by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 5, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
Religious Freedom and the Church
4 Things You (yes, you!) Can Do About the Persecuted Church
What do you think of when you hear about the persecuted Church? You would be right to think of countries such as North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran, which are within the top 10 extremely persecuted countries according to Open Doors USA. This list includes 260 million Christians who suffer high to severe levels of persecution.
That’s difficult to imagine, isn’t it? Hundreds of millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted – attacked, killed, kidnapped, prevented from obtaining life sustaining food and provisions, etc.
All Because of Their Faith.
To be honest, even though I identified as a Christian my whole life, I did not think too often about the persecuted Church. I was (and still am) grateful for the relative freedom we have in the United States to follow the faith of our choice. However, even in the US, Christians are facing a level of persecution hitherto unseen. We will address this more in a moment.
After I became born again, I still did not occupy too much thought about what seemed like distant countries with unfamiliar rules, laws, and violence.
Then, God placed the idea of my persecuted brothers and sisters in my hands…directly.
Someone who worked at a factory that received component parts from China gave me a tract he found in one of the boxes.
It was “The Evidence of God” tract by Lee Strobel.
I was struck…by what exactly, I am not sure, but God was certainly behind it. The more I thought about how that tract got there…why it was placed there…I began to wonder, was someone reaching out for help, or to disciple others?
I thought about the Christian work camps I have heard about in China, and suddenly I knew God took this topic that seemed so far away and placed it smack on my heart.
It still took a while for me to understand what I could do, if anything, about it.
Over the months and years (in God’s perfect timing), I came to understand that I cannot fix the world. And this charge is not something that can be placed on any fallen human being.
Only an infinite God can do that.
God is the only one in the business of fixing the world; He has already sent His son who will return again, and in the meantime we are to do our good works that God has prepared for us beforehand as we go. Some will receive a special calling from God to more directly help the persecuted, while others will not. However, this does not mean that any Christian is excused from helping his brothers and sisters in need, just as no Christian is exempt from preaching the gospel.
So, what are some things we ALL can do as we sit in our homes, and walk by the way?
1. Get informed.
Find some websites with good information about the persecuted Church, as main stream media usually does not dwell upon (or even mention) persecuted Christians around the world.
- Some great websites that will get you started include:
- opendoorsusa.org
- the Voice of the Martyrs (persecution.com)
- Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org)
- China Aid (chinaaid.org – more on China Aid below)
Other ways to keep informed include Christian-based radio and news:
- generations.org/radio
- theworldview.com
- https://world.wng.org/
- https://www.frc.org/
- https://www.christianitytoday.com/news
Many others exist; try searching for persecuted Church ministries.
There are so many resources today that there is no excuse for us not educating ourselves about our suffering brothers and sisters.
2. Pray
Once you know more about the reality of the situation, and who. For example, see the nations listed on opendoorsusa.org. These are the nations that need our prayers.
Pray without ceasing.
Make time during your quiet times and your prayer times to pray for those who suffer in the name of Jesus. Take part in a prayer event (in person or online). Pray with your local believers in Church. Jesus himself told us that we are to expect persecution as His followers, but the one Body exists to bear each other’s burdens.
3. Speak up
Call this step “advocate” if you will, but my point is to not remain silent. You are not too important to help your neighbor (Galatians 6:3). When wrong is happening around you, do not remain silent but stand firm in the faith.
- Take righteous action.
- Use any social media accounts you have to promote the truth.
- Raise awareness and share the truth with others.
4. Give
Donate to any of the ministries mentioned here or to others you find. Or give to your local church, who should also be giving to help persecuted Christians throughout the world.
And one last point, the ones you may be giving to might end up being your own neighbors. The reality of the persecution of Christians in this country grows by leaps and bounds every day.
Take, for example, the ongoing plight of Bob Fu. Among other things, he is a pastor who runs China Aid and is being guarded by the police right now. This is happening in our own country, because people want him killed for his faith.
Please see the video below for details, pray for Bob Fu and his family, and give if the Spirit so moves you.
https://www.revelationmedia.com/BobFu/RM17401/
By Dana Timek
Dana Timek is a Christ-following wife and mother. She retired from the medical field to be a stay at home mom, and was called by her Lord and Savior to become a home-discipler (aka homeschooling mama). She is grateful for her family, for walks in the woods, for peaceful late nights…and for coffee in the mornings!
References
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/january/top-christian-persecution-open-doors-2020-world-watch-list.html
World Watch List
Other Things You Might be Interested in:
Christian Christmas Activity Pack
Churches Can Make a Difference
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 5, 2020 | Homeschooling
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism. (Post may contain affiliate links).
Oftentimes people assume that having a child diagnosed with autism would be extremely difficult. While there are some difficulties in raising a son who struggles with autism, there are also many things I’m thankful for.
Raising any child has its challenges, of course. Which is one of the main things I remind myself of when I'm having a bad day. The challenges are just different, depending on the uniqueness of the child. So, if I had a child that was “typical” then I might be worrying about some of the things listed below. But I'm not! 🙂
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism
1. I don't have to worry about my son getting involved in hardcore music.
My son is 15 years old. At this age, many kids start listening to rock music.
Well, Nathan doesn't care for any music, partly because of sensory difficulties. He especially doesn’t like rock music—even Christian rock, such as Skillet. In fact, one time a song by Skillet came on the radio while in the car, and he was all, “Turn that off! That’s sounds awful!” (Reminds me of my mom coming home when I was a teenager). LOL
When I was a teenager in the 1980s, I started listening to punk rock, new wave, and other not so nice music. (If you've ever read the lyrics from secular rock music, you know what I'm talking about). And I honestly believe the music I got involved with contributed to my rebellion.
Thus, I am very thankful that Nathan is so picky about music.
By the way, one of the ways that I stay in a more positive mood is to listen to my favorite Christian music while at the gym.
In fact, this has been a great motivator to go to the gym!
Let me explain. So, Nathan basically hates and doesn't tolerate music around him. Thus, I have gotten to the point where I actually look forward to going to the gym so that I can listen to my favorite music–and then I even get a workout out of it. So, not only does the music help me to re-focus on Jesus, but I am much calmer when I get home. PLUS I feel so much better about myself because I know that I did something positive for my health.
You would be AMAZED at how this can boost your mood and help you to be more thankful!
Now we are all different with unique likes and dislikes.
So, my suggestion to you is to find something that you really love to do and that puts you in a better mood–and take time to do it!!!
And as a result of being a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Coach, I want to strongly encourage you to get some exercise in whatever form you can enjoy.
I do not do anything at the gym that I hate doing. For example, I hate push-ups and sit-ups. So, I do other things like work the stomach machines. So, I would never tell you to force yourself to do something you hate.
Find something that you look forward to and don't dread. Whether it's at the gym, at the park or at the coffee shop. JUST DO IT!!!
2. I don't have to worry about what types of friends he has.
Nathan is even pickier than I would be about the friends he chooses. In fact, he's picky about who he will even talk to.
3. I don’t have to worry about him walking off with a stranger.
He's extra cautious about strangers. Again, you can hardly get him to talk to someone he knows. So, there is NO way he’s going to willingly go with a stranger anywhere. In fact, when he started ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, it took two months before he would even get in the therapist’s car without mom or dad present.
Plus, he has absolutely no desire to chat with strangers online (or chat with anyone for that matter). So, I don't have to worry about him being lured on the internet, either. (Yes, he has been educated on the dangers).
4. He's content with what he has.
Nathan has one main pair of shoes he wears, and he will wear his old clothes until they're so snug, I'm embarrassed for him. In fact, I usually have to talk him into getting a new pair of shoes, and it's always my idea when it's time to get new clothes. He never thinks he needs new clothes. I can honestly say that Nathan has not ever asked for a new outfit or a new pair of shoes.
Also, Nathan usually only has one or two items he wants at a time (even at Christmas), and he has never acted like he wished he hadn't chosen that item. In other words, he's not greedy and he is careful about choosing before buying. (I could learn a thing or two from him)!
A recent example of how he's not greedy was on his birthday last May. His grandma was planning what to buy him for his birthday. The item he chose was less expensive than what she was willing to spend. So, she asked him if he'd like to have more Bendaroos. (He uses these all of the time, since he was a little tyke). When I asked him if he needed more Bendaroos, he said, “No.”
By the way, if you struggle with being thankful, you most definitely are NOT alone.
Homeschooling special needs children can be really hard at times. And I am most certainly NOT the perfect example of if you struggle with being thankful, However, one of the things that helps me immensely to stay focused (or to re-focus) on what I have to be thankful for is a devotional I do in the morning.
You may be familiar with the free YouVersion Bible App?
Before I had a child, it seemed that I could always find time and energy for Bible study. Well, the past few years, I have found it much harder to stay focused on a lengthy Bible study first thing in the morning. The YouVersion Bible App has been SUCH a blessing during these times!
For example, you can choose to just listen to the Bible read to you—and most versions are available. It took me a while to find a voice I could enjoy. But there are lots of choices! Also, there are pre-written devotionals (100s of them) that last anywhere from 2 days to 30 days (and maybe even more). You can choose whatever topic seems to fit your needs. I am currently going through “Different” A study of 1 Peter. Of course, there are tons of plans on the simple topic of thankfulness or being thankful.
Another thing that is super cool is that you can create images out of verses and you can even use your own photos. This is something my husband does a lot. He posts on Facebook and it is really encouraging. I also pick images that are already done, which is quicker, and then share on Facebook. Not only is it an encouragement to others, but I can go back later and read it myself and find relief from stress!
There is just something about sharing God's love with others that also helps us to stay in a positive mood and be more thankful!
By the way, the app is absolutely free and is available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and pretty much every device you can imagine.
There is Even An App for Kids.
The thing I like the most about this Bible app, besides that it's free, is that I can always find time to be in God's word, even when I'm feeling seriously pressed for time.
5. He's a Cheap Date!
Most of the time, Nathan doesn’t even want to eat out. And when he does, he always chooses small portion sizes. For example, if he goes to McDonald’s he just orders the six piece nuggets.
6. He's Resourceful
When he’s trying to figure out how to do something at home, he uses whatever things he can find at home. Only occasionally will he request something to buy. For example, he'll print stuff off the internet, cut and paste to decorate his trains, use whatever pencils or pens are around the house. And speaking of Bendaroos. He will reuse his Bendaroos even when they are the wrong color (if he runs out of a particular color, for example).
So, I'm sure I could think of lots more things to be thankful for besides the 6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism that I just discussed. But for now I will close with this:
When we struggle with our attitudes and moods, God is always there waiting to encourage us:
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.
Read more from Homeschooling Dietitian Mom here:
Does Food Affect Autism?
Diet and ADHD in Children Part 1
Free just in time for Fall:
Thanksgiving Turkey Safety and Kid-Friendly Fall Recipes
30 Days of Thankfulness and Gratitude
Foods that Contain Gluten
Cool Christmas Stocking Stuffers
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 29, 2020 | Cooking Tips
Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time
I've been meaning to write about this new Thanksgiving recipe and safety e-book my husband created for you. So, here I am! And this Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time e-book is pretty awesome, in my opinion.
It started out as a general food safety e-book. However, with the Holidays swiftly approaching, we both decided it would be better to focus specifically on Turkey Safety, especially because the following 5 steps are EXTREMELY important to prevent food poisoning.
- Thawing
- Cleaning
- Separating
- Cooking
- Chilling
Of course, we didn't forget to add some tasty recipes, which my husband made and we taste-tested.
- Pumpkin Tart
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Whole Grain Blueberry Spice Pancakes (my absolute favorite)!
- Italian Stuffed Peppers that you can decorate to look like mummies
- A cute idea for serving vegetables at a get together or party.
These are basic, simple recipes that aren't necessarily low fat or low calorie. However, portion control is key when you are eating for holidays (or any other time). This is what I remember when I eat anything. 🙂
Last year, at Christmastime, we created a couple of kid-friendly recipes as well. Click here to check this out.
Check out this super cool Hands-on Fall Food & Spices project.
If you want more in-depth information on food safety, and you don't want to wait for me to finish my project on this subject, here are a few links to help you teach your kids:
Super cute teaching materials already prepared for you!
Food Safety with Beth
Government Food Safety Sites:
Centers for Disease Control Food Safety Home Page
Food Safety.gov
Post on how to use my Halloween Food Science and Math Unit Study
And don't forget to check out my Meal Planning for Kids Curriculum pack here.
Read my article, “Healthy Eating on a Budget” to give you a better idea of what “Meal Planning for Kids” is all about.
Sensory Friendly Vegetable Soup Recipes
Thanksgiving Desserts and Appetizers
Check out these super cute fairy tale books for preschool and kindergarten age kids
A Healthy Christmas Recipe for Kids
Printable Christmas Bookmarks
Nutrition Fun for Kids
Paleontologist Kids Elementary Unit Study
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 21, 2020 | Education Materials
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends During the Pandemic
(Post contains affiliate links).
You know that Homeschooling Dietitian Mom has you covered with nutrition and homeschool tips needed to stay stress-free in lockdown. But what about your relatives and friends who are pregnant during these stressful times? Those women may need a little extra support from you to stay sane, and here are just a few ways you can safely provide that extra care and love.
A Thoughtful Gift Can Go a Long Way
If you want to support your loved one, consider sending a gift that will relieve stress and help her feel extra comfortable during these challenging times.
A Comforting Meal Can Also Be Helpful
Trying to grocery shop while pregnant or with a new baby can feel impossible during a dangerous pandemic, but you can help by providing nourishing meals.
Listening Can Often Be the Greatest Gift
Honestly, your loved one may not need actual gifts to feel safe and supported during this pregnancy but would prefer less tangible support.
In addition to carrying a child, your pregnant friends are also carrying the same COVID stresses as the rest of us. That’s a lot for anyone to handle on their own, so try to reach out and provide support when you can. Trust us, your efforts will be greatly appreciated!
Remember to turn to Homeschooling Dietitian Mom for useful tips and advice throughout your parenting journey!
Other things you might be interested in:
Nutrition for Pregnancy – Recipes and Suggestions to Help You Start Out Right
10 Best Foods to Eat When Pregnant
Best Fall Recipes
Preschool Broccoli Activity Pack
Photo Credit: Unsplash
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends During the Pandemic
Article courtesy of Alyssa Strickland
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever, and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas — Education, Relationships, and Community.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 28, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
There are at least 5 Reasons my son believes in Catastrophism, and why he doesn't believe in macroevolution. (Post may contain affiliate links).
Before I get into what my son believes and why, I would like to start with a few definitions.
First, what exactly is catastrophism?
“Catastrophism is the theory that the Earth has largely been shaped by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope.” (Wikipedia).
This is in contrast with the term “Uniformitarianism.”
“Uniformitarianism is also known as the Doctrine of Uniformity. It is the assumption that the same natural laws and processes that operate in our present-day scientific observations have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe.” (Wikipedia)
So, when I say that my son believes in catastrophism, this is what it means. It means he does not believe that the same natural laws and processes that we observe operating today can fully explain the origin of our universe.
What exactly is meant by the term “Evolution?”
When the term “evolution” is used, it is often unclear what exactly “evolution” means. And to complicate matters further, definitions differ between catastrophists (flood geologists) and uniformitarianists (evolutionary scientists).
The main reason for the disagreement is because two types of evolution are often discussed, Macroevolution and Microevolution.
Macroevolution refers to the theory that, “All things are evolving in a positive beneficial direction.”
For example, Macroevolution is defined as, “the process of one type of animal (fish) evolving into a completely different type of animal (amphibian).” This is what evolutionary scientists believe to be true.
However, Catastrophists don't agree that Macroevolution is true.
The reason we don't agree with evolutionists on this definition is because
Macroevolution requires an increase in genetic information, which has NEVER BEEN SHOWN to happen.
Another concept that is important for me to clarify is the term “Natural Selection.”
Natural Selection is, “the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.”
So, how does this relate to Microevolution?
Well, Natural Selection is an example of Microevolution. Natural Selection is an observable phenomenon–when it is correctly used as an example of Microevolution, because:
Microevolution has been observed in the laboratory.
For example, Microevolution is what is happening when bacteria become immune to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is not the result of an increase in information. It is the result of the passing on of already existing antibiotic resistant genes that are present in the surviving organism.
To sum it up, when I say that my son believes in Catastrophism, I mean that he believes that the Worldwide Flood of Noah discussed in the Bible is an acceptable explanation for how the world came to be in the state it is occurring. And when I say that he does not believe in evolution, I am referring to the fact that he doesn't believe Macroevolution – molecules to man, amoeba to man, etc.
Now that we’ve got that cleared up, I want to mention a few ways I believe have helped my son decide on his own that creation and catastrophism make more sense than evolution and uniformitarianism.
5 Reasons My Son Believes in Catastrophism
1. He has been Given a Firm Foundation through Solid Biblical Teaching
We attend a church that teaches the Bible, verse-by-verse. This means that when the Pastor teaches from the pulpit, he starts in Genesis 1 and goes all the way to the end of the Book of Revelation. He then starts over. The same principle applies throughout our church, from Preschool on.
Also, the Bible is taken literally and in a straightforward manner. For instance, if the Bible says that God created in seven days, we don't use “science” to determine what God means by a day. We look at the Hebrew, which clearly shows that God meant one literal 24-hour day when he used the word “Yom.”
Every summer our church has Vacation Bible School (VBS). And they have always been from Answers in Genesis which emphasizes creation and the trustworthiness of the bible. My son absolutely loved VBS. In fact, he went every single year from pre-kindergarten until 6th grade. In fact, he was really bummed when he found out he was too old to attend.
And this past summer (2019), he attended by helping with one of the VBS classes. This is one of the first times he's taken initiative like this. And I am so proud of him! (Yes, he loved it, and I am sure he will be doing it again next year)! 🙂
Thus, my son is growing up with knowledge of the entire Bible within context.
The Bible is the only true source of a firm foundation. The bible is also the only way to effectively combat the lies of the enemy.
2. We Have Spent Time Discussing the Power of the Media
Whenever I watch a movie with my son, if there is anything questionable about it, we will discuss it. For example, the Jurassic Park series. Many people don’t realize that the theme of evolution flows through the plot of the entire Jurassic series. For example, when they show ostriches running at the end of the first movie, the implication is that they are the descendants of dinosaurs. Or when they discuss the amber that the dinosaur DNA was found in, it is stated that the amber is millions of years old. That is, it is never questioned.
Dinosaur Dan on PBS
My son used to watch this show. In every single show of the series, Dan states “65 million years ago” at least once. Teachers know that if you want a child to remember a fact, you mimic it repeatedly. This is why I don't believe it is a coincidence that Dan states “65 million years ago,” in every single show. The producers want the young children to remember this “fact.” Every time I would hear Dan say that I asked my son, “How do they know that? Were they there? When you dig up a fossil, does it have a date engraved on it? What about the problem of index fossils?”
3. Books that apply the Creation message.
One of my all-time favorites is the “The Time Twins” series by DB Macks. I discovered this series through Creation Research Society Quarterly Magazine. I can honestly say I have never read a more eye-opening series than this one. Because there are a few scenes that are graphic, I waited until Nathan was 10 to read it to him. And he absolutely loved it. =)
My OWN Paleontologist Kids Unit Study is one result of my years of studying this important message. Click here to see it.
I have met some interesting people over the years. One friend I met while at Loma Linda University has had a profound effect on Nathan. MaryAnn works with Dr. Gary Parker in Florida. When she visits, she always brings hands-on goodies, such as fossils, to share and discuss with Nathan.
4. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens 1980.
This disaster is nicknamed, “The Little Grand Canyon.” Mt. St. Helens testifies that it doesn’t take millions of years for layers and fossils to form. There is a little museum on the road to the Mt. St. Helens that you can visit. Here you will find evidence and discussions of the alternative viewpoint that you won't hear at the “main event” up the street. While MaryAnn worked at the museum, Nathan benefited from her connections. 🙂
5. He has been exposed to ALL the evidence
When kids attend public school, they are only exposed to one side of the issue. Evolution is taught as fact with no alternatives allowed. The public school system has been “scrubbed clean” of any mention of the creation viewpoint. People have been led to believe that evolution is “science” and creationism is “religion.” Thus, most people don't have a problem with that at all, to the detriment of their kids, who are growing up with a faulty foundation that will color their point-of-view for the rest of their lives. 🙁
I have gobbled up all the good books I could find on the subject since before I even knew I was going to have a child. From preschool on up. This is an extremely critical issue to me, and it should be to other Christians as well. This why I have taken every single opportunity I have had and continue to have to make sure my son sees things from both sides so that he can DECIDE FOR HIMSELF what he believes.
The main reason we are losing our kids in college is because we have not prepared them for the onslaught of evolutionary thoughts and ideas that they will be exposed to at the college level. And the sad reality is that most so-called Christian universities are also compromising with the message of the bible and secular science.
The point I am trying to make is this. Do everything you can to go along with your child, side-by-side, so that you can continually show alternative viewpoints to the media onslaught of evolutionary ideas they are receiving through TV, the movies, radio, and the internet.
Why Don't People Believe in Young Earth Creationism?
When Did Dinosaurs Live?
ADHD and Diet Part 1
My Autistic Son Hates School
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism
A Parent's Guide to Outdoor Safety
Is the Paleo Diet Biblical?
4 Things the Bible Does NOT Say about Race
FREE! Dinosaur Research Sheets
5 Grill Hacks to Help You Lose Weight
