September 2008 Newsletter (in October)

"Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore." Psalm 105:4

www.christianperspective.net
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Yes, we know it's October, but this is our September newsletter (just a little late!). Switching our website to a new server proved more complicated than we'd originally thought.

Update: New Store - 15% Discount - Reviews Needed

Several months ago, we began the tedious process of switching our online store over to a new shopping cart--and it's finally ready! And just in time for devotional season : ).

LIMITED TIME - SAVE 15%!
For a limited time, we've decided to offer all our products for 15% off their normal prices. We hope you'll take advantage of this special to pick up something you've been wanting, or to purchase a gift for a friend. You can take a look at www.store.christianperspective.net.

Have You Seen Our Bible Studies/Devotionals?
Be sure to check out our Thanksgiving and Christmas Bible studies. We designed these studies to be a short, easy, and fun way for families to stay focused on the Lord during the holiday season. Both studies come with little books for children to color--children also get stickers and a special gold pen to help them decorate their books!

The Thanksgiving devotional focuses on the attributes of God, while the Christmas one traces God's plan of redemption from the very beginning, laying the groundwork for Jesus' birth and the whole gospel message. Both Bible studies make great and meaningful gifts for loved ones or friends. They're hand put together with love from us to you.

Reviews Needed!
If you've enjoyed using any of our products, would you be willing to post a paragraph or two for others to read? Our new shopping cart has a spot for reviews, and we'd love to see some posted. You should see the review button on each product's page.

May His strength give you courage and joy.

In His Hands,

Katherine

Thought: Finding Strength

I had reached the point where I felt too tired to keep going. How could I possibly make it through the rest of the day’s activities?

I pulled out my Bible and opened it up to Colossians. There I found my answer.

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;” Colossians 1:11 (KJV)

The God who hung the galaxies and raised Jesus from the dead was strong enough to help me, no matter how I felt or what my situation.

That meant I had a choice. I could choose to just make it through the rest of the day on my own strength, managing to exist with plaster smiles on my face, or I could choose to surrender my feelings, my fears, and my struggles, and walk forward with joyfulness, choosing to really enjoy what He laid out for me and trusting Him and clinging to His strength. I could choose to focus on my situation, or I could choose to focus on the Lord. I could waste the day, or I could let it be a testimony to God’s ability to sustain His people.

If, as you’re reading this, you feel like your own strength is at an end, remember that God’s strength is only beginning. But you have to choose to trust Him! It’s all too easy to just heroically keep doing things on our own strength, saying we’re trusting God, but missing out on the joy and peace that comes when we truly just surrender to His control.

I’d encourage you to wait upon the Lord--to surrender your desires and unfulfilled plans and walk forward with renewed strength, a strength only found by surrendering and letting God’s power give hope, energy, and joy for each day.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Story: Trusting

“Mamma, why is Anna still so grumpy?” Sarah asked her mother. Her little sister had been grumpy now for hours.

Mrs. Thompson glanced up from the potatoes she was peeling. “Your little sister is still upset because she couldn’t play with my sewing kit,” she answered.

Sarah paused for a moment, digesting that information. “But Momma, it wouldn’t have been safe for her to play with it. And she has a whole bunch of things all around her to play with.”

Mrs. Thompson nodded. “I know, Sarah. But Anna is choosing to be upset because she didn’t get what she wanted.”

“But you would have let her play with it if it was good for her,” Sarah continued.

“Yes, I would have.”

“Doesn’t Anna trust you? You always seem to do what’s best for us.”

Mrs. Thompson set down the peeler and put her arm around her daughter. “Sarah, I want you to learn from Anna’s behavior. It’s easy to see how your sister is refusing to trust me. But as you get older, there will be many times in life where things don’t go your way or your day doesn’t unfold like you wanted. And you’ll get to choose whether to be miserable like Anna is right now, or to remember that God is in charge of your life and taking perfect care of you--much more so than I could ever do for Anna.”

Sarah looked over at her little sister, who was still sitting with her arms crossed pouting. She had missed out on enjoying the beautiful afternoon. She had missed out on enjoying all their mother had planned for them that afternoon.

“Thank you, Momma,” Sarah whispered. “I don’t want to miss out.”

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

Homeschool Tip: Asking Why, Part 2

- By Cris Loop

Why are you homeschooling? Believe it or not, this was my husband’s answer to a question I had on how to council a mom on whether or not to participate in a certain church program. I thought it a rather strange answer at first, but as I began to answer the question, I was able to see that the same principles that led me to homeschool applied to this church program. It became clear that I needed to ask this mom why she was homeschooling, so she could see the Lord’s direction on this church program.

My husband’s question got me to thinking how helpful knowing “why” we are homeschooling can be. Remembering the reasons for what we’re doing helps us stay on track, and helps us evaluate the host of other opportunities that come up.

This month, I’d like to encourage you to ask “why”--not “why is this happening to me,” but “why am I doing this?” Ask God to show you your heart on the various things and activities in your life. Start by remembering why you are homeschooling. Take the question to the Lord, then write out your answer so you won’t forget. When a new challenge presents itself, ask yourself “why am I doing this?” Remind yourself of why you are homeschooling, and see if those principles can’t help you sort out this new challenge.

Hymn/Poem: May the Mind of Christ, My Savior

- By Kate B. Wilkinson. Found on www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/a/maytmind.htm.

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

Unless otherwise indicated, articles are written by Katherine Loop, © 2008. Where marked Cris Loop, articles written by Christina Loop, © 2008. Feel free to pass these e-mails or articles by Katherine or Cris Loop within these e-mails along to others (please include a link to our web site when you do). If you do not regularly receive Christian Perspective's monthly e-mails and updates and would like to receive them, please send your e-mail address to info@christianperspective.net or sign up on our web site, www.christianperspective.net. If you would like to be removed from the e-mail list, simply let us know, and we will promptly remove you. We always enjoy hearing from you. Drop us a line sometime and share with us your thoughts and suggestions.