Mustard Seed Sisters

Question: Does God know all things?

Answer: Yes; nothing can be hidden from God.

Discovering Jesus in Genesis

Description:A fun, easy-to-use book that teaches kids about God’s character, His promises to His children and His plan that unfolds throughout the Bible.

  “…that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

— Colossians 2:2-3

The Bible is a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge. But its most magnificent riches are those that reveal the mystery of God—namely, His Son Jesus Christ. Imagine teaching your children that, day after day, they can discover something new about God and His Son in every page of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation! What a gift to give them!

So send your kids on a treasure hunt in the Word with Caleb and Cassie, where they’ll learn some of the important things that the Bible teaches about God’s character and how they can apply Scripture to their lives. After each story are questions that will help you evaluate their comprehension and encourage additional conversations with them. You’ll be assured that they’re learning about God’s covenant of grace, and their young hearts will find what fun the quest to know more about God can be.

Discovering Jesus in Exodus

Description:The Old Testament has much to say about Jesus. Susan and Richie Hunt share vivid examples from Exodus to help children learn about their place in God’s covenant.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
—Ephesians 1:4-5

Before the New Testament, before the Old Testament— before the creation of the world, God chose us! What an amazing concept to teach your children—that God has loved them since not only before they were born, but before the earth existed. And He planned on adopting them as His children through Jesus Christ.

The stories in this second book in the Covenant Promises for Covenant Kids series show how God’s adoption of Israel in the book of Exodus teaches us about Jesus. After each story are questions that will help you evaluate your children’s comprehension and encourage additional conversations with them. As Caleb, Cassie, Angus, and Susie learn about God’s love from Exodus, your covenant kids will also learn about the wonder, as well as the responsibility, of being children of the living God.

My Thoughts: I think many ofthe children’s books neglect where jesus is in the old testiment. We are trying to build a strong foundation in our kids that the God of the old testiment is the very same God of the New Testament and that all the stories in the Old Testament are part of God’s Redemptive plan in the New Testament. We will probably go through these after we finish Big truths for Little Children.

Children’s Music Bundle

This bundle includes includes the following 3 items:
1) Questions With Answers: Vol. 1: God and Creation (CD)
2) Questions With Answers: Vol. 2: The Fall and Salvation (CD)
3) Questions With Answers: Vol. 3: Christ and His Work (CD)Questions With Answers: Vol. 1: God and Creation (CD)
“Volume One: God and Creation” contains the truths about God and His creation, included: what God did, why he did it, who we are, and how we should think and act.God has given us an amazing gift by making these truths known to us. We hope you enjoy singing with your children these truths from the bible.

“Volume One: God and Creation” was recorded in Vancouver, WA in 2005, and includes the voices of 10 children.

Questions With Answers: Vol. 2: The Fall and Salvation (CD)
“Volume Two: The Fall and Salvation” talks about what went wrong with the world, and what God did to fix it.

It explains where sin leads and how God saves. We hope you and your little ones are encouraged by what God has done for us and how much he loves us.

“Volume Two: The Fall and Salvation” was recorded in Newberg, OR in 2007, and includes the voices of 18 children.

Questions With Answers: Vol. 3: Christ and His Work (CD)
“Volume Three: Christ and His Work” explains why God sent Jesus, what work Jesus did to accomplish our salvation, and what He does still today.

It explains about Jesus’ nature, what his roles (offices) are, and how he reconciled us to God.

Heady stuff! But your kids are ready for it, and there’s no better time to start teaching them the deep truths of God.

“Volume Three: Christ and His Work” was recorded in Vancouver, WA in 2007, and includes the voices of 11 children.

 My Thoughts: Those who know Eric and me, know that music is one of the ways we preach the Gospel to ourselves daily. On busy days, it is a great ways to remind us of God’s kindness to us and his work that He did on the cross. This bundle is just adding to that. It is more geared for our younger children , but the truths are solid! and it goes hand and hand with our study of the catechisms. We have placed it on the Ipod, so it intermittenly plays throughout the day and even as a grown up, I benefit from the reminders of God’s truths. Our plan is to place it in Analisa and Evangelyn’s room at night as they sleep.

I hope these resources may benefit you and your family. As you come across great resources feel free to let us know and we will post it for all to benefit. I was blessed this Christmas by finding Monergism. It started with reading about Reformation Heroes of a blog and then looking to see where I could get it for Hunter. In the process, I found all these small treasures and I am happy to pass them on to you

Have a great week,

Laura

 Today as I prayed for my daughter Hannah during communion, God brought to mind a great gift that God gave me 10 years ago . It was 10 years ago today, that I found out that I was pregnant with Hannah after a long/ not long bout with infertility (1 1/2 years). It brought me tears to remember how faithful God is and to remind me of the verse, God is faithful to His promises and loving toward all He has made.

Before I was even married, weeks after my conversion, after a bout of fear of being unable to conceive and have children, God in His Word, and His voice, told me that I would someday have a girl and that I would name her Hannah. Blessed am I that even before I was married Eric liked the name

16 months after trying to conceive, I wrote Hannah this letter to my unborn and not yet conceived daughter. I knew at some time, that I wanted to share this with you all and felt today is that day… This truly is a testimony of God’s goodness and grace…… It is long so bear with me

Dear Hannah Ashley, ( October 25th, 1997)

” Since the day I heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” Colossians 1:9

Your Daddy and I found that verse shortly before your brother, Hunter was known of: but it seems appropriate for you also because I had known of you for many years. You see, even before your Daddy and I were married, God told me of you. It was shortly after Jesus found me, I was fearful I would not be ever get to be a Mommy. God calmed my fears by directing me to the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel. As I read, I was comforted by the fact that someday I would have a girl and that I would name her Hannah.

Your Daddy and I were married some years later and were blessed and surprised with the expectancy of your brother, Hunter, who has blessed our lives in a way that is miraculous in itself, but God’s promise of you had not yet been fulfilled.  You however have not come so easily as we have been trying for over a year now. You may be wondering how I know that you will be a girl and the answer is that during this time of waiting, God has pointed out to me that I am not just to pray for a baby, but to pray for you by name. God showed me this verse after having many impressions of praying for you by name and convinced me that this thought of you was of God.

“  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:22-25

This verse was so applicable because I had really been fighting with those impressions of praying for you by name. I would be convinced that that was what God was calling me to do  but when I would get away from the word, I would forget or rather ignore what He had said. I am now praying for you by name, even though we are not sure when you will come. You must be someone very special, because God is already using you to mold me to be more like Jesus.

It It has been a rough time waiting for you and I have often struggled with why it is taking so long to conceive you, but your Father in Heaven has been faithful to provide comfort and wisdom during this long waiting period. Only now, have I become content in the fact that God’s timing is best; and I am convinced that part of the reason I am going through this waiting period is to see how much faith that I have in our Creator.

I have gotten to the point, that I can’t see you but I desperately hope for you and I am having Faith that God will do as He has promised.

“So keep up your courage, men, for I have Faith in God that it will happen just as He told me” Acts 27:25

There are times, I totally trust God and His promise and given you completely to Him, but then snatch you back again and that is not true faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrew 11:6 (06-10-97)

Everyday, I am learning to lean more and more on our merciful God and less on what I feel or what I fear.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight”  2 Timothy 1:14

I am trying to cling to His word and hopefully one day soon, I will be in the right place to meet you. I long for that day. But the enemy is strong and some days I believe his lies and allow him to steal my promise away.

“Guard the good deposit (promises) that was entrusted to you- guard it with the help of the Hold Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:14

There was a time when the enemy truly was battling and I was about to take you all in my hands and out of the hands of God’s ( not that I could have even if I wanted to). Your Aunt Shawn Renee warned me, but I did not listen. I was about to get a book that was called, “Taking control of your Fertility”, which is something that I had struggled with anyway. I had pulled up to the Library, and was about to get out to get this book, when I felt drawn back into the car. There was a spiritual reminder  on the radio that said, ” Are you praying about something and it does not seem like God is hearing your prayers? Well, he does hear it and He will answer in His perfect timing, But i know waiting can be so hard, but do not fear, God will answer your prayer in a mighty and miraculous was. And when he does answer and gives you the miracle you have waited for, don’t forget to thank Him for answering  your prayer in such an awesome way.”

“Know that the Lord has set apart the Godly for Himself;the Lord will hear when I call to Him.” Psalm 4:3

I was in tears, because I knew that it was a promise directly from God. I know God does not always answer the way we hope he will, but His will is always best.  In this case though, I knew it was from the Lord and needless to say, I did not get the book. These vereses proceded the event in my quiet times.

“Wait of the Lord ; be strong and take heart and wait of the Lord” Psalms 27:14

“But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not be weary;they will walk and not faint.”Isaiah 40:31 (07-08-97) wrote in Bible ” I will wait for Hannah Ashley. I desire her now, but I will wait.”

Waiting is so hard. I ache to meet you in the deepest part of my heart, but I know our God is faithful and compassionate and has given me many confirmations that the time will be soon.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith -of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined  by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 6-7 ( 07-18-97)

“Which of you, if a son asks for bread will give him a stone? Or if He asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If then though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him.” Matthew 7: 9-11

I pray that day will come quickly and according to His will, but I know the Lord is working on me in many areas of my life through waiting on you and I know i need;

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, “Romans 12:12

I believe that I am getting closer to that point and pray that I will continue to ever cling to His word and the promises that our Father in Heaven has made.

“So I say to you: ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For anyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and him who knocks the door will be opened. ” Matthew 7:7-8 (07-14-97)

I continue to ask, seek and knock for the day I can know you are on your way.

” Oh Lord save us; Grant us success.” Psalms 118:25 (07-14-97)

Your Daddy and I so look forward to the day we know you are on your way and we pray with expectation of the day we can hold you in our arms; Our gift, that God has wrapped up in you.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

We love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Hannah Ashley Olson was born September 07, 1998 on Labor day. reading and typing this out again, has been a great encouragement to me. Hannah was such a fulfillment of a promise and even now at 9 years old, it is so excitiong to see her love for Jesus and the work he is doing in her.

Thank you Lord for your grace, your mercy and your promises! Thank you that you do not leave us alone and that you continue to use circumstances to help us dies to self  and be more like Jesus.

Laura

Question: Can you see God?
 Answer: No; I cannot see God, but he always sees me.

Question: Where is God?

Answer: God is everywhere.

Ok, I will forget what books I have read. So I made my own check off list Noel did not say how she checked off what she had read :p

DOWNLOAD BIBLE PLAN

BTW, I have decided to start in Ephesians. I have read it numerous times, but since we are going through it on Sunday. I felt it was what God was calling me to start with

Hope this helps,

Laura

As I promised here are the books, videos and music that we added to our children’s library this Christmas.  All from Monergism Books.

Reformation Heroes

Description: The Reformation did not happen instantaneously; it was something God patiently arranged over a number of years. As you read this book, you will learn how the Lord used some people to plant the seeds of church reform long before October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther published his ninety-five theses. Luther’s story is well-known; we trust you will find it interesting and instructive to read about him and about forty others (John Knox, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Zacharias Ursinus, Willem Teellinck, etc.) who contributed to the Reformation – some well known and others not so – most of whom are Reformation heroes. To provide a more full picture of the many sided Reformation, chapters are also included on the Anabaptist and Counter Reformation movements. The book concludes with a brief summary of the influence of the Reformation in different areas of life.

My Thoughts:This was mostly for Hunter, although, I believe Eric will be somewhat going through this with him. Evenantually, I think it will be good for all or children. After Hunter and Eric go through this, I may go through it with Hannah

Grandpa’s Box

Description: Learn along with Marc and Amy as Grandpa uses his special box of wooden carvings to illustrate the wonderful stories of the Bible to children. From Genesis to Revelation, Grandpa shows how the stories of the Bible fit as episodes in the one story of God’s redemption of His people. Children will come away with a deeper understanding of God’s plan of redemption told throughout all of Scripture. Even those children who already know the stories of the Bible will learn more about God and his plan for saving His people. Ages 9-12.

My Thoughts: We bought this one with Hannah in mind. It is pretty much her reading level and I thought it would be a good refresher  for her and bring renewed joy in her salvation

.

One Wintry Night

Description: One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham blends a contemporary story with the whole history of God’s redeeming love, and is brought to life by rich, beautiful illustrations. When a young mountain boy is caught alone in a sudden snowstorm, he takes refuge in a cabin his grandfather had helped him build many years before. The woman living there shelters the boy and attends to his badly swollen ankle. She passes the hours they are snowbound by telling the whole panorama of God’s involvement in human history from creation to the resurrection.

The rich texture of Richard Jesse Watson’s illustrations makes One Wintry Night a captivating reading experience and a family treasure. With both instant appeal and an aura of timelessness, this book will fascinate both those who have heard the Bible story many times as well as those who know only a few details. Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

My Thoughts:They no longer have this one at Monergisms   but CBD has it. The illustrations in this book are amazing!!!!! A lovely sit by the fire book with your children. I love that it again goes from the garden to the cross and shows God’s redemptive plan. I can tel it will be a Olson Clan Family Heirloom for years to come, Lord willing

Eric Liddell Story DVD

 Description:Scotland is eager to see Eric Liddell sprint to Olympic gold in the 100-meter race. So when Eric makes the stunning announcement that he won’t race on Sunday because of religious convictions, he is labeled a traitor. See how his stand during the 1924 Olympics prepares him for even greater challenges as a missionary to China during World War II.

My Thoughts:This is part of a series Torch Lighters- Heroes of the Faith. I believe at this point they have 4 , John Bunyan, Jim Elliott, William Tyndale, and we just added Eric Liddell. Those who have seen Chariots of Fire know some about him. Unfortunately, at this point Monergism does not Have Eric Liddell. Makes me glad, i got it when I could

More on Monday I know Christmas is passed, but These make great Birthday gifts as well. I am looking forward to see what God does through these tools to help us train our growing family

Laura
 

You may have read on the Oasis General Blog that my husband and Hunter will again take on the task of reading through the Bible in a year. They did this two years ago using the tools that Bethlehem Baptist uses and it worked well for them. I planned on doing this with them but failed miserably. It was not long before I fell behind and soon after stopped completely   It is not surprising , it is the same bug that I have had in the past with reading the Bible through and exercising

I think it was close to the time I started with Eric and Hunter, that I also read this article by Noel Piper  called “Never in January”. I remember when I read it thinking, “THIS IS ME” but rather then going her route, I tried to keep up with my husband and Hunter and I failed miserably:(

A couple of days ago, Eric shared that he felt like he needed to go through the Bible again, the way he and Hunter had done two years ago. I shared, I really would like to try again as well. This morning while I was cleaning my Kitchen,  the Lord reminded me of Noel Piper’s article, and so I went and searched for it and was so excited when I found it quickly and easily. I read through it and again, thought,” This is me”.

What Noel did was to not go through a scheduled reading list, but would just plug away at a book at a time. and would not start a new book til she finished a book. But the part I loved what she did, was that she chose a topic to look for as she read. He first was ” The attributes of God” . How fun, a hunting game.

This year, by God’s grace and will, I will search for God. I am so excited and I think I will start before New Years. I am praying where to start, but I may start in Isaiah.

 My Church Sisters, please hold me accountable and if the Lord leads, join me. It may be fun to share what God is teaching all of us

I think I will start with a Pink Highlighter. I just need to find one

If you get the chance, take the time to read Noel’s article. May it encourage you as it did me

Check Off Sheet

God bless,

Laura

Question: What is God?

Answer: God is a Spirit, and has not a body like men.

Carolyn Mahaney taught on the Biblical meaning of womanhood. This was going to wait until after the Holidays, but I lisetened to it thbis morning while cleaning my kitchen and felt it could not wait. It is a Must Listen to for woman of all ages!

You can Download it to your computer by clicking Here

There were a couple of things that struck me as I listened. On Christmas, we went to visit Eric’s Mom. Eric has 2 teen-aged brothers, one who is dealing with deep depression. It really broke my heart His lack of love for life was non existent. As I listened to Carolyn’s talk I was once again reminded of how awesome it is that God made me for a specific purpose and plan and that it was not random. I think I forget that God purposefully planned my conception and my birth and that a moments difference would make me not who I am.  Anyone who has children, knows that while they came from the same parents , that each one is made completely and wonderfully different. That is what a moment can change. What a miracle!

Back to Eric’s brother, He was born with a mild disability and now that he has grown is struggling with his purpose in life, and yet God in his love created him according to his plan. I pray that God will give him the desire to fulfill his purpose and that he will be glad in it. I pray that when I am down, that God and you my sisters will remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. That I was made according to God’s will and purpose.

The second thing that struck me in this talk, was that as a woman, I was created to be a helper not  just to my husband but in general. How encouraging that we can train our girls that even now. It goes back to shooting the arrow in the right direction and our girls were called to be helpers. That is how God made them and it is our job to train them and point them in that direction, so that when they are married, they will better know how to help their husbands. I wish, I had been taught that at a young age! I am thankful, that while I did not have that, that God still pursues me and encourages me in that.

The third thing that stood out to me was the part about learning what pleases my husband and finding joy in doing those things. This was convicting for me personally, because I can tend to get caught up in what I thing may help him and not what truly helps him. A dear friend at church said she makes the bed everyday not just because , but because she knows it pleases her husband. I have personally been a slackard when it comes to that. Eric loves it when the bed is made. I know he sleeps better when it is made. It is not a big deal to do and yet I am lazy with this, but it pleases him. I have been making the bed for him and I know it is not a big thing, but I know it pleases him. Thank you to my friend out there that has kept me accountable to this small task. Please keep doing it

There are other things, I know would please him that I simply do not do, either because of pride or laziness or whatever. I am still a work in progress and am thankful to God for bringing some of these things to light. I will need the Holy Spirit to help in some of these areas.

Truly,  I encourage you to listen to this talk. I am probably going to listen to it again with Hannah tonight or sometime soon

Feel free to comment

 Carolyn is also the author of Feminine Appeal  We also carry this book at our bookstore.

Laura