthering Heights appeared in 1847 and her sisters' first novels, Charlotte's Jane Eyre and Anne's Agnes Grey, were published in the same year. Emily Bronte died, at the age of 30, in 1848.” (Brock)
Secondarily, she is noted for her lively, witty romantic themes that were on the brink of the Romantic Era on the waining heals of the Enlightenment. (Julie, Enlightenment) Her stories departed from the Gothic romantic style of writing.

M.H. Abrams says, "The Gothic novel, or "Gothic romance" . . . flourished through the early nineteenth century. Authors of such novels set their stories in the medieval period, often in a gloomy castle replete with dungeons, subterranean passages, and sliding panels, and made plentiful use of ghosts, mysterious disappearances, and other sensational and supernatural occurrences; their principal aim was to evoke chilling terror by exploiting mystery, cruelty, and a variety of horrors. The term"gothic" has also been extended to denote a
type of fiction which lacks the medieval setting but develops a brooding atmosphere of gloom or terror, represents events which are uncanny, or macabre, or melodramatically violent, and often deals with aberrant psychological states. (adapted from A Glossary of Literary Terms)(Abrams)
Authors like Charlotte Bronte, the author of Jane Eyre, were Gothic writers. Dark and foreboding, they spoke of the ghosts, romance, and many sinister things.
Miss Austen was considered a radical for writing things that were not publicly expressed or were considered a disgrace to talk about openly. Such things affairs, intrigues, seductions, and other scandalous topics that were not proper for a lady to discuss.
“Austen’s talents, uniquely suited to her subject, her realm and sense of comedic in human nature reveals her techneques. Judged as superb in delineation of character, control the point of view, and ironic tone. Although she chose as her subject the people she knew best, she illuminated in their characters the follies and failings of men and women of all times and classes.”(Bomarito)
Her stories, written with satire, light humor, and wit, spoke of a woman being content with who she was yet was fully aware she desired a man to provide her with comfort and companionship.
Jane Austen saw four out of her six books published before she died July 18th, 1817 at 41 years of age. Some speculate that she died of a broken heart. Others suggest that it was Addison’s Disease or breast cancer. Her nephew, James Edward Austen Leigh, attended the funeral in the place of his father who was ill. He later wrote of his Aunt Jane's life, from the recollections from his Aunt Cassandra. (Pemberly)
Because Jane Austen departed from the accepted norm for women and all writers in her day, others have had courage to follow in her footsteps. She set the cornerstone for many female writers to write using their own name and their own style. Oddly enough, some men who write nowadays use a female alias. Though women still write with using a pen name, it is more likely because they like the sound of the name better than their own. (Amrevis)
We have Jane Austen to thank for bringing us out of the dark, sinister Gothic
(De Vore) writing style to a more witty, fun even sassy style that is still relished by readers to this day. Her easy writing style seems to pull you into the pages of the story to live in Jane's world.
And last but not least, Jane became a forerunner for all women authors. Her example gave women courage to take their place in a traditionally man's world with both humility and success.(Amrevis)

People today, women mostly, adore Austen's works. Not only do they speak to the romantic heart of their lives, they also desire to have a Mr. Darcy, a Mr. Knightley, Mr. Bertram, etc. These strong men, were always the subject of the conversations that were held with all Austen fans. We search for men like that nowadays! Her influence in our lives has caused us to set a higher standard within ourselves, and in the people with whom we come in contact.

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Work Cited
Abrams, M.H. "Gothic, Novel and Romance: Brief Definitions
http://www.wsu.edu/~campbelld/amlit/novel.htm
Andrew J. "Tomorrow" " 128.227.171.66) on January 24, 2005
http://www.clas.ufl.edu/boards/spring2005/s05-0481/messages/38.html
Amrevus "The Rise of Female Authors" September 21, 2007
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/387924/the_rise_of_female_authors.html
Austen Leigh, J. E. Memoir of Jane Austen, and other Recollections
Oxford New York, Oxford University Press, 2002
Bomarito, Jessica
"Austen, Jane (1775 - 1817): Introduction." Gothic Literature. Ed. Jessica Bomarito. Gale Group, Inc., 2006. eNotes.com. 2006. 25 Nov, 2007 http://www.enotes.com/gothic-literature/austen-jane
De Vore, David “The Gothic Novel”
http://cai.ucdavis.edu/waters-sites/gothicnovel/155breport.html
Julie and Marie “Enlightenment and the Romantic Period” 1999
http://www.historyteacher.net/EuroProjects/DBQ1998-1999/Chrono11-99.htm
Lank, Edith "Coincidences"
http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/auscoinc.html
Ray, Joan Klingel “The Truth About Jane and Tom LeFroy”
http://nq.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/53/3/311
Reviewed by Deborah Kaplan
http://www.jasna.org/bookrev/br143p23.html

I need info.......

Help me please!
I need to have some information or experiences on homebirth vs. hospital birth. And I need it within the next 8 days. I have a persuasive paper to write, before the school quarter ends, on December 13th. Any or all information would be useful! Please help! Even if it is a second hand information on homebirth and hospital birth.

Thankyou and God bless you!

Laura H. aka Perennial Pioneer

Holiday Recipes, Please!

Dear Friends and Family,

I have a project that I am doing with my sisters. We are collecting a whole bunch of holiday favorite recipes. I am asking if you would be willing to share some of your family tradition favorite recipes. I am compiling them, to give away as gifts to family members, and friends. If you have any to share, please email them to me or put in the comment section. 1 or more is great. I would really like to see what you all like for the Holidays!
Cookies, cakes, bars, balls, main dishes, snacks, breakfast,etc. Please share anything that is your family favorites for the holidays.

Please put them in the comment section of the posting, or email them to me!

Perennial Pioneer
lmh4him@hotmail.com

Enchanted! The Movie Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLdKwdGdZaI

This is the most comedic, musical disney movie, that was ever created. It is must see for the whole family! I think you would all like it! Not your typical Disney animated/real life motion picture. In theaters now!

Perennial Pioneer

Never Catch another Cold!

Here is a great ebook on Mom's best remedies for those nasty cold and flu season! These really work, I have tried them! Take a look at this link, and see what I mean:

http://www.momsbestremedies.com/

Have a great day, and I hope that you will enjoy this book. Let me know what you think!

Perennial Pioneer

Researching Jane Austen!

Dear Friends,

I was wondering if you could help me. I am doing a research paper on Jane Austen, and my main focus is:What change in the world did Jane Austen make in writing her novels, and how do her writings effect us today?What influence has Jane Austen's masterpieces done for our lives? I would like to have some viewpoints on this. My paper is due, November 29th, so I have time, but I would like to get other people's opinions on the influences and effects of Jane Austen in the lives of people, and seeing as I know you all very well, please help me. I will be very grateful!

Thankyou, Perennial Pioneer

Here is the link to Jewish Dancing. This is one of my favorite dancing styles!
Click on this link and then on the dance link on the website, to see the videos. In the reviews you will see a sample of jewish Dancing!
http://www.davidicdance.com/store.htm

Laura

Under Construction!

I am in the process of changing the layout of Perennial. Please forgive the mix up, and uncoordinated colors, my computer is very slow right now!

Perennial Pioneer

Giveaway!

A really cool giveaway. Take a look!

Laura

http://americanmade1.blogspot.com/

I Need an Artist!

Hello my friends,

I will come straight to the point. I need an artist, someone who can draw, or do some painting, or computer designing very well! Do you(or know someone who could) do it?


The reason I am asking this, is I am wanting to put a cover on the front of my book I am wanting to publish, and I need attractive, but beautifully done art.


The story is about a young girl coming from Spain to live with her grandparents in early Plymouth. The girl is Spanish, and she is the granddaughter of Captain Miles Standish!


If you can help, please email me. I will give you more details, and perhaps draw you an outline of what I was thinking for the cover! I will even pay you for the drawing painting or computer image, if it is nessisary!
Thankyou!
lmh4him@hotmail.com
Perennial Pioneer

Men O' War Final

Praying Saints....

I need the saints to pray....

We have been told that we need to move from the house we are living in currently. The landlord wants to move back in, and therefore, we are in a tight spot.

We have not funds, or money or a place to put down new roots. We are well established in our home, and find it hard to think of relocating or living in a strange new place.

On top of that, we have my Dad's parents living with us, which makes this twice as hard, and perplexing to us, too.

My Dad feels that to be near my married sister Sarah, and her husband Clay, and their son, Gabriel is the wisest choice, but at present, there is no home for us there. Clay is still building his home, and it would not be big enough to fit us all. At present they are living with his parents while he builds their house!

I would like to ask the saints to pray that the Lord would grant us the wisdom to find the right course of action, and pursue the means to buy our own place! We are homechurchers and have not the support of brethern in a church. We need some advice, and counsel, and prayer that the Lord would be there, and that he would provide for our needs!

Until next time,

Perennial Pioneer

lmh4him@hotmail.com

Co Author needed!?

Hi,
I am needing a co author, or an editor, for a historical fiction book I have been writing. I am in my first draft, and need either a Co author, or editor.

If you wish to help out, I would be most grateful. I will post a sampling of the story, on Cara Ashley, for your consideration!

Thankyou, and God bless!
Only serious writers please!

Perennial Pioneer

Need Ideas!

I need ideas for homebusinesses. Can you help with this? I am working on a huge project, for the whole family to participate, and need the funds for it. Please help with ideas!

Perennial Pioneer

A prayer request from a fellow sister in Christ!

Dear friends,

A friend of mine, I will not say who, just wrote me and told me to pray for a family who just lost their mother. I am asking you to lift up your voices to Heaven, as you put them in prayer, to God and Jesus!

----------------------------------------------

Here is what she wrote me:

Six children are without a mother tonight, and a man without his beloved wife. My dear friend, Beverly, only 46, went to Heaven this morning after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was believing for a miracle, and truly she received the Ultimate Healing. Her last prayer request before she slipped into a deep sleep was that she would be singing, and leaping, and praising God really soon. Wow, how God honored that one! We have no doubt that she is doing just that right now!
However, her family is beyond devastated. She home-schooled the children up until about a month ago. I still have e-mails in my inbox from her from just a short time ago. I'm still not able to fully grasp that I will not see her again on this earth.
They had moved away a few years ago, but she requested to be buried here at "home". The next few days will be extremely difficult and emotional. I don't know if I can bear to look into the faces of her little children. I'm afraid I will fall apart right there in front of them. Please pray for all of us who loved her. Thanks so much.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let us lift up our voices to Heaven for Beverly's family, as they experience this tragic loss!

Perennial Pioneer

Support Mike Huckabee!

Everyone, I would like you to consider Mike Huckabee as our next Commander in Chief. I think that he is the best candidate so far! Here is the link to his site, so that you can get more details!

http://www.mikehuckabee.com/

Please look into this!

Laura H

Here is my brother's blog, where he has been promoting Huckabee, and other candidates!
http://senseinpolitics.blogspot.com

Who likes Jane Austen?

I do!!!!!!!!!

I love all of her movies. I have two of them myself, and am in the midst of collecting them all. I have four of her books, and would love to have more! Who would not love Jane Austen? It speaks of the heart of a woman, desperately longing for a man who is strong!

Speaking of Jane Austen, have any of you seen Becoming Jane? I did! Let me know what you opinion is of it! I liked it, except for one scene in it. I really couldn't enjoy it to the fullest as I was helping my sister with my nephew, Gabriel, not a Jane Austen fan, yet! He will soon learn!

Laura H.

Blogging Break!

For the month of September, I am taking a blogging break. I need to prepare for school, and such. So I will not be writing for September, but I will look in on you all, and see what you have been writing! I hope to start up again, in October. I will be accessable through my email, but I need the break, from all of my blogs!
I will write you about my first days, after the last Day of September! I need this break, for I am getting emotional about school, and household things! So, taking a break is going to be good for me! Please pray for me, as I continue to work and prepare for school! I am scared!
Have a great week, and a month of September! I will post once in a great while, maybe a quicky on Hines Family Homestead, about Gabriel and such, but that is about it! And I look forward to reading your articles and such!
If any of you have questions about joining Mayden Fair, contact me or any number of the maydens writing, and they will tell me. I will send an invite, and leave it up to you! We would love to have you! Email me at: lmh4him@hotmail.com
In Christ Alone!
Laura H.

Regency Style Dress!

One of my posters asked me if I had made a regency style dress yet, and I thought I would share a photo of it. I am in the blue. This is at my sister Sarah's wedding. She made her dress herself, and embroidered on it! She is so good at it!

Anyway, here it is! The blue regency style dress! It is not exactly the pattern from Sence and Sensibility, but it worked for me, in a short time I had to sew it. Sarah got engaged on January 19th, and was married on the 21st. Three days!

Have a great day!

Perennial Pioneer

Somebody Blagged on me!!

Somebody blagged on me!!
I got blagged! By Ashley @ godslightuponme.blogspot.com has blagged me with which is an 8 Things About Me meme.

Well, Here it goes!

1. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8
2. I like to write!
3. Trying to serve my family, while being a stay at home daughter!
4. I am going to college this Fall, a community college.
5. I love to sew!
6. I have 8 siblings and one nephew!
7. I have a hard time keeping my room clean!:):(
8. But I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Ok, your turn! Here are the rules:Each player starts with eight random facts or habits about his or her self.These blagged chosen ones are to write posts on their own blog about these eight facts.They are also to post these rules.At the end of their blog they will list eight people they have chosen to blag by listing their name and a link to their blog.Post a message on their blog to let them know they have been blagged on!I Blag everyone, for I don't have eight people to send it too!

Perennial Pioneer

Beauty and the Beast- I'm Gonna Love You

This is my most favorite movie, but I also like this song!
Perennail Pioneer

Mission...

Go to: http://caraashley2007.blogspot.com and read August 8th entry, to find out more about the mission I have been set upon!

Perennial Pioneer

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants - Nothing is Impossible with God

Facing the Giants:

Completely by Ana Laura

Facing the Giants:

Completely by Ana Laura

This song was in the Movie, Facing the Giants! The woman in the movie had been wanting to be pregnant for along time, but never had the chance too. She feels sick to her stomack, and thinks she has eaten something bad. She goes to the doctor, wishing she was pregnant. She and her husband were trying for four years. And, after the nurse gave her the sad news, she was not pregnant, she felt disappointment. But she says, I will still love you, Lord!

The nurse finds out she had the wrong chart, and rushes out to tell her. Yes, you guessed it, she was pregnant! Hallelujah! I cry everytime I see this part of the Movie. A must for the entire family!

Perennial Pioneer

Poetry and Prose

The Blessing in “No”>>
I asked God to take away my pride.>
God said “No”. It is not for me to take away,>
but for you to give up.>>

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
>God said, “No”. Her spirit is whole;
>her body is only temporary.>

>I asked God to grant me patience.
>He said, “No”. Patience is a by product of tribulations;
>it isn’t granted - it is earned.>

>I asked God to give me happiness.>
He replied, “No”. I give blessings;
>happiness is up to you.>

>I asked Him to spare me pain.
>He said, “No”. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
>and brings you closer to Me.>

>I asked Him to make my spirit grow.
>God said, “No”. You must grow on your own,
>but I will prune you to make you fruitful.>

>I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
>He replied, “No”. I will give you life>that you may enjoy all things.>
>I asked Him to help me love others as much as He loves me.
>God said, “Ahhhh, my child, finally you have asked aright.
>>>>>>

It’s Not Always Easy>
>It’s not always easy to smile and be nice>
When we are called to sacrifice.>>

It’s not always easy to put others first
>Especially when tired and feeling our worst.>

>It’s not always easy to do the Father’s will;
>It wasn’t so easy to climb Calvary’s hill.>

>But we as His children should learn to obey>
Not seeking our own but seeking His way.>

>It’s not always easy to fight the good fight
>But it is always good and it is always right.>>-
Glenda Fulton Davis>>>>>>

Lord, grant me the gift>
of a bright, happy spirit>
that joyfully faces each day –
>A spirit that’s loving>
and gently shines through>
in actions and each word I say.>~
Emily Matthews>>>>>>




My Kingdom>>
I’m queen of a beautiful kingdom,>
God gave it to me for my own,>
My castle’s a rambling old farm house>
A low rocking chair is my throne.>
My subjects are dear little children>
Who willingly come at my call,>
The king is the husband and father>
Who furnishes bread for us all.>
Sometimes when I mend little stockings>
Or hear a short prayer at my knee>
I marvel that God in His wisdom>
Presented this kingdom to me.>
I often feel weak and unworthy>
To guild little feet that may roam,>
To keep them all safe and contented>
In our beautiful kingdom called “Home.”>
>-Author unknown-

>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>>>
Be like a watch! Have an open face, busy hands,
>full of good works, pure gold and well regulated.
>>>>>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>>>>>
God is for us – that is good.>
God is with us – that is better.>
God is in us – that is best.
>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~
Life>>
To the preacher, life’s a sermon,>
To the joker, life’s a jest,>
To the miser, life is money,>
To the loafer, life is rest.>>
To the soldier life’s a battle,>
To the teacher, life’s a school,>
Life’s a great thing to the thinker,>
But it’s folly to the fool.>>
Life is just one long vacation,>
To the man who loves his work>
But it’s constant dodging duty>
to the everlasting shirk.>>
To the faithful earnest worker>
Life’s a story ever new>
Life is what you make it>
What is life to you.>
>-Unknown-

>>>>>>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>

Grace Alone>>
Not saved are we by tying, from self can come no aid.>
‘Tis on the blood relying, once for our ransom paid.>
‘Tis looking unto Jesus, the holy one and just,>
‘Tis His blood that saves me, it is not try but trust.>>>>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>>

“ Oh, the joy of Trusting Jesus, trusting where we cannot trace; Leaning >
hard upon his promise, proving His sufficient Grace.>
>Katie V. Hall
>>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>>

“Today isn’t won by old victories, nor lost by old defeats.”
>>>~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>>

Some live as if life would never end>
and the next would never start.>
L.P.Lehman>>
~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~.~*~>>

This verse spells VALENTINE, in capital letters. Look see!
"For God so loVed the world,>

That He gAve>
His onLy>
BegottEn>
SoN>
That whoever>
Believeth In Him>
Should Not perish,>
But have Everlasting life.">John 3:16


Worth of TIME
To realize the value of a sister
Ask someone who doesn't have one.

To realize the value of eighteen years:Ask a parent of a happy young adult.
To realize the value of four years:Ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year:Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months:Ask a mother who gave birth to a >stillborn.

To realize the value of one month:Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week:Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To >realize the value of one minute:Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second:Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:LOSE ONE.
Time waits for no one.>Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

THROUGH THE STORMS

I did not know His love before, the way I know it now.I could not see my
need for Him, my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie.My path was smooth,
my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.
I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace,I thought I
did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled;The
waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.
The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride.It fell apart
and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead,And so I
simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.
His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand.He said, "You
still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain.I could not
see the light of day or when the storm might wane.
Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow.I could not
see it at the time, but my light began to glow.
I saw the Father’s love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too.For
only when all self was gone could Jesus’ love shine through.
It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?"At times I
thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day.Through pain and
strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.
And now I see as never before how great His love can be.How in my weakness
He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough.He only sent
what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"
He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease.He
opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong,I found anew
His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.
Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good,For pain and tears
have helped me grow as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me;If in the storm
I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be!

******************************************
The Pathway of Pain
If my days were untroubled and my heart always light,
would I seek that fair land where there is no night?
If I never grew weary with the weight of my load,
would I search for the Lord’s peace at the end of the road?
>If I never knew sickness and never felt pain,
would I search for a hand to help and sustain?
If I walked without sorrow and lived without loss,
would my soul seek solace at the foot of the Cross?
If all I desired was mine day by day,
would I kneel before Father and earnestly pray?
If God sent no winter to freeze me with fear,
would I yearn for the warmth of spring every year?
I ask myself these questions, and the answer is plain,
If my life were pleasure, and I never knew pain--
I'd seek Adonai less often, and need Him much less,
For God is sought more often in times of distress.
And no one knows Yahweh or sees Him as plain
As those who have met Him on the pathway of pain.
~ Author Unknown ~


The Shepherd and the Lamb
The Shepherd loved His little lamb, And gave it His tender care...

And followed it with His loving eyes As it wandered here and there.
And as He sat by His grazing flock Who so meekly His voice obeyed, He
pondered sadly His little lamb As again and again it strayed.
The little lamb had a loving heart, And adored His Shepherd, true, But
would turn aside and seek his own way As lambs will so often do.
With His gentle voice the Shepherd called, To His loved and straying lamb,
"Come back, little one, for you are not safe Unless you are where I am."
But still the lamb would soon forget And unthinkingly wander away, And not
really noticing what he did, From the Shepherd's side would stray.
Until one day, the Shepherd kind Took His rod in His gentle hand, And what
He then did seemed so cruel That the lamb could not understand.
For with one sharp and well-aimed blow Down the rod so swiftly came That it
broke the leg of the little lamb And left it crippled, and lame.
Then the little lamb, with a cry of pain, Fell down upon his knees... And
looked up at his Shepherd, as though to say, "Won't you explain this,
please?"
Then he saw the love in the Shepherd's eyes As the tears ran down His face,
As He tenderly set the broken bone, And bound it back in it's place.
Now he was utterly helpless, He could not even stand! He must trust himself
completely To his Shepherd's loving hand.
Then day by day, 'till the lamb was healed From the flock he was kept
apart... And carried about in the Shepherd's arms, And cradled near to His
heart.
And the Shepherd would whisper gentle words Into his now listening ear...
Thus he heard sweet words of love That the other sheep could not hear.
He felt the warmth of the Shepherd's arms And the beat of His faithful
heart... Until it came a blessing to seem, By his weakness to be set apart.
Every need of the little lamb By his Shepherd so fully was met That through
his brokenness he learned What he never again would forget.
And as the broken bone was healed, And once more became whole and strong...
Wherever the Shepherd's path would lead, The lamb would follow along.
Thus at the Shepherd's side he walked So closely, day by day, For once a
lamb has a broken leg It will never again go astray.
For the cords of love had bound it so In its hour of weakness and need...
That it had no desire to wander away, When once again it was freed.
Could it be you are broken today, And you cannot understand The painful
blow of the Shepherd's rod Nor believe it came from His hand?
He only seeks, by this painful thing, For a time to call you apart... To
cradle you close in His loving arms, And draw you near to His heart.
So look up into your Shepherd's eyes, And earnestly seek His face... And
prove in the hour of your weakness and need The sufficiency of His grace.
For as you are borne in His loving arms, And carried there, day by day...
He will bind you so close with the cords of His love That never again will you stray!



The Eagle Story

Someone once told me a story about a wounded eagle who was rescued by a kindly farmer. He found the bird in one of his fields, and so took him home, tended to his wounds, and then placed him outside in the barnyard to recover.Strangely enough, the young eaglet soon adapted to the habits of all the barnyard chickens. He learned to walk and cluck like them. He learned to drink from a trough and peck the dirt for food, and for many years he peacefully resigned himself to this new life on the ground.But then one day, one of the farmer’s friends spotted the eagle and asked, "Why in the world is that bird acting like a chicken?" The farmer told him what had happened, yet the man could hardly accept the situation."It’s just not right," said the friend. "The Creator made that bird to soar in the heavens, not scavenge in the barnyard!" So he picked up the unsuspecting eagle, climbed onto a nearby fence post, and tossed him into the air. But the confused bird just fell back to earth and scurried off in search of his feathered friends.

Undaunted, the man then grabbed the eagle and climbed to the top of the barn. As he heaved him off the roof, the bird made a few halfhearted squawks and flaps before falling into a bale of hay. After shaking his head a few times, the eagle then made himself comfortable and began mindlessly pecking at pieces of straw.The friend went home that night dejected, and could barely sleep as he >remembered the sight of those powerful talons caked with barnyard mud. He couldn’t bear the thought, so the very next day, he headed back to the farm for another try. This time he carried the eagle to the top of a nearby mountain where the sky unfolded in a limitless horizon.He looked into the eagle’s eyes and cried out, "Don’t you understand? You weren’t made to live like a chicken! Why would you want to stay down here when you were born for the sky?" As the man held the confused bird aloft, he made sure the eagle was facing into the brilliant light of the setting sun. Then he powerfully heaved the bird into the sky, and this time the eagle opened his wings, looked at the sun, caught the updraft rising from the valley, and disappeared into the clouds of heaven.Do you know that we, too, were born for the sky? The Lord has called us to live in the heights, yet too many of us have huddled together in the barnyard, contentedly scurrying for the safety of our families, our finances, our careers and our comfortable crumbs of faith.Are you one of those believers whose barnyards have been destroyed, or are you one of the faithful ones who have walked, or are now walking, in darkness. The hour is late, beloved friends. It is not time to mourn our losses, but rather time to set our eyes upon heaven, spread our wings and fly straight towards the Son.Never mind weariness, illness, lack of feeling, irritability, exhaustion, snares of the devil, jealousy and prejudice. Let us soar together, like an eagle above the clouds, with our eyes fixed on the Son. This is why the eagle is such a perfect example of this freedom. An eagle is the only bird that has a special third-eye-lens that enables him to look at and fly directly towards the sun and thus, frees him from his enemies as they try to follow. No other bird has this ability. And, it’s the same with us. Only as we keep our eyes focused directly on the Son during our ascent to Him, will we ever become free--free from our emotions, free from our circumstances, free from other people’s responses and free from the enemy’s attacks.Having faith in the night seasons is the only answer to possessing this overcoming victory.



THANK YOU FOR THE VALLEY
Thank you for the valley I walked through today.The darker the valley, the
more I learned to pray.
I found you where the lilies are, Blooming by the way, And I thank you for
the valley I walked through today.
Thank you for every hill I climbed.For every time the sun didn't shine.
Thank you for every lonely night.I prayed 'til I knew everything was all
right.
Life can't be all sunshine. All the flowers would die.The rivers would be
deserts, all barren and dry.
Life can't be all blessings or, there'd be no need to pray.So I thank you
for the valley I walked through today.
Thank you for every hill I climbed.For every time the sun didn't shine.
Thank you for every lonely night.I prayed 'til I knew everything was all
right.
Thank you for the valley I walked through today

~ Author unknown ~


IT'S IN THE VALLEYS I GROW
Sometimes life seems hard to bear, Full of sorrow, trouble and woe. It's then
I have to remember That it's in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top And never experienced pain,I would
never appreciate the Father’s love And would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn And my growth is very slow,Sometimes I need the
mountain tops, But it's in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand Why things happen as they do,But I am very sure
of one thing: The Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing When I picture Jesus on the crossHe went
through the valley of death; His victory was Satan's loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining When I'm feeling so very low.Just give me
a gentle reminder That it's in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, Father, And use my life each dayTo share your
love with others And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord, For this one thing I knowThe mountain tops are
glorious But it's in the valleys I grow!
Author: Jane Eggleston

Modesty-A State of Mind!

Modesty is a part of our life! Or at least it should be. When the girl is young, she is told by her mother, to sit in the right way, to not attract attention to herself, and not to laugh too loud. She is dressed in a frilly dress, and her hair is in ribbons, and she is to be a lady. Well, most of the time, we see our brothers do things that are more fun, and we want to do them too.

Modesty is more then just clothes, it is a state of mind!Do you think that a young man would want you,if you were wearing the clothing of a whore? The spaghetti strap shirts, and low rider jeans, what kind of message do they send? I have gotten a lot of weird looks from people, when they see me, wearing regular jeans, or a skirt, and a tee shirt,with nothing dirogatory on it. Also, the way I carry myself, they notice that too. What do people say to you, when you walk into a store, or how do they look at you? Someone commented on my hair, and how nice it was, and asked me how I fix it. I just brush it out. My hair is naturally curly, wavy!

Dark eye shadow. That sends a message too! I would not wear dark eye shadow, unless it was for my husband, someday. Dark eye shadow, is sensual! I preferr the blues, lavenders, and pinks, for my eyeshadows. I use light foundation, to evenly color my skin. I have so many sunspots, and blotches.:) The makeup sends a message too. If I was going to really wear it, for glamoure, I would not let anyone see me, for fear they would get the wrong message. I want my man to love me for who I am, not for what I look like!

Modesty is not calling attention to yourself. It is a selfish most unmaiden like thing to do! But also, do not be so consciencious that you hide in a corner, in the dark. How is the young man going to see your spirit, if you hide it all the time! Do not be forward, but do not hide! THere is a happy medium here. Stand there quietly, and wait until you are spoken too! Especially if there is a young man in the company, who you really like!

I need to know is there anything else I need to cover, please let me know!

I have met a family that skis in skirts. They are brave. The one time I did it, I did it with a skirt, and it didn't work out so well. I didn't know how to ski either!:) Modesty is not just about our dress, it is about the way we are protrayed by others, and to others. If you wear jeans, and have a meek and quiet spirit, you are modest. The only reason why so many of us think that jeans are immodest, is the conduct that is displayed when girls wear them!I have nothing against jeans. I wear them once in a while when I am working in the garden, or walking the neighborhood(I have to,because we have wind here, and a skirt would be embarrasing if it flew up, in the wind)Well, modesty is a state of mind, not just dress!

Anyway, there is my two cents worth!

Perennial Pioneer

Laura H

(photo) My little sister Hannah, wearing a dress I had just sized down, and redid!

Amazing Grace On DVD! Coming Soon!

I must make myself clear. The film is being released in the UK, on August 6th. They are not sure when they will be releasing it to the USA, but here is a banner from the official website!The film will be coming, but they are not sure when. I will keep you informed, when the release date for the Movie arrives!

Perennial Pioneer

Amazing Grace movie trailer

Everyone should have a copy of this in their library!

YouTube - Amazing Grace movie trailer
Released on DVD August 6th, 2007! The UK release date!

Perennial Pioneer

Why Wait, Lord?

I have asked the question so much, and so have many people in this world! Why wait? I don't see the reason to wait. I am a good strong healthy person, who would dearly love to start a family, and I don't see any prospects of a husband in sight. I have often cried myself to sleep on my queen sized bed, cuddling with my pillows. I wished many times it was my husband there, instead of my pillows, but then I hear a voice inside me say, " I need you to rely on me first, then I will give you the desires of your heart!

Now I am not asking the question, " Why wait?" but "When You are Ready, Lord?" I know that if I quit looking, the groom will come to me, and he will be more then I have asked for, in a husband. A godly man, seeking the face of God, who has a deep heart to raise children up to be the next generation of Christfollowers, and that would be his ultimate goal in that end, as well as my being a helpmeet to him, in all of his endeavours! Wow, that sounds like a lot, but for someone like me, who has been enlightened, I would consider it an honor and a privelege to do so, raise children for God's Glory, and support my husband at home!

I have two sisters who have started the race of marriage before me. I have so longed to be on their level and relate to them, and their problems. But married sisters have a hard time sharing with unmarried sisters, because the unmarried do not know what the others are going through.

One of my sisters had a baby recently, and I was a tiny bit jealous! I wished it was mine. But the Lord, said, " You could have a part in the influence of Gabriel, for he will need his aunty to show him the ways of the Lord, and confirm the words of his parents!" So, in a sense, I will be a surrogate mother to Gabriel!"After all, his name means, God is my strength, and Gift of God!" So I know that he will be a big man of God someday!:)

I am going to be 26 in February, and I know that there are a lot of single christians out there, that are near my age, and I also know of those, who have married later in life! So, there is still hope for me! I know that, I would still have 20 more years of childbearing, before I could give up hope of bearing my own!

And if I never marry, Hallelujah! I could spend my time with my nephews and neices, helping my sisters and brothers-in-law, raise the children! And I may be a missionary to children, through the stories I write, and the photos I take!

So my prayer is not, " Send my husband soon, Lord!" But, " Trust in the Lord with ALL YOUR HEART, and LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING! IN ALL YOUR WAYS, acknowlege him, and He will direct your PATHS!For you know the Plans you have for me, thoughts of Peace and not of evil, to give me a rewarding end! I place my life in the hands of the Lord, and He can use me any way He so desires! Amen!He knows what I need, and when I need it!

Enough of my ramblings!

I hope you have a good and rewarding day, and that the Lord would bless you exceedingly!

Perennial Pioneer

Psalm 18

Usually, I read a chapter out of Proverbs, and the Psalms that corresponds with the day of the month! In this case, I decided that Psalm 18 would be the choice to put on here today, as an encouragement to all of you who read!
I know it is the 19th, but I read the Psalm 18 and it particularly spoke to me! Hope it will encourage you!
Have a good day!
Perennial Pioneer
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Psalm 18!
Psa 18:1 I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psa 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psa 18:4 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
Psa 18:5 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
Psa 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Psa 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
Psa 18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
Psa 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
Psa 18:10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
Psa 18:11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
Psa 18:12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
Psa 18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
Psa 18:14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
Psa 18:15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
Psa 18:16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
Psa 18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
Psa 18:18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
Psa 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
Psa 18:20 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
Psa 18:21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
Psa 18:22 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
Psa 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
Psa 18:24 Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
Psa 18:25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
Psa 18:26 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
Psa 18:27 For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
Psa 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
Psa 18:29 For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
Psa 18:30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psa 18:31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
Psa 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Psa 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
Psa 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Psa 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Psa 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
Psa 18:37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
Psa 18:38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
Psa 18:39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Psa 18:40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
Psa 18:41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
Psa 18:42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
Psa 18:43 Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
Psa 18:44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
Psa 18:45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
Psa 18:46 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
Psa 18:47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
Psa 18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Psa 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Psa 18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Which Austen Character are you?

What Church Do You Go To?

Have you heard the question? Have you been asked, " What church do you go to? How do you answer that question?

My answer would be, " I belong to Jesus Christ, therefore, His Church is anyone who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and therefore, I go to WORSHIP, with the Church of our Savoir, Jesus Christ. I don't go to church, I go to worship with the church."

My parents are ex Church of Christers, and they have been brought up strong in it. I have seen them spiritually grow, and become stronger, and not need to have a church to go to. They "fell away from the church" as my grandfather so aptly put it, and found Christ! Amen!

The Church of Christ is a spiritually dead church, where there is not fire, or life, in the worship service. There is the second service, where any of the members, who have missed the first, have to attend the second, in order to take the Lord's supper. It is like a guilty thing, if you don't go to church, you are damned to Hell. I have sat in the services, and seen most of the members, nod absentmindedly, and then afterwards, ask if anyone had seen the ballgame the night before. What a sad thing, if it has to come to this. I admit, I have done the same thing, but if all we think about it, is if I don't go to church, I will be damned forever. I have not once heard someone say, " The sermon today, was really speaking to me, and thank the Pastor for his inspiring word!"We should go to church, because we want to, to be in the Presence of the Lord. I am not bashing Church of Christers, just the one experience I have had, was not very uplifting, and spirtually minded! They believe that works alone can save you, when it is your faith in Jesus Christ that saves you, and the works are the outpouring of your soul, your belief in the Savoir! Am I right?They don't allow instrumental accompanyment to the singing, and there is no kitchen to help serve the community, and no mission contributions. I cannot understand this, but I am not very good at understanding the ways of the world!

I have heard, " What is your religion?" And the answer would be, " I don't have a religion, I have Christ!" They would say, "No, no, no, what denomination are you a part of?" And person would say, " I don't know, 144,000?" They would look at him, and say, " What church are you a part of, Mormon, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of Christ, Baptist." He'd say, " None." They say, " So, you are not a christian?" And he would say, " I didn't say that." They would look really confused, and he would say, " I am part of the body of Christ, and fellowship with anyone who follows His Steps. I am no respecter of persons!" They walk off, thinking he was weird! They wanted to put him in a spiritual box, and he will not let them! I hate boxes! There is no room to grow, no Sonlight!Hallelujah!

I don't care what church you came from, as long as you confess with your mouth, Jesus Christ is Lord, and believe in your heart, that God raised Him from the Dead, you shall be saved! That is enough for me!

Thoughts for the day-

Laura

Perennial Pioneer

A True Bundle of Joy!

Just wanted to let my readers know, my sister Sarah had her baby. Gabriel John Saffer was born, this morning at 1:30 am. The midwife arrived 20 minutes after he was born. The catching and cleaning was done by my Aunt Paulette, and Linda Saffer, Clay's Mom. They report to us that the cord was short, and therefore, the boy was not strangled in his cord. Gabriel John weighed out to be, 8 lbs. 10oz. a big strapping boy. He will grow up to be like his papa. He has blue eyes and blonde hair, a good crop of it. He would look like Esau, if I didn't know better.:)
To see pictures of this precious bundle of joy that has entered our lives, look on Hines Family Homestead, under Gabriel John Saffer. He is handsome, if I do say so myself!
http://hinesfamilyhomestead.blogspot.com

I look forward to spending time with my nephew, when I go to visit them. May you grow up to be as strong and as wise as your grandfathers, uncles, great uncles, and father. And may you learn the true joy of knowing the Heavenly Father, and His forgiveness of Sins. I love you, Gabriel John.
Aunty Laura

Laura Perennial Pioneer

Your Shadow!

Lo, Children are a heritage of the Lord!

Yes, I am talking about shadows! Not just that patch of shade that causes a little bit of giggles, when ever you see it. But I am also talking about the shadows we are not conscious about. I have five little shadows, that follow me, and it causes me to stop and think, I know that all that I do, is watched, and every decision I make, is considered by my siblings. I have three little sisters, who are growing up in my shade, and have I been a good example? Have I kept my cool, and shown them what a christian woman should be? I knew that staying at home, was not just for my benefit, but for theirs as well. I knew that they would follow my lead, and see that, " See, sissy Laura is staying at home, and is able to get on with her life. I want to do that too." I don't think I could be cross with them now. I am not promising that I won't but it gives me a sobering thought to think about.

So, I know now, that no matter how many people think it is not logical for me to stay home, I think of my little sisters, who admire, and love me, and who knows how much longer I will have them as little sisters, and pupils. God please forgive me for my blindness and selfishness!

In Christ Alone!

Perennial Pioneer

THe Christian's Declaration of Independance!

The Christian's Declaration Of Independence

I am free from failure for "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Phil.4:13

I am free from want for "my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Phil:4:19

I am free from fear for "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2Tim1:7

I am free from doubt for "God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Rom. 12:3

I am free from weakness, "the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Ps.27:1

I am free from the power of Satan "because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1Jn.4:4

I am free from defeat "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ." 2Cor.2:14

I am free from ignorance, "for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God." 1Cor.1:30

I am free from sin "for the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all sin." 1Jn.1:7

I am free from worry "for I am to cast all my cares upon Him." 1Pet.5:7

I am free from bondage "for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2Cor.3:17

I am free from condemnation, "for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:1

~ My Heavenly Father Wrote This ~ Just for Me and You

Seeking the Truth

Here is a question that came up, recently, and I was wanting to share it with you, to get some insight. My answer is below!

“I believe God can and does speak to His children today. As I've faced several big decisions and confusing situations lately, I've been seeking His guidance as I only desire to do His will. Several times during prayer I have heard what can only be described as a 'still, small voice'—but I'm not sure how much weight to give these 'messages.' How can I know that it is truly God speaking to me, and not just my own desires (or fears), or a deception of Satan? I'd like to hear about your own experiences along these lines, as well as any Scriptures that apply. Thanks!"—Seeking the truth
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Here is my answer!
Seeking the truth,
I have struggled with this very same issue. I have often been praying, or just going about my day, and hear this little voice inside me saying do this or don’t do this. I get puzzled as to where or what it came from. I asked my Dad about it, and he said, “ If you are not sure, then cross examine the voice, by checking the scriptures. If you are not sure of the decision, find out what God says about it, in the scriptures. The Berians examined the scriptures daily, to see if the things Paul said were so.” If the voice has asked you to do something, not in accordance with the will of God, and the person he has placed in authority over you, then it is a deceiving voice, and should not be listened to. It takes common sense, and wisdom, to identify the voice. And if it is valid, act on it. Even if it is not, you can learn from the mistake you make. God puts these lessons here for us to grow, and to Him, there are no mistakes, just opportunities to learn! And you don’t fail Him, just sometimes we slip, because we are human! Surprising! The only time we fail, is if we deny His salvation! Do not let the cares and wiles of the world, bog you down, so that you are confused with the voice. Don’t let books, TV, friends and family distract you from hearing that still small voice! When you hear the voice, you will know!
Laura Hines, Sequim, Washington
What is your opinion?

Please Share!

Perennial Pioneer

Knight's Code of Chivalry!

I found this on the Internet. I thought it was interesting that this was the code of Knights back in the middle ages, and Medival times. I was thinking that this could apply to the Ladies in this life too.
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To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve the liege lord in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To give succour to widows and orphans
To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
To live by honour and for glory
To despise pecuniary reward
To fight for the welfare of all
To obey those placed in authority
To guard the honour of fellow knights
To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
To keep faith
At all times to speak the truth
To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
To respect the honour of women
Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
Never to turn the back upon a foe
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Well, that is enlightening! Why don't we follow that now? Because there is no honor left, no thought of others. Sad isn't it?

God Bless!

Perennial Pioneer

The Price of the Vision! By Oswald Chambers

This is so true!
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In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord....,(Isaiah 6:1)

Our soul's personal history with God is often an account of the death of our heroes. Over and over again God has to remove our friends to put Himself in their place, and that is when we falter, fail, and become discouraged. Let me think about this personally- when the person died who presented for me all that God was, did I give up on everything in life? Or did I do as Isaiah did and see the Lord?

My vision of God is dependant upon the condition of my Character. My character determines whether or not the truth can be revealed to me. Before I can say, " I saw the Lord," there must be something in my character that conforms to the likeness of God. Until I am born again and really begin to see the Kingdom of God, I only see from the perspective of my own biases. What I need is God's surgical procedure- His use of external circumstances to bring about internal purification.

Your priorities must be God first, God second, and God third, until your life is continually face to face with God, and no one else is taken into account whatsoever. Your prayer should then be,
"In all the world there is no one but You, dear God; There is no one but You!"

Keep paying the price. Let God see that you are willing to live up to the vision.
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I hope this will bless you as much as it has me. I love the wisdom of Oswald Chambers. He speaks the mind of God!

Perennial Pioneer

The Secret of the Lord- Oswald Chambers

I don't know if any of you have read Oswald Chambers, but I really like him. I just found my copy of My Utmost For His Highest, and thought I would start sharing an Entry for each month, out of the ones that I read. Here is June's Entry!
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The Secret of the Lord!
By Oswald Chambers
June 1

The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him!"Psalm 25:14

What is the sign of a Friend? Is it that he tells you his secret sorrows? No, it is that he tells you his secret joys. Many people will confide their secret sorrows to you, but the final mark of intimacy is when they share their secret joys with you. Have we ever let God tell us any of His joys?Or are we continually telling God our secrets, leaving Him no time to talk to us?At the beginning of our christian life we are full of requests to God. But then we find that God wants to get us into an intimate relationship with Himself- to get us in touch with His purposes. Are we so intimately united in Jesus Christ's idea of Prayer-" Your will be done"(Mat. 6:10)- that we catch the secrets of God? What makes God so dear to us is not so much HisBig blessings to us, but the tiny things, because they show HIs amazing intimacy with us- He knows every detail of each of our lives.

" Him shall He teach in the way He chooses"(Psalm25:12). At first, we want the awareness of being guided by God. But then as we grow spiritually, we live so fully aware of God that we do not even need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing another way will not occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our everyday choices. And if we are about to choose what He does not want, He will give us a sense of doubt or restraint, which we must heed. Whenever there is doubt, stop at once. Never try to reason it out, saying, " I wonder why I shouldn't do this?" God instructs us in what we choose;that is He actually guides our common sense. And when we yield to His teachings and guidance, we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually asking, " Now, Lord, what is Your will?"
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That is the entry of Oswald Chambers I have selected for the Month of June. I hope it will be a blessing to you, as much as it has been to me!
Perennial Pioneer

Bumpy Road!

Well, we certainly have bumpy roads we follow. Some are good, and some are not so good. God never said that the way would be smooth and easy. He just said it would be straight and narrow. Being a christian is bumpy, and hilly, and requires all the strength we can muster. But it is worth it, for we get a reward at the end of the race.

If the road were smooth, we would think, " Ah, this is a good road, I will stay on it. The other way looks too hard. I cannot go that way." I like the illustrations in Pilgrims Progress, about the Narrow way, and Broad way. The Hill Diffeculty, the Valley of the Shadow, and the Slough of Despond. And of course the Vanity Fair. This is the discription of the world, and what it's millions of devices are, that decieve us. We must look to the cross, and put our feet on the sure path of the Narrow way, and Jesus. And yes, those Giant Despairs, will crop up, and you, like David, in the bible, must conquer the giant.

So, I thank God for the bumpy roads, even though we are christians. I am thankful that He has made the road diffecult, so that we can look to him, always, and say, " Lord I cannot do without you!" That is where He wants us to be! Therefore let us be thankful!

This is what was laid on my heart, today, as I reflected on the Lord. Broad is the gate and crooked is the way that leadeth to distruction, and many there be that fall therein. But narrow is the gate, and straight is the way, that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. I am one of those few. How about You?
Perennial Pioneer

He is omnipresent!

In the beginning of the scriptures, where the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, Jesus was there. When God was creating the night and day, he was there. When the water, and the dry land, the sun, moon, and stars were created, he was there. And then the God said, " Let US make man in OUR image, according to our likeness!" Who was he talking too, and about? Him and Jesus, the Son. And of course, Adam!

He was there, when they were thrown out of the garden, and he was sad. He was there when Cain killed Abel. He was the one whom drove Cain into the wilderness! He was there, with Noah, and his family, when the first drops of rain, the strange thing for them, for they had never seen rain before, came down. He was there, for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and when Joseph was taken into captivity, he was with him. Then when Esther went to live in the palace with the king, He was there too, and softened the King's heart toward her, and she saved her people. Then He was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo,when they were cast into the fiery furnace, and the king turned his heart toward God. He was with David, when he slung that stone, toward Goliath.

He is here now, in our hearts. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never leave us, or forsake us!

He was there, when we did something that would have vexed Him, and when we were there, wanting to have arms to cuddle with. I can feel His arms about me now as I am sitting here, typing to you! And because He is here, we have no need to fear! He will always be with us, not to abandon us to anything or anyone. If you are in the darkest dungeon, or the highest tower, you cannot be far from Jesus, and God. They are both there! Or whether your Mom or Dad is having a hard time, or perhaps your parents are devorced, and you have a rotten family life, He is still here. He will be your family, for you!

He always has been, and he always will be. He had not predicessor, and he will have no successor. There will be nobody before him, and there will be nobody after him. You cannot impeach him, and HE IS NOT GOING TO RESIGN! That is my King! Hallelujah!

And when you see the cross in your church, or on the side of the road, remember that He is there with you, in your car, bed, home, watching what you watch, listening to what you are listening to, and living with you. So be careful what you do!

This is what was on my heart today. I know it might sound a little disconnected, but I had to get this out. I will refine it later!

In Christ Alone!

Perennial Pioneer

The Aroma of Contentment!

While I was walking today, I had an aroma wafting toward my nostrils, sending that of contentment and peace. I looked around, to wonder what was that glorious smell. And I came to find it was Pine and Wild Rugosa Roses. The sun, heating up the roses, and pine, make an intoxicating aroma. And it helps me recall visions of what Heaven would be like.

It brought to mind, when God hears us complaining over our lot in life, our whining over something better, our aroma STINKS! I don't have the house I want, we don't have the income we want, we want a bigger and better car, all this sounds lik complaining to him, and He is saddened! He gave us the things we have, because He wishes to bless us. We are his children, and He loves us! As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children, how much more so, will the Heavenly father, give the holy spirit, to them that ask!

But when we reflect on the blessings that He has given to us, to be guardians of, and stewards, we must put on the robe of contentment, and thankfulness. Then the smell that wafts to heaven will be the Aroma of Contentment. This is the aroma of Christ, our Savoir. And when that aroma reaches the throne, He smiles!

Then, the extraordinary happens! We get blessed with more! It is a wonderful feeling, when you have been a good steward, and content in whatever state you are in! And having food shelter and clothing, therewith be ye content! Those are the words of God! Hallelujah, Amen!

So, we must conclude, that to be true followers of Christ, we must put on His aroma. And his aroma, is joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, selfcontrol, against such, there is no law. And here is another verse, 2Pe 1:5-7 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. This is the aroma of Christ!
I must close, being content in whatever state I am in!
In Christ Alone!
Perennial Pioneer

Desperate or Content?

For several years, I had been having the desire, to marry, settle down, and raise a family. I had been so much so, that I would be desperate. Then one by one, my younger sisters, would get married and move out. Here I was, the eldest, and still living at home with my parents, while they went off to start their own families.
God spoke to me last night, through my Dad, saying that instead of being content with the life I have now, I am so desperate, to get married and raise a family, that it has not yet come to pass. The Lord doesn't want you come to the point of desperation, that you forget, that He is waiting to give it to you, if you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. The first priority is to seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
I was being so desperate, that I was looking at every single, single guy that I met, asking myself, " This could be the one. And I would be on my best behavior, just to impress them." I was told, that, to be yourself, and let the glory of God shine through you, is far more attractive, then trying to impress them with your intellect, and recent achievements. Being myself, means, talking alot, and being so nervous, that you would have to have someone else do the talking for you. My parents knew what an social butterfly I am, but when it comes to meeting new people, especially guys, I am very shy. I know there needs to be a balance between shy, and over outgoing. Being polite, and answering the questions they ask you. Trying not to flirt with them, and not to get their attention. It is really heard, especially when you really like the guy.:)
I know this sounds really funny, but this is what I have been struggling with, since, oh, since I was 16 years of age. And here I am, nearly 26 years old! Ten years of struggling, and I just needed to know, that as soon as I am content what state I am in, He will be willing to bless me with more. :) He gives good things to His children! Hallelujah!
It is simple, you say? Well, it is the hardest thing for me to do, putting my full faith and trust in the Lord. But I know, that if I don't, showers of blessings will be limited, according to my faith!
So, I make a choice today, whether to be desperate, or content? I choose...... being content! Hallelujah! I must learn in whatever state I am in, therein to be content! Amen!
That is what the Lord laid on my heart!
Perennial Pioneer

Whatever ye ask, ye will receive....

if you ask in faith.
We are asking the Lord, to provide us with an Expedition, to fit our fast growing family. The bible says, if ye ask in faith, nothing doubting. and Ask and it will be given unto you. If we have faith as big as a mustard see. And He knows how to give gifts to his children.
Our lives are all about faith. We live this life on the faith, that the Lord will give us another breath to breath, a nice warm house to cover our heads, and comfortable clothes that we can wear. If we didn't have faith, we would think that luck was with us, and that we had good fortune. But there is always something deeper. Faith in something, or someone!
My hope is built on nothing less, then Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frain, but wholly lean on Jesus Name. On Christ the Solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed. I trust the everliving one, His words for me doth plead. I need no other arguement, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.
So, on these things, we are asking in faith, that the Lord will provide us with a Ford Expedition, for our family, so that we can all travel places together.

Modest Clothes- My Armour

Modest Clothes - My Armour Used by permission of the author! May, 2007

By Anna S.

This is a personal testimony. I am looking back at myself, only a couple of years ago; certainly, there is a lot to tell, but today I would like to focus on the role modesty played in my life. I was born to a single mother. My father never appeared or even called, let alone helped financially, so Mother had to work extra hours in order to give me a decent living.

So I never missed anything – anything but the really important things, like attention and guidance, which would help me choose the right path in life. Modesty wasn't popular in the school I attended. There were no uniforms, and, although there was some kind of a dress code, it was never strictly followed, and as I came, I could see tight jeans, mini-skirts, and tiny tops. I could see flesh, flesh, flesh. And these were the girls who were more popular and got more attention. What was the lesson I learned? Well, isn't it obvious? A girl has to show all she has in order to become popular and get attention.

At that moment, I didn't think much of the true nature of the attention girls like these receive, and it didn't occur to me that by putting emphasis on their bodies, they actually said – "There is nothing more in me than this. I am my body". It wasn't all about clothes, either; it was about conduct. Speaking loudly, flirting, cursing, walking provocatively – it was all very common. I did the same. I wore tight clothes, showed off my legs, shoulders, and midriff. I flirted, I was provocative – and I received attention and looks as I walked down the streets.

Needless to say, I owned very few skirts those days, and those I had were far above the knee.The way you dress reflects the way you think. Dressing in a certain manner will almost undoubtedly have an impact on your life.

It breaks my heart to say this, but when I was still very young, I got involved in a meaningless, promiscuous relationship that was based solely on physical attraction and lust. No surprises here – if a young girl doesn't bring out her mind and soul, but shows off her flesh, she will only get the men who want her body. They will swarm around her, like flies around a jar of honey, and none of them will be interested in what she thinks or has to say. I am not going to elaborate right now about the promiscuity I was involved in. Unsurprisingly, it ended in heartbreak. So, what happened next?Suddenly, almost instinctively, I wrapped myself in long, loose and dark clothes – shabby, shapeless skirts and jumpers. They were mostly old and ill-fitting, but I didn't want to wear anything else. It was like trying to protect myself from anything that might hurt me again by covering every inch of my body. No one looked at me at the street anymore.

My heart was bruised and bleeding for many months. It was a time of intense, painful personal growth and change. And among many other things, I realized something very important - the feeling of protection I experienced upon covering everything that used to be revealed wasn't an illusion. Covering my body protected me from those who wanted only my body. I sent a different message to the world now. Of course, at that point I was dressed modestly, but very unattractively. The next step, after initial healing and understanding what had happened to me, was acquiring a flattering, cheerful, feminine, and modest wardrobe.

From that moment on, I intended to dress in a way that was attractive – not attracting. I wanted to dress in a manner that would say, "I respect my body and my physical attractiveness, but the most important thing about me is my soul, and it's not something I am going to reveal to just anyone." Today, I experience a wonderful sense of being on the right track. I received an outstanding blessing, a feeling someone took me by the hand and led me from darkness to light.

Modesty in both conduct and manner of dressing, as I found out, sends a message of respect to everyone around me – and as a logical outcome, I get respect in return.If there is one thing I would like to say to other young ladies, it is this: you are lovely young women. You are more, much more than your bodies. Respect yourself and others. Showing off your bodies will only get you the wrong type of attention from the wrong men. A lovely, long, flowing skirt and a pretty, modest blouse will not only bring out your beauty – they will protect you from being used and abused.