Soon, helpful-for-you website links will appear…

The Lord has been allowing me to connect with many very generous and helpful folks, among the true believers who have felt compelled by God to educate their children with the most-open-choice-available option, which is called home education.

It was used by the parents of many well-known, most would call famous inventors, scientists, medical discovery-makers, mathematicians, ministers of The Gospel of The Lord Yeshua the Messiah {Jesus Christ} (men who made a real difference in the world both “old and new),” and many of our U.S. presidents, as well, along with many positive, God-honoring, God-fearing thinkers (educators) and teachers who have made such a wonderful contribution to the knowledge we all now benefit from.

Of course, our Lord was also home educated. And He (His Holy Spirit), Who is called The Master Teacher (of all time) inspired the writing of The Holy Scriptures, some call the Bible, or God’s Word, since it was God-breathed.

There are many new, and helpful, websites that The Good Lord, Who has all knowledge, and inspiration within Himself, … has allowed me to find, through networking with others, and looking at what they’re sharing, online.

So, please come back to check on this listing, which will be added to, from time to time.

I will put the websites I list into categories, according to subject areas, though some “topics” would apply to more than one subject area in the world of education.

Thank you for your great patience!

This has been a long time in coming. But, soon, it will be here. Not amazing or wonderful, as our Lord is. But I pray it will be able to be used, by you (and those with whom you share this listing, … and with whom you share a link to our site, so they can check back, to find out what is added, later to it), for your benefit, for your good, for you to use to help you and your children, in school or those who are graduated, ….

God is ever ahead of us, doing things at a much higher level than we humans can. But He is ever sharing with us such rich truths, such encouraging news, such inspiring thoughts … to build us up in Him, to enable us to know Him as He desires us to, so we can become, day by day, moment by moment, conformed more to the Image of YHWH (Almighty) God’s Dear Son, Yeshua.

Philippians 3: 10 shares with us: “That I may know Him, and the power of His {Yeshua’s (Jesus’)} Resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”

Philippians 3: 7-9 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ (Messiah). Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the Knowledge of Christ Jesus (Messiah Yeshua) my Lord: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Messiah), and be found in Him, not having mine own Righteousness, which is of the Law (Torah), but that which is through the Faith of Messiah (Christ), the Righteousness which is of God by Faith:”

Victory Over The Darkness, by Neil T. Anderson

The book _Victory Over The Darkness_, by Neil T. Anderson, is a real inspiration and a great encouragement to me!  Am not finished reading through it, yet.

If you knew me, you’d know I sometimes do actually finish reading some books, but not all the books I begin reading.  Am just not one to sit down for long.  ;o)  (ha ha!)  we moms have many duties and responsibilities, besides the need to take moments out of each day, to “stop and smell the roses,” or “to take a long look at a lovely sunset,” or “to sit at The Lord’s feet and listen to Him speak to me,” as I read or study His Word.  For me to read through an entire book, other than God’s Word … well, it must be a special book that will hold my attention that long.  I’ve actually made it through two other books by Neil T. Anderson, so far.  So, that’s a good beginning.

Those first two books I’ve read are:   _The Bondage Breaker_, by Neil T. Anderson, and _The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare_, by Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner.

I’d like to share an excerpt from _Victory Over The Darkness_:

from page 157, which as a title at the top of the page — “Action, Habit and Stronghold” –

If you have “failed to take a tempting thought captive when it first appeared at the threshold of your mind,” … then “you *are* responsible for your actions at this stage.” (of taking an action that is wrong)

“If you exercise (a) habit long enough, a stronghold will be established.”  (I am leaving out portions, to try to quickly get ‘to the point’ I’d like to share with you, from Mr. Anderson’s book.)  “Once a stronghold (wrong way of thinking) of thought and response is entrenched in your mind, your ability to choose and to act contrary to that pattern is very difficult.”  (ouch!!)

“A stronghold is a mental habit pattern.” (a ‘wrong thought’ pattern, I call it)

“For instance, inferiority is a stronghold.”  (oh my!)

Another example is:  grown children of an alcoholic dad can end up with mental strongholds, which they may not realize, until it is pointed out to them, that they use as defense mechanisms when situations in life come up involving some form of conflict, strife or angry emotions.

If you have ever had any trouble with thoughts you wish you did not have, or with relationships that have conflicts you cannot seem to resolve, or figure out how to deal with, or if you have ‘a past’ you are having trouble ‘overcoming,’  please know that this book would benefit you greatly (and anyone you know who is a believer in The Lord Yeshua the Messiah), as much as I know Mr. Anderson’s other materials have already benefitted me (and many thousands of other people who have read them and applied what they learned in the books).

By the way, if you do not yet have a copy of his _Steps to Freedom in Christ_ booklet, please get one!  It will open a door of real spiritual freedom for you, if you just read through it and pray …!

God is so good to provide helpful, beneficial resources, that others have benefitted from,  and they share about them with us, so we can, then, benefit from using them.  Hallelujah!

You can obtain a copy of any of these books through

http://www.deeperwalkinternational.org/

Listen to “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Download the MIDI file (courtesy of CyberHymnal.org)

This MIDI file is from a post on my Help Notes blog, which included the words to the hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”  You can visit my Help Notes blog, at:

http://helpnotes.blogspot.com/

The “post” there is dated November 18, 2008.  The post title is:  “A Few Words to Remind us of The One Who Loves us”

Thoughts from _The Hidden Art of Homemaking_

… (the subtitle is) Creative Ideas for Enriching Everyday Life … by Edith Schaeffer (wife of Dr. Francis Schaeffer).

In this post, I’m endeavouring to share with you a few thoughts about this helpful book.  However, I have not finished reading it.  So, please realize that what I share is more in general than it is specific to some section, except that, for me, when I mention chapter 4, I did look through that one real closely.  It has to do with little doodles, drawings, and some words, … to translate what a pastor is preaching about to a very young child, and if you know me, you know I used to do that sort of thing with my children, when they were young (my version of doing it, of course).  But what I did was not nearly as well done as what Edith encourages mom to do, in her book, _The Hidden Art of Homemaking_!

This book is a gem, because it shares with us wives and moms, that we can use our “hidden arts,” developing “some talent which is unfulfilled in some ‘hidden area’ of our being” (as she shares on page 31), and demonstrate it (express it, as artists express their thoughts on a canvas, perhaps) in our sphere, our household, for the benefit of our husbands and children.   These hidden talents are giftings we may not yet have discovered God has, indeed, given to us, to use for the good of others.  But He will reveal them, as we ask Him, in prayer, to show us ways we can serve or encourage our husbands, or children, through what we do at home.

This has to do with decorating the home, setting the family meal table, preparing and serving meals, and how we use our time with very young children, for example, in church (finding ways to give them something positive to think about, or to quietly do, while they sit next to us, in the church worship service).  Chapter 4 in this book is great!  It inspired me!

You must get a copy of this book, because you, too, will see that her practical, very helpful, ideas will inspire you, also.  I have the 1971 edition, but I did not obtain it until after 2000.  Am so glad The Lord let me get a copy of it, though.  (big grin)

Edith explains how any of us can “learn” how to make our surroundings and our “sphere of influence” more lovely, not spending large sums of money, but by doing simple things with our own special style added.  She shows you how you can not spend more, but just choose to think more creatively, as God would have us do, to use what we have, or can find for nearly nothing (in cost), to make our homes “more homey.” (in the most positive way; more comfortable to us, and, thus, to those we love)  All we need to do is look around, figure out “what type of atmosphere” we’d like to have in our home, small or large, and in each room we have there, to do something positive with, and let’s see what we are willing to ask God to enable us to do, by His enabling, Mighty Grace, to make our home more peaceful and more enjoyable to dwell in.

Edith does some things I recall my own mom doing, many years ago, such as making what look like poinsettia flower shapes out of red felt, and adding only a few beads and sequins, for the centers, to provide festive, unique coasters we used at Christmastime, but only for special meals.  We used them for years, because no one became tired of these lovely coasters.  And this is the basic idea of what Edith Schaeffer shares in her book.

Our decorations need not be costly; just simply beautiful, elegant and useful to the occasion, especially in our efforts to add something special to our mealtimes at home, ladies!

You can find a 1985 edition of this same book through Christian Book Distributors, at:  http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=2313982&kw=2313982&event=PPCSRC&p=1010575&cm_mmc=Idearc-_-osmx-_-Books-_-2313982

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as Target, all seem to offer this book.  I hope it will bless you to read a copy of it, as much as it has blessed me to use a copy of it, for inspiration, to rejuvenate my ideas, as a wife and mom.

Thoughts from _Created To Be His Help Meet_

…from The Help Meet’s Journey … by Debi Pearl

Here are some inspiring words, as shared by Debi, to inspire you to greatness, as a wife:

* from page 3:  “A Good Help Meet keeps her focus and passion to be of service first to her husband, second to her children and the to others.”

Then…  she asks you (on that same page) to “List new ways.” (… that you use to do service, first to your husband…)

After that step, Debi has you define some “terms” … all of which will enrich your understanding of verses from God’s Word which relate to  a virtuous woman, or to a feeling of gladness.

If we study what it means to be filled with Joy, as Yeshua (Jesus) mentions in the Gospel of John, chapter 15, we see it does not have our husband’s personal name “there,” as the “one” from whom our “gladness” or our “Joy” comes.

The Word of God is our source of Joy — Yeshua (Jesus) says, in the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verse 11 reminds us … “These things (Yeshua’s words, His commands) have I spoken unto you, that My Joy might remain in you, and that your Joy might be full.”  wow!  Pause and take time to think about that!

If we find our true Joy in The Lord and in His Words, His commands He gives to us, to guide us, to bless us, to deliver us, to free us (from bondage, from stress, from wrong thoughts and ideas, and from depressing thoughts or from discouraging or unkind words), then we soon see that we must refill “our Joy buckets” with God’s Life-giving Word(s) several times a day, to remain full.  As each of us eat meals more than once a day (most of us {who read this}, who are so abundantly blessed on this earth to have enough food God has provided for us to consume, daily), our souls also must be satisfied and filled, each day, with The Word of Life.  The result?  Joy-filled hearts / souls!!

Our response should be:  Hallelujah!  God is so good to me!

Since a smile on your face can greatly encourage anyone who sees it, you can use the Joy in your heart, from spending time with The Lord in Bible study, or prayer, or memorizing / meditating on His Truths (each morning and through the day, until we lie down at night to sleep), to lift up the soul of your mate (your husband).  Debi shares, on page 10 of _The Help Meet’s Journey_, that you can “Make a daily plan to practice joy …”  and she encourages her readers (wives) to “jot down any blessings that came from your joyful attitude.”  wow!  It’s not rocket science, or difficult to do.  But if we do not do this, we will see the results as negative.  So, why not try it?

These thoughts are shared from Debi Pearl’s _The Help Meet’s Journey_, a journal to keep / use as you read through her book _Created To Be His Help Meet_.  You may find these helpful, inspiring resources by visiting the Pearl’s ministry website, at:

http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/

You will find many helpful resources there:  books, audio CDs of important teachings or messages shared, and videos … for many uses, including sharing with your relatives, friends, family or those you are reaching out to in your community, with The Gospel message of God’s offer (His free gift) of salvation (deliverance from condemnation and destruction, from eternal death) to eternal Life in His Son, by His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), Who came to earth to live, suffer, die in our place, taking our sins and iniquities upon Himself (on His body), to redeem us, so we could spend eternity with Him, in Heaven, sharing the Joys of His Glory, since Yeshua (Jesus) will share His inheritance with each of us who believe, who follow, and who remain faithful to Him, as our Redeemer, The Lamb of God, The Saviour (Messiah, The Anointed One) and Lord (Adonai).

As you sow seeds of Light, of Life in Messiah (Christ) with those who dwell in darkness, and in sin, … you will be increasing your Joy in The Lord you worship and Love.

More clothing, for sale, will be added soon, to our For Sale page

I hope to add some more digital images, soon, of ladies’ and girls’ clothing we now have for sale. They will be listed on our *For Sale* page, on this blog site. Thank you very much for your patience, ladies!

If anyone is wondering about pricing, just leave me a question in the comment box (for those who do not know me, personally), or email me (for those who know me). I will be glad to answer your questions, as soon as possible.

The prices for these items will bless you, because they are in excellent condition, but are at rock-bottom prices, that most of us might not even find at consignment shops.

Are you aware of the low cost of nicer-quality soaps?

Nice-quality soaps can cost much less than many people think. The nicer-quality soaps that some discount stores offer, or even the handmade soaps that, perhaps, a friend of yours makes, from time to time, actually last much longer, than the average, made-in-a-factory-somewhere soaps that most grocery stores offer us.

There are some very nice soaps, only a few left, being offered at a blog site called Biblical Approach to Excellent Health, at this link: http://www.utmost-way.com/biblicalapproachtohealth/

The prices are less than one would pay for each soap, individually. But they are being offered as individual bars of soap. Cost of shipping is at “actual cost.” (depending on whether you choose UPS or USPS)

Am hoping you will agree that all those who receive your fragrant soaps will get more use out of them, as either room fragrancers, or as sock-drawer refreshers, or … as soaps you use to wash with.

We love using these soaps.

And we also enjoy the nice handmade soaps that our favorite soapmakers have made and sold to us, in recent years! Maybe, soon, I will be able to post a note for you, here, about “who” these handmade soap makers “are.” Hope so.

**Note**  As of February, 2009, we only have two bars of these soaps remaining (available for purchase).

Welcome to my moms’ newsletter …

… I call “Threads of Silver.”

It is designed with you in mind. At-home moms are glad to be serving the Lord, their husbands and raising and teaching their children at home!

But most cannot afford to subscribe to every good and helpful, God-honoring, Messiah-believing, Bible-Truth-focused magazine someone tells us about. We learn all we can glean, with spiritual Understanding and Godly Discernment from God’s Word! Then, we do appreciate other moms sharing helpful information, inspirational truth, and doing it generously.

Threads of Silver is meant to help moms and all believing women by sharing olde-fashioned helpful hints, shared by many Godly women from the past, and others who now live, who share with us what wise advice they have learned from others, and especially from our Lord. Threads of Silver is also designed for older young ladies, over the age of 15, who choose to help their moms at home, and who are learning to be keepers at home, as they wait on the Lord, and grow spiritually in Him, learning all they can, along the way.

Serving the Lord God is always rewarding! His benefits are “out of this world!” ;o) He gives us “crowns” of right-wise-ness, if we earn them. * Rightwiseness is the original English form of the word “righteousness,” that came from the Biblical word used in the New Covenant (New Testament) portion of God’s Word.

Please come by when you can, ladies, and sip a nice, hot cup o’ tea, British style, or your favorite, healing, herbal tea, if you like, while you read what you have time for. Then you can always return, later, when you can. Threads of Silver will be here.

We moms are quite busy, aren’t we? eh? We have such a long list of duties we need to get done each day!

But the Good Lord strengthens us with His Joy!

He enables us by His Grace! Our Father God, through our belief in His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), helps us “walk” each step of our way, if we ask Him.

He gives us help and strength, for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46: 1

Oh, ladies, there is so much more to say. You are *so* important, so valuable, to The One Who made you!!

And you are important to me, and to those whom you serve, each day, as well as to the other moms whom you have helped and inspired!!

Though you may not be “the daughter of Jerusalem,” or “a daughter of Zion,” or of “Israel” (by blood), as a believer in the Lord Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), the Anointed One of God the Father, *you* are *a spiritual child* of Abraham, by faith (believing trust), and you are one whom God has engrafted into His vine (that He calls Israel, in The Word, the Old Covenant / Testament).

Galatians 3: 6-8 shares a little about this. Verse 7 reminds us (who may be Gentiles, according to God’s Word): “Know ye therefore that they which are *of faith,* the same are the children of Abraham.” By believing trust in the finished work of God’s Son, Yeshua (Jesus), for us, personally, we have become engrafted into The Vine (Yeshua / Jesus), and into His Olive Tree (Yisrael), because the Vinedresser (husbandman), our Father God, has made us branches joined to His Vine, His Oliver Tree. Hallelujah!

Romans 8: 1-14 is so inspiring, regarding what YHWH God has done for us! Hallelujah! And in Romans 8: 15, the Apostle Paul (Rav Shaul) shares: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received The Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Verse 16 lifts our spirit, as we read: “The (Holy) Spirit (Ruach haChodesh) Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” What amazing promises!

So … let’s remember He rejoices over us with Joy: “The Lord YHWH thy God in the midst of thee is Mighty; He will save (deliver), He will rejoice over thee (you, ladies) with Joy; He will rest in His Love, He will Joy over thee (you) with singing.” — Zephaniah 3: 17

… but I must continue writing more to you later.

Ladies, you may return soon, and you are welcome to come and read more here, whenever you can !

Am hoping what you find here will be worthwhile for you, a bit like silver and gold, a bit like hidden treasures, that you have found and that you want to pass on to others, who can also glean rich truths and the positive help and loving encouragement we ladies look for, to build us up from time to time, according to our need. The Lord knows each of us, and just what each of us needs, to be built up in Him, in all Truth. He cares about every aspect of your life, dear ladies!!

… looking forward to sharing with you, real soon, ladies!

… sending you a big, Texas-size hug, with a face-wide smile to match it! D

Mrs. Michael (Kathy) Aprile (a Texan temporarily in Tennessee, among believing friends)