Galatians 3:28 (NIV)...

Footnote from NIV Application Bible:

Those who are "in Christ Jesus" are those who believe in him; those who believe in him come from all walks of life, from every nation, and from both sexes. 

Romans 12:2 (NIV)...

(read v.1 & 2)

Footnote from NIV Application Bible (v.1-2):

(V.1-2) The command to "offer" ourselves to God reminds us of ch.6, where Paul used this same verb to express the basic response of believers to God's grace to us in Christ (see 6:13, 16, 19).  We no longer offer animal sacrifices; we now offer ourselves as "living sacrifices."  This offering of ourselves to God is our "true and proper worship" (12:1).  We offer ourselves not ignorantly, like animals brought to slaughter, but intelligently and willingly.  This is the worship that pleases God.

    The old age to which we belonged in our pre-Christian past entices us to follow its "pattern" of sinful behavior.  Rather than "conforming" our conduct to that age we must be "transformed" in our behavior by having a completely new mindset.  A new orientation in our thinking leads to a new orientation in behavior.  

Application (v.1-2):

We as believers are guided by our minds, which are in the process of being renewed by God's Spirit so that they perfectly reflect God's will.  But because that process will never be completed in this life, we still need the external guidance of God's commands as set forth in Scripture.  Put another way: Guidance computers in jet airliners tell pilots where they are and where to go, but airports still have runway lights.  Similarly, knowledge of the truth comes with a call to penal accountability.  

Studying The Bible Just Got Better...

I've spent the better part of a couple weeks organizing and getting rid of books.  Some books were homeschool books that just aren't needed anymore with Tim graduating this school year.  Others were either given away or boxed away for Tim to have for his own bookshelves when he has his own place someday.  I now have all my Bible study guides in one place along with most of my study books.  It sure feels good to have this done.

Deuteronomy 11:18 (NIV)...

Take a moment to read verses 13-32 for context.

Footnote from NIV Application Bible (v.13-32):

(v.12-21) The land symbolizes a choice between two ways: the way of blessing, prosperity, and life or the way of the curse, adversity, and death.  The people must commit themselves wholeheartedly to the covenant.  Yahweh's desire is to see their population explode as the lifespan of each generation increases on the land that he promised their ancestors.

(v.22-25) Yahweh will dispossess all the Canaanite nations in advance of the Israelites (v.23), and Israel will "dispossess" nations stronger and mightier than they are (v.23).

(v.26-32) Moses concludes this part of the sermon with a climatic appeal for decision; he is handing the Israelites the options of "blessing" and "curse."  With his call to decision, Moses challenges the new generation to respond with greater faithfulness than their parents had done.  Their future in the land depends on it.

Application Note: For those who claim to be God's people, every day is a day of decision.  Our commitment to Yahweh must not only be renewed at significant junctures in our lives, but each day.  The blessings associated with the covenant are not to be taken for granted or viewed as automatic rights.  The covenant established by Christ involves a special relationship, which demands constant investment of energy and devotion.  The options open to the Israelites - blessing and curse - are open to us, but how we experience them depends on our covenant commitment to Christ, demonstrated by active obedience.

(v.29-32) Moses' attention shifts to an anticipated event on the other side of the Jordan.  Having identified Mounts Gerizim and Ebal as the place for the ceremony, Moses offers a description of the location.  In v.31 Moses confidently announces the end of the journey for his people.

Application Note: This passage reminds us that God is faithful; he always keeps his promises.

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

If God speaks a promise, that "word" will stand!!!

RIP Nancy Mills Olive...

posted on social media in 2023

This wonderful woman of God went home to be with Jesus this past Saturday, September 13th.  She is one of my dearest friends, Page Johnson's, mom.  She is one of the most precious women I've ever known.  God's joy overflowed in her life always.  I never saw her with a frown on her face.  She was always smiling ear to ear like you see in this picture of her.  I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to know this wonderful woman many years ago when I was a camp counselor at NLC.  Women like her are rare and being able to spend time with such women should be remembered and cherished always.  I know she is having the most fun time ever in heaven with her Lord and Savior right now and she wouldn't trade places with any of us for anything in the world.  

A Quote From A Friend...

A friend posted this on their social media page and it was worthy of sharing.  It's worthy of everyone hearing too.  It should be shouted from the roof tops for everyone that have it in their hearts to take lives.  

Quote from a F.ox Ne.ws Post....

Charlie Kirk Quote...

EKU v. The Thundering Herd...

EKU stunk it up at the Marshall game Saturday but our family had a fantastic time together supporting Corey as he coached with the other coaches.  It's was fun watching him do his thing on the sidelines.  He also got an opportunity to come up and spend a little time with the family as well.  

Elaine, Jeff, Nora, Kylie, Corey, Debbie, Britt, Kevin, William, Tim, Scot & Me.

The Cousins bottom to top of pic: Kylie, Britt, Corey, Nora, Tim & William

Elaine & Jeff

Scot, Elaine & Jeff

The best pic of all Nora with a VIP Pass!

C.harlie K.irk (sha.red from Tur.ning Po.int)...

Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk. All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered.

More than anyone, Charlie believed in the power of argument and good-faith debate to find the truth and guide people towards, if not agreement, then at least mutual understanding. Charlie was no stranger to threats. He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety. Now, Charlie has become America's greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored.

In his thirty-one years, Charlie lived more than any of us will in a hundred. He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference. With the spirit of a pioneer, Charlie launched Turning Point out of his parents' garage as an 18-year-old with no money, no name recognition, only a dream. His energy and drive were awe-inspiring, without equal and deeply infectious. Charlie refused to squander a single day of his life. He was a natural builder and problem solver, who loved a challenge and saw every setback as a chance to learn, grow, pray, and try again. He was fundamentally decent, always eager to make new friends and allies and to support and defend the ones he had already made. His values were timeless American ones: Honesty, forthrightness, duty, loyalty, and fair play.

Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good all of them have done for the world. But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love of the Christ he knew he would one day get to see. When asked, Charlie said that above all he wished to be remembered for his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America's youth. He wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other. At his final public speech, just days before his murder, Charlie witnessed to Christ to an audience of non believers. Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel. He ran his race well all the way to the end Now, he goes to his heavenly reward.

Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him. For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him.

Before & After Bookshelves...

Before:

Lot's of school books and stuff.

After:

Replaced with my bibles, bible study books and Christian books. Now they are at arms reach.

It feels good to have my bookshelves organized and I'm still going to do some more adjusting and bring down more books from upstairs to have at arms reach for me to be able to reference.  

It feels weird to be ending this homeschooling journey we've been on for so long but I'm excited for the next chapter and being able to do all my reading/studying/research without having to always go to other bookshelves in the house to get what I need.  

Never Forget 9/11...

On the night of September 10, 2001 ... 24 years ago:

246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights.

2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning.

343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift.

60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol.

8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift.

None of them saw past 11:00am Sept 11, 2001.

In one single moment life was never the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.

Never forget.

For The Haters...

This was shared on social media last night and I wanted to share it here.  

Here's the thing.  After seeing all that I saw last night on social media concerning this man and then watching some of his videos on his Turning Point Youtube channel I get why the haters would want him gone.  Charlie was reaching far too many Gen Zers for Christ and he was making a real impact on their politically thinking.  He had them all really questioning what they had been brain washed and fed all their lives in their schooling to believe and think.  He was opening so many of these young peoples eyes to see what my husband and I, and so many our age that are like us, already knew....Patriotism matters!  That we need to be Pro Our Countries People 1st!  Jesus is real!  He is Lord!  Family really does matter!  Getting married and having children in that order is how we preserve our future and the future of our nation!  This way we don't all die off because we aren't growing our country!  All life has value - Pro Life!  

    His message was a strong in your face message!  It had everyone thinking.  You either loved him or you hated him.  There was no room for middle road thinking/feeling when it came to his messages to everyone.  

    I pray Gen Zers rise up.  They stand tall.  They multiply his message in way that he never could.  That they open pandoras box so to speak.  Like the Japanese famously said after bombing Pearl Harbor, "I feel we have awakened a sleeping giant!"  Make the haters see that they have awakened a sleeping giant.  Make an impact that will have Charlie's legacy living on for eternity!