Teaching How to Crochet

I Taught Myself to Crochet book

Back cover of I Taught Myself to Crochet

Left-hander's instructions

Right-hander's instructions

I have been on a new push to crochet.  I get excited when the weather changes to the cool seasons.  I always look forward to making new things.  I like the chance at creativity.  This year is no different.

As soon as I took out the yarn and hooks, the kids made their requests.  Most of them asked for the triangular hats like the one below.  My oldest son asked for a bag, a gray one, to be exact.  That's the project I'm working on right now.

Santa-type hat I crocheted for younger son

I really did teach myself how to crochet.  I used the book above that came complete with hooks and needles.  I didn't wait for anyone to teach me; I took the initiative to learn.  It's something I hope my kids will do, when they want to learn something new.  Already, I see my youngest daughter, who is six, wanting to learn how to crochet.

Here's how I started to teach Kaelyn:  Over the years, I've given Kaelyn a ball of yarn and a large hook.  I've simply let her play with those items with no particular objective, except to expose her to the materials.  (This is akin to Montessori teaching.)  Recently, she wanted more definitive instructions so I let her see the pictures for right-handers.  I asked her to learn how to hold the hook, and that's as far as we've gotten.

Would I like her to learn how to do more?  Yes, of course, I would.  I just want to not frustrate her.  I want to take it easy.  I do know that my nephew, who was a left-hander did learn how to make a simple chain to create a bracelet; I am confident that my children can learn how to crochet.

The biggest challenge for me is that I am left-handed.  Most of my kids, who want to learn how to crochet, are right-handed.  Luckily, I have the book, which has directions for right and left-handers.  I also have the internet.  Over the years, I have found lots of useful hints and tips at wonderful websites.

 

Here are some helpful websites with patterns:

 

Crochet Lessons for the left-handed

 

Short Round Poncho

 

Easy Child's Poncho

 

Quick Crocheted Kerchief

 

How to Make Potholders (my first project)

 

Well, thanks for reading this entry about teaching how to crochet.  I hope I've given you some ideas for teaching crochet, a wonderful creative craft.

How about you, my readers?  How have you taught your children about creating with crafts?  Have you ever considered crocheting and/or knitting?  Your children can benefit from learning how to craft blankets, pillows, pot holders, and/or hats.

May God bless us all with His wisdom and peace, as we teach your children.

This has been an entry for Thorough Thursdays.  

 

If you enjoyed this blog entry, please press the "like" button below.

Being in Harmony With God: My Contemplation of Verse 46 of the Tao Te Ching

Dr. Dyer's book is Change your Thoughts--Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao.

Today, I am focusing on verse 46 of the Tao Te Ching:

When the world has the Way,

running horses are retired to till the fields.

When the world lacks the Way,

warhorses are bred in the countryside.

There is no greater loss than losing the Tao,

no greater curse than covetousness,

no greater tragedy than discontentment;

the worst of faults is wanting more--always.

Contentment alone is enough.

Indeed, the bliss of eternity

can be found in your contentment.

What is the Way to peace?

Striving for contentment is difficult.  

Imagine a horse having a carrot dangling in front of it.  If the horse can't reach it, the horse gets frustrated, especially if it's very hungry.  Or consider the fox in one Aesop's fable?  You know the story, in which the fox gives up when he can't reach the grapes.  He walks away and says something like, "Well, the grapes were probably sour anyway."

Should we accept the lack of things and status?

No.  This 46th verse of the Tao Te Ching is not asking us to give up on our endeavors.  Lao-tzu, the writer of the Tao Te Ching, is asking us to be satisfied with what we already have.  We can experience happiness if we let go of the chase-of-things-and-higher-status mentality.  It is when we let go, that those wonderful blessings can truly come our way.

The thing we need to do is plug into the Source of everything (Tao, The Way)--God, the Father.  If we truly believe in God, we will trust in Him to provide for us.  

The greed for power and natural resources of land is the epitome of striving.  Are we little dictators in our community and/or families?  Are we fighting for something that will always escape us?  Is it worth it to strive for that which we should leave alone?  Why bother to see that which we really don't need in our lives?

Let's ask God to guide us.  

If He is the Source of everything, can't we lean on God to understand the priorities in our lives?  Let's stop what we are doing and ask God for wisdom to figure out what He wants for us.  Let's ask Him to remove greed and discontent from our hearts.  Only then, can we experience harmony in our lives.

Thanks for reading today's post about finding harmony with God.  

I appreciate you taking the time to read it.  

I've got some questions for you: Are you striving for possessions and status?  Are you frustrated with life?  Do you want to experience peace?  I pray that we all would seek peace from the Source of everything--Father, God.  I pray that we would ask God for His help to experience a deep, loving, and mutually beneficial relationship with Him.

May God bless you, my beloveds, with His wisdom and peace, in Jesus' name.  Amen!

This has been an entry for Wisdom Wednesdays.

I am currently drawing inspiration from Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's book and the 81 verses of the Chinese wisdom book the Tao Te Ching.

Z is for Virtual Zoos & Technology Tuesday Recap

I'm currently participating in 

an ABC's for homeschooling challenge.  

Since it falls on Tuesdays, 

I am adding a technological slant to the challenge.  

I hope you stay tuned and enjoy my entries.

 

 

I've had a fun and sometimes challenging time coming up with a letter for each alphabet.  I have loved doing this because my creativity has been stretched.  Below is a list of virtual zoos that I have compiled.  Enjoy!

 

 

Kaelyn with her favorite animal--panda bear

Kaelyn's panda bear family

Panda Cam

 

My daughter, Kaelyn, loves panda bears.  She loves them so much she has a whole family of stuffed panda bears, even the pillow pets.  I wish she could see them in person, but our San Antonio Zoo, doesn't have a display with them in it.  The next best thing is to find them online in a virtual zoo.

Wikipedia explains what a virtual zoo is. 

Surfing the Net with Kids website has a list of virtual zoos.

Here is a live web cams compilation.
 
The Virtual Petting Zoo is awesome.

 

Zoobooks version of a virtual zoo, is complete with lots of information and pictures.

 

Lawrence Goetz's virtual zoo is nicely organized.

 

The Big Zoo shows information and pictures of dinosaurs and other animals.

 

Pioneer Virtual Zoo says it a zoo for children, created by children.

 

The Zoo Online is all about zoos of the world.

 

The Online Zoo includes themes and activities.

 

 

 

Well, thanks for viewing this quick blog entry about virtual zoos, which can be used in our home school.

Next week, I hope to cover the letter X.  

Please stay tuned!

How about you, my readers?  Have you ever visited any zoos via the internet?  If so, did you ask your children to take notes or do a followup assignment?  Or would your family visit virtual zoos for pure entertainment?  I think virtual zoos are a wonderful, economical method to learn about animals.  I believe in finding technological tools to help in the home school; I hope you would consider using technology in your schools, too. 

I pray that God gives you all, my beloveds, His wisdom and peace.

 

This has been an entry for the Technology Tuesdays series.  Please visit my Technology Tuesdays webpage for a list of my previous entries.

 

 

Importance of Family Gatherings

It's not easy for me.  Family gatherings are difficult for me.  I've lost many family members and friends for one reason or another.  It's a challenge for me to get together with others.  Still, I know that I must interact with people.

Sometimes, I feel I'm being lazy.  I don't call friends or family to see how they are doing.  I also suffer a lot with my skin condition.  I guess I just want to convince myself to reach out.  It's not necessarily that I am afraid to get my feelings hurt.  I know going in that I might get my feelings hurt so I don't have high expectations.

The problem comes when I think of my kids.  They need to have friends.  They need to know their family.  They need to have family and friends that hold them dear.  After all, what if something happened to me, and I couldn't care for them anymore?

That's why I went on an internet search to find articles relating to family gatherings.  One thing you must known about me: I consider my dearest friends as family.  Sometimes, they have stuck with me, through the good times and the bad, like no one else has. 

Enjoy my little list of issues concerning family gatherings--

*Benefits and ways to have a family dinner:

http://children.webmd.com/guide/family-dinners-are-important

*Reconnecting with loved ones:

http://www.sugarhollowretreat.com/benefits-having-family-reunion-smaller-family

*We are social beings:

http://www.enctoday.com/articles/family-318-relationships-families.html

*A documentary of a family gathering:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095130/

*Advice on how to have a successful family gathering:

http://www.gatherings.info/

*Ways to record a special gathering:

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/8-tips-for-capturing-family-gathering-candids

 

 

Well, thanks for reading about my thoughts on family gatherings.  I hope this blog entry helps someone.

How about you, my readers?  Have you had family get-togethers?  Do you enjoy family gatherings?  How did you handle family gatherings?  I encourage you to consider family gatherings.  It's a great opportunity to reconnect and boost your mood.  You might just need a little break from the monotony of life.   

If you need to improve your health, in any form, please ask God to help you; he will, if you pray for His guidance.

This is an entry for Medical Mondays.  For past entries, click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints that I discussed here are just my opinions.  Please consult your physician before altering anything relating to your health.  I am only suggesting here to take charge of your health.  Don't just leave your health in the hands of your doctors; become your own advocate.  You know best how your body is doing.

Our Adoption Into Christ's Kingdom

The Bible teaches us about our adoption into God's kingdom.

1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;  2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.  3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:  4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,  5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.  --Galatians 4:1-7 King James Version  We recently saw the movie, Thor.  No, I won't spoil the whole story for those who haven't seen it yet.  I will say that the plot centers around a would-be hero.  Because of his ill-conceived zeal, Thor is banished to earth.  Throughout the movie, he comes to realize the error of his lust for war.  Just at the right time, Thor saves the day.    Wisdom does not come easily.  Neither does leadership.  A true leader of a people does not make hasty decisions.  He weighs the pros and cons of any given circumstances.   Leadership does not change hands until the time is right.  This is the same with God, His son, and us.  God sent His Son to us.  Jesus was born of an earthly woman to reconcile us to the Father.  God knew what He was doing.  God desired the right leader--Jesus--for us.  Just like Thor ended up saving his people, Jesus is Our Savior.  Just as Jesus is King of all kings, we ourselves are leaders in our communities and homes.  At the right time, we have the responsibility to lead with wisdom and care.  Thanks to the adoption into the kingdom of God, we have the counsel of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our decision-making.  Because God accepted us as His children, we are more than servants to each other.  We must keep in mind, though, that the highest of us all is servant to the lesser.  We serve a Mighty God and are appointed to love each other.   Thanks for reading today's blog entry about our adoption into Christ's kingdom.  I appreciate you taking the time to read it.

 How about you, my readers?  Have you read about our adoption into the Father's kingdom?  Do you understand about how the adoption occurred?  Have you shared what the Word of God says about why The Father sent His Son to earth?  Do you truly know what it means to be a child of God?  I encourage you to read different versions of Galatians 4:1-7 to understand about God adopting us into His family.    May the only true God of all gods bless us, my dear friends, with His wisdom and peace.  In Jesus' name.  Amen! 

This has been an entry for the Spiritual Sundays series. 

To compile this mini- bible study, I visited: http://www.biblestudytools.com/

 

Variations on a Sandwich

Healthy, delicious sandwich

I am down to the wire, wondering what to blog about.  I applied to my husband, asking him what I should write.  He said I should leave it off for tomorrow, but I am adamant about blogging every day for this year.  He suggested I write about sandwiches.  Oh, there's a subject I haven't written about.

Here goes a lovely description about my version of a delicious sandwich.  I love adding healthy ingredients.   One can add any condiment of choice.  Any meat and vegetables can be included, too.  Enjoy the pictures.

Simple ingredients for a healthy sandwich

Easy ingredients:

Bread, 

Turkey breast slices,

Cheese slice,

Spinach,

Tomatoes, 

Mayonnaise

SaraLee bread with no high fructose corn syrup

My choice of condiment--mayonnaise

Sandwich assembled my way

A sandwich can be assembled in any way, as long as the ingredients end up in between the two slices of bread.  Of course, one bread can be used for a younger child.  Mustard can be used instead of mayonnaise.  Spinach and tomatoes can be left out.  In place of turkey breast slices, bologna or ham can be eaten.

 

 

Well, thanks for reading about my easy sandwich variations.  I hope this informs you all of quick sandwiches which can be thrown together.

 

What about you, my readers? Do you like sandwiches? Do you like cheese, tomatoes, and spinach in your sandwiches?  

 

Combining these simple ingredients into a sandwich is wonderful.  I encourage you to get creative with quick meals.  You can use chicken or tuna salad as a meat ingredient.  Sandwiches should include ingredients from the recommended food groups, too.

May God bless you with His peace and wisdom, my beloveds.

This has been an entry for Saturday Spreads. I hope you enjoyed it!

Organizing the Kitchen/Dining With Containers

Cardboard drink holder

Last Friday, I wrote about Organizing the Bathroom With Food Containers.  This Friday, I want to show I have organized a few things with food jars and other containers.  In the picture above, I have a cardboard drink holder from a restaurant takeout trip.  I used two large cups, one to hold straws and another one to hold forks and spoons.  It has a handle for ease of moving to and from the dining table.

Below, I have a nifty napkin holder.  Of course, we could use it for holding paper napkins, but why?  I have two salt shakers, one for each side of the dining table, as well as two toothpick holders.  It's easier to hold all of these four items in the napkin holder. 

Napkin holder

Below, you can see two containers of Nesquik Chocolate-flavored powder.  One has been emptied of the powder and its label removed.  I love these containers.  I've used one for birthday candles.  This time, I have used one for pre-packaged spices for different meals.

Containers of Nesquik chocolate powder

Nesquik container reused

Below is a tall plastic container that we were given years ago.  It used to hold some granola bars.  I knew right away when I saw this container that it would be worth more than the snacks it held.  Well, it now holds cup cake paper cups, food dye, and other small baking products.

Front of snack plastic container

Back of snack plastic container

Finally, here is a plastic Folgers container.  I love these because they are very sturdy and versatile.  The label can be removed and with a permanent marker one can help relabel it.  Below, I am using it for uncookable pinto beans.  I'm saving the beans for a future craft project.

Plastic Folgers container

Folgers container holding pinto beans

As you can see, containers of all sorts can be reused.  Nesquik and Folgers container, and even drink holders, can be used in different ways.  Food, baking, and eating utensils can find new containers.  Unconventional containers can hold new things.  I would think that the small Folgers container can hold sugar for a trip, and the napkin holder can still hold a small amount of paper napkins.

Well, thanks for reading this entry.   

If you like it, please press the "like" button below.  

I would appreciate that very much.

How about it, my readers?  Have you organized anything in your kitchen and/or dining room lately?  Would you consider using plastic food jars or other unconventional containers?  Right now is the perfect opportunity to do your fall cleaning.  I hope you would find time to change things up for the fall season. 

May God bless you all with His wisdom and peace.

This entry is part of the Family Fun Fridays series.

Teaching About Money

Kaelyn, my 1st grader, enjoyed her shopping.

Kaelyn was looking forward to shopping.

A few days ago, I asked my youngest if she wanted to play store.  She was so excited that she told her oldest brother about it.  I felt so bad the next day because I was under the weather.  Yes, I go through that a lot.  I still decided to go through with it by asking her to bring her toy food into my bedroom.

I loved watching Kaelyn shop and purchase.

The toys ended up on my bed.  I crocheted while she shopped.  Once she had finished choosing her foods, I tallied it up on the white cash register or yellow calculator.  Then, I asked her to pay with the fake money which we had purchased with a cheap cash register tray. 

We used the scanner on the white cash register.

Play money was fun and great hands on learning.

A handy calculator added up some of the purchases.

Priced crayons provided direct experience of purchasing.

My daughter is still learning about what each coin represents.  Years ago, I had made the manilla folder, pictured below, for my oldest (who is now 15 years-old).  I want my youngest child to enjoy learning about money.  I also like making teaching material for my kids to learn concepts like money.  That's why I made the following available to her during her shopping experience:

Manilla folder with money worksheets aided the learning.

Worksheet about money can be found at Enchanted Learning.

 

It's easy to put together a manilla folder like the one above.  You can find worksheets (and cut and paste bits) that reflect the math facts and/or other subject which are desired.  Enchanted Learning is a wonderful website with lots of useful worksheets.  That's a website that features many subjects and even a paid membership.  Many of the worksheets are free, though.

 

 

Well, thanks for reading this entry about teaching money.  I hope I've given you another idea for teaching money, one of the first math concepts for the elementary grades.

How about you, my readers?  How have you taught your children about money?  Have you ever considered using fake money and mini-posters to teach early childhood learning concepts?  Your children can benefit from using a hands on method to learn.

May God bless us all with His wisdom and peace, as we teach your children.

This has been an entry for Thorough Thursdays.  

 

If you enjoyed this blog entry, please press the "like" button below.

Getting Past Perfectionism: My Contemplation of Verse 45 of the Tao Te Ching

Dr. Dyer's book is Change your Thoughts--Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao.

Today, I am focusing on verse 45 of the Tao Te Ching:

The greatest perfection seems imperfect,

and yet its use is inexhaustible.

The greatest fullness seems empty,

and yet its use is endless.

Great straightness seems twisted.

Great intelligence seems stupid.

Great eloquence seems awkward.

Great truth seems false.

Great discussion seems silent.

Activity conquers cold;

inactivity conquers heat.

Stillness and tranquility set things in order

in the universe.

By now, I am a little more than halfway into all of the verses of the Tao Te Ching.  In the time I've read these verses, I have seen comparison and contrasts between ideas.  This verse speaks on the topic of perfection versus imperfection.  When we want to understand something, it helps to see the opposites of concepts.  When we think of a cup being empty, we often look at it in negative terms.

This verse is asking us to look at the empty cup in a positive light.  What if the empty cup is ready to be filled?  That's a different way to look at the empty cup in our lives.  When we, as empty vessels, cry out to God, it is an opportunity for God to fill us with His provisions.

I can see that some Christians would see me as doing something counterintuitive by turning to the Tao Te Ching ( a Chinese wisdom book) to understand God.  Just bear with me.  I feel that God is revealing Himself to me with different terminology.  I have been gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for who He is.  He is so willing to help me understand Him because that is my deepest desire at this point.

Imagine a time when you were extremely cold.  How did you conquer it?  Did you run around and notice your body break out in sweat?  How about when extremely heated?  Did you remain still and notice that the sweating slowed down?

I think that in order to bring about a desired effect, we must contemplate what we need to do.  If the same behavior keeps bringing about the same negative affects, then something needs to change.  How about holding our tongues when someone heats us up with their words and/or deeds?  How about speaking up when we usually keep quiet?  If we change our response to the universe around us, we stand the chance to experience peace and a stillness to counteract the chaos that is often foisted upon us.

Thanks for reading today's post.  

I appreciate it very much.  

I've got some questions for you: Are you looking for imperfections in everything and everyone?  Are you willing to change your outlook on life?  Do you want to experience peace in the midst of chaos?  I pray that we all would seek the greatness in the seemingly negative circumstances of our lives.  I pray that we would ask God for His help to experience a deep, loving, and mutually beneficial relationship with Him.

May God bless you, my beloveds, with His wisdom and peace, in Jesus' name.  Amen!

This has been an entry for Wisdom Wednesdays.

I am currently drawing inspiration from Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's book and the 81 verses of the Chinese wisdom book the Tao Te Ching.

Y is for YouTube & Other Educational Videos

I'm currently participating in 

an ABC's for homeschooling challenge.  

Since it falls on Tuesdays, 

I am adding a technological slant to the challenge.  

I hope you stay tuned and enjoy my entries.

Youtube video of an exercising woman

 

I like the idea that there are videos available to us.  Even better is that many of the videos are educational.  That's a goldmine for homeschooling families.  The only thing better is that they are free to view.  Below is a compilation of videos (many of them in YouTube) that I found, based on topic.  Enjoy:

Educational:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/educational-youtube-channels/

http://www.america.gov/st/educ-english/2008/January/200801221815081CJsamohT0.1036035.html

http://www.goomedic.com/top-30-youtube-com-medical-video-channels-youtube-com-for-medical-education.html

http://www.edutopia.org/youtube-teaching-video

http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/100-best-youtube-videos-for-teachers/

Science:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfs4Rd5f_IQ

http://www.bachelorofscience.com/100-best-youtube-videos-for-science-teachers

http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sciencevideos.html

Math:

http://www.squidoo.com/Youtube-Math-Tutors

http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/youtube.htm

http://www.mathwithlarry.com/math-videos.htm

http://www.dipity.com/timetube/YouTube_Videos_matching_query_math_1212923642/

German:

http://freelanguage.org/learn-german/digital-tools-and-media/videos/learn-german-youtube-videos

Spanish:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/463544/learn_spanish_online_10_free_youtube.html?cat=15

http://www.brain-scape.com/blog/2011/04/top-10-youtube-channels-to-learn-spanish/

French:

http://www.busuu.com/enc/user/register/fr?utm_campaign=us&b_campaign=us&utm_source=msa&b_source=msa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=youtube%20french&b_term=youtube%20french&b_subnetwork=p

http://freelanguage.org/learn-french/digital-tools-and-media/videos/learn-french-youtube-videos

Social Studies:

http://www.thesmartbean.com/library/social-studies/history-social-studies-come-alive-courtesy-of-youtube/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1289860/youtube_videos_to_use_in_your_social.html?cat=4

Language Arts:

http://www.learningreviews.com/Language-Arts/Grammar/Grammar-Rock-YouTube-Videos.html

http://www.clrn.org/weblinks/details.cfm?id=3247

http://www.pre-kpages.com/product-review-little-songs-for-language-arts/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unwwXSEBxD0

Please forgive this lackluster blog entry.  I am not feeling very well at this moment.  I am also torn with my other hobby--crocheting.  I had started this list and barely visited the websites, but I pray this list helps someone.  God bless!

Well, thanks for viewing this blog entry about YouTube and how it can be used in our home school.

Next week, I hope to cover the letter Z.  

Please stay tuned!

How about you, my readers?  Do you ever visit the YouTube website or other video-based websites?  If so, do you view educational videos?  Or do you visit YouTube for entertainment purposes?  I think YouTube is a wonderful website with many educational possibilities.  I believe in finding technological tools to help in the home school. 

I pray that God gives you all, my beloveds, His wisdom and peace.

This has been an entry for the Technology Tuesdays series.

Family and Mental Health

The happy couple--Martin and Sylvia (my sis-in-law)--cutting their cake.

This is a tale involving a sweet sister-in-law.  It happened yesterday (Sunday, September 18, 2011).  Sylvia sat while her beau got down on bended knee and proposed.  I thought the story was over, but she presented him with a ring, too.  It was a wonderful moment!

After the sadness of my mother-in-law passing away, we needed a fresh start on life.  I had a feeling last week that something joyful would be happening soon.  Then, I received an invitation to Sylvia's engagement party.  I was a little nervous about the idea of seeing everyone I hadn't seen since seven months prior.

It was time to be there for my sister-in-law.

I mustered up the courage to personally RSVP for the event.  I reached out by making the phone call.  I hadn't done that in a long time.  I had recently been digging myself into a hole like a hermit.  I love my alone time, but like I've told my kids, there is a time for everything.

You must be asking yourselves, what does this have to do with medical and/or health issues?  Well, it has a lot to do with my mental health.  I needed to hang out with family.  I needed to hear the laughter.  I needed to give and receive a few hugs.

Sylvia with her brothers

Sylvia with one sister and sisters-in-law

That's what I love about my in-laws, the Villanuevas.  Even though we spend time apart, when we come together, it is like the separation falls away.  Everyone seems to set aside their quirks and bands together as a family should.  I must admit that the joking around made for a lot of belly laughs, and that's what I love to see--people enjoying themselves.

I received the blessing from the bride-to-be to share her special moment with my beloved readers.

If you want to see what I'm talking about, you are welcome to see the video we shot with our digital camera.  We didn't edit it so please forgive the amateurish attempt to capture the special moment.  It was just a spontaneous decision to record.  I wanted to make the video available for those who weren't able to attend, especially Sylvia's other sister.

Well, thanks for reading about my thoughts on mental health and hanging with family.  I hope this blog entry helps someone to understand the many facets affecting mental health.

How about you, my readers?  Have you visited with family recently?  Did you enjoy yourselves?  How did you feel after your visit?  I encourage you to consider hanging out with family, even if it is only for a few hours.  Refraining from hanging out with your family and friends can make one seem and feel anti-social.  You never know if your spirits might need reviving. 

If you need to improve your health, in any form, please ask God to help you; he will, if you pray for His guidance.

This is an entry for Medical Mondays.  For past entries, click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints that I discussed here are just my opinions.  Please consult your physician before altering anything relating to your health.  I am only suggesting here to take charge of your health.  Don't just leave your health in the hands of your doctors; become your own advocate.  You know best how your body is doing.

Man Made Gods

In the Bible, we find out about man made gods.

19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.  20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?  21 Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD.  --Jeremiah 16:19-21 King James Version   I am very grateful to have the Bible.  In fact, I have several Bibles in different translations.  I also turn to the internet to view even more translations.  I think having access to the different versions can solidify what God is saying in His word.  It is important to comprehend, rather than just read, what the Bible says about any given topic.   I believe these Bible verses plainly explain that the Gentiles (us who are Christians) need to understand something.  We need to know the consequences of creating other Gods.  It is easy to think that only the Jews (or Hebrews, God's chosen people) need to obey God's rules.  No.  We all, through the adoption made possible through Abraham, and reconciliation through Jesus' blood, need to know the history of God's wrath on those who chose to create others gods for themselves.  The Lord himself tells us that He will reveal His hand and might.  I don't know about you, but I remember when my daddy used to show his might when we kids upset him.  My daddy once spanked us so hard, my mom had to put talcum powder on our tushes.  Just imagine a mightier, bigger, omnipotent, all-knowing Daddy getting upset at us.  I wouldn't want to incur the Heavenly Father's wrath by building myself a replacement god.     Instead, let us lean on His strength when we are weak.  Let us run to Him when we need shelter from life's storms.  Let's turn to His word to teach us how to keep from making other gods before Him.  After all, we wouldn't want to anger the Lord into punishing us.

 Thank you all so much for reading today's blog entry about man made gods.  I appreciate you taking the time to read it.

 How about you, my readers?  Have you read about man made gods in the Bible?  Have you shared what the Word of God says about man made gods?  Do you truly know what it means to spark the jealousy of God?  I encourage you to read all of Jeremiah 16.  You can know what happens as a result of the man made gods.    May the only true God of all gods bless us, my dear friends, with His wisdom and peace.  In Jesus' name.  Amen! 

This has been an entry for the Spiritual Sundays series. 

To compile this mini- bible study, I visited: http://www.biblestudytools.com/