God's House Rules

The sun was bright, early this morning at my favorite downtown church. But some of the guys were wrapped in their blankets because of the cold.

Still, they were their friendly, "Yes Ma'am", Southern selves, and thanked me for the Kleenex, the apples, and best of all "God's House Rules." As I mingled with the group eating their breakfast and milling around the park shelter, I rhymed off the Rules loud enough for several to hear at a time. When I did they reached out their hands for a copy.

As one said to me, "We need to know God's Rules."

My response is, "In the instant you are born again, God writes these rules on your heart, so you have inner strength to do them."

God's commandments are not burdensome. They are a joy to someone who has them written on his heart. They are second nature to you. Jesus' nature!

These are God's House Rules as penned by Isaac Watts 200 years ago. Here, try memorizing them yourself sometime when you are sitting on a park bench, sick and sad and wondering what you did wrong to make your life so bad.

Then ask Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God who lives inside you to help you walk out His Father's House Rules for family members, and see if He doesn't start sorting things out in your life.

The Ten Commandments to Memorize

Thou shalt have no other gods but ME,

Before no idol bow thy knee,

Take not the Name of God in vain,

Nor dare the Sabbath day profane,

Give both thy parents honor due,

And see that thou no murder do,

Abstain from words and deeds unclean,

Nor steal, though thou are poor and mean,

Nor make a willful lie, nor love it,

What is thy neighbor’s, do not covet.

North State Champs, Night Hike and A.C.T.!!

As I write this, our Beit Lechem Messianic Congregation Boy Scout Troop is hiking with their flashlights in Rocky Springs Park just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi. After service this afternoon they loaded up the cars and truck and headed out in the freezing (it did drop to 32) cold for their overnight camp out. This should earn them badges in cold weather camping as well as night hiking!

Bob and Rob are driving this moment southward down the Trace to join them, having been at the last basketball game of the North Mississippi State Championships. Well, we won! Praise God, we are the North State Champs! God has been shining His favor on our school.

While all this was happening, I headed over to a see a dear friend, who wanted to start taking STACK, our great ice cream flavored detox/weight loss product. We are determined to avoid the sinus surgery her doctor prescribed, by detoxing out the sickness in her body. She has been taking allergy shots and been miserable for months.

When I got to their house, her daughter taught me some clogging steps (Oh, we are achy- breaky country!) and asked me to stay for supper and to pray with a street friend who was also there. She had wanted to commit suicide. We asked God to heal her of bipolar disorder and lesbian tendencies. What lies the enemy tells people, and what amazing grace God has to heal them!

The folks at the the outdoor park church and Bible study have been asking for Maggie. Just think, she'll be home Monday, God willing. Her last blog installment sounds like she should not have too much culture shock. There was a shoot-out on her street today.

She also had fun with her little boys, and speaks Portuguese pretty well, I gather. www.maginafrica.blogspot.com

I must get busy and dust her bedroom before she gets here!

ADVERTISEMENT!!

When they put that notice at the top of a really good magazine article, I sigh because I don't expect it to be true.

However, now I have an advertisement, and it is true.

Of his own free will Bob has been drinking our feel-good A.C.T. healthy, energy drink twice a day for three weeks. Simultaneously I have been giving him the "ice cream drink" called STACK from the same company (M2C Global, which stands for Manufacturer 2 Consumer direct).

"My productivity at work has been way up in the last three weeks. The A.C.T. helps me get through the afternoon slump. Up until a month ago, I was getting 8-10 case histories per quarter to the publisher of my text book. Now I am sending in 8-10 cases per week."

Congratulate him and PRAISE GOD. Yesterday he finished the last of the 200 cases! His book is finally done!

Listen to me advertising!

Ya'll go git yer own free website at www.drinkact.com/shalpert, and order away by yourself. No one will contact you, except maybe me to see how you like it or to help you.
Over 12 million little packets sold in 22 months!

Hurray!

Old Gingko

The reason I took gingko and "swore by it" years ago was that I simply needed it to think clearly every day. I was not content with the powdered capsules. No, not me, I had them order it special. I had to have the liquid dropper bottle to get it in me fast. I could not do without it. I thought.

Today a funny thing happened. I had called the refrigerator repair man because the thermostat of my fridge slipped into Glory a couple days ago, and my milk was sour. "Oh, Lord," I said, "this does not sound like prosperity!" So I laid hands on the beast and trusted it would either get healed by this morning or the man would repair it for free!

As I hurridly emptied the remaining items on the door this morning before he came I found my old, worn and tattered bottle of gingko. I could not read the date on it it was so old. Which shows you how long it has been.

Hmm, my refrigerator may still need healing, but apparaently I have been healed of an ADD type brain because I haven't used the stuff for about 3 years! The bottle is still half full.

I turned the bottle over and there, stuck on the label was a small, white paper with a note in my hand writing. "I have the mind of Christ."

I recall now saying that several days as I dropped the liquid into my mouth. But, now, the half empty bottle says to me that what I said back then had a lot of power.

Just like the way I began speaking to my thyroid about the same time. Every morning I would look in the mirror, put my hand on my throat and say, "Thyroid, behave yourself as God created you." After twenty years on thyroid meds, I no longer take anything. I haven't for a couple years.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue. They that love it shall eat the fruit of it."

And oh, yes, the refrigerator repair man replaced the thermostat and blowtorched the ice from the back of the freezer section. As he walked out the door, I heard him say, "No charge, ma'am; it's under warranty."

Wahoo! Yeah, God! Yet again.

Blow Yo' Head Off

Our trips downtown to visit with the homeless have been exciting as we watch God 'arrest' folks on their way to hell. This past Sunday there must have been 30 plus street people crammed into the Lancaster's kitchen praising God and with Bible's open, following along as David taught Romans 2. The anointing of God is really on him to bring the message so very down to earth and where the folks live.

I sat next to a youngish guy, bedecked in Mardi Gras beads. I'd met him smiling at the street church in the morning, but this past week he had been planning to kill someone. However, God stopped him, he came instead to see Amy and gave his bullets to her and David. I noticed another handsome young man in a dew rag seated behind me. I later heard that he too had given bullets to Amy this past week, and came to the Bible Study instead of killing someone.

The power of the risen Christ is awesome. I have felt we needed to teach very clearly God's word on killing, and not assume that everyone in the Bible Belt knows it is wrong. Amazing, but true.

A young woman named Vanessa was in the park too and looking sad. She explained that her boyfriend had been arrested and imprisoned for drunkennes. But the folks all around us said that it had to be more than that. I was glad she was not with him and pray she will get a job and go back to her mother. I called her during the week and she has a job at the food pantry. I do not know if her boyfriend is dangerous, but I am glad he is in jail.

Our friend AC had told me last Sunday that he wished a preacher would spell out what sin is, so he would know exactly. "Ain't nobody told you, you don' know what God expeks." He made the sign of shooting a gun and said, "Ah know you are not supposed to kill, Bang Bang!, but I just learned you are not supposed to hate someone! I don' want God to judge me and not know these things ahead o' time. The preachers need to tell us God's laws."

Well, I am sure the preachers have been telling them, but they have also given a mixed message of "we are not under the Law," which has confused a lot of folks. We are definitely not saved by our good deeds, but we most definitely were "created to do good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in." That is what has been lacking in much of our teaching and preaching - Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

The day before, I had begun writing a short book entitled, God's House Rules. I was glad to give AC a copy of the rough draft at the park on Sunday morning, along with a pair of reading glasses. In the evening he said he'd read it and found it helpful and understandable. AC dresses spiffy, ushers at a regular church now, and works hard at the homeless shelter.

Mr. "Many-questions" Tony also read a copy, and took exception to the part that reads, "adultery also includes looking at dirty pictures." When he assured AC and me that he loves the Lord, AC raised his eyebrows and shook his head. We both took exception to that.

Joseph was at the park again and looked bad. He had gotten drunk again and rolled into a fire and got badly burned on his chest. He seems to get himself into some serious scrapes, but has the gentlest face. I cannot wait to give him a copy of God's laws. I pray that he will know in his heart how precious he is to his heavenly Father, and want to obey him and be blessed.

He has prayed to accept Jesus, but, as they say, "Now what?"

I am very excited about the "Now What?" prospects for this little book in downtown Jackson. It is simply an explanation of the Ten Commandments in terms folks can relate to. It covers theft, killing, hatred, rough treatment of children (a cultural thing), incest, homosexuality, keeping your property tidy and safe, not prostituting yourself, drugs, shame, craziness, food, and lots more. All is taken from the Laws of God in the first books of the Bible and their further amplification throughout the Old Testament and in the mouth and lifestyle of the Lord Jesus and his apostles.

I'd like to get a copy into the hands... and heart of an elderly woman who pulled up along the curb the other day as Bob was walking to his car from the hospital. She leaned over and said to him, "Ah'm gonna blow yo' head off yo' shoulders." Bob said, "Well now, why would you want to do a thing like that?" She had some beef against a doctor, and soon drove on her way. Of course The hand of God is over Bob as he goes to work, and is upon all who go "downtown" in the Name of Jesus. Love is way stronger than fear.

People perish for lack of knowledge of the Way of the Lord, and obedience to it, but everywhere I turn people are "returning to Torah," to the law of the Lord and its accompanying blessings.

All glory to Him!

Blog Down Time

My blog has been recalcitrant for a couple weeks, but while it slept, many things happened.

Today the boys took in their science fair projects in to school and set them up. Rob's was on Triboluminescence of Winto-green Lifesavers, ie they sparkle when crushed in the dark. James grew pole beans in varying durations of light, and Peter experimented with the effect of flaps on balsa wood airplane wings. They got 2 first prize blue ribbons and 1 second place ribbon. The big boys will go on to District, which will be held at our school this year. God is shining His favor on us. Praise Him!

Speaking off favor, Sabrena got her lovely house and is giving praise to God. The unveiling was rehearsed, with us cheering and shouting "Move That Bus!" till it was goofy. The limo approached slowly several times with no one inside, and we screamed appropriately for Ty and company for several hours, from our vantage point on a hillside across the street from the house. Finally the for-real limo pulled up and the family got out on our side of the bus, at which point we started in yelling again, and the rest is history, or Hollywood, or whatever.

On seeing the house, Sabrena fainted, and her boys had to pick her up. It was no doubt just what the film crew were looking for, but it felt a little funny in my stomach, as no one approached them to help. The cameras moved in close, but not to help. I wondered what would have happened if someone really had a heart attack or something. Well, the cameras must keep rolling, I guess. We are all very happy and grateful for the family to have this great blessing, and glad to get the kids back in school.

God be praised.

Unveiling!

Last night Peter and I dropped off one of our downtown Jackson friends at her place down the dark end of a road ending in junky cars and a railroad tracks. "Mom, this is spooky," whispered Peter, none too quietly, as he helped me unload bags of clothing and blankets she had received from the Lancaasters onto her wooden porch while she disappeared into the dark with a wave and, "Just a minute, Precious. Ah be right back." When she returned, she shrugging towards the folks standing on the front porch next door, said, "Thanks, them people will steal my stuff."

Now, this morning we have a chance to see another house of another friend and we will rejoice with those who rejoice. After donning our long johns we'll all head out to the big unveiling of the Extreme Home Makeover of a house for the Jones family. The kids are all free to leave school with their families and friends and go get a place to watch the filming and to greet the family as they return from Florida vacation to see their new place.

Sebrena will have her new shoppe with changing rooms and counters and all, next to her house, where she will sell her medical supplies and uniforms. I can't wait for this precious lady to finally see her answer to such faith filled prayers. Friday evening Cee Cee Wyatt sang at a benefits concert for the family, raised $18,000, and Mississippi College announced that they were granting a 4 year full scholarship to all three kids!

Wow! What an example of how God honors a mamma's faithfulness through the years of trial. She lived it, walked it, and talked it, in joy, to everyone especially her kids. The big boys, huge football hulks, but gentle and full of good character, would care for their little 3rd grade sister while their mother worked multiple jobs to keep the children in our wonderful school, University Christian. Last year they were president and vice president of the school council. We all feel such a part of their joy, and so many have worked for hours building the house, that school is out today for any who want to go.

So we are packing a lunch and drinks, and dressing warmly. Maybe we will even wave to y'all on TV from little ol' Brandon, Mississippi. Look for the water tower in the background : )

Sabrena's Mansion

I just returned from the Building site of Extreme Home Makeover and the house they are building for our dear friend and sister, Sabrena. Em found the website for it. You can see the little matchbox Sabrena and her three kids lived in until last Monday when they demolished it. http://www.shoemakerhomes.com/extreme/gallery.asp Scroll to the bottom. This is rural Mississippi, dirt road in the woods.

What a huge blessing that girl is. I never, ever, heard her complain about anything, even when things were so bad. Well, sometime she was cold, and I didn't understand why she'd wear a coat all the time. Her house is deep in Brandon and I had never been to it, so didn't realize they had no heat and holes in the windows.

The closest to complaining I've ever heard from Sabrena is, "Oo-oo, Girl!" and wag her head, "The Lord knows about it all, and He ain't never left me yet!" and then she laughs and we hug.

Last week she could hardly stay awake at our sons' basketball game, because she couldn't sleep nights. They were so excited about Ty Pennington coming. She still had to go to work, so I handed her and her mamma a couple of A.C.T. drinks. Now she wants to carry it in cans in her "new store" when she gets set up. Everbody loves our precious sister.

For years Sabrena and her kids have said to each other, "Some day God is gonna build us a mansion, and we aren't going to pay a penny for it." Well, God is in the process of doing that very thing as I write. extreme home makeover

It is cold and muddy out there, but a bunch of workers like ants are all over the property, bringing to pass what God will do fo' one o' His childrin who stay faithful.

Mother of Invention

Our learning curve has increased so greatly of late as regards The Care and Discipline of Boys that I am inclined to discuss something mundane by way of escape.

This morning Rob was on K.P. and since there were only 2 eggs left (I shop Thursdays) we made french toast. However, Mother Hubbard's cupboard was also nearly bare of real maple syrup (we always use Real of everything, knowing how God feels about synthetics) .

So the Mother of Invention went to work, and in three minutes we had thawed a couple cups of frozen strawberries, cooked them up with a spoonful of cornstarch sweetened with 2 packs of Stevia herb. Next time I shall try 3 packs, but since nobody complained about the lack of sugar, maybe not. I had some french toast too and it was yum.

Happy Days!

PS Because of the cornered maket on sweeteners, you cannot find Stevia labelled as such. I found my little box of Spoonable Stevia packs at the healthfood store under Dietary Supplement.