Still here.....

It has been quite some time since my last post. Though I enjoy blogging, I had to step away for just a little while; it is easy to spend too much time on the computer/internet reading blogs and being involved in social networking etc. My relationships, with God first then my family, are my priority and especially as a homeschooling parent I have to make sure I don't get too distracted from my responsibilities. So, here I am with just a short update today, I am still committed to this blog and pray that God will use it for His glory, however I may not post blogs daily. I will continue to share how God is at work in my life and pray for you that you will know the blessings of following Him also.

As I continue to read the Bible each morning I am constantly reminded of the power of God's Word and how He can use it to speak to us if we allow Him. I am convinced that we will not grow spiritually if we do not immerse ourselves in God's Word. If you are feeling dry, or far from God, or find it difficult to stay in a routine with your devotional time, I would recommend using a reading plan or daily devotional guide to keep you on track. I personally like to have a plan to follow, I have used through the Bible reading plans in the past, right now I am using 'Lifewalk' which is a daily devotional guide published by Lifeway. It provides a reading schedule to take you through the Bible in one year and some commentary for each day. So far I am enjoying it. There are many resources available online and in Christian bookstores. Most important, however is to bring yourself before God and allow Him to speak to you.

Thanks for visiting, I would be glad to pray for you if you would like to leave a request in the comments section. God bless,

Linda

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

                                                                Romans 15:13

Be Scam-smart.

Eeek! It's really been months since my last post?? What's up with that? Why is it that you can lose touch for so long? I have a whole list of valid reasons.... umm .. ok.... excuses, but I won't bore you with all those.

This week was a real trial for me as I experienced having my e-mail and Facebook accounts hacked and all my contacts spammed. What a nightmare, I spent hours getting my internet life back in order; however through the experience I learned a few valuable lessons which I'm sure all you smart moms already know, but I figured I'd share them anyway.

BACK UP YOUR CONTACT LIST!
I am not always diligent about backing up my important information, we all know we need to do it, but it's easy to forget or think you'll do it next time 'cause you're in a hurry right now. DO IT.
I don't typically make a backup of my e-mail contacts. Fortunately this week when my e-mail account was 'hijacked' I had an alternate account in place with a relatively current contact list. My hackers changed my e-mail password and other vital information, sent a scam message to all my contacts, forwarded all my mail to their address and then deleted all the contacts in my account. With my alternate account I was able to quickly send out a message to my contacts notifying them that the previous message was fraudulent.

• Create a free alternate e-mail account (eg. gmail, hotmail etc.)
• Import your contact list
• Include your own, other e-mail address in the contact list, that way you will also receive any message sent to your entire list.

KEEP YOUR INFORMATION PRIVATE
I feel like I'm pretty careful about this, but even just entering your name and e-mail address on an unknown website can put you at risk. I'm not ready to give up my internet use, but I am consciously reducing my presence and visibility. I have cancelled a number of subscriptions and membership accounts that are not so important to me.

USE A VARETY OF USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS
This is one I have been careless about; I have a difficult time remembering which username/password I chose for a particular website, so I got in the habit of using mostly the same characters repeatedly. I can see this is not so smart so I am working on changing this. Keeping a list may be a good idea. Also, changing your passwords regularly can help.

It is a sad truth that we have to be on guard so much of the time. Hoping for safe, happy web times for you!!

Smart Mom




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Thirty Days of Thanksgiving: Day 30 - In Everything

"in everything give thanks;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

            1 Thessalonians 5:18

As we reach the end of our Thirty Days of Thanksgiving I want to share one of my favorite verses. It is one that I have turned to many times during my years as a Christian. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that we are to give thanks in everything for this is God's will for us. We are not just to give thanks during the good, happy times, but also during the times of trials, suffering, and distress. 

This is a learning process because it is not really in our nature to give thanks when things go wrong. However the reality is that no matter what our circumstances are, God is still God, still holy, righteous, and sovereign. He is still worthy of praise and thanksgiving even if our situation does not warrant thanksgiving at the time, there is always reason to be thankful and God can work all circumstances for good. We often cannot see the big picture when we are in the midst of a difficult time but God is good and faithful and worthy of our trust and gratitude.

I want to thank you for reading this series, I know I only have a small group of readers, but I appreciate you and am thankful for you. I hope that we will continue each day to find ways to be thankful and cultivate that attitude of gratitude!

In everything....give thanks!
Linda

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving: Day 29 - Spiritual Fruits

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."

                                    Galatians 5:22-25

God has given us so much for which I am thankful, today I am giving thanks that as a believer in Christ I have been blessed with the Holy Spirit in my life. As we learn to walk by the Spirit and are surrendered to His leading we begin to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. We can try to cultivate these qualities but the source is the Spirit of God from whom all good things flow.

It is a joy to experience the fruit of the Spirit and to be able to bless and encourage others through those spiritual fruits. As these qualities become  more evident in our lives we are better able to represent the love of God to those around us. It is good to take time to focus on each of the fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and examine our lives for their presence.

Give thanks!
Linda

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving: Day 28 - The Free Gift

"For the wages of sin is death,

but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

               Romans 6:23

As we approach the Christmas season gift giving becomes more prominent in our thoughts. It really is fun to give gifts to others, there is much joy experienced by the giver, especially when you are giving to your family whom you love. It is also a blessing to give gifts to strangers, to meet the needs of someone unexpectedly.

We need not wait for Christmas for an opportunity to give and bless others, of course. We can give at any time of year but as we approach the time of year when we traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus, somehow hearts become softened and more generous.

The nice thing about a gift is that it is free, you don't pay the giver, it is just that - a gift. You receive the gift with thanksgiving and sometimes in response to the kindness shown to you, you might offer something in return to express your gratitude, though it is typically not expected.

God has offered us a gift, it does not cost us anything to receive it, He has paid the price and presents it to whomever will receive it. That gift is eternal life - can you think of any greater gift? The price He paid was high, but He considered us worthy of the cost, the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

I give thanks that God has given me the most precious gift, it can be yours also. Will you take this most valuable gift offered to you today? I pray you will, and that you will join me in thanksgiving.

Linda