Show & Tell: Links Aplenty!

I've got a lot of interesting links for you this time... and this is the pared-down list. :) I deleted at least 15-20 links that I had stored up to share, just so that it wouldn't be so very overwhelming... still, it's a hefty list. And I'm going to take this opportunity to share some recent pics of my kiddos-- because I can. :)

So let's get started. Click, read, learn, be challenged, laugh, and enjoy!

FOLLOWING CHRIST

• Stephen Baldwin's Video Testimony: "I Am Second"
• Some "One Another"s you won't find in the Bible.
• Tired? Worn to a frazzle? Perhaps you could incorporate a more intentional "Sabbath rest" into your life.
• This has always been something that drives me crazy too-- self-centered praise music (talk about a contradiction! )
• Here's the 2009 list of the most persecuted countries around the world
• Jesus said not "if", but "when you fast"
• Some easy ways to make yourself miserable.
• Here's a bio of my favorite author, Randy Alcorn: The Pastor Without a Paycheck

IN THE HOME

• Do you know about using Vicks Vaporub on the soles of feet to combat colds? It works for us!
• Note to Teens: Do Hard Things
• An online friend wrote in and shared about her very honest & encouraging new online marriage resource: Christian Marriage Today
  
• Here's a great word about teaching our children to be content.
• Laura has a great section of her blog (and now, it appears, a new blog) focused on helpful kitchen tips! Check it out-- she shares thoughts on maintaining a useful pantry, staying organized, shopping wisely, and more.
• Terry shared her great thoughts about the importance of parents having a long-term vision for their children.
• Sonlight curriculum is known for its amazing book selections... and The Well-Trained Mind is known as an excellent classical education method. This very helpful list combines both methods into a 4-year cycle of excellent books, grouped according to comprehension/grade levels.
• You all may know I love to follow, pray for, rejoice with, and learn from adoption stories. This one is instructive, raw, and a beautiful picture of grace & love in action.
• A detailed example of true love

RANDOM, BUT INTERESTING, READING

• Theories about what happened to the ten lost tribes of Israel. This link is to the first of a 3-part article, so be sure to click on to read the other 2 parts... very interesting to think about! (I think the 3rd part-- about Japan & Ethiopia-- is the most fascinating.)
• Here's something I didn't know: Obama carries the idol of a Hindu god in his pocket.
• How does a secular scientist become a believer in creation according to the Bible?
• Thoughts from another mom searching out biblical truth and God's will concerning birth control & family size.
• Juan Williams says Judge Obama on Performance. In this honeymoon season where many clearly believe he can do no wrong, this is excellent advice.
• An older Christian woman shares very relevant and helpful thoughts about weight, eating, and "healthy self-image".
• Wanna raise chickens in your backyard? Friends tell me this is the best resource on the matter. Feel free to share more in the comments section.

ABORTION: Inform yourself!

• They Paused. One woman's experience as a sidewalk counselor at an abortion clinic.
• Former abortion clinic manager shares how she became pro-life.
• What happens to the body parts and little bodies of the murdered babies?

MAKE SOMETHING!

• Make your own Taco Seasoning. Rave reviews and a recommendation from Terry @ Breathing Grace (I'm pretty sure). Once I run out of my stock, I'm trying this one.
• Here are some fascinating ways to use old plastic bags: You can fuse them into a durable & sewable material. Here's a link with lots of info and several helpful how-to videos. Use the material to make a cloth shopping bag or purse. Here's a FAQ about safety for these projects. This sounds like an inventive & potentially beautiful way to recycle those gazillion bags that pile up under the kitchen counter, in the pantry, etc.

GOOD FOR A LAUGH

• I hope no one takes offense to this-- it just totally cracked me up to hear about this blog recently: This is Why You're Fat. It's a chronicle of artery-clogging foods. (Thanks Barbara!)
• Shannon shared a very funny video about large families.

HAPPY READING!!!