Moloch

I have been studying about the Amorite God known as "The god of unnatural cruelty" People were reported to have sacrificed their infants in fire to him and committed the older ones to his service by making them pass through the fire. Wow, how unfelling those parents had to be...or at leaste deluded. Are we so different? I see many kids who seemed to have been sacrificed to the god of Hedonism, selfishness and self gratification. A father who leaves his wife and 2 boys for a young "entertainer". Children kicked out of the house so they wont mess up the decorations. Parents who wont take their kids to church unless they ask, and not even then.


Moloch in medieval texts. Like some other gods and demons found in the Bible, Moloch appears as part of medieval demonology, as a Prince of Hell. This Moloch finds particular pleasure in making mothers weep; for he specialises in stealing their children. According to some 16th century demonologists Moloch's power is stronger in December.It is likely that motif of stealing children was inspired by the traditional understanding that babies were sacrificed to Moloch.

In modern Hebrew language the expression sacrifice something/someone to the Molech means to give up something valuable or harm someone for an utterly worthless cause.

Sounds a bit like the Forest of Forgotten to me (from The Gown)

Do you have a Vision for God's plan for the ones you Love?

Proverbs 29:18
"Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (King James)

"Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
no vision--instruction in God's truth, which was by prophets, through visions, as in 1 Samuel 3:1). People perish--(Compare Margin), are deprived of moral restraints. keepeth the law--has, and observes, instruction (Proverbs 14:11,34, Psalms 19:11).
By Jamieson, Fausset, Brown commentary

I am praying for the vision and the ability to help cast a vision for a generation of moms who seemed to have given up on their responsibility to raise passionate, prepared and purposeful children. Join me in my prayers. deb

My little missionary

I knew my Maddy had the heart of a missionary at a very young age.
Soon after she asked Jesus into her heart, she turned her concerns to her younger brother.
Nathan could not have been more than 2 when Maddy prayed earnestly "Dear Heavenly Father, Come into Nathan's Heart"
I patiently attempted to explain to her that it had to be at Nathan's request.
Jesus would make his home inside a person's heart only when he is asked by that person.
This did not daunt her in her quest to save her brother's young soul from the flames of eternal hell.
She turned purposefully to her brother and commanded "NATHAN, say 'Jesus, come into my heart!'"
Nathan, involved in some intense play, just ignored her...

Secrets Revealed

I believe that what happened with Ted Haggard, all the "predators" caught on TV and My Space and every other "Secret" sin will be revealed as early as by the end of the year. As a watchman on the wall I am obligated to warn, every secret place, hidden sin, stolen item, deceptive action or hypocritical comment is a seed sown and the season harvest is coming soon. "God will not be mocked" You will reap what you have sowed! The seeds are almost full grown now and the reaping will be with weeping. Many kingdoms will fall, many households devastated, fortunes lost... But there is still time. If your come clean now, you can remove the power of the secret. It will still be a bad thing, but it will not have the punch and power to ruin your life that it will if you wait till someone else reveals it. Walk back into the daylight, it may be bright and sting your eyes for a while, but it is also warm and happy and free.

Good Gifts

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" Mat. 7:11

Do I know how to give good gifts to my children? Is it as easy as not giving them a snake if they ask for a fish, or not giving them a stone if they ask for bread? What if they ask for the snake, or something else more malicious and dangerous like A... Gun, or a violent video game or a TV with cable in their room? Is giving "good" gifts just giving them what they want? Or is it only giving them good things if they ask for them? What if they don't ask for good things?....

Just a few things to ponder as we head into the "Gift Giving Season".
I have always relished getting everyone the "perfect" gift, one they love even if they would have never thought of it themselves. I never cared much about what they asked for from Santa. I felt the real trick is to get them to ask for what I was planning on buying them. I have been seriously reconsidering my gift giving lately, not only in the light of our "Too much Stuff" but because of the opening of The Gathering Place" I am investigating an idea I call Destiny Blessings. It is about the spiritual and emotional meaning behind what we give, not just the "hot item" on everyone's list. A Destiny Blessing is exquisitely- personal and full of deep thought-out meaning, for the hopes, dreams and prayers we have for our loved ones. How can all that be included in a simple gift? How can I help people find a way to give those kinds of gifts to the ones they love? Do people want that? I guess I'll just have to try and see. Come to our open house on Nov 18th in the Courtyard Mall(next to KK's Craft Mall) and see. We are now open Tue-Sat. 10-6. Drop by any time to see what great things God has brought me to share "Destiny Blessings" You might even find something that will bless you too.

Hedonism or Altruism

I have been praying lately about why so many people never seem to make it to a higher level of existence. You know the place outside of ourselves where altruism lives. Not a Zen state of being where we meditate all day and try not to offend anyone, but the place where saints in the form of everyday people see that "It is not about me". In a college class we read a book about stages of faith, it moved me and got me thinking about people I knew, the faith of my family and where I wanted to go in my own. We learned that as in physical development there is a natural progression starting at birth and moving up to adulthood. The difference is that many people never make it to the final stage. The potential to continue to growing is present til death. Where or why are some arrested while others life Mother Teressa, Bonhoffer, Martin Luther continue beyond themselves? Is it an accident of circumstances out of ones control or is it a conscious choice? If you know me, you know I believe most of life is a choice.
Hedonism-
1. Pursuit of or devotion to pleasure, especially to the pleasures of the senses.
2. Philosophy The ethical doctrine holding that only what is pleasant or has pleasant consequences is intrinsically good.
3. Psychology The doctrine holding that behavior is motivated by the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
Altruism

1 : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
2 : behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species
I truly desire that I continue out beyond myself or even my family and passionately pursue unselfish love. ">Link

Modern Samaritan?

My middle son, Nathan, entertained us at supper last night by sharing a Good Samaritan story with a modern day twist.
He felt like he was the traveler, emotionally beat and, left by the side of the road, when his sister and brother enjoyed games with the next door neighbors while he felt left out. He, being emotionally sensitive, went to a corner to hide his tears. Some moments later the girls noticed that his eyes and nose were red and commented "Nathan, you don't look good. You should go inside." (Thinking he may be coming down sick, I'm sure)
As he continued to share the story at the table his eyes welled again as he declared, "They were like the Pharisees, passing me by."
Sister looked confused as she tried to remember the events.
"Then my brother ignored me and he was like the Levite. So, I wanted to be by myself, and I went to the back yard. There I found someone who was will to take the time to bandage my wounds and take care of me..."
We waited with baited breath to see who our son's mysterious rescuer was. "It was Princess!!" He declared with a glowing smile.
Our hyper-active Jack Russell Terrier?
Wow, what a biblical (if not melodramatic) imagination.
We may have a future Billy Graham on our hands.
Here's hoping that you always have someone who is willing to Lick your wounds....blessings,deb

Royalty

Today, out of the blue and much to my surprise I received my first royalty check from Tate. It wasn't much, $25.00 actually, but it was a nice surprise. I thought I would have to wait til the first quarter(Jan) to receive anything. I also discovered in my daily check of my rating on Amazon that I went from 800,000 something to 300,000 something in my sales rating. I'm not sure what that means but a jump of 500,000 has got to be good!!! How everyone had a safe and fun "Fall Fest" however your family chooses to celebrate. We had a fun time at the Godeke Library as the "Guest storyteller and her merry band of troubadours". I read my favorite since Maddy was 4 "The Princess and the Kiss"Even Rich got into the act and read "The Squire and the Scroll"(both by Jeannie Bishop) while the kids acted it out. Fun was had by all. Blessings, deb

A cord of Three Strands

"And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him, and a cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Ecc 4:12

I have been taught, or maybe I heard it in a sermon once that the 3 strands represents a husband, wife and God. My kids surmised that it is the Trinity that is meant here. These are both good and even Godly answers but is it what I need?
As I asked God in prayer, what are the three that make something, someone "not quickly torn apart" a familiar verse came to mind "And these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love" I Corinthians 13:13

Faith, what is it? (other that the substance of things hoped for)
In the frame of parenting, My Faith is my religious beliefs. and for me they include my spiritual heritage. Faith of our Fathers, if you will. I need to share faith stories, not just those from the bible but also of my and my husband's faith walk and even that of our parents and grandparents. This part of our history is often omited because it is so personal but I believe it is pertinent to a child's spiritual maturity to know our struggles, strenghts and weaknesses and how we came to know God and continue to grow in Him. If a parent isn't confident enough to share that with their children, who will?

Hope, as my daughter put it is God and Jesus, not just that I have hope to go to heaven when I die but that God is a benevolent God who has good things planned for me "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans for hope and a future" Jer 29:11 I know this verse got me through some pretty hopeless times. I need to speak and demonstrate this hope to my children. I need to walk this talk. Do I act like God is on my side? Do I ask Him for those good plans? Do I speak the good destiny to and over my children in their hearing? They need to hear that, daily, weekly, yearly, every chance you get. Bless them with the hope we have for them to grow into the overcomers we know they can be.

Love - This one is simple for me What is love? "God is Love." I John 4:8
Be His love to your kids, love them silly. Love them enough to fight the hard battles. Love them enough to sacrifice our comfort but most of all love them enough to train and discipline them, even when they fight us.


A cord of these three strands were the life line that my parents wove for me before I ventured out into the big wide world. I hope to also do the same for mine...

Preparing a Princess

Two new princess movies are out this Fall. One night with the King is a film rendition of Tommey Tenny's story of Esther titled "Hadassah" It is about a young, orphaned beauty, raised up out of a persecuted minority to become the most influencial female in the land. It is not only an inspiring story taken from the pages of the bible and history but also stunningly acheived with state of the art cinematography and visual effects. Then there is the story of Marie Antoinette who is raised as royalty betrothed to a wealthy French King at 14 and goes on to become the most infamous female figure of the French revolution, beheaded by the enraged mob for her "let them eat cake" ingnorant attitude for the starving poor.
The contrast of the simular situation of these queens points to the salient issue of parenting in America today. How you might ask? Well, we are all familiar with the Princess culture we have created. All little girls are inundated with princess stories, Disney, fairytale and otherwise from toddlerhood on. But even though true royalty is not at issue here, the little tyrants it creates are. I want my daughter to feel lovely, special, and like a little princess, that is not the problem. I tell my kids, by the worlds' standard, if you live in America, you are rich. I want to train my little rulers to reign as benevolent royalty, seeing the influence they can have as a calling "For such a time as this" like Esther, not as a spoiled tyrant like Marie. How?... What do you think?

In the News...

This last two weeks have been very busy. I got my first interview and news paper write up. It was in the Lubbock Avelanche Journal, Friday, Oct 20th. You can search the Gown at Lubbockonline.com. You may have to sign up to get on. I also agreed to have a signing event at Barnes and Noble on Nov 12th 2:30-4:30. They offered to send out invites. Send me your address if you wish to be put on the list.

Mardel signing a fun event

Many blessings this seventh day of October, when the Royal Hendersons plus Princess Hines(next door neighbor seen at Maddy's birthday party right) paraded down to Mardels, gaving out princess rings and book marks. We even sold a few books too. For all those praying for us, thank you. For those who missed the event, we have several more events this month.
1. Next weekend, we will be at the McMurry Homecoming and a book signing is scheduled Saturday Oct 14th 10 am at the Theta Chi reunion in the lobby of the newly renovated Martin Residence Hall. My longtime friend and suite-mate, Josephine will join me.
2.Then, on Oct 21st, at the Odessy bookstore on Broadway in Lubbock I will be signing books and offering dream interpretation. Why, you asked? Because the first chapter of the book is a biblically inturpreted dream of a re-current nightmare from my own childhood. Cool, huh?
3.Monday evening, Oct 30th, the Godeke Library, (off Quaker near the loop) will host the Royal Hendersons in a Medival Castle party, featuring a Veggie Tale movie and readings from books of my choice. More info to come soon.
We also are already scheduling November events. Blessings deb

First Event

Maddy and I Kick off our Book Promotional Month by getting all dressed up and doing a story time at the Mahon Library with 4 and 5 year olds. It is Wednesday, Oct 3rd form 10-11. Join us if you can.

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is a concept of an alternative bookstore that encourages groups to gather and search out the truth. There will be comfortable seating and coffee. I intend on stocking the shelves with bible research material and books that have been a blessing to me for people to peruse at will while in the store or purchase to take home. I desire to carry books relating to parenting helps and devotional material. Books for biblical and historical research will be available along with information on the new prophetic moves in the Church at large, dream interpretation, and worship. Alternative Christian music including meditation music and alternative rock is going to be played in the store and offered for purchase.
I also plan on decorating a special section in a particular theme related to a promotional product. For example, there is a new line of inspirational books by Mission City press called A Life of Faith that is geared towards 8- 14 years olds similar to the American Girl books. They are specifically related to the development of Christian values and maturity in the faith. They have a line of dolls and accessories. The promotional includes a Girl’s Club and Tea events, which I wish to host in the specially decorated space.

Funny things Part 2

Maddy brought down one of her babies because she wanted to be a bible times mommmy. The baby had on a cute but unbiblical romper with bloomers. She began to ask, what did babies wear int the bible and then she remembered... something about...swall "I need some cloth so I can swallow my baby." We all started laugh so much, even Maddy knew she had mispoken.
One week til release date. Please keep me in your prayers. I was warned that writing a book especially your testimony is a great deal like child birth. The anticipation, the waiting, the labor, the waiting...I must say at this point I feel that publishing is worse than childbirth. It lasts longer! I feel that I have been in labor for 3 months now. Soon I will have my baby and wait for what the world has to say about her...this time I really do care. I wish I didn't but...I guess I'm human after all.

Funny things my kids say Part 1

I never fail to be inspired by the things by kids say and do, even th funny things …

At home church we were acting out a bible time family. Nathan (8) decides he’s a carpenter and wants to ‘gird up his loins’ (2 Kings 9:1) to do his work “I need a belt so I can tuck in my guts”

Strong 328
1. to gird up
2. metaph. be prepared
a. a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when starting a journey or engaging in any work, to bind their long flowing garments closely around their bodies and fastened them with a leather belt.

I Peter 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary-

He exhorts them to sobriety and holiness. 1. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, etc., v. 13. As if he had said, "Wherefore, since you are so honoured and distinguished, as above, Gird up the loins of your mind. You have a journey to go, a race to run, a warfare to accomplish, and a great work to do; as the traveller, the racer, the warrior, and the labourer, gather in, and gird up, their long and loose garments, that they may be more ready, prompt, and expeditious in their business, so do you by your minds, your inner man, and affections seated there: gird them, gather them in, let them not hang loose and neglected about you; restrain their extravagances, and let the loins or strength and vigour of your minds be exerted in your duty; disengage yourselves from all that would hinder you, and go on resolutely in your obedience. Be sober, be vigilant against all your spiritual dangers and enemies, and be temperate and modest in eating, drinking, apparel, recreation, business, and in the whole of your behaviour. Be sober-mined also in opinion, as well as in practice, and humble in your judgment of yourselves.’’

A Good word!!

I found myself of Amazon.com

I need "influencers" People who will visit my sight at amazon, brouse around, write a review, put me on a listmania list, ect. The hits will insure the I will pop up in a timely manner when I am searched. Just click on the Highlighted "THe Gown" below and it will take you there. Thanks a lot!!! 2 weeks til Launch and counting. Blessings deb

From: Debra Henderson
Hello,I found this item at Amazon.com and thought you might find it of interest.






The Gown
by Debra Henderson
Available for Pre-order
List Price:

$13.99
Price:

$11.19
You Save:

$2.80 (20%)


Sincerely,Debra Henderson

A Tree in the Wind

I remember asking God, if “all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose”, and then what was the “Good” that came out of my abuse? Why did I, or any other little girl, suffer at the hands of the men they trust? What good is that? ..
I pondered this as I was preparing to give my testimony for the first time in a large public setting. It was to a women’s ministry group of 100 or more. There would be women there from the Sunday school class my husband and I attended. Did I really want them to know my dark secrets? Would they treat me different? God had already healed many of my wounds through counseling and group work in Graduate School. Why did I need to tell anyone here, so far away from home and my family?
But I know God had His reasons. A woman I had met at a Women’s Aglow meeting and who I had studied TD Jakes’ Woman, Thou Art Loosed with was in charge of arranging for people to share their testimonies. She had asked me.
I prayed and asked God for the words to express my story in a way that would show the triumph I felt. I did not want to elicit pity or shame. I knew there were other women that would be at this meeting who needed to deal with their own abuse, but not just to stir up old wounds or put blame. I needed them to know that there is joy in the journey and healing for the ache inside.
One evening, as I was reading a gardening article the Holy Spirit began to speak to me. The article advised what to look for if you buy a sapling from a nursery. The tree expert recommended that you buy a tree that is still firmly planted where it has been nurtured. I thought a potted tree would be more convenient. But he said that you need to observe that the tree had been allowed to stand alone in the weather, not protected by wind breaks or in a clump of trees. This would assure that the sapling, swayed by the wind had developed deep roots and a sturdy elastic trunk. These things were important because, in the yard where it was to be planted it would have to withstand these things and not be brittle and break off or be uprooted easily.
“A sapling that is allowed to be buffeted by the winds of adversity while young would be strong and able to handle many future storms.”
There was my answer. I had always felt that God had a call on my life. And the storms followed me to College, Graduate School and into counseling where I took with me, kicking and screaming, my family. My sister and her husband, my mom and dad and hopefully someday my brothers will find the path of healing God has let me down. But most people don’t always face their demons willingly, not until the feel they have no other choice. I have always had the strength and courage to face the hard things, in myself and others. I believe “the winds of adversity while young” is what gave me this strength. He knew I’d need it. It didn’t mean He wanted it to happen, or that He didn’t cry over my pain. I believe He did allow it to perfect into the person He has called me to be, bold, loud, stubborn and strong.

Moms who sword fight

My youngest son asked me to sword fight with him one afternoon, at which I replied, Mommies dont sword fight. That's daddy's job.
He was taken a bit aback. He looked at me seriously with his four year old eyes.
"But mommy, what about the dragon," He asked me sincerely.
He was referring to a chapter in my book where I defeat a three headed dragon, Moloch, who represents for me the type of abuse I want to shield my children from.
"Well, I mean I don't fight people,"I corrected myself. I liked that he remembered the story and I want him to see me as a heroin.
"Mommies only fight in spiritual warfare."
He looks at me confused.
I continue, "Mostly they fight when something threatens to hurt their children, like I killed the dragon with my dagger. "
"Did you stab him?" He asked
"Yeah, in the eye," I said with conviction."Then I cut his head off, but it grew back.”
"Cool!" He was enthralled waiting for the rest of the story.
"Remember? I threw a vial of poison into his that blew in his stomach."
His eyes were wide with shock. Then he stopped and looked at me, turning his head slightly so that his gazed was now from the corners of his eyes.
"Mommy, is this for real, or just pretend?"
I laugh at his honesty, but not sure how to answer; I reached for the biblical truth."
"It's for real alright, just not in the flesh. The bible says, "Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of this dark realm." (Eph. 6:12)
I felt profound, but the explanation was lost on him.
"What?"is all he could say.
"It is hard for me to explain now but remember. My pen is my dagger and my journal is my shield." I motioned as if to stand guard.
"Let me see your shield." He inquired further.
"Its downstairs, you know, those books I carry around and am always writing in?"
"Whatever..." is how he finished to conversation as he walked off to find someone who would spar with him till his dad got home.

Secret Keeper Moms

I have joined with several tween moms to begin connecting with our daughters and sharing our faith on a regulare basis, twice a month at Barnes and Noble. It has turned to a nice fellowship time. One month til Release, Ahhhhh!!