Monthly Archives: May 2016

The Ultimate Sacrifice – Memorial Day

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During the bombing of London in World War II, Winston Churchill solemnly observed British fighter pilots sacrificially defending their beloved homeland against the German bombers. With great emotion, he spoke these words to his driver: “Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed to so few.” May we too honor those who paid the highest sacrifice for our freedom this day.

Even more so, may we give tribute upon tribute, praise upon praise, and everlasting glory to the Prince of Peace Who redeemed us from eternity in hell by His priceless blood. The Pure Sinless Lamb gave His life for those sinners who believe in Him.

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Revelation 5:9).

“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Romans 5:15)

Steve

Approved Containers?

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Do you comply with the new mandated safety standards for gasoline? My understanding is that the mandated containers are more for the protection of the environment than for the protection of people. Common sense and caution are still required because gasoline is flammable and poisonous.

Lye, a chemical (sodium hydroxide) used in making soap, is found in many homes. Lye is possibly even more dangerous to people than gasoline. I know two families in which children added water to a dry, empty cup that had previously been used to transfer lye and took a drink. Immediately upon drinking the water, they began screaming in pain as their throats were “burned.” Though both children lived, they had serious health challenges for years afterward.

Tragically, many families today often ignore an even greater danger. A child’s mind is a container that deserves the greatest care as to what is put into it, because what goes into a mind can NEVER be removed. Although it may be difficult at times to find something you might want to retrieve from your mind, you cannot remove what is there. 🙂

What you put into a child’s mind can be either tremendously beneficial or disastrous to the child’s future. Are we being responsible parents by regulating what goes into our children’s minds? Are we instilling in them the need for great caution in what they allow in?

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” (Romans 16:19)

Steve

Power

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Power:

builds
conquers
moves
destroys
directs
is costly
corrupts
is craved by man

How do we use the power we have? Are we rude, angry, and commanding? What would we do with more?

“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5)

Steve

An Introduction …

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I want to introduce someone to you. To you all, she is Teri Maxwell, to me, she is my wife and “Sweetheart.” 

To homeschooling moms, she is seen as the mom who made scheduling practical and achievable with the resulting benefit of an organized and peaceful home. She has helped tens of thousands of moms see that it is actually possible to get it all done AND be both sane and happy. Years ago she was in trouble, with too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Together we worked to simplify her life so that it was manageable. We found by simply “automating” many of her daily decisions we got the big, ugly, evil green gorilla off her back. To me, she is a fantastic manager of our home, where it is peaceful and orderly – a place I’m happy to come home to and proud to welcome guests in.

To those struggling with depression, Teri is a beacon of hope pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ and a myriad of practical choices that gain freedom from the “evil gorilla.” Because Teri has been crushed by depression, ruled by anger, and hounded by the guilt of what she wasn’t accomplishing, nor the mom she wanted to be, weary, heavy-laden, moms know Teri understands them. To me she is a trophy of how God, in His mercy, can exchange beauty for ashes in all of our lives.

To our ten children she is “Mom.” Eight children who are seeking to follow their Lord Jesus Christ on this earth and two more who are with the Lord Jesus waiting for her in Heaven. Teri knows the pain of losing children through miscarriage therefore others who have lost children know she can relate to them. To me, her walk is one of daily, obediently, trusting in her Lord, that all things work together for good. She is the love of my life.

To her daughters-in-law she is one who will (like clockwork), spend time lovingly playing with and reading to the grandchildren and will invest in their homes when she senses she can be an encouragement. To me she is an example of investing energy into the lives of those you love.

So why this for a Seriously? I want the story of our lives together to encourage you in a couple of areas. You are a team with your wife. As goes with her – goes with you. If she hurts, you hurt. Brothers, I plead with you, if she is trouble, do whatever can be done – move Heaven and earth – to help her.

Show her your gratitude and if you aren’t grateful, repent. Love, cherish and nourish her. “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church” (Ephesians 5:29). Lavish your love on her, not only Sunday, Mother’s Day, but every day.

Steve

With Great Delight, An Introduction …

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(Preface: Teri has no idea about the Corner below. She thought Sarah was going to write a guest Corner this month. She’ll be surprised!)

I want to introduce someone to you. To you all, she is Teri Maxwell, to me, she is “Sweetheart.”

To homeschooling moms, she is seen as the mom who made scheduling practical and achievable with the resulting benefit of an organized and peaceful home. She has helped tens of thousands of moms see that it is actually possible to get it all done AND be both sane and happy (I know, many settle for one or the other). Years ago she was in trouble, with too much to do, and not enough time to do it. On top of that Teri was battling depression.

Together we worked to simplify her life so that it was manageable. We found by simply “automating” many of her daily decisions, we got the big, ugly, evil green gorilla off her back. She was relieved of the weight and was able to not just cope, but be the efficient homeschooling mom she wanted to be. To me, she is a fantastic manager of our home, where it is peaceful and orderly place I’m happy to come home to and proud to welcome guests in.

To those struggling with depression, Teri is a beacon of hope pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ and a myriad of practical choices that gain freedom from the “evil gorilla.” Because Teri has been crushed by depression, ruled by anger, and hounded by the guilt of what she wasn’t accomplishing, nor the mom she wanted to be, weary, heavy-laden, moms know Teri understands them. To me, she is a trophy of how God, in His mercy, can exchange beauty for ashes in all of our lives.

To those who are not bubbly, gushy, Type A personalities, and have occasional down days, she is solid, steadfast, and stable encouragement. To me, she is a dependable team member, working alongside as we lead this family together.

To our ten children, she is “Mom.” Eight children who are seeking to follow their Lord Jesus Christ on this earth and two more who are with the Lord Jesus waiting for her in Heaven. Yes, she also knows the pain of losing children through miscarriage; therefore others who have lost children know she can relate to them. To me, her walk is one of daily, obediently, trusting in her Lord, that all things work together for good. She is the love of my life.

To her daughters-in-law she is one who will like clockwork, spend time lovingly playing with and reading to the grandchildren and will invest in their homes when she senses she can be an encouragement. To me, she is an example of investing energy into the lives of those you love.

Your story will be not like Teri’s. Yours could involve much more or less heartache. If your story involves difficulties and suffering–may I encourage you? Heartache and suffering can be fertile ground for great growth in Christ. It isn’t what difficulties come your way in life; it is how you respond to them. Pursue the Lord Jesus with all your heart, soul, and mind. Whatever ash you have found in life (or it has found you), our prayer is that you will let the Lord Jesus exchange it for beauty. Let the God of all comfort, comfort you, so you can comfort others.

To all you who have chosen the most worthwhile profession, our love, encouragement, and prayers are for you to be filled with His Spirit and walk in it. And yes, Happy Mother’s Day.

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:4).

In Christ Jesus,
Steve Maxwell

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Posted in: Mom's Corner