Things That Make You Say HMMMM.....

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

I was searching online after the election...in an odd way looking for some anxiety release when I came across this article by Del Tackett for Focus on the Family - I hope you learn something about yourself one way or another by reading the below.

However, by diligently learning, applying and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives — whether it's watching a movie, communicating with our spouses, raising our children or working at the office — we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture's non biblical ideas. If we capture and embrace more of God's worldview and trust it with unwavering faith, then we begin to make the right decisions and form the appropriate responses to questions on abortion, same- sex marriage, cloning, stem-cell research and even media choices.

Answer These Questions and ask yourself: Do you have a Biblical worldview?

Do absolute moral truths exist?
Is absolute truth defined by the Bible?
Did Jesus Christ live a sinless life?
Is God the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe, and does He still rule it today?
Is salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned?
Is Satan real?
Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?
Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?
Is the Bible accurate in all of its teachings?

Did you answer yes to these? But what's more important than your yes to these questions is whether your life shows it. Granted, we are all sinners and fall short, but most of our gut reactions will reflect what we deep-down, honest-to-goodness believe to be real and true. Make your actions show your love for the LORD Jesus Christ. If we deny Him - he will surely deny us. It's OUR choice!

If we don't really believe the truth of God and live it, then our witness will be confusing and misleading. Most of us go through life not recognizing that our personal worldviews have been deeply affected by the world. Through the media and other influences, the secularized American view of history, law, politics, science, God and man affects our thinking more than we realize.

We then are taken "captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (Colossians 2:8).

In the end, it is our decisions and actions that reveal what we really believe.

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
• Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. The gospel will still be spread.
6. God will still be worshipped.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?

Blessings to you are your family this Tuesday Morning!

Tammy

VOTE SMART

Junior Beta Club

Mason was offered and he accepted a invitation for the National Junior Beta Club (an organization of rank, the induction into which recognizes excellence among one's peers; the objective of the National Junior Beta Club is to reward scholastic, leadership, and service achievements among the members of a school's student body) this week. CONGRATS to my bigga boy.

For those of you not familiar with the National Junior Beta Club organization ~ Mason had to maintain at least a grade point average of 3.5, and also exemplify strong character, and have maintained role model behavior throughout the last school year. We are very proud of him and his accomplishments. This evening they held a formal Induction Ceremony for the 2008 7th and 8th grade nominees and of course my camera was there...
It was a very graceful ceremony and the kids really enjoyed themselves - all but the dressing up part - now Mason could have done without the jacket - ha. "Do I have to wear a jacket - yes Mason you do - ah man"...Mason's school is planning to take their Junior Beta Club to the state convention in February - Mason said he was interested in the geography portion of the competition. He studies his atlas all the time - get this - just for fun!

Papa & Mimi....................................PawPaw & Mason

The Motto of the club shall be Ducamus aliis serviendo — “Let us lead by serving others.”

The Junior Beta Pledge:

I hereby declare

That I shall always strive

To be honest and truthful at all times

To maintain a creditable scholastic record;

To be of service to my teachers and fellowmen;

To conduct myself in an ethical and moral manner

To reflect credit upon my school and community.

I think we sometimes forget how difficult a time middle school is for our children ~ I know I do. With all of their projects, papers and tests they have nowadays it's amazing their little heads don't explode with all the information being forced at them - but they are...whether or not they know it...resolute in learning.

Ms. Parker reminded us all of a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world". What powerful words!

Thank you LORD for my many blessings.

Tammy

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Blessings, Tammy

MONSTER MASHING

This weekend Berby held her annual Halloween partay and I must say - we had a BLAST. This years theme was spooks and ghouls. We, of course, had last minute changes to our costumes and boy am I happy with the results.

Our characters were - Greg/rocker vampire, Mason/pierced vampire, Mama/witch, Tammy/bad Betty (Boop), Mimi/witch (orange hair), Linda/funky witch (purple hair), Papa (creepy spook), Austin/vampire copper, Unkie Jeff/vampire, ReRe/corpse bride and Berby/zombie.

The Witches of G-Town - tee hee.

Berby always goes all out for her Halloween parties - dry ice, loads of food {yum yummy treats, punch (which Mason looks forward to every year), decorations, pumpkins, loads and loads of pumpkin carving tools, lights and laughs, laughs and more laughs}.

Unkie Jeff was especially funny... Check out his video below.

Many Blessings & have a Happy Halloween!

Tammy