tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24420821553007285852024-03-21T13:58:18.164-07:00Encouragement for Busy MumsEmily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-79843720120000147372023-12-20T16:56:00.000-08:002023-12-20T16:56:57.505-08:00Books<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> I haven't written much on this blog lately. But that's not because I haven't been writing. For the last two years I've been regularly writing and publishing books on Amazon. I haven't publicized them much, so I have just made a blog page and facebook page to share them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Blog page <a href="https://emilysbooksnz.blogspot.com/">Emily's Books (emilysbooksnz.blogspot.com)</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554746132669">Facebook</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I also share devotional lessons most week on Youtube. My channel is here.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Emilyvanrijn">( Emily van Rijn - YouTube<br /></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A0PNftqHy7Di1XP3ijzW1t-Pc_CugE4GfOV6RKry9vNpqKzhnMr0PdDIl-W0ne-TCZwsdmr29ms9B9FEWIDDKEUJx43_dlLpU-RcWIx1NquF1z3pW2eibloH9_-suX0IOcADY_GQI6vMTWUH5o7l04Gxb8VSIJgYhazfMfPydOgowMowomCp-A1aII-X/s3264/20231219_133854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A0PNftqHy7Di1XP3ijzW1t-Pc_CugE4GfOV6RKry9vNpqKzhnMr0PdDIl-W0ne-TCZwsdmr29ms9B9FEWIDDKEUJx43_dlLpU-RcWIx1NquF1z3pW2eibloH9_-suX0IOcADY_GQI6vMTWUH5o7l04Gxb8VSIJgYhazfMfPydOgowMowomCp-A1aII-X/w400-h225/20231219_133854.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkPwh7daUmRpyXDeFOtNful3r4Dc2GpgM2aehfwi6HmFKWKXsIWq5-Lp1v43wcd583N2Z2j0N_996Da8n8kQAIcJLrV5XrhsKtVAntJ3l7FIxtUnjXHaI5N_DcB5e9SUYrBR5JKuAqnTU3xcHQ4rMLLmXtJdsXcXt_E5NLEENgPdkzeIKjtjSJE9iBiQd/s3264/20231219_133954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkPwh7daUmRpyXDeFOtNful3r4Dc2GpgM2aehfwi6HmFKWKXsIWq5-Lp1v43wcd583N2Z2j0N_996Da8n8kQAIcJLrV5XrhsKtVAntJ3l7FIxtUnjXHaI5N_DcB5e9SUYrBR5JKuAqnTU3xcHQ4rMLLmXtJdsXcXt_E5NLEENgPdkzeIKjtjSJE9iBiQd/w400-h225/20231219_133954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-20416460268310301732023-05-08T03:21:00.001-07:002023-05-08T03:27:17.053-07:00The Things We Can't Change<p><span style="font-size: large;"> This morning we were eating breakfast before school.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Mum, is there any way to take away Down Syndrome?" asked one of my children.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"No," I answered.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Would you if you could?" was her next question.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had to stop and think about that question. Would I "remove" Lydia's Down Syndrome if I could?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VDd1wPQmZwtTs08DLhurcvt0SXvAA1cLl2kTO99j73TES8ecEz6ACs__NPQ-Ywza5PR95Gjv9DSWyCra4-Nxx90EJSjYZ-S1ZsYSrZwHnrJ4QcN3pNF9vQdS2vsNj8ZuQ1iJJyuj-JLX2m-EQ_SgmgCy4H0P-TDSQHr2HGBYGIti9wmJNZtbbZgtYA/s3264/20230411_154117.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VDd1wPQmZwtTs08DLhurcvt0SXvAA1cLl2kTO99j73TES8ecEz6ACs__NPQ-Ywza5PR95Gjv9DSWyCra4-Nxx90EJSjYZ-S1ZsYSrZwHnrJ4QcN3pNF9vQdS2vsNj8ZuQ1iJJyuj-JLX2m-EQ_SgmgCy4H0P-TDSQHr2HGBYGIti9wmJNZtbbZgtYA/w320-h180/20230411_154117.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">My conclusion was that there are some things I would definitely like to change about Lydia's Down Syndrome if I could. There are some things that I find difficult and very patience testing. But on the other hand, there are certain aspects I would not change about Lydia. Her sweetness, friendliness and the way she brings joy wherever she goes. I also wouldn't change all I've learned through having her, my growth in knowing God and the relationships that have been built.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, removing Lydia's Down Syndrome would also remove a lot of blessing!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I share this, because although you most likely don't have a child with Down Syndrome, you have your own hard things. The things you can't change. Maybe a health problem, the sins or choices of others that have affected you, the death of a loved one, or any other thing that challenges you. Would you change it if you could? What would you miss out on if you changed it?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhche3rwIxzsxdMwlSbU8tWvitUHE4p4lAafhS7khdhDqli82EJgirGB-P61MvzYtO0qVZTelPOwm3-1LBbHFOls9CCYQJhNyI8rE-e4MoJFUo7CfLT9FPNkNoJsyU7yIvEz7-7ocH2-1AXHI88pYBJMOyZeFeCD4bofs8wNEuG8khMJTH6qR1X0qyKMw/s3264/20230506_190848.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhche3rwIxzsxdMwlSbU8tWvitUHE4p4lAafhS7khdhDqli82EJgirGB-P61MvzYtO0qVZTelPOwm3-1LBbHFOls9CCYQJhNyI8rE-e4MoJFUo7CfLT9FPNkNoJsyU7yIvEz7-7ocH2-1AXHI88pYBJMOyZeFeCD4bofs8wNEuG8khMJTH6qR1X0qyKMw/s320/20230506_190848.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love op shopping! Getting good things for a low price--bargains! But, in life, getting God's blessings doesn't come cheap. There is a price. Knowing God and being a blessing to others will have a cost.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: Philippians 3:8</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">or in another words...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2qHsjBI2pMYhc-ZJdYfhq-pBhMFOqVG11_GpxxqGiPyCnLYNWTNecnI2UOGF6GUiOofvEz-02SMC9A2dTVfnu-6y_ycW1xnuVe7Hn13HGvqc3Mk58rNqaX1g5fIgwPegAUa581tE8ojnsuOmevUr-YR8Qs6ZA23LJWpzu6Sfb8eTyoPYLaaIPNhtkw/s3264/20230407_162057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2qHsjBI2pMYhc-ZJdYfhq-pBhMFOqVG11_GpxxqGiPyCnLYNWTNecnI2UOGF6GUiOofvEz-02SMC9A2dTVfnu-6y_ycW1xnuVe7Hn13HGvqc3Mk58rNqaX1g5fIgwPegAUa581tE8ojnsuOmevUr-YR8Qs6ZA23LJWpzu6Sfb8eTyoPYLaaIPNhtkw/w640-h360/20230407_162057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-624179059795169412023-04-24T03:18:00.001-07:002023-04-24T03:18:03.305-07:00Lift Me Up <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A prayer based on Psalm 30:1a</span></p><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lift Me Up</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord, I'm feeling so discouraged</span></div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm starting to despair</div>
<div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">My eyes are facing downward</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">And my mind is filled with fears.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord, lift me up and carry me</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to feel your love</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord, lift me up and hold me close</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Help me see things from above</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">I need to feel Your nearness</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">I want to feel Your love</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord, lift me up and carry me</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">So that I can rise above</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lord, I'm so tired and weary</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trying to do Your will</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">I keep taking another step</div><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">But it seems it's all uphill</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, I am so selfish</div><div style="text-align: center;">Focused on me</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lift me up so I can see</div><div style="text-align: center;">All the needs around me.</div></span><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Emily van Rijn~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jskOPIAfYZ8" width="320" youtube-src-id="jskOPIAfYZ8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="color: #0f0f0f; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div></span>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-19498646595948470272023-04-19T15:25:00.004-07:002023-04-19T15:26:17.902-07:00Lift Me Up<p><span style="font-size: large;">I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up,…--Psalm 30:1</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.—Psalm 3:3</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As a mum, there have been many times my children have come to me to be picked up. Children usually love to be held in your arms. Even my seven year old with Down Syndrome still loves to be held. She will come to me with her hands up and say, “Cuddle?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes we lift them up and carry them to keep them safe. To comfort them when they’re upset. To take them to a certain place. To carry them when they’re tired.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">God is like a parent or adult who lifts up His children. David experienced this for himself. God raises us to a higher level. He picks us up and moves us to a different place. He comforts us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He also can lift us up above ourselves—from being focused and preoccupied with ourselves. He lifts up our head so our eyes become focused on Him. He lifts us up so we see things from a different perspective. He can lift our spirits when we are feeling down. He can carry us when we’re tired and weary. He can lift us above our circumstances.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Is your heart’s desire and prayer the same as Johnson Oatman Jr.? He wrote this hymn.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m pressing on the upward way,</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">New heights I’m gaining every day;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Still praying as I onward bound,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, lift me up, and let me stand</div><div style="text-align: center;">By faith on Canaan’s tableland;</div><div style="text-align: center;">A higher plane than I have found,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">My heart has no desire to stay</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where doubts arise and fears dismay;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though some may dwell where these abound,</div><div style="text-align: center;">My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">I want to live above the world,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;</div><div style="text-align: center;">For faith has caught the joyful sound,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The song of saints on higher ground.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">I want to scale the utmost height</div><div style="text-align: center;">And catch a gleam of glory bright;</div><div style="text-align: center;">But still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFojinwlPfHFeeYsidLW6gUU2BS66NvzSYW_JNWpWN1pcub6lE_e8Q1PWNKVafhW8GC_0-ON_13LK0itPk5A0I9492DiJl5pAkfrdJHQMbs9yEXUcZjAylkF_PkyulfvXEhvhJVLuV0RA-KsIr6IQYyFi1lATNVuicMpJDl2AR3hr1NQFuiEeblFSdnQ/s1920/mother-g2c00ae823_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1920" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFojinwlPfHFeeYsidLW6gUU2BS66NvzSYW_JNWpWN1pcub6lE_e8Q1PWNKVafhW8GC_0-ON_13LK0itPk5A0I9492DiJl5pAkfrdJHQMbs9yEXUcZjAylkF_PkyulfvXEhvhJVLuV0RA-KsIr6IQYyFi1lATNVuicMpJDl2AR3hr1NQFuiEeblFSdnQ/w640-h424/mother-g2c00ae823_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-55907095629237573322023-01-24T10:22:00.001-08:002023-01-24T10:24:45.802-08:00Hasty Judgement<div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Children come out with the strangest and funniest things sometimes, don't they?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, I was at a park and was keeping an eye on Lydia. A ten-year-old girl was watching her.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"Does she have a disability?" she asked.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">"Yes, she has Down Syndrome," I answered.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">She sweetly replied, "Oh, I used to have that too!"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A few days later, my daughter came up to me and asked if her auntie's two dogs were her cousins!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Last night, one of my children accidentally dropped a glass when they were drying the dishes. It smashed into a million pieces. I swept it up and put it in some newspaper. I found some cello tape to wrap the glass in the newspaper. I was doing this on the island in our kitchen.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My daughter, Esther, walked in, saw the smashed glass and tape and said, "Oh, you're taping the glass back together!" I laughed at the thought of trying to tape a smashed glass back together. But I realized there is something that we can learn from this.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes we look at a situation and make a hasty and wrong judgement on what someone else is doing or thinking. Sometimes our judgements are completely different from what is actually happening.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I remember one time during the first lockdown. Since my husband, Johan, was home, he would usually help us all clean up after breakfast. But one morning he was lying on our bed, looking at his phone, instead of helping. I made a hasty judgement and felt annoyed at him. What I didn't know was that he was on his phone ordering me some yeast online, which you couldn't find in the supermarkets. I didn't know he was doing something for me!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's easy to make hasty judgements about our husband, our children, our friends and so on. Sometimes we need to ask questions instead of assuming the worst. We need to make sure we have our facts straight. We need to assume the best until we know otherwise.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Charity...thinketh no evil;</i> 1 Corinthians 13:5</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqk2sBv-K1ScA6zv2B3L0P2UgJB4uHzgwGo7FVLmWCXGafrmiMjzG9juFl69-Jw9PYzAKNHP3Hm0HA-7h_ruFGxVuPQNyaADfQLHGl9TLVMQcksjkcrLfgMsUN6C8nm6683OBEw7Y_LNIZ0GfbQYR8cbaT-uGnzawAAPcZCIgsNgW5c4XtwUrOT93Fw/s1920/glass-gaabed74a3_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqk2sBv-K1ScA6zv2B3L0P2UgJB4uHzgwGo7FVLmWCXGafrmiMjzG9juFl69-Jw9PYzAKNHP3Hm0HA-7h_ruFGxVuPQNyaADfQLHGl9TLVMQcksjkcrLfgMsUN6C8nm6683OBEw7Y_LNIZ0GfbQYR8cbaT-uGnzawAAPcZCIgsNgW5c4XtwUrOT93Fw/w400-h266/glass-gaabed74a3_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-23352317886625237232022-12-14T09:40:00.001-08:002022-12-14T09:40:13.331-08:00Mess and Increase<p><span style="font-size: large;"> I was feeling overwhelmed with my house. My life is very busy with lots to keep up with and housework and yardwork is never ending. I was praying about this when I read this verse. It was just what I needed to hear!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.</i> Proverbs 14:4</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I could choose to say to no to anything extra and spend more hours keeping my home perfect, but I would miss out on so much increase. Not money, but an increase in what money can't buy-- experience, knowing God, spiritual growth and dependence on God.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was telling someone recently how this year I've been teaching the Bible at our school and how I've become a preschool teacher. Her response was, "Don't you have enough to do with four children?" I've been thinking about that question. Yes, I do have enough to do with four children! I could say no to everything else. And my life would be much more clean, tidy and in my control, but I would lack an increase.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, there are times we need to say no to busyness and keeping up with our home is important. It is always good to pray through these things and ask for wisdom. And maybe you can't do anything extra, especially if you have a large family, babies and toddlers or you teach your children at home. We can't do everything.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The point is, that God's will for us often includes some chaos and mess. Because that is where we are desperate for Him. That is where we have to depend on Him because we can't make it otherwise. That is where we stay on our knees. That is where we grow. That is where we find an increase.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgull7pM7cmMHNqP4-ExmnY5fuTYaCC7MV8v6z7BujXmFLZHUu9gATxTEQfY68FICAb5z-ylVQ5tQeYb6lckxSPiWE0Fd5EM-h5O4g3VWJsynNR_u__ddbik2pAk0h5kvgfJcCmpXSh0YHwwmpioNVUq3RG--S3xwNXw-IrDNBao7KNVahF3dlXC-tOAQ/s1920/cow-g7f7c40660_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="1920" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgull7pM7cmMHNqP4-ExmnY5fuTYaCC7MV8v6z7BujXmFLZHUu9gATxTEQfY68FICAb5z-ylVQ5tQeYb6lckxSPiWE0Fd5EM-h5O4g3VWJsynNR_u__ddbik2pAk0h5kvgfJcCmpXSh0YHwwmpioNVUq3RG--S3xwNXw-IrDNBao7KNVahF3dlXC-tOAQ/w640-h504/cow-g7f7c40660_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-29305490099408239612022-12-04T23:57:00.002-08:002022-12-04T23:57:23.602-08:00True or False?<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I have just finished making a true and false quiz for my Bible class at school tomorrow. I will say the sentence and the children will have to figure out which ones are true and which ones are false. Sometimes true and false quizzes are easy. Other times they can be quite tricky.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus said that He is the truth. He also said that Satan is the Father of lies. So everything Jesus says is true. And everything that Satan says is false or twisted.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In my Bible story at school thismorning, I told the story of Zachariah and Elisabeth. The angel said, "You will have a son." Zachariah said, "How do I know what you say is true? It's impossible--we're too old." But if God says it, it's the truth. And it was the truth. He did have a son.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It would do us good to remember that sometimes life is like a true and false test. We need to figure out whether our thoughts are true or false! I often find myself thinking, "But I feel..." or "It seems..." Feelings are often different than the truth. What seems is not always what is.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">God's Word is always true. It's so easy to doubt it, like Zachariah did, as it can seem impossible. But he found out, that with God nothing is impossible!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkBY1v4t8yxhCGpTXXivn-3rM71iaFYKALA8ZNEccKyuKtCT_psARzNrR5J-egDCscaq2GtcU0kBoUvUelIA8zyg9K4NXmBeQ1Ah1IN_ZD-5WxAXyyCBCPBNqZGp2-PRrD04DZFCxiRUDPV80FUuRBXZzk7PnfJzmQb-ezRXfuumV05YYoD8ewO0jcQ/s1920/check-mark-gf6daba8a6_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkBY1v4t8yxhCGpTXXivn-3rM71iaFYKALA8ZNEccKyuKtCT_psARzNrR5J-egDCscaq2GtcU0kBoUvUelIA8zyg9K4NXmBeQ1Ah1IN_ZD-5WxAXyyCBCPBNqZGp2-PRrD04DZFCxiRUDPV80FUuRBXZzk7PnfJzmQb-ezRXfuumV05YYoD8ewO0jcQ/w640-h360/check-mark-gf6daba8a6_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-14145874584061488912022-10-27T10:28:00.003-07:002022-10-27T10:28:18.022-07:00Testing Times<p><span style="font-size: large;"> There are times when God feels so close and the verses in the Bible feel like they were written personally for you. You see God answering your prayers. It's exciting!</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> But then there are the times when it feels like God has forgotten about you. You pray and pray and see no sign of your prayer being answered. Nothing particular in the Bible stands out. God seems to be silent.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In those times I like to remember this thought...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember that the teacher is always quiet during a test.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In those moments of feeling like God is far away, maybe you are going through a test. When students are taking a test, the teacher is quiet. The teacher doesn't answer questions like they usually would. But there is a good reason.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When teachers give a test, they prepare their students first. First they learn about something, then their knowledge is tested. The student has to remember what they've already learned. Although they may not be able to remember everything, they have already learned everything they need for the test. And when we go through testing times, we can take comfort in the fact that we have been prepared for this. (That is, if we are learning from our Teacher) We need to <b>remember what God has already taught us</b> and it will help us through this test. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teachers do not forget about the student during a test. Being silent doesn't mean that they don't care or that they're not there. And when you are walking with God and He seems far away, don't presume He's not there or that He doesn't care. A name for God I recently learned is <i>Jehovah Shammah</i> which means "The Lord is there." God is always there even when He seems silent. So don't stop praying and reading the Bible when God is silent, because He is always there and He does care. He is no less close than at other times. Tests don't last forever. They always pass.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.</i> 1 Peter 4:12-13</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpaoX8O5AmsCoo3O0Bs1xj6Q3BD8Kim-GPlQkAcnsjDxpAExe6B6u-3Z6YIhvV9lVT5Wm4gSAfLxQ7zmmqDGddcegGIQeIcOP600ndeDRcxVLXZLab3u4prSX_vMkCe0Zd-vzlZGSddu9vtnsTcAKzSmtWVb33mf9odMw-23eFOwWFcNcHNCXf13i_g/s1800/I4Xsz1666894895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1800" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpaoX8O5AmsCoo3O0Bs1xj6Q3BD8Kim-GPlQkAcnsjDxpAExe6B6u-3Z6YIhvV9lVT5Wm4gSAfLxQ7zmmqDGddcegGIQeIcOP600ndeDRcxVLXZLab3u4prSX_vMkCe0Zd-vzlZGSddu9vtnsTcAKzSmtWVb33mf9odMw-23eFOwWFcNcHNCXf13i_g/w640-h412/I4Xsz1666894895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-50934244008933290682022-09-17T02:16:00.004-07:002022-09-17T02:16:52.354-07:00 Wit's End<p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever feel like you can't take something anymore? Sometimes things get too much and you feel like you are at your wit's end. Maybe it's a sick baby, financial stress, a difficulty in marriage, someone in your life who gets on your nerves, endless waiting etc. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In those stressful moments, it's easy to make rash decisions. As I was thinking about this, my son, Joseph, gave me a good example. He was stressed about lego. "I'm NEVER making anything with lego again," he told me in frustration. Of course he will, he was just over it all at that moment.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever make big decisions when you are at your wit's end? There are many different examples--leaving a church, choosing to homeschool or to put your children in school, divorce, no more babies, shifting, getting a job, quitting a job etc. Or it may be something much smaller.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every decision we make should be done with much prayer and with our wills surrendered to God. Making rash decisions when we are stressed out can bring regret.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A devotional I read this week compared it to being in a valley. It said we should make decisions on the mountain top, not when we are in a valley. That way we can see clearly. Then we will move from mountain top to mountain top, rather than from valley to valley.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wit's end is not where we should jump ship. Wit's end is where we should cry out to God in our desperation. He promises to help us and to make our storm a calm. He will give us the wisdom to see clearly and to make the right decisions.</span></p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V4GleYOWpeSRRdJYug62vJcrWiX7mayzliabuWkE0RznQBKTYU35yY6qqtZkuiMgJL5KqTkhkNO0RNT5RpJlocxa1y20g3LOh0vepdsJgsfjLsCL2SWRxdt7mNcZPSg2YzT7JVZ9mKz6MtYKe7VKK9MVM2LwQi2XrPOuhZ8YtnJhE9Y_ujJJrXnQHA/s1280/6a1rS1663409144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V4GleYOWpeSRRdJYug62vJcrWiX7mayzliabuWkE0RznQBKTYU35yY6qqtZkuiMgJL5KqTkhkNO0RNT5RpJlocxa1y20g3LOh0vepdsJgsfjLsCL2SWRxdt7mNcZPSg2YzT7JVZ9mKz6MtYKe7VKK9MVM2LwQi2XrPOuhZ8YtnJhE9Y_ujJJrXnQHA/w640-h426/6a1rS1663409144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-88888795627129223342022-09-10T18:24:00.004-07:002022-09-10T18:24:58.275-07:00Irritations<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Life is filled with irritations. One winter, we had wet wood. This winter, we've had a dog, which for me has brought new irritations! Sometimes it's ants, flies, doctor appointments, rain, mud, drought, heat and sometimes it's things that have broken.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At the moment our washing machine doesn't work properly. On Saturday, as Johan had to work, I took all the children down to the laundromat to wash our dirty laundry. Since it was raining and the washing from the day before was still drying, I decided to use the dryer aswell. The driers are stacked up two high. I put my washing in the bottom drier, paid for my load and turned it on. I was highly annoyed at myself when the empty top dryer started up. I had paid for the wrong drier! And there was no stopping it. I had used my money to dry nothing! But I chose to laugh at myself and once again paid for my load.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If we wait until we have no irritations to be happy, thankful and content, it will never happen. When one irritations passes, there's usually a new one there to replace it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What we should do is learn to be content in whatever state we are in. We can be thankful for the irritations we don't have and all the blessings we do have. We can also remember that pearls come through irritations and that pearls are simply victory over irritations.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Life on earth would not be worth much if every source of irritation were removed. Yet most of us rebel against the things that irritate us, and count as heavy loss what ought to be rich gain. We are told that the oyster is wiser; that when an irritating object, like a bit of sand, gets under the “mantle” of his shell, he simply covers it with the most precious part of his being and makes of it a pearl. The irritation that it was causing is stopped by encrusting it with the pearly formation. A true pearl is therefore simply a victory over irritation. Every irritation that gets into our lives today is an opportunity for pearl culture. The more irritations the devil flings at us, the more pearls we may have. We need only to welcome them and cover them completely with love, that most precious part of us, and the irritation will be smothered out as the pearl comes into being. What a store of pearls we may have, if we will!</i> ~Richard Seume</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f8f6f2; color: #333333; font-family: minion-3-subhead, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WgtFTyIs9yrQaV2B6IlXC0DoC6UHbiXzB3hnAiJTGRwByM4G25uDiYQRaUDzw5S9QVdlQ3RzrR6wWcgm6eH14ahyMvTs0bH2ILb7HhX220Kw0_PUNEVml3BsAcmtmLuwnwfnRIG_WWwY2SUbiwAFosQFzzFtQSv9a-TFuelrJ1XScoQTYJ1WgCCEWw/s1920/qkaAG1662862167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WgtFTyIs9yrQaV2B6IlXC0DoC6UHbiXzB3hnAiJTGRwByM4G25uDiYQRaUDzw5S9QVdlQ3RzrR6wWcgm6eH14ahyMvTs0bH2ILb7HhX220Kw0_PUNEVml3BsAcmtmLuwnwfnRIG_WWwY2SUbiwAFosQFzzFtQSv9a-TFuelrJ1XScoQTYJ1WgCCEWw/w640-h426/qkaAG1662862167.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-37241990946900926092022-08-07T11:29:00.000-07:002022-08-07T11:29:04.946-07:00Feelings<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Do you ever feel guilty telling God your feelings? Feelings are often not fact, so it can feel wrong telling God how you feel when know that your feelings are not right. It can feel like we are just complaining.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But Psalms 62:8 says "...pour out your hearts before him:..."We are not only allowed to tell God exactly how we feel, He has commanded us to. There are other verses that say we should cast all our cares on Him, cast our burdens on Him and pray about everything.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While we should pour out our feelings to God, it's important to remember the first part of Psalm 62:8 "Trust in him at all times, ye people,..." So while we pour out our feelings and fears, we should be balancing it all with truth. "I feel this, but I KNOW this." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Recently I was feeling upset. I felt like God had let me down in a certain situation. So while I felt guilty about it, I poured out all those feelings to God while backing it up with truth and trust. "I feel like You've let me down, but I know that You know best." Afterwards the burden I had felt was gone. I felt relief. And not only that but the thought really struck me as I was praying, "Feelings are just feelings!" All the feelings that I had poured out to God were just that--feelings. God hadn't really let me down, it had just felt that way because I had my own expectations whereas His ways are higher than mine. Feelings are not fact--what a relief it was to remember that!<br /> And yet it brings such relief to cast all those feelings on Him instead of trying to carry them all ourselves.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84fgmc5SvLBM58y-tUja9OjU7hQ6B7aXqjMEpvbUm6hqSzj8hTP143lLPphx5hvO5AJNjF5TuH2IYqhSh0yS833v_v8GG7ErfgAIyxG9qstff6lWR2D3WCEBfvttYNZRnn0-4fImaGEMO_b_uiCCWN6-kQWkSCPNhCIQN8CFMrLixiJNx_xkY_6mrgA/s1920/Wzmk71659899874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84fgmc5SvLBM58y-tUja9OjU7hQ6B7aXqjMEpvbUm6hqSzj8hTP143lLPphx5hvO5AJNjF5TuH2IYqhSh0yS833v_v8GG7ErfgAIyxG9qstff6lWR2D3WCEBfvttYNZRnn0-4fImaGEMO_b_uiCCWN6-kQWkSCPNhCIQN8CFMrLixiJNx_xkY_6mrgA/w640-h360/Wzmk71659899874.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-3717975658546398252022-08-05T02:38:00.004-07:002022-08-05T02:38:15.875-07:00God's Plan For My Life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPszL1Vm23EEZU3ynd7RTrxzTd5kI9_RsZXcrIg91UTKUsw3czo6Q0UwuB6JYkZzNAQ2Qiy-RmtqV03uTdKD_3qB_nPNIWiJmlU6Xdp6QoWnJ_AgnaTngcmKU_y-21FTMta2JSz4MHZGktNSN2KpPAZ7VdIBZC0LcmD-KD-hnHiDFcW_RWqjVP35Fyw/s1800/Op2Pb1659695166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPszL1Vm23EEZU3ynd7RTrxzTd5kI9_RsZXcrIg91UTKUsw3czo6Q0UwuB6JYkZzNAQ2Qiy-RmtqV03uTdKD_3qB_nPNIWiJmlU6Xdp6QoWnJ_AgnaTngcmKU_y-21FTMta2JSz4MHZGktNSN2KpPAZ7VdIBZC0LcmD-KD-hnHiDFcW_RWqjVP35Fyw/w640-h426/Op2Pb1659695166.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-72971692524062743642022-06-27T02:08:00.004-07:002022-06-27T02:08:34.858-07:00Too Late<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazerus.<br />When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was." John 11:5-6</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been thinking on this story, and these are some things I have noticed. (Read John 11 for the whole story.)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Sometimes we doubt God's love and care when we are waiting for Him to answer. And yet it may <b>because </b>of his love and care that He is waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Waiting times do end. Jesus did come.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*What God has in mind is always bigger and better than what we have in mind.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*With God, there is always hope.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Jesus is not heartless. He cares about our pain and the fact that we don't understand.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Mary and Martha both went to Jesus when they heard that He had come. They took their pain and questions to Him. They didn't avoid and stay away from Him because they didn't understand. We need to take our pain and questions to Him, too. Then He will help us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*We need to follow God's instructions and obey His promptings even when they make no sense to us. (Take away the stone from the grave!)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*Sometimes we object at the way God wants to answer. (Lord, by this time he stinketh)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*God always hears our prayers and knows our needs. Just because He hasn't answered yet doesn't mean He's forgotten about you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*With God, all things are possible. He's limitless!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">*God's timing is different than ours. What we think is "too late" to God is "right on time!" We need to trust God's timing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvfNeGTaKJ5QBU14Nq9knFg6MTusanfx2LKQmjyNLVFMsXNfoGm6g54G0hnh5P3ux_IjGPFYFcubTWujHnpyoFsGAuuZh5m5UdAnwop_f-40dwPU8fV_Rc9yBnjq3_xNX9Vg4SoK7a1tndRTF4YO1Hl1uRCnGEvq70Mz8bMZNqjU6QlWjRMH5RUiGjg/s1800/A3gi31656323733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvfNeGTaKJ5QBU14Nq9knFg6MTusanfx2LKQmjyNLVFMsXNfoGm6g54G0hnh5P3ux_IjGPFYFcubTWujHnpyoFsGAuuZh5m5UdAnwop_f-40dwPU8fV_Rc9yBnjq3_xNX9Vg4SoK7a1tndRTF4YO1Hl1uRCnGEvq70Mz8bMZNqjU6QlWjRMH5RUiGjg/w640-h426/A3gi31656323733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-19270455950096264262022-05-13T01:44:00.002-07:002022-05-13T01:44:52.448-07:00A God That Can't Be Stolen<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When Jacob secretly fled from Laban with his wives and children, Rachel stole her father's idols.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine having a God that could be stolen! A helpless God that couldn't protect Himself!<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am so glad that my God can't be stolen. Nothing can separate me from Him. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,<br /></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br /></i></span><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 8:38-39</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But thinking about it, while worshiping idols is a foreign idea to me, it is still possible for me to have idols. Idols that can be stolen or taken away in an instant. My home, my health, my husband, my children, my possessions, my money, my freedom and so on.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">If these things were taken away, would I still have what I love and value the most? As devastating as it would be, would I still have what I live for? Do I love God more than anything? Are my treasures on earth or in Heaven?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And what about you? Is what means the most to you something that can be stolen?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. </i>Psalm 73:25</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY1UgyL-rh8AudFKzy-Ed9PmsfKUpaC6QGoP1TzRT6A1c7D5autGmGubez4h45xyoZRJfJKa8NRsSDWJzLcOmNgY-jdtDvH20wy505BmQCe-h9ytLHVmJt3mYehmzpGsq5A1YDZaZ6j3tJpiKHKZ55xW9ksAQoikZHPl7Mad90Br5pVCq2TcgTCMH1g/s1920/96u0Z1652434071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY1UgyL-rh8AudFKzy-Ed9PmsfKUpaC6QGoP1TzRT6A1c7D5autGmGubez4h45xyoZRJfJKa8NRsSDWJzLcOmNgY-jdtDvH20wy505BmQCe-h9ytLHVmJt3mYehmzpGsq5A1YDZaZ6j3tJpiKHKZ55xW9ksAQoikZHPl7Mad90Br5pVCq2TcgTCMH1g/w640-h426/96u0Z1652434071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-5074394440696573982022-05-06T03:09:00.000-07:002022-05-06T03:09:17.822-07:00Camels & Enoch<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n3sQWLj1L8A" width="320" youtube-src-id="n3sQWLj1L8A"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A new vlog. What I learned this week from camels, some thoughts about preparing for the future and also about learning.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BAWPJuyhbZ0" width="320" youtube-src-id="BAWPJuyhbZ0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A Bible lesson for children about Enoch and what it means to walk with God.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-32566598731199396192022-05-06T02:57:00.003-07:002022-05-06T02:59:45.265-07:00Some Quotes by Amy Carmichael<p><span style="font-size: large;"> "Sometimes when we read the
words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I
feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step, by
little bits of wills, little denials of self, little inward victories, by
faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees
these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those
small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph, no spiritual maturity. That
is the work of the moment."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;">“It is not the place where we are, or the work that we do or cannot do that matters, it is something else. It is the fire within that burns and shines, whatever be our circumstances.”</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;">"I would rather burn out than rust out."</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;">"It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill the desires which He creates."</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;">"Now you are deep in what seems to me a peculiarly selfless service. The spiritual training of children must be that. You work for the years you will not see. You work for the Invisible all the time, but you work for the Eternal. So it is all worthwhile."</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;">"There have been times of late when I have had to hold on to one text with all my might: “It is required in stewards that a man may be found faithful.” Praise God, it does not say “successful”."</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;">"Our enemy is more aware than we are of the spiritual possibilities that depend upon obedience."</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjGxBxrGWusl5iJF72ZXpw4RiBC-AYsJplX0786ImfLZxBDwKVrfzSahQ91eMCe2e1sZy3pAZtCLVYPBeH0nCSc5cs8_SYxghiRs-2ij2HllHQGRIN7X58j-cmYD_qLV6ADl81SxZVezbLuLjNYoGc0tYw4Cz0lqmwnbpoFXZaBT_IjL41BUe8jNu-g/s1920/NB9xQ1651833928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1920" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjGxBxrGWusl5iJF72ZXpw4RiBC-AYsJplX0786ImfLZxBDwKVrfzSahQ91eMCe2e1sZy3pAZtCLVYPBeH0nCSc5cs8_SYxghiRs-2ij2HllHQGRIN7X58j-cmYD_qLV6ADl81SxZVezbLuLjNYoGc0tYw4Cz0lqmwnbpoFXZaBT_IjL41BUe8jNu-g/w640-h306/NB9xQ1651833928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-9918777412921507092022-04-30T01:54:00.004-07:002022-04-30T01:54:42.919-07:00Tea Parties, Covid and Cain & Abel<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5tVZW9BaYE4" width="320" youtube-src-id="5tVZW9BaYE4"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8dmMrp4GC6w" width="320" youtube-src-id="8dmMrp4GC6w"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-13822697318090897182022-04-26T12:42:00.006-07:002022-04-26T12:42:41.648-07:00Jesus our Guide, Counselor, Model and More!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I was praying through something I know God wants me to do, but I'm not sure exactly how. When my husband read <i>The Daily Light</i> before bed, he read this verse.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eyes. Psalm 32:8</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This verse is always an encouraging verse when we are looking for guidance! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But as I studied this verse and was looking up the word 'guide' I saw a list of related words that sparked some thoughts. To think that God is all of these words is encouraging to think about.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Counselor</b>--a person trained to give guidance on personal or physological problems</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> --someone who is trained to listen to people and give them advice about their problems</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Model</b>--a thing used as an example to follow or imitate</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pathfinder</b>--a person who goes ahead and discovers or shows others a path or way</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rudder</b>--A rudder is a device for steering a boat</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> --any means of or device for governing, directing, or guiding a course, as a leader or principle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Escort</b>--a person or group of persons accompanying another to give protection or as a courtesy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Captain</b>--The word captain can describe any leader, but it's traditionally been the name for the person on a boat or ship with the highest rank. The captain of a fishing boat is responsible for making decisions about what route to take and how best to avoid bad weather.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jesus is our counselor. We can go to Him again and again to pour out our hearts. He listens and gives advice and guidance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Jesus is our model. Our example to follow.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Jesus is our pathfinder. He has a made a way for us to be saved. He also goes before us and knows where we are going.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Jesus is our rudder. Without Him we have no sense of real direction in life. Thank God, we don't have to try to figure everything out ourselves and be our own rudder.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Jesus is our escort. We don't have to go through life on our own. We have Someone with us always and His presence makes all the difference.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Jesus is our captain. He is the one in charge--the boss. All we have to do is trust and obey.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBD-AsZNVdk2wII_ZqzOzU8C6Utn9Lgy4dnLKl0hBH-UwLToPLm7gDU_RcoP_uym3GwiKwTJjG9TF34uebAF1-y3YO9GzPRhq23XFlPj0SfnZHrM6f-EuzmSldQ58ZfOMz4-3D3TmhsyKlnd8dXi4yV7dXLDm0Kpl62Mm3yCkTfu9zPFBwYebjZD6QA/s1920/xvrqM1651004907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBD-AsZNVdk2wII_ZqzOzU8C6Utn9Lgy4dnLKl0hBH-UwLToPLm7gDU_RcoP_uym3GwiKwTJjG9TF34uebAF1-y3YO9GzPRhq23XFlPj0SfnZHrM6f-EuzmSldQ58ZfOMz4-3D3TmhsyKlnd8dXi4yV7dXLDm0Kpl62Mm3yCkTfu9zPFBwYebjZD6QA/w640-h426/xvrqM1651004907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-27684981401585533452022-04-22T02:37:00.002-07:002022-04-22T02:37:16.292-07:00Adam and Eve Story for Kids<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-7frTqpXss" width="320" youtube-src-id="u-7frTqpXss"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> The story of Adam and Eve for kids, a memory verse and two songs that go along with the lesson.</span><p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-88106816484633466282022-04-18T15:31:00.005-07:002022-04-18T15:31:58.978-07:00Isolation Vlog and Easter Song<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FOkbAAO7BlA" width="320" youtube-src-id="FOkbAAO7BlA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What we've been doing in isolation and some thoughts on planting seeds.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/icfpSFDX-SE" width="320" youtube-src-id="icfpSFDX-SE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">An Easter song from Hannah "Gethsemane"</span></div><br /> <p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-23181052202423708352022-04-15T03:14:00.001-07:002022-04-15T03:14:01.983-07:00A Quick Fix<p><span style="font-size: large;"> When Joseph was younger, we were getting ready for school. Joseph had a cold. I happened to see what was in the pockets of his school shorts before we went out the door. It was full of vitamin C tablets and peppermints.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Joseph, you can't have all those today." I told him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"But I want to get better," he exclaimed, bursting into tears. My heart melted, but I had to empty his pockets.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph wanted a quick fix for his cold. And yet, it would have done more damage than good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am sometimes like Joseph. I like quick fixes. I want out of any problem or pressure. And yet, how much I would miss if I always had a quick fix. It would do more damage than good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If I'd had a quick fix when Lydia was born, I would have had no book to write as a testimony of God's grace helping us through that hard year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If I always had quick fixes, I wouldn't have much to write about or share. Because most of what God teaches me is through pressure and challenges.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Abraham wanted a quick fix in having a son. So he married Hagar. It caused more trouble than good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Rebecca and Jacob wanted a quick fix in getting God's promise. So they deceived Isaac and cheated Esau. As a result, Jacob had to leave and he never saw his mother again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If Jesus had a quick fix when he was on the cross, there would be no salvation for sinners.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are you are going through a challenge or waiting time? Be patient and trust God to bring you out in His timing. A quick fix will do more harm than good!</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DzMHB6_O7sgXnbb38fbO2Ek35Cm0SWrKsZGdI6n7o6njH9B1X8A1FL1O_J5JQxt-Z4xjHrpMKaidKXP6A3rx3r1N7uwDSt5JW-NhX8XSS-9GpT8KyyMMb1Cb3tVSgONsYkK9kbxpr-T08VGDZqzjh1OZscXhajl2wQh1VcTCzrp90X_rTIaSFOmdqw/s1920/4LGhK1650020362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DzMHB6_O7sgXnbb38fbO2Ek35Cm0SWrKsZGdI6n7o6njH9B1X8A1FL1O_J5JQxt-Z4xjHrpMKaidKXP6A3rx3r1N7uwDSt5JW-NhX8XSS-9GpT8KyyMMb1Cb3tVSgONsYkK9kbxpr-T08VGDZqzjh1OZscXhajl2wQh1VcTCzrp90X_rTIaSFOmdqw/w640-h360/4LGhK1650020362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-64021936529771083552022-04-12T16:58:00.002-07:002022-04-12T16:58:59.602-07:00Vlog and Sunday School Songs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mLGjXWlxYCA" width="320" youtube-src-id="mLGjXWlxYCA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vlog--Covid, Co ops and Timing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Usually I would find it very hard to write songs, especially the lyrics. But I have asked God to give me songs for children. While I have been teaching the Bible at school, I have had lots of inspiration to write songs that went along with my lesson. But it was so busy, I didn't have the time to make them into videos. However, one of my children came down with Covid, which meant we all needed to isolate. Since I was still feeling well, it gave me a chance to put these videos together. These songs are all based on Bible verses or stories.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MSjzs9Qo4C0" width="320" youtube-src-id="MSjzs9Qo4C0"></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be Kind to One Another</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/167yQXNj924" width="320" youtube-src-id="167yQXNj924"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You Reap What You Sow</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JYzfsFMszCo" width="320" youtube-src-id="JYzfsFMszCo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When You Don't Know What To Do</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/01iCSsc7U3U" width="320" youtube-src-id="01iCSsc7U3U"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What Time Is It?</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I4J5NEc6Ty8" width="320" youtube-src-id="I4J5NEc6Ty8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 6:23 (I just put this verse to a well known fun tune)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0lcXFs1gfNs" width="320" youtube-src-id="0lcXFs1gfNs"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creation Song</span></div><br /><br /> <p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-7716655427869991002022-04-06T15:10:00.000-07:002022-04-06T15:10:52.762-07:00Vlog and Bible Time for Kids<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H4-Zf2PUy6Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="H4-Zf2PUy6Y"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's been just over a year since I started vlogging. Today I share some of the lessons I've learned along the way and what's kept me encouraged.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oaX3UPFfMpE" width="320" youtube-src-id="oaX3UPFfMpE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Bible Lesson on what it was like in the Garden of Eden and what it will be like in Heaven.</span></div><br /> <p></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-81631269780766187132022-04-06T11:23:00.006-07:002022-04-06T11:23:43.928-07:00Wings as Eagles<p><span style="font-size: large;"> I was reading my children a devotional story (Keys for Kids) at breakfast time. It was about having wings as eagles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"The eagle is a unique bird... When there's a storm, other birds try to avoid it, but the eagle flies straight into it and uses the storm's own winds to lift him above the clouds."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"With God's strength, you can be like an eagle and fly straight into the storms of life, instead of running away from them. Then you can use those hurts or troubles...to grow as a Christian."</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">These words struck me. I don't know about you, but it is in my nature to run from anything hard or uncomfortable. There are MANY times I would have escaped my problems/challenges if it had of been possible. I thank God that I couldn't! Because those problems forced me to depend on God and His strength. As a result, I was able to rise above and fly like an eagle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What about you? Do you run from anything that is outside your comfort zone or difficult? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You can run from those things or you can let those difficult things push you up to God. You can learn to fly!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblhtuz8xM3RgjU1rDSoNl1xgJbgfAvrc_UuJx4vmOpPjPunGkfpo1clS2aXrpcRfoMhFIRlA4V3ByVArMyLxy6cIzqmLvVZf95qiIe3GePmMW-WiwBrOkbDz5Ul4xic3IU3jtTCnTU3bi9oQ6QZzKkOLHNLYwHsS3ln5W2QspwKWfpRGhFVR-Z85Ouw/s1920/ybtJE1649271859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblhtuz8xM3RgjU1rDSoNl1xgJbgfAvrc_UuJx4vmOpPjPunGkfpo1clS2aXrpcRfoMhFIRlA4V3ByVArMyLxy6cIzqmLvVZf95qiIe3GePmMW-WiwBrOkbDz5Ul4xic3IU3jtTCnTU3bi9oQ6QZzKkOLHNLYwHsS3ln5W2QspwKWfpRGhFVR-Z85Ouw/w640-h426/ybtJE1649271859.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /></p>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2442082155300728585.post-74881432244389563102022-03-27T18:34:00.002-07:002022-03-27T18:34:29.297-07:00German Pizza, Tangles of Life & Obedience<div><span style="font-size: large;">(German Pizza, Cornflake Chocolate Chip Biscuits and Apple Cake Recipes below)</span></div><div> <span style="font-size: large;">Today I show you how to make German Pizza. I also share a biscuit recipe, a little bit of what we've been doing, and some thoughts on trusting God, obeying and enduring hardness.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bUPFaZ6yahw" width="320" youtube-src-id="bUPFaZ6yahw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />German Pizza Recipe<br />500g ground beef/mince<br />1/2 medium onion, chopped<br />1/2 green pepper, diced<br />11/2 tsp salt, divided<br />1/2 tsp pepper<br />2 tablespoons butter<br /> 6 raw potatoes, shredded<br />3 eggs, beaten<br />1/3 cup milk<br />2 cups cheese<br />In 12-inch skillet, brown beef with onion, green pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Remove beef mixture from skillet; drain skillet and melt butter. Spread potatoes over butter and sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp salt. Top with beef mixture. Combine eggs and milk and pour over all. Cook, covered, on medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Top with cheese; cover and heat until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Cut into wedges or squares to serve. Yields 4-6 servings.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Cornflake Chocolate Chip Biscuits<br />250g butter softened<br />11/3 cup sugar<br />2 tsp vanilla<br />21/2 cups flour<br />21/2 tsp baking powder<br />2 tblsp milk<br />3 cups cornflakes<br />11/2 cups chocolate chips<br />Preheat oven to 180C. Line baking tray. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar and vanilla in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add flour, baking powder and chocolate chips. Mix on low speed until just combined. Add milk and stir. (If it's too dry, put a little extra milk in before putting cornflakes in) Using a wooden spoon, stir in cornflakes and chocolate chips.<br />Bake for 10-12 minutes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Apple cake<br />Mix together:<br />4 apples, diced<br />11/2 cup sugar<br />2 tsp cinnamon<br />1tsp mixed spice<br />Add:<br />200g butter (melted)<br />3 cup flour<br />2tsp baking powder<br />Bake at 180C for 40-50 minutes.</span></div><div><br /></div>Emily van Rijnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15866031567256652649noreply@blogger.com0