Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. Judges 6:36-40 |
Things are seldom black and white with God. He can't fit in a box. When He speaks to us, there is often more than one way to interpret and follow the direction and guidance He gives us. Testing our interpretation or understanding of the Holy Spirit's leading is appropriate, to a point. We need to be careful we aren't offering the Lord an ultimatum though...
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Controversy
Ever since I've had a website (the mid-90s) my most popular content has always been the controversial stuff. (And even before that, my letters to the editor in our little local paper.) The only problem with that is it can take a lot of energy to mold such content into something people can understand and engage with. Let's face it, it takes a lot of research to talk halfway knowledgeable about a controversial topic. It's often not all happy-go-lucky information to sift through. Controversy is also naturally contentious and does not encourage kindness or consideration, something the newer generations have very little of, to begin with.
Contentiousness
While I'm by nature very outspoken and opinionated and I surely don't mind a good debate, I also like to feel like it's productive and of use to people.
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Proverbs 21:19
Annnnddd.... As these verses suggest, being contentious should never be our goal, no matter how profitable it might be financially (cough, Rush Limbaugh & others...).
All this to say, (Yes, I actually do have a point I'm getting to!) I've been pivoting in my online business until I'm nearly dizzy but I finally think I'm settling into a routine and have a general gist of what people want without wearing myself out or becoming something I don't want to be. So, on youtube I'm enjoying a collaborative project with a few other ladies called Tin Hat Talks where we're having fun exploring some fringe ideas. I'm also adding some sewing shenanigans and will be sprinkling a few interviews here and there. Most interviews will be saved for the podcast where I'm hoping to start concentrating more on agriculture, homeschooling, book reviews and such. While keeping up with these things, I'm enjoying seeing the new magazine grow and working on writing some small books on the Feasts of the Lord. Leaving Bitterness BehindAnd grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32
I've seen bitterness eat away at women. It's sad and hurts everyone close to them. Wonder & Grace Life Coach Patricia Pitonyak joined the Real Life on the Prairie podcast sharing how to have healthy relationships after divorce. Divorce does NOT have to be toxic. While it's undoubtedly hard on everyone, God provides for healing when hearts are willing to soften and forgive. Patricia's testimony and heart to serve and teach is heartwarming.
Myrna Buckles joined me from Nicaragua to discuss putting legacy in action. She's taking the legacy of strength passed down from generations of Southeastern Oklahoma women and helping impoverished women in Central America create thriving businesses. Some of these women have been working over open fires off the side of a shack through hot weather making tortillas to sell. They are now confidently supporting their families while serving their communities and praising the Lord along the way. Watch the video below or hop over to the Prairie Dust channel on YouTube to hear her story.
If you've made it this far through the blog post, Thank You!!! And please comment or email me what you are looking most forward to seeing more of as the year progresses. Also, what do you look for most when buying a magazine?
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty." 2 Timothy 3:1
By quoting this verse, I'm not saying the end of the world is here. Our hearts and actions should be the same as if it were though, and we should be diligently aware of our surroundings. Last days or not, these are difficult times. I suppose every generation has times of difficulty. Those times test our faith, build our character and create testimonies for the next generation to learn from.
"For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." 2 Timothy 3:2-4
We've seen, and are seeing a lot of this. As you read that verse, do pictures of certain people pop up into your mind? Something I've noticed is two different, very vocal viewpoints exist. They can each read the same headline and come to opposite conclusions, then lash out venomously against each other.
"having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:5
What is this? Avoid such people? How can that be in scripture? Oh, yes! Go back and read Psalm 1:1, Romans 16:17 and 1 Timothy 6:20. Over and over again, scripture tells us to stay away from contentious people. But when Jesus came, he narrowed in on those who presented themselves as righteous individuals. Way everyone's words and actions only with the scripture. (Including our own, ouch!)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 16-17
And there it is, our promise. As we endure and allow the Lord to use these perilous times to work in our lives, we become more of the person we are meant to be.
With the right perspective, firmly grounded in the Word of God, we can actually become excited about some of the things we see around us. While people are being constantly reminded of cleanliness and consideration, hopefully the next cold and flu season won't hit so many people so hard. Hopefully more people are becoming concerned about living a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy foods and becoming more active. While protests become more pronounced, hopefully people are seeing the importance and blessing of praying together and for each other. Hopefully people will be encouraged to boldly stand up for their God-given rights and begin (or renew) communication with their elected leaders.
If you'd like to read more about finding the Silver Linings in recent events, pop over to the Woodward News and see my Dusty Draft column.
Now for some encouragement. Here are some of my favorite things this week:
On YouTube our family has enjoyed:
While you are contemplating the state of the world, remember Jesus' commandments to Love God with all your heart, strength, soul and mind and Love your neighbor. Everyone can find one kind thing to say or do for someone else each day. And, of course, lets pray for the nation and the world, remembering this is not our home. Scriptures are ESV from BibleGateway.com
Here is a list of questions for you to think about:
Above all PRAY for your country and it's representatives. God knows... and HE is in control of it all. "Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."
Hugh Eldon (Doc) Fogleman, 89, born on January 19, 1928 to Cloy Cashen and Ethel Ruth (Hersch) Fogleman in Moorehead, Kansas. Hugh attended school in Moorehead where he graduated with the class of 1946. Hugh married Patricia Jean Campbell in 1950 in Independence, Kansas. They were blessed with their son, Paul Eldon in 1957. Hugh served as Corporal in the United States Army with a MASH unit while stationed in Korea. When he returned to Independence, Kansas he led the Church of God and worked at the Coca Cola Company. He graduated from trade school to become an electrician and worked for York Electric. The family moved to Laverne, Oklahoma in 1964 where he was hired by Sinclair Oil and Gas to maintain the first computerized pipeline. In the 1970's, Hugh and Paul started their family business, Fogleman Electric. Hugh resided in the Shattuck Nursing Center in Shattuck, Oklahoma from 2008 until his passing on April 28, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, his two brothers, Cloy and Max Fogleman, and his sister, Loris Elmore. He is survived by his son, Paul Fogleman of Laverne, Oklahoma; six grandchildren, and sister, Arlene Tinkle of Kansas.
It seems repetitive sometimes to talk about what a good person someone was after they are gone. I remember Papa himself saying how anyone who took time to go to a funeral probably already knew what kind of person the deceased was. Some preachers seem to have the same basic sermon for every funeral, "He was a good man..." blah, blah, blah. When someone close to you has died, those words can seem so empty.
Doc was more than just a 'good man'. He was a ray of sunshine wherever he went. He had a way of making the worst of days seem just a little brighter. He loved to sing and had a wonderful voice. He use to break out in song spontaneously. It was very sad when he lost his music after the stroke. He loved hearing the children's music. Paul remembers his dad reading his Bible every night, no matter where they were or what was going on. Before Paul's mother passed away, they were often seen holding hands in public. It was so refreshing to see such love between a couple who had been together over 40 years. "We are so very sorry to hear about Doc. When they lived in Laverne Doc and Paul were the big kids in our neighborhood to us little kids. Lots of childhood memories from flying the little air plans from taking us all on snow sled rides. You all are in our love and Prayers!" "A wonderful man and long time family friend we have fond memories of." "Love the time I spent working with Doc. Think of him and Pat often. Love you all. Hugs and prayers." "So sorry for your loss, he was an awesome man!!" "So sorry to hear this, he was a joy to visit with. Prayers for all of you." "He was a very awesome & hard working man. Lots of memories, may you Rest In Peace Doc." "I thought the world of this man. He was a fantastic electrician." "Doc was an asset to the Laverne community and friend to all. God bless Paul, you and the family. Heaven is singing." "He and I had a few conversations that have stuck over the decades, and a few insightful things he said I've passed on to others. A strong brother in Christ."
He had skin cancer in his ears that was spreading to his brain and throat and was in a lot of pain. He had been in the nursing home 9 years and had suffered from strokes 10 years before that, so it's been a long roller-coaster ride of ups and downs. We're so glad his mansion was finally finished and ready for him.
He had lead the Church of God in Independence Kansas for a time in the 60's then preached here and there occasionally after that. He led our little home church for 3 years and we were so blessed by his teaching & leading of our family. The Christian Legacy he and Patricia passed down to our children will be lasting for many generations. “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God ” Job 19:25-26 KJV “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (KJV)
Our family is looking forward to that Trumpet Sound and rejoining Doc and Patricia in the air with our Savior!
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In homeschooling I felt a need for things to be simplified as well. Curriculum choices and activity opportunities can be overwhelming and put a lot of pressure on a mom to do and have lots of things. If you aren't careful, you can end up away from home a lot and overloaded with things to accomplish in the little bit of time you are able to crack the books. Homeschool moms are always looking for educational opportunities or ways to make EVERYTHING in life into some kind of a lesson. There's nothing wrong with that, if it can be kept in perspective and doesn't stress the whole family out. We all handle this dilemma differently. For me, it's minimizing school subjects.
Like I said, maybe I'm oversimplifying again, but isn't it really that simple? Reading, Writing & Arithmetic balanced with good ol' courtesy & common sense. Isn't that what we're missing? We're focusing on making sure the children have 7-8 subjects plus activities and then we lose the whole reason and goal of it all. Let's take a step back, breathe and yes, simplify. The best way to instill good Character qualities is to be consistent. It's so much easier to be consistent and create a truly stable environment in this totally unstable world if we keep things simple and concentrate on what's really important. Making Character one of the most important parts of our educational plan will also help nurture healthy relationships. No matter what our children do or don't do academically, good Biblical Character will insure success in life. My favorite resources for teaching Character is fromIBLP. They are WONDERFUL products, well worth the investment. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to get regular updates & subscriber freebies.
Many other women allowed me to call them by that prefix, giving support in times of need. I don't know what I would have done without them. My children's experience with grandparents is much different, but we've enjoyed the time we've had.
My mother recently passed of a very quick battle with cancer. As we work through this difficult time I will continue to post things that will hopefully encourage your family to enjoy the time you have with each member. Our favorite books about grandparents:
"Little Critter" books were some of our favorites for the children. We enjoyed looking for the spider or cricket on each page and seeing what struggles the family was going through. These have been fun for the grandparents to read with the children.
"A Hive of Busy Bees" is a devotional story book about children visiting their grandparents on the farm. It teaches lessons such as obedience, honesty, kindness, and contentment in a fun and engaging way.
I love no-nonsense books like this that the children can really get into and relate to. (click to tweet)
"A Home for Grandma" is required reading in our homeschool. Here's part of the description:
My favorite from last week:
Love God & Love your neighbor as yourself. Everything had to fit into those two categories. I think in the long run, it actually made things much easier. You can't leave things laying around because you aren't being loving to the person who has to clean up after you... etc. Someone gave us a plaque for our wedding shower with this on it:
If you get it out, put it up.
If you sleep on it, make it up. If you wear it, hang it up. If you drop it, pick it up. If you dirty it, wash it. If you open it, close it. If you turn it on, turn it off. If it rings, answer it. If it howls, feed it. If it cries, love it.
All of these things can fit in the two commandments if you think about it. Children need consistency and routine they can count on. Uncertainty causes insecurity and insecurity causes misbehavior in an attempt to control their environment. Consequences can be simple but must be quick and concise as well. Children will always test boundaries, if they consistently have the same consequences, they will learn self-control and self-discipline. The older they get, the more they will understand simple reasoning and logic about why certain behaviors are acceptable and others are not. They will also, with some coaching, learn to think of others before themselves.
Last week's favorite:
Tempted to complain about the weather? Think about it... What would it be like if there were no winter? ...no snow ice cream... ...no snowball wars... ...no frosty giggles... You want'a build a snowman? How is it we tend to blow trivial things out of proportion and make important things in life trivial. What's more important than watching a little girl prance around the house in satin and chiffon sprinkling glitter and delight all over everything? I made the dress you see above for our 8 year old this weekend. Her happiness has spread throughout the house and she has tickled us to tears with some of her antics.
"She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple." Proverbs 10:21-22 I'm a mean mommy. You can ask my children. They will answer you honestly, "Yep, she's mean, but...." I firmly believe in corporal discipline and chores (inside and out). It is VERY important for children to learn consequences and responsibility as early as possible. Consistency and determination on my part has produced respectful children who seldom need firm discipline. Don't get me wrong, they are NOT perfect. I worry, pray, lecture... Did I say I'm a mean mommy? "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." Proverbs 22:15 I also don't allow foolishness in our home. Everything "Magic" and the "Mystical" were banished from our home for a time. Even now, they are guarded with suspicion and carefully censored & analyzed with scripture and historical significance. I don't allow monsters under the beds, in closets, or even dreams. I KNOW this world is a spiritual battle ground. We pray for spiritual protection of our family, home, and property. Occasionally we let something in. Bad dreams or fear are a sure sign. We pray, seek scripture, and purge the home of whatever the invitation was. (Usually a movie.. but there are other things.) "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 Attitudes can be foolish and even detrimental. Complaining about the weather is a simple example. Without winter, the bugs would be awful. Without winter, the winter wheat would not have a good start. Without winter, the boys wouldn't come in with shiners after an intense snowball war. (Shiner: Our word for a black eye. It's a trophy!) The girls wouldn't make snow angels and Hubby wouldn't beg for snow ice cream. "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11 There is a difference between foolishness and fun. We have fun. Some people may see some of the things we do as foolish, but they don't understand. They see the inconvenience of having to drive to work on icy roads. I feel for them and am super grateful for being a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). I know the farmers are struggling to take care of the cows who are calving this time of year. (Why do you breed them to birth in the cold?) I know it's hard for the Utility workers to keep our electric lines up and connected when the ice is hanging off them and the wind is flapping them around. (So happy to have propane heat & a generator...) "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23 My point? Are you tempted to complain about the weather? Don't. Count your blessings in ALL circumstances. Make the menial meaningful, drudgery a delight, & the challenging a triumph. Stop and delight in what the LORD has done in your life. Catch those fleeting glimpses of His love. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
“Why not?” Because I’ve turned all of them away. “What for?” Because. I am waiting to see which one comes back; which one thinks I’m worth fighting for. That is a short conversation that I had with a lady the other day. Most folk don’t understand why I don’t have a boyfriend. After all, I am in my twenties, I’m pretty (if I do say so myself), I’m outgoing, I’m successful but…. I don’t have a boyfriend? For them, that often means that a piece of the puzzle is missing as far as my happiness and success. “Don’t you….don’t you get lonely?” a teenager asked me with concern. Yes. I do. But, doesn't everyone? Even married people get lonely. I have learned to ignore my loneliness by working. When I feel lonely, I work. When the solitary feeling of singleness strikes at my heart, making me long for a strong arm to lean on, I immerse myself into more work. Another way that I whoop the loneliness bug is that I sit and enjoy the company of my family: I have a sister just a year younger than me who is my best friend. I have 4 little siblings who like to learn, play, and goof off with me. I have a great mom who is always ready to talk about whatever, and I have a dad who is as manly as they come without being ridiculous. Honestly, if the longing for a man in my life plagues me, I can cure it in a matter of minutes by talking with my dad… or my grandpa… or my brothers. Take your pick. They are all men. Having a “honey” to talk to shouldn’t be any different than talking with the men that are already in my life. Other times, when it seems like there is no one to talk to and nothing to do, I pray and read my Bible to drive away the empty feeling of my heart. God and His Word can fill me to the fullest, ease my pain, fill me with love and happiness, and show me contentment. Yes, I do get lonely. Sometimes, I think that it would be so nice to have an unrelated guy who thinks I’m special, who wants to hug me, hold my hand, put a kiss on my head, and give me flowers. Someone who thinks I’m special enough to spend the rest of his life with. But, the fact of the matter is that I have not yet met a guy like that. Oh, I have met plenty who think I’m special all right, but I could tell that I wasn’t the sort of special they needed in their life. “Well, how do you expect to ever get married?” I get that question a lot. And I mean A LOT. The answer is simple: I don’t expect to. I would like to, but I don’t expect it to happen. I am a treasure, and if I remain and Unclaimed Treasure, I will be content with that. Written by Kathryn Fogleman
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