Sharing the Special Announcement...When Other's Don't Celebrate

"When we announced that we were expecting baby #1 the news was celebrated by everyone we knew. And then again with baby #2. But there was a noticeable decline with babies #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 (except from some family members, and a few close friends who also had large families). When we announced our first babies people would light up with a smile and a hug and congratulate us! Then for baby #3 their faces would go blank and they would say, "You're crazy", or "On purpose?" Not the most encouraging. They would question our judgement by saying things like, "You're going to move then right?" "You're going to buy a new car then aren't you?" In the United States at least, two children is considered "normal" and doable from pop culture's opinion. But more than that? Not so much.

Most people are very un/mis-informed about large families ~ bur really, without seeking out the truth, how would they know it? So many parents are quick to believe the scare tactics that are so prominent, trying to manipulate couple's decisions to limit their family size. A good friend once pointed out that getting one's tubes tied is the only surgery that hospitals' push on otherwise healthy women while they will be in for another procedure. That surgery is not to get "fixed"; it's getting "broken". Its kind of like if you took your car to the oil change place and they offered to break the air-conditioning for you while you were there. People are told that more than 2 children would over populate the earth, cost too much money, increase their "risk" for an "unhealthy" baby, would be an irresponsible choice... or would require too much self-sacrifice for their comfort. But that is looking at things from a limited human perspective, rather than from a divine, God-planned perspective....

Here's what I have to share:

• My thoughts and answers to the above questions
• Some recommended responses to people's comments
• Some things you can do to receive a more positive response from others
• Some recommended resources to build our knowledge and therefore our confidence 
• Some things we do to feel connected
• An opportunity to testify to the Lord's provision..."

READ MORE HERE AT LARGE FAMILIES ON PURPOSE

Blue & White Double Strand with Half Pinwheel Border

Heaven-Born Memory Blanket Ministry

Heaven-Born is a ministry we are starting. Every baby deserves to be celebrated and remembered. These are small cuddle-blankets, each approximately 10"x13", crocheted in memory of a baby who was born into our Heavenly Father's arms. They are free, as we are able, but there is a waiting list, so please e-mail me at bnteasley@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the list. If it is urgently desired, it can be done for the cost of materials and shipping only, usually about $8. Your choice of boy, girl, white, or gender neutral for color. ♥

E-mail me also, if you would like to be a contributor to this ministry. If you would like to make items, or donate materials or whatnot. Each blanket takes about 95-120 yards of a soft/baby yarn, about 5-6 oz. Thank you. ♥

Meditating on Proverbs

"He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.

The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.

The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good."

Proverbs 16:20-29

Jesus IS Religion, and also Relationship

Yes, Christianity IS a relationship, but that should not take away from that fact that a relationship with Christ, the ONE TRUE GOD, is also religion, PURE religion. Do not despise one part of Scripture simply because false prophets and false teachers have defiled it in their own works. Embrace the Word of God, ALL of it.

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:25-27

 

 

Why We Don't Keep The Old Testament Law

"Instead of people trying to keep the law (which only dishonors Christ), they need to be finding out what all this means."

READ MORE HERE. Long one, but worth it. Make sure to have your KJB on hand as well.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 20

I am thankful for my King James Bible, the absolute and inerrant Word of God to the English speaking people.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 19

I am thankful for my new-found crafty skill of crocheting. It is fun, relaxing, and a profitable work as opposed to idle hands. :-) Can anyone guess what Christmas gifts are going to be this year?

I am also thankful for turnip greens, and the love and thoughtfulness of my home church body. <3

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 18

I am thankful for our revival meetings this past week. God moved in a very blessed and awesome way over Gateway Baptist Church.

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing."

1 Peter 3:8-17

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 17

I am thankful for faith, for Christian liberty, for the Book of Galatians. I am thankful for the blood that was shed for the remission of sins on Calvary, even for my sake, while I was yet a sinner. I am thankful for the Old Testament, the shadow of what was to come, and I am thankful for it's fulfillment in Christ.

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:10-27

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 16

I am so thankful for my church family, my neighbor's, and my dad. They have come through for us this week and have supplied us with food, a Thanksgiving turkey, a huge bag of turnip greens, and some extra money since Danny is without a paycheck this week. We are so blessed. <3 God provides.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 15

I am thankful  for the provision of the Lord, and for His strength in my husband. Even when we are facing hard times at work, even when we are facing weeks with no income, God still provides. He is faithful, and He gives strength to His children who are faithful to Him. We know You are working, Lord, now we are just waiting for Your glory and grace to abound in ways we never could have imagined! Thank You, Lord.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 14

I am SO thankful for my wonderful, amazing, loving husband.

He's a hard worker, for sure. Always ready to help out whenever and where ever he can.

In the ten years that I have known him, I really don't think I have ever seen him contented to do nothing. Even if it means cutting down a tree, cutting out lumber, and making a longbow out of it, he is happy to be busy.

He's the best handyman I know.

A brilliant mind as well. To be able to look at these prints....

and then make sense out of  this!

He is a great father, a great teacher,

who always has time to play around with the kids. 

My better half, in every aspect of the phrase. I love him so much, and am so very very thankful that the Lord put him in my life.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 13

I am thankful for nature that so boldly declares the glory of the Lord. I love my home. 

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Psalm 19:1

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 12

I am thankful for my dad and my grandma, who always do whatever they can to help us out. 

 

The best grandpa and great-grandma a kid could ask for. 

 

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 11

Day 11, I am thankful for ALL of my children, both born, in heaven, and yet to come! Each and every one of them is a blessing from the Lord, and the amount of love a heart and home can hold is utterly amazing at times. <3 Thankful that the LORD is building our house.

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Psalm 127

"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel." Psalm 128

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 10

I am thankful for easily amused babies, and for being a lot more relaxed with exploring babies now than I was when I first started parenting a toddler. :-)

30 Days of Thanksgivng - Day 9

I am thankful for my husband who loves all of his children, sees them as blessings from the Lord, and is eager and willing to teach them and train them in not only the ways of life, but in the ways of the Lord.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 8

I am thankful, so very thankful, for our neighbors and our landlord. They have all been such a blessing to us in so many ways, truly showing the love of Christ.

Love is No Fairytale

Ladies, especially single Christian ladies, may I have a moment of your time? 

It is time to break free of the myths and expectations of love and marriage. 

Poor guys these days, good men doing their best to please the Lord and find the helpmeet that God has planned for them just can't catch a break.

It's high time to put down the fairytale notions, and back away forever. 

There are no knights in shining armor. 

There are no elaborate white horses.

There are no valiant princes.

There are no perfect men.

There are none that have it all figured out.

There are no men who have all their ducks in a row.

There are no men who are the picture of godliness and humility.

Honestly, if men were all of this without us, there would be no need for a helpmeet.

What do you think God created us for?

"In Strong's, help meet is defined with both words meaning the same. Help and meet mean aid. Pretty simple I would say but let's take it a bit further. To aid someone is to assist or give support according to the Webster's dictionary. If you support someone then you promote the interests or cause of; assist, help, maintain, or keep it going. It also means to keep from fainting, yielding, or loosing courage (in other words, to encourage), to comfort.
Maintain is really interesting as it suggests preserving from failure or decline; to support or provide for, sustain. To sustain is to give support or relief to; to supply with sustenance; nourish. When we think of sustenance, what comes to mind first of all is food but it is defined also as being something that gives support, endurance, or strength and supplying the necessities of life." Source

So, please, do yourself and all the good, God-fearing men out there a favor, and take off the rose-tinted glasses.

It's not at all bad to have standards, there are many standards that should very well be maintained...

However, stop searching for a perfect match.

There are none. 

There are no perfect men,

but there is a perfect God, who leads and teaches each one of us according to His plan for us.

Stop searching for perfection, for men who have it all worked out, and start seeking the one who truly does desire to follow the Lord, no matter the mistakes that he may make along the way.

Stop looking for a Prince Charming, and start looking for the one whom you will complete, aid, maintain, and sustain, by the grace of the Lord.

Stop running away at the first sign of weakness, and start encouraging godly direction and growth, then demonstrate it!

Sometimes all it takes for a man to step up and be a man is for a devoted woman to hold his hand, believing in his potential in Christ, and being confident that he can become what the Lord wants him to be.


A mother's love can only go so far.

It takes a wife to make a man.

It takes humility to make a wife.

It takes seeing yourself in others, and seeing others with the same grace that God sees you through, to make humility.

So, no, there are no knights in shining armor.

However, there is the potential to be in each and every God-centered man.

All he needs is a princess, a daughter of the King, to cheer him on to victory.

So please, I plead with you, stop making it so hard for these good, godly men to impress you.

In all things, seek first the will of God, and the blessing of parents, but remember humility.

Remember grace.

Remember what you came out of when you were yet in sin.

Remember how you stumble in your walk weekly.... daily.... hourly.

Remember how you need someone to be strong for you.... that is not a trait that belongs solely to women.

Remember how you desire a best friend and a cheerleader.... men need one desperately too!

Remember how grateful you are that the people who truly care about you are gracious enough to look beyond your faults and falters as they encourage you and help you grow... then extend that grace to them.

A solitary half of a whole will never be complete until it has had a chance to grow with the other half that makes it whole. Say... fifty years or so. ;-)

No garden on this post-Eden earth came to fruition on it's own and suddenly. It takes time, patience, care, and a loving hand.

Be kind, be good, be understanding.

Don't miss out on the blessing of God because you are so busy weeding out what you don't see fit in someone, when God has already prepared you to complete that lone half to cultivate and prune each other over a lifetime of service to the Lord together.

There are so many well-intentioned young women who think that they know what they need in a husband, yet they hardly give any thought or understanding to what it really takes to be a helpmeet... 

What it really takes to complete a man, to meet his needs, to make up for his shortcomings, and to cover his flaws as Abigail did in 1 Samuel 25.

We need to change that.

Focus on being a helpmeet.

God will provide the rest.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - Day 7

I am thankful for the Bible, the holy and inerrant Word of God by which all Truth is brought forth, and all sin is brought to light. Through His Word and the indwelling of the Spirit, we are enabled to walk in grace and faith for the glory of God alone.

I am thankful that I live in a country where I can proudly proclaim the Gospel without the fear of being murdered by my government. I am thankful to be able to go to church without having to hide. This nation may not be headed in the right direction, but we are still a free nation, and I am thankful to be an American in these desperate times.

Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!