tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64270705591488368602024-03-07T19:20:15.629-08:00Pieces of my Mind...for my own peace of mind.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-30038443110772773572015-01-06T12:16:00.002-08:002015-01-06T12:16:39.981-08:00When Free is Too High a PriceThis morning was cold in front of 700 E. Hebron St. as we spoke for those who could not speak for themselves. No babies saved that we know of, but God's Word will not return void! There were a couple interesting interactions, however. A man who had just dropped someone off stopped to tell me that he and his mom are pro-life and that she actually counsels women not to have abortions. I looked at him a bit confused and asked, "Then why did you just drop someone off here?" He said, "No, you don't understand. That's my mom. She works here and tells the girls not to abort." I was flabbergasted. With doubt clearly written all over my face I said, "This is a place that makes a lot of money off killing babies. Why in the world would they hire someone to counsel moms to NOT kill their babies? That doesn't make sense." He didn't have an answer for me, but firmly maintained that his mom counseled against abortion. Strange. Could someone really work from the inside to try to do good? I think it's completely the wrong method. But regardless of that, I don't believe him for a second. I think the likelier story is that his mom tells herself (and others) that she's doing good and trying to talk women out of abortion by working there. If she were really against abortion, how could she accept their blood money as payment?<br />
<br />
But before that interaction was one that frustrated and surprised me a bit. A couple stopped and I asked if they were there for an abortion. They said they weren't. I followed up with my usual, "Did you know that they kill unborn babies here? You really shouldn't be here supporting them with your money." I then asked if they needed an ultrasound and they said they did. "Oh, I can get you one for free today. We'll just need to call." (No RV today). They looked a bit skeptical and acted unsure. I said, "They will charge you $100 in here to do an ultrasound. Why don't you just let me call and you can have one for free?" The girl looked interested, but the guy piped up that they didn't want it. I asked why. "Well, my friend and his girl got one here and they said it was cool. The people were cool." "So you'd rather pay $100 for an ultrasound here by people who are probably not even licensed nurses than go have one done for free?" Yes was the answer. It seems "free" is too high a price when it might include someone counseling against what is already in your heart to do. I strongly suspect the ultrasound was only part of their plans for the morning. No one ever likes to admit they are about the murder their own baby...or at the very least that it might be an option if things don't go well on the ultrasound.<br />
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Surprisingly, I also had the opportunity to speak to the driver of the Stericycle truck, as his window was partway down. He looked down at me with lifeless eyes as I asked in as nice a voice as I could, "How can work for this company picking up boxes of dead babies? You don't have to do this. We can help you find another job." I got no answer in return, but eyes full of conviction and sadness.<br />
<br />
We also had the usual flip-offs and drive-by insults. (One guy hung out his window, making the "L" for "loser" with his hand and yelling something at us. Do these people really think that kind of foolishness is going to make us run home crying or never come back again?). But we're always grateful for the friendly honks and waves, which God always prompts people to give us! It was sad today to see girls so clearly influenced by their boyfriends. Sometimes I wonder how many of them would choose life if only their boyfriends would offer to help and support them? Women need strong leaders!<br />
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It was good to have Anna and Sarah Misko, Susan, and Flip out with us today. I love to hear Flip preach on the mic! And I am always so blessed by the others, as well. Thank you for your prayers today and please pray for all these interactions to bear fruit in God's time.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-20844497888428010762014-12-26T07:06:00.002-08:002014-12-26T07:23:59.920-08:00He Gives and Takes Away...And Gives Again: Part 2Thus began a crazy, twisty-turny journey of faith! First, our realtor told us there was an issue with the title, but it should be worked out. We knew it would be, of course...this was our house! God had clearly given it to us. But it turned out that it could not be worked out by our closing date, which was just a couple weeks away, before Thanksgiving. So, the closing date was postponed...then postponed again. Finally, we got a call one day from Beth, who told us, "I've never seen this happen before, but they couldn't get the title issue fixed, so Fannie Mae has taken it off the market and returned it to the bank." Little did we know this was the first of several "firsts" our seasoned realtor would experience!<br />
<br />
We were disappointed and confused. Why had God given us something and then just taken it away like that? He wasn't the kind of God to dangle a carrot and then quickly take it away, was He? This didn't seem to fit with His nature. Yet, this seemed to be what He was doing. Admittedly, Jon's faith was far less shaken than mine. He steadfastly persisted in believing that this was God's farm for us. And I wanted to believe, as well. In fact, I clearly remember a time when I began to feel despair over losing "our farm" and suddenly, like a clear voice in my ear, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me, "Why are you upset? It's still your farm. You are going to live there." That should have been all it took, but I was still hesitant to believe.<br />
<br />
Knowing my lack of faith, God brought circumstance after circumstance to begin building it back up. We heard several messages in church on faith that seemed to be specifically for me. One in particular was about Abraham's journey to a foreign land. God asked Him to leave his familiar homeland in faith. He told him to go to a land that He would show him...a promised land. So, Abraham stepped out in faith and journeys many, many miles, following God's leading. And when he arrived, what did he find? A land which was already inhabited. Our pastor encouraged us that when we step out in faith, we are often heading straight for obstacles. But God is in control, even when He leads us to a promised land that is already inhabited. He has a plan and we need to have faith and trust in Him, even when we hit obstacles!<br />
<br />
During this time, I also decided to join a Bible study. I am not one to sign up for a lot of extracurricular activities outside the home, as I am just too busy with things at home. But I felt compelled to do this. Again, God was in this little decision. The book of the Bible we were studying "happened" to be Hebrews. Every week, I was being reminded of what true faith looks like and how to stretch and grow mine.<br />
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As the months of God's testing went on, I came to realize that the miracle of God's answer to our prayers was no less a miracle just because He saw fit to take it back. God is a good God, whether we understand His ways or not. He gives and He takes away...blessed be the name of the Lord! So, we began to just thank Him and praise Him for His amazing blessing, even though it was no longer ours. We marveled at the fact that He had answered so specifically. And we thanked him for the opportunity He was giving us to grow our faith.<br />
<br />
And then one day the phone rang again.<br />
<br />
It was our realtor, Beth. "Well," she said, "I just got a call from the realtor handling that house. He said it's back on the market and he wanted to know if you were still interested." Still interested? Of course! This time, since there were no other offers that we knew of, we offered only $45,000...$5,000 above asking price, just to be sure we got it. Our faith was not quite strong enough to only offer the asking price. Not long after, we got another call from Beth, "Well, this is the strangest thing I've ever seen and I've been doing foreclosures a long time. They counter-offered," I braced myself for the amount, "for $40,000." What? I think I must have asked her to repeat herself, as this bit of information did not quite compute! The bank had actually counter-offered for less than what we had offered! Apparently, God knew we needed every bit of that extra $10,000 from Jon's 401K to do the renovations. He didn't want us using any of it to buy the house!<br />
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We closed on the house and began to slowly go through all of our belongings and begin work on seemingly endless renovations. So many afternoons were spent out at the new house ripping up carpet, painting walls, and scraping off popcorn ceilings. What a job! During this time, I began to waver in my faith again. Were we totally crazy spending every dime of our retirement while we still owned our current house? I trusted God, but I just wanted assurance that we hadn't done something financially stupid. Well, maybe we had according to common wisdom, but I felt I needed assurance that it was in God's plan and that we would sell our house. Then one night I had a dream. It was the kind of dream that feels more like reality than a dream...that feels like a message from the Lord. In it, we sold our house in two days. That was all the confirmation I needed and I was at peace with our crazy decision! I even told a few people about my dream and that I believed we would sell the house in just a few days. And I began to pray that way, and to also pray that God would send a good Christian family to buy it.<br />
<br />
We finally completed the renovations, then got our current house de-cluttered and cleaned up (parents are great helping with these things!), and went ahead and listed our house just in time for spring. The market at that point had turned and houses in our price range and size were selling quickly and for good amounts. An extra blessing was that since we had been able to buy the new house outright, we were able to move into it, but leave some of our things in the old house to stage it. And I wouldn't have to clean up every time we had a showing! (That turned out to not matter much anyway, but it was a nice idea). We were able to list our house for more than what we paid. Beth got it on the MLS on a Friday. A family came and looked at it on Saturday and were very interested. On Tuesday morning, we got the call that they loved our house and wanted to make an offer! We sold it and came away without losing any money. And in two (well, three technically) days...just like my dream!<br />
<br />
One day shortly after we had sold it, before the closing, I ran into the new owner and had a nice conversation with him. I found out they were a Christian family and he had actually been homeschooled! It was an extra blessing knowing that our beautiful home filled with so many memories would go to a Christian family. And one more little blessing is that our new neighbor, who lives behind the gate with us and used to own all the land where we live, is of the same self-sufficiency, "prepper" mindset. It is good to know we have a neighbor who is watching out for the property.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now we patiently await for God to complete "part 3" of this amazing journey. And we know He will! Part three is two-fold: 1. Heal Jon completely from his health challenges and 2. Provide a way for him to come home from corporate America. We pray these things because we know that in order to live off the land and do the things we want to do here, he needs to feel better. He has so many ideas he wants to work on (truly brilliant ones that he doesn't have time for) and really wants to homestead more, too! He wants to work side-by-side with his children, disciplining them every day! And we need his leadership. I'm so haphazard...I know I need him in the area of scheduling and to help keep us (me) on task. And honestly, he just needs rest from the stress of the kind of mentally exhausting work he does every day. I.T. is a very stressful job. We are SO grateful that God has allowed him many years of working from home, but it is still a stressful job that takes so much of his time. Having a brain injury (from a car accident years ago) makes his job even more stressful.<br />
<br />
But we already see God answering these prayers. Over the years, he has improved. His Lyme disease is gone and his struggles now are lessening. We recently learned that he has issues with his spleen (probably from the years of being sick), so we did some research and began a regimen of certain herbs that are supposed to help. We are slowly seeing results!<br />
<br />
And as for bringing him home, this is also being answered. God led us this year to a wonderful group called Educating for Success where we have learned some real options for starting our own business(es) and been able to network with some of the most amazing Christian homeschooling families. Finally, with the things I've learned, I feel like I can pursue all these entrepreneurial ideas I've always had floating around my head! I feel like I'm allowed to be who God created me to be...an entrepreneur. Soon we will be starting our own online food store (<a href="http://www.realfood.gpdb.com">www.realfood.gpdb.com</a>) that will only offer non-GMO foods. We are very excited about the possibilities with it! Not only will we get to educate the public on the dangers of GMOs (which we have seen first-hand), but we will also get to sell good food at wholesale prices. And I have started a business with a company called SendOutCards (<a href="http://www.sendoutcards.com/dpapa">www.sendoutcards.com/dpapa</a>) and am seeing a lot of potential there, as well. (It's also helped me to be able to easily send cards to people to show them I care). And we have another venture in the works, also, that we're hoping to get off the ground in January. Our goal is to have multiple streams of income so that if one stream dries up, we have other sources we can focus on. This is another thing God has taught us...that it is wise to have multiple sources of income instead of being completely dependent on one.<br />
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Jon has always said, "Danielle, bring me home from work," but I didn't think I could. Now I'm seeing God open the doors to be able to do this for my husband, while still being a responsible wife and mother. We prayed an "impossible" prayer once, and God delivered in an amazing way. So, we KNOW He will be faithful to answer again as we pray in line with His will! We believe God's will is to heal Jon and bring him home from corporate America. We are praying He does it this year, but we are patient for His perfect timing because it is ALWAYS perfect!<br />
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(Continued SOMEDAY when God answers! Keep watching for Part 3. :))<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-73362743025968540512014-12-23T12:53:00.001-08:002014-12-25T07:15:29.662-08:00He Gives and Takes Away...And Gives AgainWell, I'm only a couple years late in posting this. Procrastinator? Why, yes. But here it is! The story of our promised land (written when it happend, just finally brushing it up and posting it, so forgive the odd time references). If you don't like minutia, you may find this account tedious. But I wanted every detail recorded for myself and family, at least.
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<br><br>
Today is the beginning of an answer to years of prayer. God is doing something incredible and I can barely contain myself! Today God gave us our "promised land," a piece of property and home we have been longing for and praying for over the past six or seven, perhaps even eight, years. Today we finally come home to where our hearts have been all along our journey, to the place God has saved just for us. All answers to prayer are exciting, but this one...well, this one is just detailed and complicated enough to only be possible by the hand of God.<br><br>
Let's back the story up to the very beginning...
<br><br>
The story really starts with my wonderful husband, who one day years ago told me, "Some day I'd like to live on a farm. I'd like to have animals and gardens and..." and I said,
<br><br>
"WHAT?!"
<br><br>
But God knew what He had in store for our family, and that little seed was planted in Jon's heart. It grew and grew over the years and, as our hearts are one, it couldn't help but spread to mine, as well. Without even realizing what had led me to the point, one day I realized that my heart also longed for this farm...this restful place. So now I recount those years of my own heart being molded as a record:<br><br>
Perhaps five years ago, Jon's mom, already an avid gardener, started reading Joel Salatin's books and became interested in homesteading. With her excitement over all the new ideas she was learning, I became open to the idea of farming. It still "wasn't for me," but if she wanted to farm, I'd be happy to visit and enjoy it from a safe distance.<br><br>
Jon's parents eventually found their own little promised land (their own story was a miracle in itself, but that's a story for another day), and they moved one exit away from their old house to a nice five-acre homestead. We visit them when we can and every time we go, we feel like we are home.<br><br>
Somewhere along the way, farming became more and more normal to me. I found myself more attracted to this lifestyle of living off the land and Jon's own desire was becoming stronger. We prayed that if God was in it, He would lead us to our farm. Otherwise, we prayed for Him to take that longing away.<br><br>
As times grew worse economically, Jon began to see the real need for being self-sufficient. I remember him saying, "I've really been thinking a lot about this. We don't need to have any more money; We just need to cut our expenses so there are less things we HAVE to pay for. We need to find ways to put money into being self-sufficient." He began thinking more about alternative power, gardening, and other ways to cut or eliminate bills. The farm-longing was intensified again.<br><br>
But how could we ever afford it? The reality was that we had a very large monthly mortgage to pay, with no extra cash. If we bought a farm, we would need to sell this house first. So, we prepared to sell our house and started looking at properties. Several options excited us and we pursued them. But somehow they never quite worked out. The culmination of our search was bringing a realtor to see our house and finding out that, in the real estate boom, we had paid much more for our current house than we could now sell it for. What was God going to do? We needed to sell this house in order to move, but how would that even happen?
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We called off the search for a while. But we had learned a few things about what we were looking for. Even with the house that was just a few miles away, I felt strongly that we should live on Jon's parent's street. After ending our search, other houses would come up for sale, but I had no interest to even look. It wasn't God's timing and it wasn't our land if it was anywhere but on that street. Jon felt strongly that our land should not be visible from the street and really wanted a place with no road frontage. Seven acres of land is what he began to pray for.<br><br>
The most recent step in our journey is that we've become more aware of the facade of security in our culture, and we've become convicted that we should be more reliant on God for our security and to provide for our needs. We have realized that instead of having faith in God to provide for future needs, we have been presuming upon Him to provide for things we decided we just couldn't wait for. Our faith was in our mortgage and credit card, not in God.<br><br>
Why did we think we needed to have a mortgage on our house? This seems so normal to our culture today, but it never used to be. Do we really need a large home with so many nice things? Is this really depending on God to supply all our needs? Or had we decided that the bank could supply all our needs and God would just continue to bless Jon with a good job to pay the bills that we had presumptuously created? What if we could just pray for God to provide things in His time (not ours) and He would? Isn't that a simple concept? Yet it is so novel to us today!
<br><br>
So that sort of lifestyle was in our hearts to live. We have a mortgage and there is nothing we can do to relive a past decision (and of course, it is not sinful in and of itself to have a mortgage, but it was for us). But we committed to do better in the future. And we began praying more earnestly for our promised land while we waited on God to act.<br><br>
During this time, God began to move on Jon's heart to pull out his $50,000 401K to buy land. The fact that my husband even considered this was amazing in and of itself. My husband is a classic example of an over-planner. If there are two choices and one is a risk, no matter how good the choice, my husband will probably choose the less risky choice. As a child, he would ask his mother what he should be when he grew up because he wanted to start planning. This is my husband! But $50,000? Buying land is costly enough, but land with any kind of livable house would be nearly impossible on such a budget. We expected to have to build. And that brought about many more quesitons of how God would give us the money and where we would go once we sold our current house and waited to complete the new one.<br><br>
But this was a decision that God impressed on him. It was somewhat of a risk and God would have to work out the many details. Within a matter of weeks after this decision, we noticed a For Sale sign on his parent's street. I copied down the number and called a few days later. We were in no rush, as we knew God would do what he willed, when He willed it.<br><br>
The realtor, Beth, told us that the house was under contract, but that there was another house next door going into foreclosure that she expected to go on the market very soon. She told us she would contact us when it did. Again, we waited. Several weeks, maybe even a month later, on a Thursday I got a call from Beth. "Remember that house? Well, it's on the market now. It's three acres with a 2,000 square foot manufactured home." And the price? $40,000. I think my jaw hit the floor!<br><br>
We scheduled to go that afternoon to see it. Knowing we would have to act fast on it, I spent the rest of the morning praying for several specific things. We needed to know this was where God wanted us and He needed to confirm it for us. I prayed that the house would be in good condition and not need major repairs. I prayed that everyone we told, particularly my mom who is not of the farming mentality and also tends to look for the negatives (not that this is necessarily bad), would be positive and excited about it. And I prayed for one little "extra": That there would be a space for my large eight-foot tall bookshelves. I had just redone them right before Korban was born and books are a big part of our family. They were special to me. This last request was a bit of a test, as manufactured homes do not usually have tall ceilings. I felt that if God answered that particular request, it was a definite sign for us.<br><br>
When we went to see the property, we found answer after answer.<br><br>
It was secluded. There was no road frontage, with a gate at the top of the driveway. We had prayed for seven acres, but this three acres seemed like a lot more, since the long drive meandered through the woods and over a creek through the two other properties there.
<br><br>
Built in 2001, the inside of the house was in good condition, with no major repairs needed. Some minor renovations would do the trick.<br><br>
The layout was almost perfect. It had the rooms we needed, in the configuration we needed. Even the master bedroom was the same size as our current one. In time, we could do some additions and really make it our own. One major issue in our current house has been our school room, which is located upstairs away from the kitchen and laundry room, where I spent most of my time. I have always wanted the school room to be right next to the kitchen. With the addition of a wall, this house could easily be configured in that way.<br><br>
And, it even had the unlikely extra I had prayed about: A tall enough wall for my bookcases. The ceiling went up in the middle of the house to a peak.<br><br>
We called my parents and they were excited (another answer to prayer, as I had prayed that both of our parents would be excited about it). We put an offer on the house the next day and got it faxed in just in time at 11:59, right before the seller's agent presented all the offers to the bank at noon. Since there were five other offers, we offered the full amount we could: $50,000 cash. We weren't sure how we were going to afford the renovations, but knew we had to make a higher offer. The next day, we got a call. It was ours!<br><br>
Or was it. (Continued...).<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-4516700712061293462014-11-11T19:06:00.001-08:002014-11-11T19:30:03.123-08:00That Still, Small VoiceWe arrived at Hebron on time this morning, which turned out to be a blessing to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip_Benham">Flip</a>, who was late and lamenting. "The problem is," he told me, "I hear the Lord telling me to get up because I have a lot to do, but somehow I find myself rolling over and just going back to sleep." I told him how it was a blessing to know that even he struggles with this. And I shared that one of the things God has been working on me about lately is to learn to listen to that "<a href="http://www.gotquestions.org/still-small-voice.html">still, small voice</a>" of the Holy Spirit and to obey Him.<br />
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Growing up in a very non-charismatic environment, the Holy Spirit was probably unintentionally minimized as a reactionary response. But as I've grown in my spiritual walk, I've realized more and more how dependent I am upon the Holy Spirit. We are told, after all, that "<a href="http://biblehub.com/john/15-5.htm">without me, you can do nothing</a>." What makes us think that we can simply muster up enough strength or spiritual fortitude to do anything in our own power? That we can depend on our own wisdom (which is, as the Bible says, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">foolishness to God</a>)? Even much of our spirituality can lead us into relying on our actions...what we DO to become more sanctified and pleasing to the Lord. We do, do, do and forget that our "doing" is impossible without Him!
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As I sit here writing these words, I am reminded that I can't even write without Him! And I pray for the words to effectively communicate...for the Holy Spirit to fill me so that my words are His words and not my own.
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Since going out to the abortion mill regularly, the Holy Spirit and His work has become so much more familiar to me. All the phrases I would hear about listening to the Holy Spirit and simply allowing Him to speak through us suddenly have become very real. It is one thing to hear these common Christian phrases and yet another to experience them so vividly every week. To literally not know what I will say as I grab that microphone, set aside my "notes," and pray for Him to fill me. And, just as He promises, He does just that. I open my mouth and things come out that I did not plan, thoughts and whole outlines flow into my head like a steady, dependable stream of refreshing water. And the more I taste them, the more I crave them! I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Not in some mystical, flop-on-the-floor showy kind of way, but in a way that is real and genuine. A way that is quiet just as is the nature of that still, small voice. I want God to be glorified and me to stand back in amazement at His presence once again.
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And so it surprises me somewhat when those feelings come. The feelings that should not, logically, be there.
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<br />
"I don't want to go to the mill today."<br />
"What if I get on the mic and don't have anything to say?"<br />
"Maybe I should take a break from ministry."
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I've dealt with them often enough to know that they are usually not even true feelings, but the inevitable spiritual struggle in the battleground of my mind. I am thankful that as quickly as they come, they usually leave just as fast. Today, I had flashes of all these thoughts, but the one that caught me most off-guard was the second one. Me? Not want to speak on the mic? It is just not typical. From the first day I went to the mill, I have been speaking on the microphone. This is my comfort zone. And I have experienced amazing moments of supernatural clarity and speech. But today I felt mild apprehension, which I expressed to Flip. He prayed over me and, in obedience to that still, small voice, I grabbed the mic and began to speak. And as I read the Scripture the Holy Spirit led me to, that refreshing stream trickled and then poured. Out flowed everything He wanted me to say. And the ones to whom He was speaking walked out moments later and told Flip and the others in the driveway that they had chosen life!
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That still, small voice was faithfully at work this morning and we listened. And as we prayed for faith "above all," as <a href="http://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-16.htm">Ephesians 6:16</a> commands, we know that He was at work in other hearts, as well. We may not see results here, but we have faith that we will see them someday in eternity!
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-16054709649656510842014-11-04T18:22:00.001-08:002014-11-04T18:22:41.675-08:00The Humble and the Proud<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This morning started off with lots of activity! The moment the RV arrived, a couple pulled up in their car and I approached and asked them if they were there for an ultrasound. It ended up being a couple that Sarah had met a couple weeks ago, so I ushered them onto the RV and talked with them a moment while Sarah walked over from across the street to meet them. Sherry, our nurse today, arrived a few minutes later, so with things taken care of, I walked back over to the entrance of the mill.<br />
<br />
Not too long after, a car pulled into the driveway and pulled to the side of the lot. The woman got out and walked into the mill, but the man pulled over to me and rolled down his window. I crossed the "forbidden line" to talk to him, but fortunately no one from the mill came out to reprimand me and I am so thankful, as the conversation was a fruitful one. He was Hispanic, but understood much of what I said and looked concerned, especially seeing the sign of the aborted baby. Conviction was on his face as he looked at the Tiny Hands booklet I gave him, but he said he couldn't read it. So I called to Elleina and asked her to bring a Spanish copy for him. I was surprised as he took it and sat there, reading the enclosed Spanish tract so intently that he was mouthing each word. He then flipped through the book and asked if he could have it. "Yes, absolutely," I said, and I asked him to go inside and give it to his girlfriend and tell her we were there to help. I gently encouraged him that this was his baby, too, and that he had a right to speak on his baby's behalf...that he <i>needed</i> to speak up for his baby! "This is not good," he said. "It's not good."<br />
<br />
It was one of the most beautiful sights to see him back his car up, put it in park while still running, and jump out of his car and literally <b>run</b> toward the door! There was urgency not only in his expression, but also in his action! I will never forget that response and I wish so much that this was the response of all the men we spoke to today. I wish it was always the response to the truth. But sadly, it was not today and is not on any other typical day. I think of the distinctly opposite responses, including a man who just smirked sarcastically and casually said, "No, she don't need no help. How much do you get paid to do this?"<br />
"Nothing, sir. We do this because we love the Lord and we love babies." His girlfriend sat in the passenger seat, silent and full of guilt and pain. But when I said, "Why don't you let her speak? Why don't you ask <i>her</i> if she wants to talk to us?" and he did, she turned down the offer of help and the boyfriend pulled away. Interestingly, despite the hardness of the man and her rejection of our help, I do have to note that they were pulling <i>out</i> of the driveway and I don't know if they ended up returning. So, God may still be at work here and perhaps this was a save. God knows.<br />
<br />
I think also of the man who slowed his vehicle down on the street and then slowly turned down Denmark street across from the driveway. I thought it was just a passing curious driver...until he flew across the street into the entrance, scraping the bottom of his SUV on the driveway. When he pulled back out, I confronted him with the sign of the aborted baby and asked him why he brought someone here. Incredulous and with a note of sarcasm, he said, "I don't know what you're talking about. She's not here for an abortion. It's just a check-up."<br />
"But why would you bring her to a place like this for a check-up when there are so many other places she could go? We can help her find another clinic. Why support a place that kills babies?"<br />
"It's not my money. She can do what she wants with her money."<br />
<br />
And I think finally of the man who brought a young girl, probably his own daughter, through the gates of hell to murder her unborn baby. He looked hard and cold and barely gave us a glance as he sped into the lot. But I wonder if she would have talked to us if not for his evil influence. How many girls are broken and hardened at such young ages because of their sin, compounded by sinful parents who help them in their attempt to cover their sin and "fix" it? The sin cycle continues on and on...unless Jesus enters into the muck and mire and breaks it with the power of His blood! Repentance is the only hope for those who are hopelessly enslaved to their sin!<br />
<br />
And that Gospel message...the true hope for true and lasting change...is the reason for the record number of babies saved so far this year from abortion through Cities4Life: 450+! It is not about what the "woman really wants" or what will be best for her or any of the other humanistic arguments that I've sadly heard from other ministries. It is about the Gospel. It is always about the Gospel! It starts there and it ends there. It is about opening God's Word and showing sinners their need of a Savior...showing them why they can't stop the sin cycle on their own, through their own power. Helping them to see that it is about far more than just a choice that will affect their lives here...it's about a choice that will affect their lives for eternity. And not just their lives, but the lives of their unborn children who have no say in the matter.<br />
<br />
To my knowledge, there were no saves today, except possibly the one. But what a day to see the stark difference between the humble and the proud. I pray that man continues to be convicted, and that he will repent and allow Jesus to save him. And I pray that his girlfriend read the Tiny Hands that he heroically brought to her and was convicted enough to not go through with it. Please pray for their salvation!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-45493217587370730842014-06-11T11:26:00.000-07:002014-06-11T11:53:25.139-07:00Hebron report, June 10Well, yesterday was an interesting and very interactive day at the mill! This is going to be long, as I am also feeling verbose. And I find writing to be helpful in processing these interactions. Our morning of ministry started out with us being greeted by a friendly pit bull puppy who enjoyed jumping and licking...and unfortunately running out into traffic! We were hoping after a few times dodging cars that he would just find his way home, but after a scary near-miss with one car, we decided animal control needed to be called. Susan handled that while I picked him up and carried him to a warehouse across the street where the workers (who had been alerted by the squealing tires) and I looked for a way to tie him up temporarily. Finally, I headed back down the street where I saw a young couple walking right toward the driveway of the mill. Ugh! The dog distraction had kept us away from our "posts" and the couple walked right in. :( I called out to them and then ran over to the mic, but I do wonder what difference it would have made if they could have seen our baby Malachi sign and been met with smiling faces and face-to-face conversation. God is in control, though.<br />
<br />
The animal control guy finally arrived and turned around in the mill parking lot. I approached and told him where the dog was. He seemed disturbed by my sign and surprised that we were the ones who had called...the crazy people with the sign picturing an aborted baby. Yes, we care for ALL life!<br />
<br />
Later in the day, I did get a chance to talk to that same couple as they left. I told them it was not too late for God's grace even if they had already gone through with it and I gave them some of our Spanish materials, since they pretended to not speak much English...okay, maybe they didn't, but his Spanish accent was nearly gone, so I suspect he knew exactly what I was saying. Sadly, you begin to recognize the many times you get lied to by people who are fighting a guilty conscience and shame.<br />
<br />
Another encounter was with two ladies pulling out of the driveway. I asked if they had dropped someone off for an abortion and before the words were out of my mouth, they said, "We don't agree with all that. We don't like abortion," etc. So, wondering what they were doing there, I pressed harder. "So you didn't drop someone off?" They said, "Oh, yes, well our friend works here. But that's her choice." As nicely as possible, I told them that they shouldn't be driving her here. I told them they were complicit in the murder of babies, just as they would be if they dropped off their friend to murder someone...in the eyes of the law they would be accomplices. I even told them we could help her find a job, as we had for others. But they did not appreciate hearing the truth and said, "Well, that's God's place to judge, not ours," and their faces turned stony and hard as they sarcastically said, "God bless!" and drove away. :(<br />
<br />
There was also one interaction with yelling, cursing, prideful women who "had already killed my baby, so it's too late!" I told her (and the others) that it was not too late for God, that He could forgive her and we could help her. But she and the others continued swearing and yelling, uninterested in anything I had to say.<br />
<br />
Another man drove out out of the parking lot and I was able to talk to him. He looked a little upset and was soft to what I had to say, after telling me that no, he had not dropped anyone off. I knew he was likely lying (unless he had come from the not-very-busy mattress store behind the abortion mill), but just handed him a book and said if he ever knew of any women that were abortion-minded he could give them that book. I showed him the sign with baby Malachi and said, "This is what they do to babies in there and we're just here to help women." He thanked me and drove away. About 10 minutes later, he pulled back in the lot and into a space. Then he pulled out again. I talked to him again and this time he was honest(er), "My wife brought a friend here and she's in there trying to get her out." I suspect it was his wife and he was trying to get her out. I told him to call us if he needed anything at all. Near the end of the day, he pulled back in the lot. By this time, I knew he had probably lost the battle and so I waved him over to me. He pulled up and I handed him a post-abortion booklet, telling him if she did go through with it that this booklet would help her. Again, he thanked me and when he finally left, I don't think I saw any others in the car besides he and his wife. :( Sad. This will probably ruin their relationship, as it does to most couples apart from the grace of God.<br />
<br />
At one point after I was on the mic, I was walking back to the driveway, feeling very uplifted in spirit. God whispered in my heart, "Faith is the Victory," and I started trying to think of the words to that hymn. We had prayed through the armor of God on the way to the mill, as we usually do, and the shield of faith had stood out to me more than usual because I was finding my words not coming smoothly as I prayed and my thinking felt foggy. Yet, I know that when we are weak, God is our strength! And we know that God has the victory, even through weak people like us! So, I had been impressed to pray very earnestly on that piece of armor in particular. So I was curious when God brought that song to my mind. I couldn't remember the lyrics, so I looked them up on my phone. Here they are:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
Encamped along the hills of light,<br />
Ye Christian soldiers, rise.<br />
And press the battle ere the night<br />
Shall veil the glowing skies.<br />
Against the foe in vales below<br />
Let all our strength be hurled.<br />
Faith is the victory, we know,<br />
That overcomes the world.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
Refrain</div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!<br />
O glorious victory, that overcomes the world.</div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
His banner over us is love,<br />
Our sword the Word of God.<br />
We tread the road the saints above<br />
With shouts of triumph trod.<br />
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,<br />
Swept on o’er every field.<br />
The faith by which they conquered death<br />
Is still our shining shield.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
Refrain</div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
On every hand the foe we find<br />
Drawn up in dread array.<br />
Let tents of ease be left behind,<br />
And onward to the fray.<br />
Salvation’s helmet on each head,<br />
With truth all girt about,<br />
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,<br />
And echo with our shout.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
Refrain</div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
To him that overcomes the foe,<br />
White raiment shall be giv’n.<br />
Before the angels he shall know<br />
His name confessed in Heav’n.<br />
Then onward from the hill of light,<br />
Our hearts with love aflame,<br />
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,<br />
In Jesus’ conqu’ring Name.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chorus" style="background-color: white; font-family: serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">
Refrain</div>
<br />
Could those lyrics be any more appropriate? I sang and hummed this off and on for the rest of the morning! There are some great modern praise and worship songs, but I am coming to appreciate the depth of doctrine in the lyrics of old hymns that I used to sing without fully comprehending.<br />
<br />
The last story was the saddest to me. An Indian couple walked down the road from the bus stop while I was on the mic. Susan was by the driveway and she said when they approached and saw the sign, the woman's eyes got huge and she seemed horrified. They continued walking down the road and stood about 100 feet away, talking for about 20 minutes. Since there did not seem to be any logical reason to stand there talking, we assumed she had come for an abortion and was now struggling with the decision. Susan went down to talk to them after a bit and they said she wasn't pregnant and they didn't need help, so she handed them a Gospel of John booklet and told them it was a gift. They continued talking, then moved across the street and under a tree for another 20 minutes or so. Finally, they walked determinedly across the street toward the entrance. I ran down to get on the mic and rotated the speaker toward the driveway and preached my heart out at them! I didn't see them through the cracks in the fence, so I assumed they still had not been able to do it. Then I saw them again crossing the street and this time, we walked over and talked to them for a while.<br />
<br />
They didn't want to share the details, so I asked if I could just pray for them. I prayed that whatever the circumstances were, that God would make a way and that they would do what is right. Then I began a guessing game. "Well, if your doctor is telling you to abort, you need to know that doctors are very afraid of being sued. I have a close friend who was told her baby would have all kinds of problems and that baby is a healthy 7-year-old now with NO problems!" "No, no, it's not that at all," he said. "There are just difficulties." Finally, after a few wrong guesses which probably were just getting annoying to him ;) , the most we could get out of them (mostly him, as she really didn't talk to us), was that they were about to split up and then they found out she's pregnant. She is going back to India and he is staying here. The baby would have a hard life. There was no way she could have the baby. We still didn't understand why. There seemed to be more. And when I came home, my husband hit it dead on, I'm sure. He said she was probably going home to an arranged marriage and if she were pregnant, that would ruin the marriage plans and cause major family problems. It's funny how you can forget some of these cultural things. It seemed so obvious when he said it! I can see now how the guilt and shame and fear kept her from even wanting to talk about it and caused her to believe this was her only choice. I feel so sad for her, as whatever decision she makes will have serious, life-altering consequences.<br />
<br />
When we finally left, over an hour later than we usually do, they were still sitting there talking. I do wonder if she will be back or if she will choose what looks like the harder path. She knew what the right choice was and that is why she struggled so much. And that's exactly what we told them. Pray for their salvation and pray for the life of their baby! We shared the Gospel with them and even though they didn't take the Tiny Hands booklet, they do have the Gospel of John. I'm glad Susan was able to give that to them! Pray for a miracle in both of their lives! I do believe we watered the seed with them and that perhaps someone else will someday see the harvest. I'm praying for that!<br />
<br />
Well, that was our very busy day! I think I remembered everything. Finally, I'd like to just thank you all for praying for us. Honestly, on days like yesterday when there is so much going on and only two of us, it is all I can do to simply utter a quick "Lord, help us," or "Lord, please convict them. Stop them!" But knowing that we have many others praying for us and interceding on behalf of the babies is such an encouragement and makes a huge difference! And we are winning this battle overall in the hearts of most people. We have so many positive interactions with the cars passing by...friendly waves and thumbs-up. (I thank the Lord for that, too, as the angry interactions can feel so heavy on our spirits after a while). It is an encouragement to think that the attitude toward abortion in this country is changing and that clinics are closing! And not because of politics, either. As Flip says, the politics will follow after the hearts of Americans change. It will be a wonderful day when we no longer have to fight this battle!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-45903256248321954552014-01-17T19:37:00.003-08:002014-01-17T19:37:57.261-08:00Three Saves!Today was a wonderful day. I was finally able to get back out on the sidewalk and minister to the abortion-determined moms. God emptied me out of my self, as He so faithfully does, and allowed me to speak with both compassion and hard truth...words that could only come from His Spirit. I never even saw Jeannette today, as she was counseling on the mobile ultrasound unit all morning and had the privilege of being involved with two saves!<br />
<br />
While I was on the mic, one couple drove away, stopping long enough to say that they chose life! It is amazing to be used by God to save a human life...a baby! Truly, He does the work, not any of us. It is a humbling experience. Never am I as close to God and as in-tune with His Spirit as when I am serving on the front lines of this ministry. The fact is, when you jump into a spiritual battle so intense that you can almost physically FEEL it, you simply can't go into it without confession and repentance. You must put on every piece of the spiritual armor (Eph. 6:10-18) and, in so doing, you must also hold onto that shield of faith, knowing that your preparation in the Lord will "<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">Along these lines, I must say that our long drive down to the mill is a blessing. It gives us the opportunity to really focus on where we are going and why. It gives us 35-40 focused minutes of prayer to confess our sins and plead on behalf of the babies. This morning, Elleina and I prayed through each verse of Ephesians 6:10-18, she reading a verse aloud and me following each verse with specific prayer. We continue to pray each week that God would awaken His church to the violent infanticide that is going on every day, just as it went on in the days of Israel when babies were sacrificed to Molek. There really is no difference except that these babies are not seen or heard as they suffer excruciating pain for the sake of the god of materialism and convenience (for the most part). (However, if they could cry audibly, I suspect we as Christians would be no less apathetic as their cries simply became our version of "normal." I'm reminded of this as we've been reading the story of George Muller. Even he was fairly immune to the orphans roaming the streets in his time until God got a hold of his heart and he saw reality for what it was.) Flip Benham stopped by this morning to encourage the "troops" and was sharing how God is moving among the church and "clinics" are continuing to close. Praise the Lord! Please keep praying with us for God to awaken His church!</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">I also met a lady named Jill who came out for the first time this morning and was visibly moved by what she saw. I sometimes forget how burdened and stomach-sick I felt the first time I dared to tread in front of the "gates of hell." Even hell on earth can become "normal" if we forget the reality of what goes on there. I never thought I could...and yet I now find myself in that place more than I'd like. I guess that is why sometimes I take time to refresh my memory by looking at images, watching videos, and reading articles that jolt me back to reality...that even cause me to weep...that remind me why we fight to end the atrocity of abortion and to offer hope to the lost, enslaved souls. I want to <b>feel</b> something when I think of abortion! I want to be broken-hearted, as Jesus certainly is. I want no more of the complacency I "enjoyed" for too much of my life. I want to faithfully hate (and yet love) going where I must go each week!</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">But what we do with those feelings is just as important as experiencing them. Anger must be righteous and it must be directed at the proper target. This morning, a lady whom I had seen drive by a couple times in a minivan, came walking across the street to the other end of the sidewalk to talk to Jennifer. She appeared angry, even from a distance. Unsure if I should go over (or if it was just a needless distraction), I asked Eliana if she knew what was going on. "I don't know. Go find out!" I took that as God's leading and did so.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">This lady, whose son had an appointment at the psychiatric facility across the street (fitting location, huh?) was angered by our signs because of the impact they had on her 11-year-old son. I gently told her that these signs have literally saved lives and that we are told in the Bible to <i>expose</i> the darkness for what it truly is. "I'm an atheist, so that doesn't matter to me!" She was not interested in the fact that literal human lives have been <i>saved</i>. She belittled the value of the lives of others, caring only for the emotional state of her son. I told her I was sorry for her son's difficulties and that I would pray for both her and him. She stormed off, angrily accusing us of only caring for the unborn and not her child.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">I will admit that one of the hardest things is that children have to be exposed to this at times, but many mothers have been completely unaffected by the images of a developing fetus, yet are stunned to see the gruesome reality of abortion and choose life solely because of it! And God protects they eyes of the little ones. In the experience of most of the counselors with children, He sovereignly allows them a simple understanding that this is a "broken" baby and protects them from any sort of trauma. I'm afraid this lady's child's mental issues have more to do with growing up with an atheistic mother than anything else. After all, without God, how do you handle such realities? If only this lady's anger would spur her to do something to <b>end</b> the reality that these pictures portray, rather than getting angry about truth being exposed.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">Ultimately, there were three confirmed babies saved today! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! I did not, however, remember to call the abortion mill at Wendover and I am irritated with myself for that. Prayerfully I will remember tomorrow. We need to know when they are open, as their schedule seems random, and our team has not been able to minister there for over a month as we want to be as effective as possible and use our ministry time wisely.</span> </span><br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">Well, I am awfully chatty tonight. There is a reason I don't blog much. ;) Shifting topics, my afternoon wrapped up with a great phone conversation with a random dad who is considering homeschooling and had heard I was the "homeschooling expert" (ha! I truly think any parent who homeschools is an expert in their own right!!) Nothing excites me more than sparking excitement for homeschooling in others! This dad is slowly realizing that there is another way to educate that does not include uncomfortable desks and seemingly-pointless assignments taught by factory-method for 6-7 hours a day, as though individuality did not exist and every child must learn "X" by grade "Y" or they are not "normal." Please. Oh to be a part of setting minds free! How exciting it is to see the lightbulbs come on!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">His son simply does not learn like others and has had a self-esteem-destroying label slapped on him. I encouraged the dad that if God is in this, He will direct him and to not be afraid of all the unknowns. I encouraged him to find his son's interests...things that truly excite him...and look for learning opportunities to tailor his education to meet his needs. Perhaps starting a business would help make math meaningful so that it would make sense to him! It will give this dad more time with his son and pursuing something of value, such as a business, will then put more value on his education in his son's mind. I'm excited for this family as they set out on this new, uncharted path, trusting in God to guide them through the learning curve!</span><br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><br /></span>
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354">Well, I really must be done now. I'm sure you've heard enough of me for one night!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-NIV-29354"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-55848219703091487572013-10-23T07:37:00.001-07:002013-10-23T08:05:52.637-07:00Watch Your Thoughts!Pay attention, Christians, to the "why." Why do you do things? I believe that question is more important, in many ways, than the "what." The reason is this: If the "why" is right (to honor and glorify God), then the "what" will fall into place. Having the "why" right also protects against pride, as we will not be doing things for OUR honor and glory, but only HIS.<br />
<br />
Pride is our greatest enemy! Satan uses it time and again to bring godly Christians down and make a mockery of Christianity. When you start to think, "Oh, I seem to have found a nugget of wisdom," or, "Oh, I seem to be actively living my faith now," watch out! These truthful mental statements may lead subtly to other statements that are deceptive and untrue. The next thought may easily be, "It seems not many other Christians know this or do this" (more possible truth)...followed by, WHAM, "I guess I'm doing pretty good. I've achieved a new level of spirituality. I'm doing better than ___."<br />
<br />
These thoughts may be mixed with more deception, causing us to feel self-righteous and as though we have not fallen into the sin of pride at all...thoughts like, "It's too bad ___ hasn't discovered this yet. I need to pray for her/him." Truth mixed with a little pride is a dangerous, dangerous thing. It will not only render your works as filthy rags (Is. 64:6), but also destroy your testimony and lead weaker brothers and sisters into an attitude of apathy in their walk. They will reject seeking after righteousness and sanctification because of their fear of becoming prideful like you!<br />
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Watch your thoughts, Christian friends. That is where it begins (Prov. 23:7)! When you hear the prideful statements creeping in, repent and recognize your own needy state (Is. 53:6)! Without Him, we can do <b>nothing</b> (John 15:1-11)!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-71658339953321810542013-10-06T07:19:00.000-07:002013-10-06T09:39:57.576-07:00Expect It and Embrace It<i>"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" -2 Timothy 3:12</i><br />
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Don't overlook the word "ALL" here. Not "most"...but "all." Also notice that it is not "all Christians," but "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus." If you are being persecuted, consider it a joy. Consider that you are probably doing the right thing and the persecution is affirmation of this.<br />
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Likewise, if you are NOT being persecuted, ask yourself why. It is likely one of three things: 1) Your persecution has not yet come, but will as you continue to pursue a godly life. 2) You are not desiring to truly live a godly life, but a comfortable life of conformity to the world or modern American "churchianity." 3) You are not truly a follower of Christ, but a false convert that Jesus refers to in his parable of the sower.<br />
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Read the entire chapter of 2 Timothy 3 if you want even more to ponder on. It will really cause you to think!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-85237925979660454872013-10-03T18:50:00.003-07:002013-10-03T18:50:21.790-07:00Healing...A Question of Who, not WhatModern medicine claims objectivity and non-religion. Alternative medicine often openly links itself with religion (usually New Age, etc). The difference is that one is pretending and the other isn't. Most modern medicine worships the "god" of science and humanism, but Christians are not leery of that because it seems "neutral" and "scientific." But we are warned to "beware of science falsely so-called" (Col. 2:8). We are not tricked by the long-haired hippie man with a giant crystal hanging around his neck, but we are tricked by the clean-shaven, white-jacket-wearing man with the stethoscope hanging around his.<br /><br />My point here isn't necessarily to bash modern medicine, nor to cast alternative medicine in a bad light, but rather to say that we need to be aware that <i>everything we do and participate in has spiritual implications</i>. Healing is no different. We are spiritual creatures and healing is a spiritual experience (just do a quick look-up of the word "heal" in the Bible and you'll have more than enough to keep you busy). This is why, spiritually speaking, I am not as concerned about the method as I am about the spiritual condition of the person employing it on me. Why would I want humans with god-complexes who think everything about science has already been discovered to soak up all the glory that belongs to God? And whose to say that the alternative practice that gives glory to "Mother Earth" has not simply co-opted truth in the name of their evil religion? Wouldn't that be a rather effective method to spread the lies of New Age, after all? Take GOD'S truth...which works and is effective...and co-opt it for New Age so that evil gets to steal the glory? I certainly don't want to give glory to that, either, regardless of whether or not it "works." So what am I getting at?<br />
<br />
The bottom line: <b>ALL truth is GOD'S truth.</b> So, if kinesiology, for example, works...then is that Satan doing the healing or GOD? If all truth is God's truth, then what do we make of this?<br />
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Satan can't heal. "Mother Earth" can't heal. The "life force" can't heal. Science can't heal. Only God can. No matter who or what anyone wants to tell us. No matter how they manipulate or co-opt truth. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, <b>do all to the glory of God</b>."<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-44844728124885017942013-08-28T11:49:00.002-07:002014-01-09T17:41:57.260-08:00Ministry at the Expense of MinisteringThis morning God reiterated to me how important it is to never become so "ministry-minded" that I'm no good for truly ministering. As I made the long trek down to Wendover Road, I felt very unprepared. I normally like to spend a good portion of the evening the night before in prayer and Bible study, but I had been trying to refocus priorities yesterday. I had spent the day listening to praise and worship music while accomplishing many household things I knew would bless my husband and family. The list of tasks demanded my attention on into the evening, completely bullying out any extra time to spend with Jesus.<br />
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As I talked to the Lord on the way to ministry this morning, He gently encouraged me that I was doing my best. My family and husband need me and it is difficult to learn to balance all of life's demands, especially when dealing with the additional demands my husband's chronic illness puts on me. And I had felt pretty accomplished yesterday finishing with so many check-marks on my mental list! I had not lived the day perfectly, but I had lived it well and to the best of my ability.<br />
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And so I prayed for the Holy Spirit to empty me of myself and fill me with Himself. I prayed for protection and wisdom. I prayed, as always, for the mothers, some deceived and some simply full of hate, and for the tiny little ones who would feel every agonizing cut, pull, or burn as their final moments were stolen away. (Oh, Lord, let me never forget what abortion truly is!) And I marched into the battle, believing that it is better to march forward somewhat unprepared than to retreat altogether from the battle. David himself went to battle on a "whim" with no armor or sword, but only the strength of God behind a slingshot (1 Samuel 17).<br />
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"And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle <i>is</i> the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47).<br />
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As we stood there, holding the sign of precious baby Malachi, murdered at 21 weeks gestation, my co-laborer and I began to talk. Normally I stand next to the driveway entrance and stop cars coming into the parking lot to ask them if they realize that abortions are taking place just steps away. But today I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to stay put. She began asking me how I was doing, how Jon was feeling. And this led to a long conversation about some personal difficulties she and her husband are having, including unemployment and, basically, broken dreams. I listened, sensing that I was simply there to be "an ear" for her. It was an encouragement to both of us to just listen and share and contemplate why God allows these trials in our lives.<br />
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By the end of the time, I realized that my mission this morning was more than shining a light on abortion in our city or even saving babies. Ministry for me this morning was being flexible enough to listen and obey when God directed me against my routine. Did we still follow God and minister? Yes, absolutely. Just not in the way we normally would have. In fact, at the end of the morning, God sent one of his servants as a wonderful reassurance to us. Up walked a lady who introduced herself as "Phyllis." She is a Southern Baptist missionary who just wanted to come over to thank us. "I know you probably have many people honking and cursing you. But you may never know all the babies you have saved by holding that sign until you get to heaven and meet them!" She then told us of her own granddaughter who, after seeing a graphic sign like ours, fled an abortion mill and saved the life of her now four-year-old daughter, Phyllis' great-granddaughter! Before she walked off, she took a moment to put her arms around us and pray over us.<br />
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Isn't God good? What a tender and gentle shepherd, who knows we are just dust and uses each of us just where we are. Trust Him and listen in the quietness of your heart. Ministry should never take place at the expense of ministering. Regular ministry should never become <i>routine</i> ministry...something that requires us to follow a rigid method...or we may miss opportunities to truly minister to those God brings into our paths right now.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-16099335061810635272013-08-21T19:27:00.001-07:002013-08-21T19:27:13.727-07:00A Most Significant EffortI just read a well-articulated article written by a lady against Common Core Standards. At the end of the article, I read all of her qualifications...community organizer, helped form the Tea Party in her state, wrote a novel, and "one of her most significant efforts," founded a Christian school. Wow. Another supermom. And yet, I found myself wondering at that description...especially her "most significant effort" of founding a school. I found myself wondering about her children. Did she have any? What are their ages? And why, if her other "most significant effort" was mentioned, were <i>they</i> not mentioned? Why was her husband not mentioned, either?<br />
<br />
Moms, we don't have to succumb to the idea that all the "extras" are what defines us. (Lord, help me in this!) Your most significant effort today is the discipleship of your children. And if any of the novel-writing, group-starting, others-discipleship is getting in the way of your God-given roles as wife and mother, then cut them out. Just cut them out. Don't believe the lie that you must be more, do more, have more. Be what God made you and be happy to wait for a later time to fulfil whatever other talents you've been gifted with. Love is patient. <b>Let your love for God and for your family guide your decisions of where you invest your time.</b> For "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Treasure your family, the only "treasure" you can take with you to eternity. And never, never feel your time investment in those treasures that sit across the school table or dinner table from you is in vain. Die to self and find a sweeter life!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-21276451317345368342013-08-21T17:55:00.003-07:002013-08-21T18:30:23.236-07:00Excuse Rather Than Accuse"She 'unfriended' me because I offended her."<br />
"She didn't respond to me because she's avoiding me."<br />
"That car cut me off because he thinks I'm driving too slowly."<br />
"He said that to make himself look good."<br />
<br />
Do you see a theme here? Keep on reading.<br />
<br />
I think one of the biggest problems among Christian brothers and sisters today is in the area of judgement. We judge where we shouldn't and don't judge where we should. There is very little spiritual accountability today, as feelings are paramount to spiritual exhortation. What a bunch of spiritual wusses we are! I could write an entire book on this whole topic and have probably done so many times in my head.<br />
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But what I want to address at the moment has to do with the basic problem in the above judgements...and that is our knee-jerk judgements of <i>motives</i>. We seem to have a keen ability to know exactly a person's circumstances, motives, and thoughts...or so we think. How quick we are to assume we know a person's heart! This is an area of my life I have worked very hard on and am still working on. I'm sure I will be working on it until I die! Particularly, I have a hard time when it relates to a person I know well. It is easier to give the benefit of the doubt when I have no history to refer to. But when it's my husband or my son or my daughter, I have many past experiences from which to draw. I know them well, and it is easy to assume I also know their heart intentions.<br />
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But how does one really become sanctified in this area of judging motives? How do you give the benefit of the doubt? This is one of those phrases that we hear, but don't really think about. We don't ask ourselves how we can actually put it into practice. Let's look at 1 Corinthians 13:7 for the answers: "<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">First, you must "bear all things." That is, you will put up with all kinds of insults and injury from others without letting it get to you. I struggle myself with oversensitivity. It is a gift to be sensitive, as we can sympathize with and encourage others more easily. But when we are so fragile with our own feelings that we are constantly expressing our hurt, then we are not showing love for others and the shortcomings that are natural to humanity. We are not giving grace. </span>Feeling hurt is one thing, but wallowing in it and expressing it is another. At that point, we are being controlled not by the Holy Spirit, but by the actions of others and how they make us feel.<br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">If someone "unfriends" you on Facebook, for example, and you feel the impulse to start accusing in your mind, "bear all things" by praying. Pray for that person, as we are told to
pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). It is much easier to put up with perceived
slights when we pray for the person who acted against us. Pray for
them to have a good day. Pray for them to grow in Christ, if they
believers, or to find Jesus if they are not. Pray for them to have grace and to "cover" any sins you may have done against them (1 Peter 4:8), and likewise for yourself to be able to do the same for them. Pray that God will protect you from pride in your "spiritual response" to their actions. Pray
for whatever God lays on your heart...just <b>pray</b>!</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">Secondly, you will "believe all things." You will take the reasons and seeming excuses at face value rather than judging the heart. When your friend says, "I was just too busy to call you back for the past month," you will believe her instead of accusing her, either mentally or verbally, of making excuses or trying to avoid you. You will not dream up some elaborate scenario in which you are the afflicted victim of her cruel and inconsiderate ways. You will simply accept her reasons as true rather than as excuses...and move on.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">Third, love will compel you to "hope all things." When that car cuts you off, you probably won't experience the driver pulling up to you at the next stop light to explain his rude actions. But the Bible tells you to "hope all things." This is where we get the idea of "giving the benefit of the doubt." Literally, start making excuses for him in your own mind. Don't assume he was making some point and was out to "get" you. Hope that he simply didn't see you. Maybe he is late for a very important meeting or his wife is in labor? Maybe he is distracted by some horrible news he just received? Maybe he actually did do it intentionally, but is taking out his aggression on you because he is going through deep grief? Hoping all things involves faith to believe what we cannot see or what seems to contradict what we <i>do</i> see.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">And last, but not at all least, if you have love you will "endure all things." You will put up with that guy at work who seems to be constantly saying things to make himself look better, while you end up looking worse. Love will endure it. Love will give the benefit of the doubt...over and over and over again. Endurance has the idea of a continued practice, and if you love you will continually practice praying, believing, and hoping for the one who repeatedly wrongs you. You will continually find legitimate reasons in your own mind for his seemingly wrong behavior. Perhaps he is going through a difficult time at home being seen as the leader of his family? Maybe he has desperate financial need to be promoted? Maybe he simply doesn't realize he has the habit of saying such things or that they come across in such a way? We can never fully understand a heart.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656"> </span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">Finally, think about all these examples. What are they? Accusations. And who is the biggest accuser of all? Satan. He is referred to in Revelation 12:10 as the "accuser of our brethren" and his very name means "accuser." So, when we start to judge the motives and heart attitudes of others, we are actually following in the steps of Satan, hurling accusations at others. And we do so in such ignorance! Jesus, on the other hand, looked down from the cross and said, "Father, forgive them; For they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Jesus had the advantage of seeing the heart and he knew that, while those who crucified Him <i>did</i> know they were doing wrong by crucifying an innocent man, they also did not fully understand Who He was or the implications of their actions. They were so blinded by their pride and sin, and Jesus, despite being wronged in the worst extreme, took pity on <i>them</i>!</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">It all comes down to
love. Do you have love for your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you
have love for unbelievers? If you do, you must understand that you will
demonstrate that love by your actions, regardless of your feelings (and don't even get me started on how we idolize our feelings in this culture). You will "</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656">bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things." You will <i>not</i> follow in the footsteps of Satan, the accuser, but rather in the footsteps of Jesus who forgave those who spit in His face, beat Him mercilessly, and nailed Him to a cross to die in excruciating pain. If you love as Christ, you will excuse rather than accuse!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-23252590381611627302013-08-14T09:31:00.002-07:002014-01-09T17:43:47.540-08:00Exposing the Darkness Once AgainToday was another pretty typical early morning at Wendover. We had the angry honks and the supportive horn taps; the hate-filled yelling and cursing and the grateful thanks for information; the irritation and the appreciation. That is one thing about this ministry...it usually incites <i>some</i> type of reaction. And shouldn't it do just that? When we talk of innocent babies being murdered in such brutal ways, people should react as the darkness is exposed and their consciences are at work. In fact, I often say that the apathetic ones are the ones that concern me most...the ones who take a tract or Tiny Hands booklet with a dead look on their faces, as dead spiritually as their tiny baby will soon be physically. But God raised dead bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)! Even the oldest and driest dead bones can live again when Jesus redeems a heart! And oh, how we need such a revival in this spiritually dead wasteland of a "Christian" nation. So we carry on and pray on for <i>all</i> who are given the opportunity to see and hear the message.<br />
We spoke to several people who were saddened and disturbed to find out that their dentist, physical therapist, etc. were practicing in the same building as a baby murderer...that while their teeth are being cleaned, a baby is suffering through his or her final moments at the hands of a killer right next door. We urged these people to talk to the businesses they patron and ask if they would be willing to move to a different location. We told them to consider that they are helping an abortionist by patronizing these businesses, as the abortionist owns the building. I believe this could be a very effective means of working toward shutting the baby-killing practice down! Please pray for that.<br />
The memorable moments today...A lady who, as I approached her vehicle with a smile, screamed through her window with a look of anger suppressing pain, "F*** you!!!" How many times we see this same expression. I am always sad to think that if they would simply humble themselves and admit their sin, confess it to God, and repent, they could experience true peace and forgiveness. Then there was the man who honked to get in the driveway as we talked to a vehicle in front of his, then said, "I agree with you, but this is very dangerous." He seemed like a nice man and genuinely concerned, but as I said to him, "We're trying to save the lives of babies!" We cannot let anything stop us from carrying out God's will. We simply need to find means of accomplishing it. Please pray for our safety and for us to be able to know how to balance the legitimate safety concerns on this busy highway with the safety concerns of the unborn. Lives are literally at stake here. Another memorable moment was when I handed a tract to a lady who rolled her window down only to realize it was my old neighbor coming to work at one of the other offices! It was a blessing to see her smiling face. Then there was the man who drove through once and got a tract, then came back through later asking for more to give to his friends. Amen! We handed him a stack.<br />
I also talked to a man who claimed to (and appeared to by his countenance) be a Christian, but was genuinely concerned about the signs we hold. "I don't want my children to see that. Please don't hold that up." I told him I understood and used to feel the same way. But I told him how we are commanded in Proverbs (oops...it's Ephesians, actually), to "expose the unfruitful works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11). I told him that many people don't understand what abortion is and seeing the picture shows the reality and truth. I told him that many women change their minds because of the signs. I said that we don't force it in our children's faces, but that unfortunately we live in a culture where we have to use these signs to expose the darkness. I'm not sure if he was totally convinced, but he listened respectfully and I did see some softening by the end. He seemed thankful that we were at least out there. Pray that he and other Christians will come to understand why we believe it is biblical to use such a "shock and awe" form of confrontation of sin. I believe many Christians don't understand how this can be loving and many see it as "ineffective," which couldn't be further from the truth.<br />
After this conversation, I spoke with another man who claimed to be a Christian, but seemed to be a false convert. He used the classic "judge not" approach to say that what we were doing was wrong. He also went straight to the rape and incest argument, which is not only a rare circumstance among abortion-determined women, but also still not an excuse to violate God's command, "Do not murder." I told him we are there to help these women to not make the biggest mistake of their lives. I said that just as I would run after my daughter if she was headed toward the busy highway, we were there to keep those women from danger. However, he was not interested in listening, but argued and talked over me as he tried to prove his points. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The proud never listen to reason or biblical counsel (Proverbs 1:7) and as a natural result, they are left to their own foolishness and their evil hearts are darkened (Ephesians 4:18).<br />
We left in good spirits for the work that God is doing! There were no babies rescued today that we know of, but God knows every detail of each situation and each heart. We pray that our presence alone was enough to point people away from the place of death and that they will find Jesus. On a positive note, I don't think many of the cars that came were coming for abortions. We can often tell just by the looks on the faces and, of course, the gender. ;) Please pray for each of these situations and that God would work on each and every heart to bring people to him!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-1560975565915591652013-08-05T17:52:00.002-07:002013-08-05T17:54:32.296-07:00"Do you want to go away as well?"<p>I was pondering the difficulty of losing or distancing friends when we stand so boldly for truth, and God brought this passage to mind: John 6:60-71. Go read it if you need some encouragement in this regard! What strikes me is that the disciples said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" But Jesus knew that the flesh wars against the spirit and that in our flesh, we have a hard time with the tough spiritual truths. Verses 66-67: "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?'"</p>
<p>Isn't this exactly what we experience when we speak Jesus' words? When we follow in His footsteps? Many of our friends...the very ones who claim to know and love Jesus...turn away from us and leave us to our "zealous fanaticism." I wonder if Jesus, in His humanity, perhaps felt those same feelings of rejection and sadness that we experience? I believe so. The Bible tells us that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses" (Heb. 4:15). Yet He did not give into the temptation to wallow or be self-focused.</p>
<p>But Jesus "gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." So, keep being zealous for good works! God sees it and He knows your heart and your fleshly struggles. And, "declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you" (Titus 2:14-15).</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-63567901638425797182013-07-24T07:26:00.002-07:002014-01-09T17:48:01.892-08:00First Day at HebronWhat an eventful and exciting first day I had at Hebron yesterday with Eliana Smith! God truly prepared the way before us.<br />
I showed up and parked on a side street, but was unsure of where the building actually was. After a quick, "Lord, show me where this place is" prayer, I saw Eliana pull around the corner. It's always nice to see God in the details. She pointed out the building across the street and, materials and signage in hand, we walked over together. We were saddened to see a lot packed with cars and wondered if perhaps they had changed the time to keep us guessing, but within a few seconds, a car was already pulling out. We stopped it, and the lady told us she had decided not to go through with it! Praise the Lord! It was a wonderful reminder that He is the one who truly does the work and that prayer is far more effective than we sometimes even realize. We took a moment to give God glory and pray that she would remain firm in her decision.<br />
Throughout the time, I got to get to know Eliana better and I feel like I truly found a new friend! What a blessing her tenacity and passion was to me! We shared many of the same joys and frustrations and it was such an encouragement to know that I am not alone in many of my feelings. We had a wonderful iron-sharpening-iron session right there in the midst of ministry. And as we talked, I found out that she also grew up in Greenville, SC! This was exciting to me because I have felt God impressing on me the need for people to go out to the abortion mill in Greenville. God seems to be bringing more and more Greenville connections my way! Maybe someday we will be able to start a team there, too.<br />
It was exciting to see how God is using Eliana and her Spanish-speaking ability. I would say 90 percent of the people we talked to were counselled by Eliana in Spanish! As a "newbie," she was understandably not yet completely comfortable with counselling and I was tickled on several occasions when she would look at me and in an almost panicked way ask, "What do I say?!" I said, "I have no idea what you <i>have</i> said, so I don't know!" :) Plus, I am usually on the mic and counselling is pretty new to me, too. So I just prayed for the Holy Spirit to fill her and I know God used her words, as it was evident the instant connection she had with each person, simply because she spoke their native tongue. Clearly Spanish-speaking counsellors are a definite need and that made one particular encounter all the more exciting. A lady in a minivan pulled into the lot and Eliana called out to her in Spanish. Without hesitation, she walked over with a calm, peaceful look on her face (rare for anyone headed to abort their baby).<br />
Eliana spoke with her at length and updated me halfway through: "This lady is not here for an abortion. She just wanted to know if they were still doing them here. She had two abortions here and suffered horrible depression. That is what led her ultimately to Christ and now she just really wants to help other women." Wow! What a divine appointment! Eliana told me that the lady was quoting Scripture left and right and just truly seemed to love the Lord! How exciting that we may have one more Spanish-speaking counsellor whom we met right out on the frontlines, already eager to fight in this spiritual battle! We gave her a Cities4Life brochure so she can know better about the ministry.<br />
Later we saw a fancy new car start to pull in the lot and as we approached, we saw an older man driving. We assumed it must be the abortionist until he rolled his window down and said, "I just love seeing you girls out here holding that sign!" We thanked him and I said, "Let me get you a brochure so you know who we are with." He gladly took it and said, "Well, let me give you one of mine, too!" It turned out that he is with a home called <a href="http://www.loislodge.org/home.html">Lois' Lodge</a> for women with unplanned pregnancies. What an encouragement to meet another warrior who is working on a complimentary front of the battle!<br />
Most of the women and men we (or rather Eliana!) talked to seemed open and receptive. One man went back in to try to get his wife out, but I don't think he succeeded. He used the excuse that they don't even know if it was his baby. Of course, every baby is a valuable human life, made in God's image! And the baby should never be murdered to cover the sins of the mother. We saw many women reclining in the passenger seat in obvious pain, physically and emotionally. I spoke to a woman who had already aborted and she seemed open to hear us and took a Tiny Hands booklet and tract, but how difficult it is to speak with someone who has already murdered! It is so hard to know what to say. I pray she repents and sees what she did as evil. Overall, I was surprised how many booklets we were able to hand out and how receptive people were. There were several who would not talk to us and seemed to be so troubled, but only one young couple stood out to me as truly cold, hard, and completely God-hating. We tried to talk to them as they waited to pull out, but they didn't even look at us and only scoffed and laughed with each other when I pleaded with them and told them how their baby had been dismembered. Only God knows if it was a cover for their guilty consciences or if it was true hatred for God and anything to do with righteousness. Only God knows if there is still hope for them, and we just have to pray!<br />
Of course, we also had the usual angry honks and profanity. But it seemed to be less than at Wendover and we just were on such a "spiritual high" that it didn't phase us in the least. One man hung out the passenger window of his car and yelled at us "F*** you!" along with a string of demonically-angry insults which I couldn't hear, so I just prayed for him and thought what a small way to take part in Christ's suffering this was. Being yelled at is <i>nothing</i> compared to what Jesus endured! Another man yelled out his window at me to "get a life," which I found ironic. If only the babies being murdered steps away had that choice. A few people waved at us and a couple delivery guys made small talk and seemed supportive of our work.<br />
More and more, I realize the importance of preparation in this battle. It is so crucial to put on the "spiritual armor," as Ephesians 6:10-18 instructs us. I spent an hour in prayer and Bible reading before I left and I believe it made a big difference. In addition, I prayed whenever I thought about it in the days before and also on the way to the mill. It is usually so hard for me to discipline myself to spend this kind of time preparing, but I am seeing that it is crucial!<br />
Going through the passage in a practical way may be helpful here:<br />
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. <i><b>A reminder that it is GOD'S power through us. We do not have to be strong in ourselves. In fact, His strength is made perfect in our weakness, as Paul tells us (2 Corinthians 12:9)!</b></i> 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. <i><b>Don't forget any one piece. They are all crucial to the battle.</b></i> 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <b><i>Those of us not raised in charismatic circles forget this truth too easily. There is a hierarchy in Satan's kingdom and he is active in this world. At the abortion mill, that becomes very evident.</i></b> 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. <i><b>Again, a reminder to completely prepare!</b></i> 14 Stand firm then, <b><i>The phrase "stand firm" jumps out at me. If we go by feelings, none of us would be back out there after the first one or two times. Those times seem to be most intense as we are spiritually attacked for taking a stand. Our commitment to "go" is challenged heavily. I never felt that more than at Wendover! But stand firm! That is a command.</i></b> with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, <b><i>You know the Truth of Scripture. Have it handy so you can "hold yourself together" with it.</i></b> with the breastplate of righteousness in place, <b><i>Confess your sins so that God can fully use you for His glory.</i></b> 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. <b><i>Be ready to share your faith, "in season" and "out of season" (2 Timothy 4:3)! Those on their way toward murdering their children definitely need the gospel and what better time to share it! The conscience is in overdrive and they know they are sinners. But always "wear your shoes" and be ready to "give an answer for the hope that lies within you" (1 Peter 3:15), no matter where you are.</i></b> 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. <b><i>Faith! Oh how much we need it on the frontlines when we are mocked, yelled at, and threatened...where we sometimes see no visible results. But faith that God is always glorified when we obey Him and that we will someday in eternity see the fruit of our labor is the only thing that truly brings peace and comfort on the darkest days. It is ALL about Him!</i></b> 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. <b><i>The helmet of salvation protects us from any mortal wounds, and the sword of the Spirit is our true weapon! We do not fight with our own words and reasoning, but with the words of the Holy Spirit Himself, speaking through us! I will always be amused and amazed by this. When I start to think, "What am I going to say next? Oh no! Am I going to fail?" I suddenly stumble over my words and say stupid things. But when I get out of the way, pray for God to empty me of myself and of my pride and fill me with His Spirit, the words flow from my mouth in an organized, eloquent way that is totally beyond my own ability! It is not false humility to say that it is truly not me speaking, but God through me! What a privilege. And that power is available to anyone who asks.</i></b><br />
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. <b><i>When? All the time. What? Everything! Be in a spirit of prayer! He is with us always and we should be in an ongoing conversation with Him, praying on behalf of all God's people and all those who need Him.</i></b><br />
So, it was a great day yesterday! One of the memorable ones. One save, two divine appointments, encouraging words, and uplifting conversations. God is good! Please continue to pray for us and if you haven't seen firsthand what you are praying for, consider coming out at least one time! This is the holocaust of our time and we all can and should be involved in some way to put a stop to it. Some day, when abortion is outlawed in our nation, what part will you, a Christian saved by God's grace and spared from abortion yourself, have played?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-68844004454535427932013-06-20T19:11:00.000-07:002013-06-20T19:11:44.118-07:00Having the "Mind of Christ"<p>Tonight I do not feel like going to the abortion mill. I must wake up early (as in 5:30 am) and drive 40 minutes down to a busy road where I will hold a sign of a brutally murdered pre-born baby ("exposing the darkness" as in Eph. 5:11). I have not been in the Word regularly this week and these feelings and apprehensions are my own fault. But God is so good, isn't He? I spent a few minutes reading some verses and came upon a passage I have heard before: 1 Corninthians 2:9-16. In fact, I have memorized verse 14 at some point in my life. And yet, suddenly God revealed this passage to me in such a fresh and overwhelming way! Let me share it with you...</p>
<br>
<p>“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—</p>
<p>10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.</p>
<p>14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.</p>
<br>
<p>Now, read that passage again and think of all the implications of what Paul is saying to the Corinthians here. First of all, notice the big "S" in verse 10: "these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit." That is God. Living in US. Now Paul makes an interesting analogy to the Corinthians so that they will "get it." So they will truly understand how huge this thought is. He says, "For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?" Little "s" this time. Your thoughts, wishes, ponderings...they are all so personal. They are the essence of <b>you</b>. They are what really makes you, well...you. But do you see where Paul is going with this? "So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." Do you see it? It's the same thing! Your thoughts, wishes, ponderings are your spirit. But you also have <b>the</b> Spirit! You also have GOD'S thoughts, wishes, ponderings if you are truly His child! Now, go back to verse 10 where Paul says, "For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." That is the same Spirit that resides in <b>you</b>! Do you want to know the heart of God? Do you want to know the very depths of God Himself? You can. He tells us so. "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." Freely given! But do we desire them and seek them? And do we share, with our brothers and sisters in Christ, that wisdom that is taught by the Spirit? "And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."</p>
<p>Or, do we remain like the natural man? "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." Few things sadden me more than when people claim to know my Jesus and yet live as though they have no understanding of what He told us to do. They do not help widows or orphans, as we are commanded (James 1:27). Or they criticize those who are, using human reasoning ("that's ineffective," "you are making Christians look foolish," etc.). I know many of those Christians are well-meaning. And certainly, our faith is not determined by our works. But faith <i>without</i> works <i>is</i> dead, as we are told in James 2:14-17! Personally, this puts a health fear of God in me! Are we living like we love Him or like we love the world? Are we Spiritual, discerning the Spirit, or "natural," perceiving the spiritual to be nothing more than "folly"?</p>
<p>Now for the really tricky part of the passage (at least to me). I sat and thought about this one for a while, but I want to chew on it even longer. "The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 'For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ." As best I can understand, then, <i><b>if</b></i> (big if) we are truly sharing in the "mind of Christ" in our actions and attitudes, then there is no place for others to judge us. If a fellow believer is doing the things that God commands and we cannot point to a chapter and verse in the Bible that contradicts his or her actions, we need to be very, very careful of casting judgement, or we just might be judging the "mind of Christ!" This is another very heavy thought! In all our judging, God always gives warning to us. We must have humility and search our own hearts first. We must ask God for wisdom and proceed with much caution.</p>
<p>"But we have the mind of Christ." Isn't that an amazing thought? Go read that passage once more and let all the wonderful implications sink in!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-38838974066970947402013-04-16T19:34:00.001-07:002013-04-16T19:36:15.481-07:00Is This Not the Fast?<p>I had a wonderful encouragement tonight on Facebook when I received a message from a friend from college. It read, in part: "I have never done this before, but I feel like the Lord is leading me to fast for you the next time you go to the abortion mill to counsel women away from making a terrible decision for themselves and their baby." I see this as one more way that God is providing for our needs in this battle. We truly 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 (Eph. 6:12)," so having prayer warriors covering us in prayer as we go out is such an encouragement...and <i>need</i>. But what was even more amazing was her reply back after I responded in thanks. She quoted the exact passage that has become very special to me since we've been going out to the mill...Isaiah 58. And, what is even more interesting is that in our Bible study, we've been studying Isaiah this year (I had already "claimed" this passage for my life, so I was excited when I found out we would be studying Isaiah) and just <b>today</b> we studied this passage so close to my heart, Isaiah 58! Read these beautiful verses and ponder their meaning a moment. You may even want to read the entire chapter.</p>
<p>Isaiah 58:6-9<br>
“Is this not the fast which I choose,<br>
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,<br>
To undo the bands of the yoke,<br>
And to let the oppressed go free<br>
And break every yoke?<br>
7 “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry<br>
And bring the homeless poor into the house;<br>
When you see the naked, to cover him;<br>
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?<br>
8 “Then your light will break out like the dawn,<br>
And your recovery will speedily spring forth;<br>
And your righteousness will go before you;<br>
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.<br>
9 “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;<br>
You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’</p>
<p>I have such a burden that most Christians in our comfortable American culture don't understand that the way to truly get to God's heart is to simply obey...to go out and actively live our faith by loving our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, fasting has become the newest "thing", it seems...the latest spiritual gimmick. Everyone wants to fast and pray. It seems we think that is the key to revival. But God says differently! He tells us here that we have it backwards! He shows us the hypocrisy of simply following a list of "dos and don'ts" while ignoring His commands to live out our faith (James 1:22; 2:17,24). In a culture that so despises religious hypocrites, it is amazing how those who hate them most are doing the very things they claim to hate! We truly need to start taking the logs out of our own eyes (Matt. 7:3)!</p>
<p>When we go out and love our neighbor in these kinds of tangible ways, like standing in front of the abortion mill and pleading on behalf of the babies, it lights our hearts on fire for Him. Our faith becomes <i>real</i> because we are living it and we suddenly see the genuine importance of putting on the armor of God because we suddenly realize we <b>really<i></i></b> are in a battle (Eph. 6:10-20)! I truly believe that if Christians across this country would start going out and living their faith in tangible ways (doing good works) and giving the Gospel while doing it, we would see a revival in this country! I know He has started a revival in my own heart. I pray that He spreads it to the hearts of everyone I come in contact with, and then to the hearts of everyone that they come in contact with, and on and on! If you love Jesus, you simply cannot share that love without it causing a fresh stir in your own heart that is infectious. His love is powerful and overwhelming!</p>
<p>What a blessing this friend's message was to me tonight. I don't think she thought much about it...there was such humility in her words. She was just following God in obedience and speaking in the Holy Spirit. But God is a God of detail and He weaves all of these experiences together to encourage and strengthen us when we need it most! He used her words tonight to stoke the fire of my passion for this ministry and to lift my dampened spirits! What a wonderful God we serve!</p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-31133227545759512762013-04-12T19:44:00.001-07:002014-01-09T17:43:08.611-08:00A Mounting Spiritual BattleToday was a heavy day. I feel beaten down in my spirit for no particular reason. It is not that today's spiritual battle was so highly unusual or uniquely intense. Intense, yes. Unique, yes in the sense that they all are. But today was nothing that should throw my spirit down in the "body slam" that it has. It was just another untypically typical day down at the abortion mill, standing on the sidewalk offering hope, love, and judgement (yes, God speaks of that, too) to the women, and fighting on behalf of those "being led away to slaughter". But I believe what made today different was the spiritual warfare that is happening on a broader scale now in our nation, due to the horrific case of Kermitt Gosnell. And Satan's attacks are ramping up. It is a sign that he is feeling the threat to his vile kingdom. I ask that all Christians keep the sidewalk counsellors/missionaries in their prayers! I have spoken to others who are feeling equally beaten down. And I have heard that the tactic that the mainstream news will take is to claim that pro-life missionaries ("protesters" as they like to call us) are what is driving these women into such "houses of horror". Can you imagine anything so absurd and illogical? But now that they feel the pressure to actually cover the story of this mass murderer, they must spin it in a way that does not disparage their sacred cow.<br />
Sadly, we did not have any confirmed saves today at the mill, though some did witness a woman crying for over 30 minutes and then leaving with her assumed boyfriend, who waved as they left. Believing in faith that this was a save is a comfort to this worn-out heart of mine. And I was also thankful today for the lack of rain! It blew over and left us with a sunny, breezy morning. Perfect outdoor weather! I was also blessed to have a great team today, despite Lisa and her family being sick and unable to come. A sidewalk preacher, Jesse Boyd, and his daughter came, along with a Daniel and Courtney Parks (?) who are regulars on Saturdays. We also had a new face out, as well as several others I had not yet met. It was especially encouraging to have strong men there to speak truth boldly. Sometimes the boldness seemed to me to cross a line and there was a time of intense back and forth between one man on our team and Lazarus (the bouncer who desperately needs to "rise from the dead"), but I know we were all praying for God to work through even that situation and I truly believe He did. And I am learning that even when we judge actions, we still do not fully know a heart and we must always give the benefit of the doubt while seeking to learn from both the positive <i>and</i> the negative interactions. Love can be the motivation for the too-extreme actions of both mercy <i>and</i> justice. I later saw it in reverse as another sidewalk counsellor (a lady this time) was far too understanding with a man who was claiming not all murder by abortion is wrong. All of us should be working to find that balance between mercy and justice, as God is a God of both mercy and justice and we seek to emulate Him, as He commands us to. But in our culture we tend to excuse the love that leans too heavily on the side of mercy...perhaps because our love for God and hatred for sin is just not strong enough. We have a serious problem understanding...or even wanting to understand...the incomprehensible holiness and righteousness of God!<br />
One way that God used those "moments of raw humanity" today was to pull a man named Shamari outside to discuss abortion with us, as he felt we were being too judgemental. Poor, deceived Shamari talked in circles, obviously struggling with the Truth and not wanting to allow his conscience (or us) to "win" the argument. He was polite and kind, but so, so blinded! Caryn and I talked with him and finally had to leave the Holy Spirit to deal with him. But when I asked him to read Matthew 25 about the final judgement, he actually agreed and it was the first time he allowed me to speak freely and didn't interrupt with "reasoning". I felt the Holy Spirit was dealing with him strongly in that moment, so pray that the work is completed in his heart and that he will not continue to harden himself to the plain, simple truth.<br />
Caryn shared with me her own heartbreak of today...a couple there to abort their baby due to doctor's "orders". She prayed with them and pleaded on behalf of the baby, but the father was apathetic and they were already convinced of the decision. After counselling them fruitlessly, she had to turn away and weep. How much will God hold these doctors accountable who tell these trusting women that their lives are in danger if they do not kill their own child! I do not believe that the circumstances are even usually as dire as they claim. However, even in such a case, who are doctors to "play God" and decide that the mother's life is more important than her helpless child's? Do any of us have the knowledge of God to be able to see His plans (Jeremiah 29:11)? Is it up to us to take on His role and decide who lives and who dies?<br />
Another atrocity was the car that pulled in with their "Jesus fish" and cross firmly affixed to their trunk. When their hypocrisy was pointed out, they responded with obscene gestures and cursing. Despicable! These are the religious hypocrites Jesus condemned (Matthew 23)! They go to church on Sunday and sing lies of false praise to the idol-god made in their own image and then pull in the parking lot the next week to murder their innocent child! Their prayers are an abomination (Proverbs 28:9)! But, sadly, they are the rotten fruit of pastors that preach an "easy" gospel...a false "pray this prayer and you've got your golden ticket to heaven" gospel, which is contrary to what Jesus taught (Matthew 16:24-25). Every time they speak the precious name of my Savior, Jesus, they use His name in vain and break the third commandment because of the wicked testimony of their lives. May they repent and accept God's radical grace before it is too late for them!<br />
Sadder still was the lady who came into the mobile ultrasound RV and saw her tiny <b>twins</b> on the monitor, but was apparently unmoved. Her car was seen back in the parking lot a few minutes later and she proceeded with her scheduled murder. Seeing her own flesh and blood on that screen did nothing to change her heart. Or perhaps it was pressure from her grandmother, who was also present, as many young women are told they have no choice and are horribly pressured into this horrific decision. It is sometimes hard to know the whole story, but we see the choice of murder and we grieve for the baby who had no choice whatsoever in the matter!<br />
We left with heavy hearts, heavier than what is normal for all of us. Even my children felt the extra weight of the battle today. Again, I ask that you keep all of the sidewalk missionaries in your prayers in a special way over the next few weeks. We are under spiritual attack, as I believe the Gosnell case is a powerful testimony against abortion and gives support to the work we are doing. I believe this case could be a major spark in lighting a fire in the hearts of Christians across the country to put an end to the atrocity of abortion! Pray for faith to believe this can happen and then follow God's command to "rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter" (Proverbs 24:11).<div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-76611486189836156892013-03-08T19:15:00.002-08:002013-03-08T19:22:12.949-08:00Crazy Day at Latrobe<p>Now, the promised status update from the mill:</p>
<p>This morning started off with a well-intentioned man getting on the mic who signed the statement of faith Lisa gave him, but who we do not believe truly agrees with the doctrines of Christianity, due to a number of reasons. It is always difficult when we work for the same cause, but our ultimate cause (the Gospel) is different! We were all very concerned with the situation, but praise the Lord he did not deviate from the facts of abortion into shaky theological territory or outright heresy. Pray that God would win these kind people from other religions into his "fold" and that we could all be completely of one mind and one spirit in Jesus Christ!</p>
<p>Next on the list of events was a car that Annalise was able to stop. She and a man named Dan were able to talk to the girls inside for a minute until Lazarus, the bouncer, came tearing out of the parking lot and pulled up beside them. He was yelling at them, then got out and shoved Dan a couple times and held a fist in his face. We called the police and filed papers for the assault, while Lazarus fled somewhere (likely in the building), leaving his SUV in the parking lot. On the positive side, we didn't have to deal with his loud music the rest of the morning! The police officer strongly hinted that Dan should press charges, so pray that this would be one more crack in the foundation of this evil place. God WILL bring it down in His time! Many of us who minister together feel this very strongly in our spirits and are praying for this.</p>
<p>I watched the car drive down the road, praying that it would just keep on going, but a minute or two later I saw it come back and pull over. I walked very quickly down the road to meet with the girl as she got out. I asked her if she was there for an abortion and she replied that she was. I asked, "Can I pray over you before you go in there?" I put my arm around her and prayed that she would not go through with the abortion and that she would realize it was murder. The Holy Spirit moved me to gentleness, so every truth spoken with love was in a gentle tone. She was appreciative, but set in what she was about to do. She told me she had a child and no money for another. I told her about all our resources, about adoption, etc., but that was not what she wanted to do.</p>
<p>As she determinedly walked down the sidewalk toward the slaughter house, I asked if she knew it was murder, to which she replied, "yes" in a tone that said she couldn't think about that ugly reality and then she asked me to just not show her any pictures because she "had a weak stomach". So, naturally, I showed her pictures! I showed her the reality of abortion by confronting her with the truth...the picture of a tiny baby not much bigger than a dime, cut into tiny pieces. She was disturbed, but would not be moved. Pray for that girl that the conviction she feels would not go away until she repents. (This was one of my first "real" counselling moments and I was nervous! I'm usually on the mic. How is it that a microphone doesn't intimidate me but talking to someone one-on-one does? God equips us each for different jobs, I guess! But he wants us available for whatever He needs us for at the moment.)</p>
<p>Another lady and her daughter took a booklet from Wendy and were receptive, but unsuccessful in getting the lady they brought to come out. As far as we know, she went through with the abortion. Pray for this lady.</p>
<p>Finally, we had a very interesting conversation with a psychology major who just wanted to talk to us because he "respected what we were doing" even though he disagreed...at least that is what he claimed. But his body language and his tone of voice betrayed his conscience and we could hear the cognitive dissonance (all the rest of us being former psych major or minors ourselves ;) ) spilling out of him! Even Konur (11) told me later that he didn't seem to believe his own words. Pray for him to stop ignoring his conscience and believing the lies he knows he is accepting! He had brought his girlfriend. We asked why she couldn't give the baby up for adoption and were told she wouldn't care for her baby while pregnant the baby would end up with fetal alcohol syndrome. He said a baby like that should not live, to which Lisa replied that her own daughter, Annalise, has FAS. She brought her over and introduced her, asking "Pete" if he believed she didn't deserve to live. It was an uncomfortable moment for Pete. ;) There were many other interesting moments in that conversation, including a brief deconstruction of relativism, as he claimed all our reasonings were just "your truth, but not mine", to which I replied that his green shirt was red because that was MY truth.</p>
<p>Well, one last "finally", actually. As we drove home and "debriefed", praying for all the varied situations we encountered today, we nearly got in another car accident in the SAME spot as last time! It's a very bad entry onto the highway that runs right into an exit ramp and another car couldn't decide what lane to be in and nearly caused an accident! I'm thankful I was alert enough to get out of the way and that God protected us.</p>
<p>Now this, my Christian friends, is what an exciting Friday looks like! Who wouldn't want to experience these stories? Are they tragic? Yes, many are. But the excitement of the one or two saves or hopeful cases outweighs it all! And even in the tragedies, when you know you are planting seeds and you truly have real hope in Jesus Christ, you know that you ARE making an eternal impact, whether you see it or not. If we focus on the death of babies, we are giving into Satan and allowing him to discourage us from this ministry. Our focus, even in the midst of so much death and tragedy, is the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15)! It is the hope that is offered for these young moms, regardless of whether or not they go through with murder, that we have to cling to. And even the one or two saves a day which seem so insignificant compared with the losses will multiply, as those babies will someday have babies of their own. Who will we meet in heaven someday who is there because we stood up for life today? Praise the Lord he uses weak ones like us to do abundantly more than we could ask or think!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-35028691394778027682012-05-31T19:38:00.001-07:002012-05-31T19:41:29.876-07:00Safe or Sanctified<p>(I am going to do a little preaching to myself here, so recognize that I speak as one who is still learning, and doing much of my learning in this public way).</p>
<p>American Christians worship the god of comfort. We base many of our decisions on comfort...decisions on preferences like where to live, where to work, what to wear. Decisions on convictions such as homeschooling or public schooling, birth control or no birth control. And we seem to have a deep belief that we have a God-given right to comfort. But I don't see this in the Bible. Yes, I see that God wants us to be happy, but so often I see that His way of bringing about our ultimate happiness is often not anything of which we would ever conceive.</p>
<p>One thing that impresses me about times past is the depth of those Christians' faith and devotion to God. Compare yourself to a John Bunyan, Susannah Wesley, or William Tyndale and you will probably find yourself falling shamefully short. Certainly being tortured, imprisoned, and martyred for the faith would lead to sanctification, but even those with "normal" lives seemed to have so much spiritual depth. I often wonder if the "normalness" of discomfort in that time played the major role in many of our Christian heroes' sanctification. So many women struggled just with the simple daily chores. Laundry was real work. Eating required far more reliance on things beyond human control, such as weather conditions in order to grow the food, health in order to harvest it, and time in order to prepare it. God had a part in the process, and faith was exercised regularly. Today, we open the freezer, pull out a bag of peas and dump it in a pot on the stove. No peas left? No problem. Having "faith" that the grocery store will be well-stocked, we hop in our cars to make the quick trip up the road, swipe a piece of plastic to "harvest" it, and return to slave for a full 10 minutes to heat them on the stove.</p>
<p>And food was just one aspect of faith-stretching that these Christian giants of the past faced. What about childbirth? Women got pregnant often, and there was no guarantee that the delivery would be safe and easy. In fact, very often it was not. It was a fairly common occurrence for a woman to die in childbirth, leaving her husband and little ones behind. Today, it is almost inconceivable to our weak spirits. Women hear from their doctors that they may face death if they refuse to prevent, or worse abort, a pregnancy. So they opt for "safety". Sure, no one wants to face their mortality, especially with so much earthly treasure to lose. But treasure, whether it be material or familial, is still just temporal. Eternal riches are gained only through sanctification. And women of those days had no choice but to accept God's path to sanctification, whatever it brought along the way. In having to accept it, they faced their mortality with faith in a loving God who was sovereign over all, and hope in an eternity filled with greater riches than earth's.</p>
<p>Schooling, too, was an issue of discomfort at times. Imagine not only having the daily work load to bear, but also having the responsibility of educating and discipling your children, who were often numerous, due to no birth control options. One of the biggest reasons (or excuses, if we are to be completely honest) I hear from a person who chooses not to homeschool is, "I just don't have the patience." Really? You don't have patience for your own child? Don't get me wrong. I have days when my humanity is blatantly evident. To put it another way, I yell at my kids too! But what about sanctification? If you do not have the patience, would you be willing to put yourself in a position of discomfort in order to gain that quality, which is directly related to love (1 Cor. 13)? Back then, homeschooling was the common practice and parents had to have patience or learn to develop it quickly!</p>
<p>As you read this, you may be counting your blessings, feeling grateful for our modern conveniences and societal advances. But are we really better off?</p>
<p>You see, this life is not about comfort. If we constantly take advantage of our many modern "perks" by making our choices based purely on what is "best" according to personal comfort, and then dismissing the issue with two simple words (Christian liberty), then we have missed it. We should not ask ourselves which decisions or convictions are most comfortable, but rather we should ask ourselves which decisions will most pull us out of our comfort zones and cause us to rely on the Lord the most. Which options will grow us in our faith? We should not ask which options are <i>safest</i>, but which have the most potential to cause <i>sanctification</i>. Isn't spiritual growth more important than life itself? Likewise, isn't obedience to God more important than anything, including our own mortality? If in our eternal life we have nothing to show for this life, were all the comfortable decisions really best?</p>
<p>Once identified, we should ask the Lord if that uncomfortable, dangerous, sanctification-producing decision is truly what He wants for us individually. And not just pray, but <i>plead</i> for it for the growth it can bring! I think more often than not, He will direct us down that narrow way. Or, as Robert Frost put it so well, "the road less traveled by". And that, my friends, will make all the difference!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-32832444757423394662012-05-29T18:25:00.000-07:002012-05-29T18:25:09.460-07:00Cognitive Dissonance is my Best Friend<p>I posted this little statement as my Facebook status update earlier today: Cognitive Dissonance is my best friend, as long as she doesn't stay as a guest too long. It really sums things up for me. But what I hate is when I can't seem to work it all out in my head...when she decides to take up residence in the guest room of my mind and outwears her welcome. I'm feeling that way about a lot of various things these days.</p>
<p>I guess that's where we have to have humility to recognize that there is a certain amount of mystery to this life and to our spirituality. And all our ponderances...all our "musings and puzzlings" if you will...may not be entirely answered this side of eternity. It's okay to suffer through a little...or a lot...of cognitive dissonance. Maybe at some point we just let go of it and give it to God?</p>
<p>So, what is my brain driving me crazy over? I'm not sure I want to go into every nuance and detail here at this point. It isn't overly private, but I think I just want my brain to have a little more time to chew on it all. I think, also, I am a little too tired to do any more mental chewing at this time. A fresh day and some rest would put me more in the mood. Not to mention the fact that I have chewed on it for months and seem to go in circles and it is a subject that I don't think is answered very simply, in fact. Sometimes I think I know what I think and then I find another angle, another hidden facet that I hadn't spied before. And sometimes that hidden facet leads me to still other topics and angles that need conquering.</p>
<p>So, about this time, maybe you are wondering why I am even sharing this. I think I may be wondering that a bit, as well. But I suppose I just want to encourage you to be okay with your own cognitive dissonance. Be okay with not having all the answers worked out. Too many people in this world already know everything. And I think we miss out on exciting discoveries when we are not human enough to admit that maybe we don't have the answers we thought we did.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-84335206391679423262012-05-13T17:58:00.001-07:002012-05-13T18:09:29.892-07:00Social-Lies-ing<p>I once heard of a psychologist who had "discovered" the cathartic experience of telling the truth, even when it was most difficult. He started a whole practice based on the idea that it is always best to always tell the truth, no matter how uncomfortable or painful. It intrigued me because...well, because of the truth of it! We read in John that the truth will set us free (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A32&version=ESV">John 8:32</a>).</p>
<p>Yet, most of us don't really believe it. At least, in practice we don't. I consider myself one of the few fortunate women to be married to a man who always tells me the truth. I may not want to hear that my rear end is getting larger or that I really need a shower to get the stink off me, but you know what? It is unbelievably <i>freeing</i> to never have to doubt the words of the one who is dearest in the world to you. It takes away the insecurity and suspicion. <i>Is he just saying my butt looks good because he knows that's what I want to hear or does it really look the same size as before I had three children? Does he really like that meal that I made? Am I really a good writer, mother, wife?</i> Hearing honest answers to these questions allows me the opportunity to truly grow and become a better person. And in seeing the benefits to our truth-based relationship, I have become more comfortable with simply answering questions truthfully myself, rather than participating in social lies.</p>
<p>But there's a catch. Part of the downside is that I sometimes truly forget the "social norms" of our culture. I forget that not everyone wants to hear the truth when they ask a question. <b>This is a warning to you.</b> Do not ask me questions that you really don't want answers to. Ladies, seriously...When you are nine months pregnant, you <i>are</i> huge. Just accept it and move on. I mean, you have another whole <i>person</i> inside of you! I am not saying you are huge and ugly. Do not assume that "huge" means "fat". In fact, I think pregnancy is beautiful, large bellies and all. And even if you do look puffy and strange, I promise not to <i>tell</i> you that you look puffy and strange...unless you ask me. So, please, don't ask me. But if you ignore this warning, I'll probably try my best to nicely deflect the question or dress up my answer because I also believe in doing to others as I would have them do to me. (Nothing is so frustrating as wanting reassurance from my husband only to get the harsh truth...no ribbons, bows, or glitter included. But of course, those are the exceptions, not the rule. He understands I still need a little glitter on the ugly truth from time to time)!
</p>
<p>So, if the truth will set us free, then I believe it will set us free in all areas. If I don't fit in because of it, then I guess that's okay, too. Maybe more can join me in the quest for being completely truthful so we can all be odd specimens of society together!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-36050767639527985332012-05-13T16:50:00.002-07:002012-05-14T04:51:20.915-07:00Unity in Disunity<p>So often lately, as I've become more and more controversial and outspoken with my convictions, I've felt the tension both internally and externally, to keep my differences silent and just abide by a "live and let live" attitude. After all, aren't Christians called to unity? Aren't we supposed to focus on our similarities, not our differences? Paul even says in <a href="http://www.abideinchrist.com/messages/eph4v1.html">Ephesians 4:1-3</a> that we are to seek unity among our brothers and sisters.</p>
<p>But wait a minute. Aren't we also challenged to sharpen one another (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027:17&version=ESV">Proverbs 27:17</a>)? And how can we sharpen one another if we are too afraid to get a little "controversial"? How can we sharpen one another if we are afraid to offend? I don't believe any of my Christian friends would need me to sharpen them on core doctrines...those things upon which we can all agree. It is the "gray" areas that become difficult to navigate at times. But the Bible gives us direction for <b>all<i></i></b> areas of life (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20peter%201:3&version=ESV">2 Peter 1:3</a>). And in our modern culture, it seems there are so many "new" things that the Bible does not specifically address. Yet, the Bible does in fact speak to all these things, as we are told in the passage in Peter.</p>
<p>So, it seems we are called, to some extent, to challenge one another in the uncomfortable things...The things that make us defensive, nervous, and perhaps even angry. And we don't do it because we want to stir up trouble. We do it because we love the brethren (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+1:22&version=ESV">1 Peter 1:22</a>) and are called to be challenging one another, no matter what our culture preaches about unity and getting along.</p>
<p>No, the call to Christian unity does not mean that I keep my personal convictions silent. It means that I share them with love, not harshness, for the sake of edification. And it means that Christians don't get so offended when a brother or sister in Christ does this. We seek unity, even in our exhortation. We seek to find common ground, yet be open to exploring our differences with an open heart to what God may show us in order to grow us. We can all learn from each other, whether or not we ultimately agree or disagree. And, hear this, <b>disagreement does not equal disunity</b>. I disagree with a lot of my friends on things I find very, very important. Yet, I still love them and consider us unified as Christians because we are unified in Christ.</p>
<p>You see, sometimes I think the problem is not as much with those sharing their convictions as it is with those who are listening. If we all truly want unity, we will be willing to listen, rather than expect others to simply be quiet. We will be willing to then offer our own convictions in return. It is an "iron sharpening iron" process, not a knife throwing contest (with the target being each other). And this Biblical process is beautiful when done in love! What are we so afraid of?</p>
<p>So, please forgive me when I offend. It is not my heart to offend. And please sharpen me, as well! But seek unity, as I do, in the sometimes painful sharpening process. It is a process of friction and removing tiny pieces of the knife in order to sharpen. It requires an open spirit on both sides, one that is willing to deal with the friction and the possibility of losing something, for the ultimate goal of sanctification. Because the key to sanctification is a love for truth more than a love for being "right". And one of the most beautiful testaments to the power of the love of Christ is our Christian unity despite our differences of conviction. The world will not see that if we are too afraid to challenge one another in love.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427070559148836860.post-18340673155013004332012-04-28T18:48:00.000-07:002012-04-28T18:49:58.370-07:00"Sheltering". . . or Protecting?<p>Of all the tired stereotypes about homeschooling...and there are many...one that has become quite tiring to me is the idea that Christian homeschooling parents have made the decision to homeschool out of some kind of paranoid fear of the world and a need to "shelter" our children. This misconception does have some valid roots. After all, many homeschooling parents, myself included, are concerned about protecting their children, and wish to minimize the influence of the world. However, the implication of this stereotype is that we have a fear-based form of parenting and are not trusting God. This is simply untrue for the majority of homeschooling parents that I know.</p>
<p>To start, let's ask ourselves if "sheltering" our children is an automatic indication of fear or not trusting God. Is "sheltering" truly a bad thing? I contend that it is all a matter of how it's packaged. When a person uses the word "shelter", instantly images of drawn window shades and shy, fearful children are brought to mind. It is a word with a heavy connotation. And, in my opinion, it is rather unfair to use it so copiously when referring to homeschoolers as a whole. So, let's use the word "protect" instead. Now that we have substituted a word that more fully conveys the truth of the matter, let's ask ourselves if "protecting" our children is a negative thing. I think the obvious answer is "no". One of our very jobs as parents is to provide protection for our children. In fact, in Mark 9:42, we are told, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea." Pretty heavy words! And if we take this warning seriously, it may lead us to take so-called extreme measures to avoid putting our little ones in danger of being led into sin.</p>
<p>Now, in all fairness, every parent must use discernment as to what they will guard their children from. We protect our children from many things on a daily basis. Some are obvious dangers. Some are more subtle. Perhaps to many parents, school seems to be something from which parents should not need to protect their children, and homeschoolers seem to be acting out of paranoia and fear. Schooling seems to be an amoral issue in and of itself. But I would argue against this notion and further point out that not all parents have felt this way throughout history. In fact, when public school first became compulsory in 1852, citizens actually <a href="http://www.sntp.net/education/gatto.htm">met the local officials with guns drawn</a>! It seems they found the idea of sending their children off with strangers for seven hours of the day a bit too radical! Today we have grown accustomed to the idea, and the court of time has rendered it innocuous in our minds. This is our "normal". But could it be that it is not so normal after all? Could it be that we have just learned not to question the status quo? Could it be that "this is the way we've always done it" has become good enough for us?</p>
<p>Whether you see a danger in the secular institution of public education and the influences of often godless peers and teachers or not, homeschoolers frequently do. (Disclaimer: I know there are some godly teachers who are trying to make a difference. I commend them, though I personally feel <a href="http://indoctrinationmovie.com/">the foundation is such that a Christian cannot truly effect lasting change in the system</a>. But that is a topic for another day and another blog post.) And if I, as a parent, see a danger to my children, should I not do what is necessary to protect them? And, to take it further, should I not warn others of the danger I see? I recently heard the argument that God protected Daniel in the lion's den, implying that we should trust that He will likewise protect our children from harm within the public school. First, though the passage does deal with God's protection, I would argue that we should be careful drawing such a conclusion from a Scripture that has nothing to do with education. I don't believe that passage is addressing our schooling choices. But, if we <i>were</i> to apply it to the topic at hand, I would agree that God certainly <i>can</i> protect them. He is sovereign and in control of every aspect of our lives. However, I would make the point that as parents, we don't generally throw our children into the lion's den and then ask God to protect them after we have personally put them in harm's way. This is presuming upon God's mercy. Life is dangerous, yes, but that is all the more reason to be vigilant and carefully consider how much time we will invest in discipleship ("schooling")!</p>
<p>So, are we homeschoolers choosing our path out of fear? Or is it out of a deep conviction to protect our children? I propose that it is the later. And it is my heart's burden that many more parents will take a fresh look at something we've all come to take for granted as normal. I share not with a heart to put myself or my "superior" Christian parenting skills on a platform, but out of a sincere hope that more parents will start to see the dangers of allowing others to spend the majority of the day with their children, the children with whom God has blessed and entrusted them.</p>
<p><i>Deuteronomy 6:4-9, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."</i></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Copyright 2011, Danielle Papageorgiou
<hr /> <a href="http://www.musingsandpuzzlings.com">Pieces of my Mind</a>
Interested in homeschooling? Visit <a href="http://www.wingsgroup.org">Wingsgroup.org</a>
Interested in organic supplements and health products? Visit <a href="http://www.jonanddanielle.myshaklee.com">Family Health Group</a></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03810702157634196676noreply@blogger.com0