This goes along with the previous video. It reminded me so much of something I shared with my children a number of years back and the video brought it back to the forefront. A neighbor shared this story with me once when we were going through some difficult choices for our family so I carried it over and taught the concept to my children. I called it my cat poop and brownie story. It's what we had on hand. ;-)
Here's the original story...
Last week, I walked into my office to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chewy, tasty, homemade chocolate brownies. Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for tasty homemade brownies had placed them there, along with a hand written short story. I immediately sat down and began eating the first chewy, tasty, home made brownie as I read the following story:
Two teenagers asked their father if they could go to the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen. After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.
"Aw dad, why not?" they complained.
"It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"
Dad replied: "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."
"But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie! That's what our friends who've seen it have told us. The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film! It's based on a true story, and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice. Even the movie review websites say that!"
"My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer. You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of your friends over, and watch one of the good videos we have in our home collection. But you will not go and watch that film. End of discussion."
The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch. As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen. They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies. Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."
About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection to the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story.
I kept reading... The teens were not disappointed. Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies, which he offered to his kids. They each took one. Then their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much."
The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances. Dad was softening.
"That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients. I've made them from scratch. Most of the ingredients are even organic. The best organic flour. The best free-range eggs. The best organic sugar. Premium Vanilla and chocolate."
The brownies looked mouthwatering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.
"But I want to be perfectly honest with you. There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies. I got that ingredient from our own back yard. But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies. The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."
"Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"
"Why? The portion I added was so small. Just a teaspoonful. You won't even taste it."
"Come on, dad; just tell us what that ingredient is."
"Don't worry! It is organic, just like the other ingredients."
"Dad!"
"Well, OK, if you insist. That secret ingredient is fresh organic...dogpoop."
I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the wastebasket by my desk. I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained. Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror.
"DAD! Why did you do that? You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop! We can't eat these brownies!"
"Why not? The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients. It won't hurt you. It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients. You won't even taste it. It has the same consistency as the brownies. Go ahead and eat!"
"No, Dad...NEVER!"
"And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie. You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies? We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?"
I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie. What had been irresistible a minute go had become detestable. And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted.
(Surely it wasn't..but I couldn't convince myself.) What a good lesson about purity! Why do we tolerate any sin? On the day of the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove every bit of leaven from their homes. Sin is like leaven - a little bit leavens the whole lump (1Corinthians 5:6,7). Faith and sin don't mix.
Now imagine the look on my childrens faces when I asked them to retrieve me some cat poop from the field outside. Yes, it was priceless.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Turn Away From Evil
I just had to share this video. This was so encouraging to our family. This speaks volumes to what the Lord asks from each of us, even in the little things.
Here's just a few of many verses to go along with it.
1 Peter 1:14-16 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15. but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16. because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
2 Cor 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Eph 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Thess 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
Here's just a few of many verses to go along with it.
1 Peter 1:14-16 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15. but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16. because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
2 Cor 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Eph 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Thess 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
Monday, January 11, 2010
It's been awhile!
It's been so busy here over the holidays the last thing I've had time to do is blog. We have so much we want to share but finding the time has been difficult.
I thought I'd get in a quick video of Caleb we took last month. You can tell he loves food. What a dolly!
The girls have been working on a Christmas post. I don't know when or if they'll ever finish it...nudge nudge.
Here's a few more fun ones just because...
This is the shawl Samantha knitted on her own. It turned out beautiful in the Homespun's Herb Garden yarn.
Here's Mikey with Sam's new hat on. Can you believe he's almost FOUR?!?! He has been a total JOY. He has such a fun personality and is so mature for his age.
Here's a wintry picture for this time of year. You warm climate people, don't you just long for the coziness of a cold winter day snug inside with your family? The kids love it snowing outside. It makes it feel so cozy inside! That window is a favorite to watch it out of! We love to make bread, put a pot of soup on to boil, snuggle in and watch a movie or sew or knit. MMM...such warm thoughts!
Enjoy your day!
I thought I'd get in a quick video of Caleb we took last month. You can tell he loves food. What a dolly!
The girls have been working on a Christmas post. I don't know when or if they'll ever finish it...nudge nudge.
Here's a few more fun ones just because...
This is the shawl Samantha knitted on her own. It turned out beautiful in the Homespun's Herb Garden yarn.
Here's Mikey with Sam's new hat on. Can you believe he's almost FOUR?!?! He has been a total JOY. He has such a fun personality and is so mature for his age.
Here's a wintry picture for this time of year. You warm climate people, don't you just long for the coziness of a cold winter day snug inside with your family? The kids love it snowing outside. It makes it feel so cozy inside! That window is a favorite to watch it out of! We love to make bread, put a pot of soup on to boil, snuggle in and watch a movie or sew or knit. MMM...such warm thoughts!
Enjoy your day!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Double Delights!
How much I love thee...let me count the ways...
Life here has never been boring but thanks to these two little girls the joy and laughter has more than doubled.
They are such good friends. Now that they're communicating so well it's so fun to watch their friendship with each other.
They pretty much watch out for each other all the time and MOST of the time share everything. However, they do have their moments if one isn't feeling so friendly.
To watch them is pure delight! They are so fun and love to sing and do hand movements to songs, play house...all the things little girls love.
As they've gotten older and learned how things work, we've had to put their pj's on backwards to keep them from unzipping themselves and taking them off. Now they've learned to just unzip each other.
The other night we caught them attempting to dip their chips in the Vaseline jar. We've had MANY bouts with Vaseline all over them and in each others hair.
They are typical females and in love with chocolate.
This morning I was talking with my husband on the phone and heard the twins giggling behind me. They were both sitting at the computer desk and pretending to type on the keyboard. Twenty little fingers would busily chatter away on the keys, then stop, look at each other and burst out laughing only to do it over again. I was telling my husband, who could hear them laughing over the phone, what they were doing and wondering what havoc they've caused on it while 'typing'.
Needless to say there were a few messages from yahoo friends wondering what the 'gibberish' was about. I was hoping it was just a few they managed to chatter with as I began getting messages of, oh really and huh? and love talking to 2 year olds, but I'm thinking it may be my whole list as I'm still getting questions. So I hope you didn't mind deciphering a bit of toddlerese today. ;-)
I leave you with this little video my husband got night before last. I heard some giggling going on in the bathroom. I thought they were probably brushing their teeth and playing in the water as it was time for bed. So I peaked AND this is what we found...(you may have to pause the music to hear it)
Life here has never been boring but thanks to these two little girls the joy and laughter has more than doubled.
They are such good friends. Now that they're communicating so well it's so fun to watch their friendship with each other.
They pretty much watch out for each other all the time and MOST of the time share everything. However, they do have their moments if one isn't feeling so friendly.
To watch them is pure delight! They are so fun and love to sing and do hand movements to songs, play house...all the things little girls love.
As they've gotten older and learned how things work, we've had to put their pj's on backwards to keep them from unzipping themselves and taking them off. Now they've learned to just unzip each other.
The other night we caught them attempting to dip their chips in the Vaseline jar. We've had MANY bouts with Vaseline all over them and in each others hair.
They are typical females and in love with chocolate.
This morning I was talking with my husband on the phone and heard the twins giggling behind me. They were both sitting at the computer desk and pretending to type on the keyboard. Twenty little fingers would busily chatter away on the keys, then stop, look at each other and burst out laughing only to do it over again. I was telling my husband, who could hear them laughing over the phone, what they were doing and wondering what havoc they've caused on it while 'typing'.
Needless to say there were a few messages from yahoo friends wondering what the 'gibberish' was about. I was hoping it was just a few they managed to chatter with as I began getting messages of, oh really and huh? and love talking to 2 year olds, but I'm thinking it may be my whole list as I'm still getting questions. So I hope you didn't mind deciphering a bit of toddlerese today. ;-)
I leave you with this little video my husband got night before last. I heard some giggling going on in the bathroom. I thought they were probably brushing their teeth and playing in the water as it was time for bed. So I peaked AND this is what we found...(you may have to pause the music to hear it)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Simple Womans Daybook
FOR TODAY
November 30th...
Outside my window...mostly cloudy skies with tiny peaks of sunlight through them
I am thinking...of the awesomness of Christs coming into the world for us all. We are so unworthy!
I am thankful for...happy children this morning!
From the learning rooms...the usual bookwork plus whatever dad has for them.
From the kitchen...making turkey soup with the leftover turkey. Trying something new...actually I'm concocting. ;)
I am wearing...jean skirt and blue shirt that is tooo summery for our chilly house
I am creating...the rest of the apron Samantha started for me as well as a grocery list for the month.
I am going...to go hug my hubby...I enjoy having him home with us.
I am reading...flyers,catalogs, and more flyers. Have to make the Christmas list for the relatives.
I am hoping...to finish a lot of tasks today.
I am hearing...Emma and Michael playing with the playhouse next to me. So sweet.
Around the house...finishing my seasonal decorating...I just love this part.
One of my favorite things...the eyes of my little guy when he sees me.
A few plans for the rest of the week: grocery shopping, Christmas shopping, hopefully a family picture, and a few special visitors.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Thanksgiving day...almost dinner time!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Value of Gratefulness
My husband gave me this little tidbit today. It was a little snippet he cut off the back of a potato chip bag and printed on paper. The chips were called Uncle Ray's Potato Chips. This man turned his family owned business into a ministry. He apparently wrote over 30 chapters of his life's memoirs titled "The Life and Times of Uncle Ray" and puts a chapter on the back of each bag. You can read his testimony HERE. This was chapter 32 titled the Value of Gratefulness.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, I am grateful that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, I am grateful, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, I am grateful, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, I am grateful, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, I am grateful, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, I am grateful, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, I am grateful, for life!
When was the last time you were grateful for the air you breathe? What about the sunshine, are you thankful for it?
It is a constant struggle to be grateful everyday. On my website, there are examples of how gratefulness has benefited me in my life and in my business. Also, check out the useful tips to help you remember how to always be thankful. www.unclerays.com (Still under construction)
Gratefulness
"Making known to others in what ways they have benefited my life."
Here are simple things to remember to help you demonstrate gratefulness in every day life.
I will:
*Show others that I appreciate them.
*Write thank you notes.
*Take care of my things.
*Be content with what I have.
*Count my benefits rather than my burdens.
Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, I am grateful that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.
Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, I am grateful, that I can see. Many are blind.
Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, I am grateful, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.
Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, I am grateful, for my family. There are many who are lonely.
Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, I am grateful, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.
Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, I am grateful, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, I am grateful, for life!
When was the last time you were grateful for the air you breathe? What about the sunshine, are you thankful for it?
It is a constant struggle to be grateful everyday. On my website, there are examples of how gratefulness has benefited me in my life and in my business. Also, check out the useful tips to help you remember how to always be thankful. www.unclerays.com (Still under construction)
"Making known to others in what ways they have benefited my life."
Here are simple things to remember to help you demonstrate gratefulness in every day life.
I will:
*Show others that I appreciate them.
*Write thank you notes.
*Take care of my things.
*Be content with what I have.
*Count my benefits rather than my burdens.
I thought this was great. I can only imagine how many people this man might reach by being a willing servant to put messages like this on his products. As I read the 'I wills', I thought of the bible principles to go with each.
*Being thankful
*Being good stewards of what He has given us
*Being content in whatsoever state I am
*Counting our blessings as they are all a gift from God
*Honoring all men as scripture speaks of
*Being good stewards of what He has given us
*Being content in whatsoever state I am
*Counting our blessings as they are all a gift from God
*Honoring all men as scripture speaks of
I'm sure there are more but what a reminder this was to all as well as a testimony of how God can even use a potato chip bag.
The more we realise how indebted we are to God and deserving of nothing but eternal punishment, the more grateful we will be for the many ways He and others benefit us.
The more we realise how indebted we are to God and deserving of nothing but eternal punishment, the more grateful we will be for the many ways He and others benefit us.
Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY
Monday, November 9th
Outside my window... mostly overcast with little breaks of blue sky revealing themselves, trees without leaves, cornstalks blowing in the breeze, a freshly cut backyard by my hard working son Charles.
I am thinking...a gamut of things as usual. What to make for supper, how to help dh find new work, how much I love my family.
I am thankful for...a husband willing to work hard for us, a piano that plays beautifully for my children to sing with...they're singing Amazing Grace right now.
From the learning rooms...finished for the day...now it's working with Dad since he's home early.
From the kitchen...haven't a clue for dinner yet. Leftovers from Rebecca's birthday dinner was lunch today. Chicken Lasagna, Chili, cornbread, and wheat bread.
I am wearing...my jammies (at the time I started this)...I haven't been feeling real good today. :/
I am creating...a blog post? LOL! Haven't worked on Mikey's scarf lately...I should do that. He's now put in a request for a camo hat too.
I am going...to shower...plan dinner and try to look alive for the rest of the day. :)
I am reading...my bible...the book of John.
I am hoping...to get some odd jobs caught up today.
I am hearing...baby fussing to be held...guess I should finish here.
Around the house...it's picked up just need to fine tune a bit and organize the basement pantry area after our grocery shopping runs this weekend.
One of my favorite things...as much as I hate it getting dark early, I love the feeling of a cozy, well lit kitchen, warm from cooking supper and all the family gathered around the table while being dark outside.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Hmm...need to finish getting the yard ready for winter, fall decorating, and preparing for Brittany's birthday party this Friday (or whatever night she can make it out here). She's chosen biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage for dinner. That sounds heavenly on a cold fall night in a WARM kitchen.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
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