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Comfrey from Susan Selvage

This is the comfrey that grew from two small wilted roots I brought home from a trip from Susan's and Vencil's.
I have more in another flowerbed and have taken cuttings off of this and sent it to friends to grow at their place.

I think of you every time I see it, Susan!

Thoughts on Social Networking

People have always confided in me. I don't share details, so don't ask. I am very burdened & have never seen a time when prayer was needed so much. So many are struggling with some very heavy issues. Many are hiding tears behind their smiles.

As of yesterday, Clint and I know of about a dozen marriages in serious trouble. Many friends are trading the spouse, who stood beside them through so much over many years, for a person who didn't bother to keep in touch. Some of our friends are facing tough health issues. Some are concerned for their children who are wrestling with major issues of their own. Family members have died. A couple of friends have been accused of crimes they didn't commit. Other friends are facing consequences for crimes they did commit. We have about twenty friends who have been fired or laid off at different companies. Addictions are being battled...or ignored.

There's this pattern. High school friends reconnect. Strong Christians are letting down their guard while the enemy comes disguised as an old friend. Old buddies, old flames, old enemies are awakening old ways of thinking and behaving. The risky behaviors and selfish attitudes being indulged in are bringing great sorrow to many. While some are flying high on the excitement of reliving the past, families are crashing and burning.

Enjoy the social networking sites, but use them wisely.

Father, as we rejoin with old friends, help us to retain the wisdom and discernment we have gained along the way and avoid the pitfalls of the youthful thinking of the past.

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26

The Grass is Not Greener on the Other Side...

My Facebook post yesterday was:

The grass is not greener on the other side. It's an illusion created to take you out of the safety of the fence.

under that, I wrote in response to a comment:

I'd rather stay inside the fence where life is filled with blessings than be out there on my own where the lion seeks to destroy and the wolves roam in a pack.

My friend Susan H. shared:

Proverbs 25:28 tells us that someone without self-control lacks defenses - it's like the ancient city walls, and Satan knows just where the loose stones are.

"We are the temple of God... and self-control is our wall of protection! It fortifies all that is within. the quality of self-control is .... that which secures our freedom to love, to experience joy, to know peace, to respond with patience, to have a kind disposition, to act out of goodness, to step out in faithfulness, and to agree with gentleness. (The various other aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit) How? Because self-control is the ability to make choices which invite and enhance the authority and filling of the Holy Spirit. Self-control is the decision to remain within the boundaries of victory!" Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself

My thoughts:

Much like I put up a fence to keep my goats safe from predators and poisonous plants, God gives us His commands, not to limit us, but to keep us in safety. When my goats got out of the fence, they were attacked and died with great suffering. When we ignore God's commands and go our own way, we put ourselves at risk spiritually, emotionally and physically.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

What's Working for Me-Homeschool Storage/Organization Tip

This is the system I use for keeping the school items organized and easily accessible (to me) while homeschooling K-2. There are 18 baskets on three shelves and they are divided by subject. Even when it is hectic, all I have to do is grab and go! I found the baskets at Bottom Dollar for $1 each. The baskets are long enough and wide enough to hold the oversized workbooks used for this age group. Once the children hit 3rd grade, they are able to work independently. At that point, they get a "locker" which is a drawer in a filing cabinet to store their supplies.

I shared this in hopes it blesses someone else in their journey!

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19