A New way to look at my kids.....

I did a search this morning, because more than ever I want to be closer to God. I wanted to find an online daily deovtion for moms, to help get my day started.  I came across this really neat site, called Manna for Moms.

ON it I saw this poem and I knew right away that I had to share this:


Loving Jesus
I started my day early,
Before the room was light.
I lifted my son from his crib
And wished it was still night.
But as I held him close and said,
"Hi, Kenneth, precious one,"
I knew that as I greeted him,
I greeted too God's Son.

When my daughter woke up later,
Calling, "Mommy! Mommy! Down!"
I picked her up and hugged her
In her worn Elmo nightgown.
I know she felt the closeness
That a mother's touch affords.
I welcomed not just Ellie,
But so, too, the Lord of Lords.

That day, I mixed some formula
And opened jars of peas.
I fixed some "pizza butter" bread
When she grinned and said, "Pleeeeease."
I heated up some leftovers;
I had to nuke them twice.
And when I fed my children,
I was feeding Jesus Christ.

I made some funny faces,
And "played puzzles" on the floor.
I dressed kitties, ran around outside,
And played with them some more.
We laughed and jumped and tickled,
Making memories to be stored.
When I spent time with my children,
I spent time with my Lord.

I wiped up sticky cereal
And washed the dishes clean.
I straightened, picked up, put away,
And dusted in between.
I did six loads of laundry
And folded it like new.
When I cleaned for my children,
I cleaned for my Savior, too.


When my children were both crying,
I held them in my arms.
I cuddled them and whispered
That I'd keep them safe from harm.
I told them how their Father saved them
With His perfect Lamb.
When I comforted my children,
I comforted I AM.

Later on that evening,
I put them in the bath.
I washed their little bodies
As they kicked around and splashed.
I dried them in soft towels
And put their jammies on.
When I had washed my children's feet,
I'd washed the Holy One.

I cooked and cleaned and rearranged,
Made beds and taught and played.
I made sure that we had food to eat
And that we often prayed.
I died to self. I made a home
From ordinary things.
But when I served my children,
I served the King of Kings.

To some, I have done nothing,
But to two, I've done the world.
I made eternal difference
To my precious boy and girl,
And to the One who watches over
Every pathway that I've trod.
For when I've loved my precious children,
I've loved Almighty God.

Wow..its been few months..im sorry!!!

A few days after my last post, Tornados ripped through the Southeast.  My area included. We are all okay..but several were hurt and lost everything. The F-5s ripped through an 1/8th of a mile from my house. We could see the circulation and the lightning going around in circles from our windows.  The kids were hunkered down in their bathroom complete with bicycle helmets on their heads and pillows and blankets under, beside and on top of them.... I don't think anyone expected the weather to be that bad.  We lost electricity for a week. Most cell phone towers were down.  Wierd thing was, even though we couldn't recieve text, or calls on our cell phone.Facebook still worked. This was one way we were able to find out if our friends and families were okay...
The next morning, we were able to get out of our neighborhood and the shock set in. Total devastation and destruction were everywhere around us.  The community pool was completely destroyed.  There were only slabs of concrete where houses once stood, total neighborhoods were wiped out.  We were some of the lucky ones.. There was NO harm to our neighborhood... I have no idea why God spared our neighborhood, but I am so thankful that he did.  Our 8 (then 7) year old son was praying non stop all morning and afternoon during these storms.

Enough about the sadness of the storms.....

Fast Forward to today.... My husband and I celebrated our 9th anniversary. Yes, NINE years!! We celebrated by going to Cancun.. and visiting one of the wonders of the world.. Chichen Itza!~ It was pretty amazing.  The life that the Mayan people live is totally different than the way that we live and I am much more appreciative of what We as a family have, than I was before I went.. Upon returning home we moved into our new home.. The kids have really enjoyed it a ton!  We have a huge inground pool...and so far, our kids are having so much fun jumping and doing all sorts of tricks off the diving board.. It didnt take long for our middle child to get over her fear of deep water and start jumping in without a float. (All of two or three days, maybe)....
The baby even loves the pool. First thing she does every morning is run to the back door window and stare at the pool and point.. and boy does she get mad if ANYONE goes near the pool and doesnt take her!!!

My business has grown a bit since the last time I wrote as well. Upon moving to our new house, I have my own small sewing studio in one room.  This has been AMAZING!  Orders have been coming in like crazy.. So much so, that I can barely keep up (NOT COMPLAINING)...Its so much fun helping Brides design their dream gowns for their wedding parties..and in the very near future, I will have my own line of wedding gowns.. I've already been conjuring up all sorts of designs in my head!! What a fantastic thing!!

I sat down the other day after taking a small break from sewing some flower girl gowns, and I grabbed some spare fabric I had lying around and in less than 45 minutes, I had a new style dress all designed and sewn!  I made it so my daughter could model it and she LOVED that!  

I've been having a ton of fun doing this business and I've often wondered why I didnt start doing this years ago..... Its so hard to believe that I've only been sewing these gowns for 6 months now.... WOW.......

The German word for worry means "to strangle." The Greek word means to "to divide the mind." Both are accurate. Worry is a noose on the neck and a disstraction of the mind, neither of which is befitting for joy. So give your worries to the One who will take it all away! 

Some very Exciting News!!!

Steph's Designs (My Business)  had the opportunity to work with
Green Tree Photography and Bohemian Lily Photography
yesterday.
We did a fantastic photo shoot with a tea party included.
The tea set was mine when I was a little girl!
It added a nice little vintage appeal to the shoot (my opinion).
The dresses were designed and made by me (Steph's Designs).

Jan of Green Tree and Stacy of Bohemian Lily were FANTASTIC with the girls.
They were both so full of energy and patience and it was a FANTASTIC experience!
The girls had non stop energy, so it was good that both Jan and Stacy were so great with them.
I can not say enough good things about the photographers!
They are just excellent all around.

These pictures were just some snaps taken with my cell phone, so the actual pictures will be MUCH better..
but if My little cell phone took these, can you imagine what the photographers captured!!!
Please go to their facebook fan pages and "LIKE" them right now!!!!
I'll be adding more great info as soon as I can!!!

Green Tree

Bohemian Lily

ok, so here is a Final Edited Picture! (One of them..just a little Sneak Peak as Green Tree and Bohemian Lily's fabulous work.

Please go over to http://www.stephs-designs.com/ to check out all the other great pictures! I think they turned out pretty amazing.

I put coconut oil in my coffee.

Today I put coconut oil in my coffee. I put one tablespoon in my Coffee.
Not before you say "Ewwww. Gross!!!!!!" 
It was REALLY good!
The coffee tasted really creamy and I really enjoyed it.

Now, I normally have coffee about once a week or so.   I use to drink it every single day, but have cut back a lot.

I have no idea if it was the Coconut Oil or not, but I have had SO MUCH energy today that I have not wanted to sit down much at all.
I'm forcing my self to sit still and write this blog right now.
Everytime while cleaning that I even thought about sitting down, I just didnt want to.
So, Happily my kitchen for the most part is clean,
The clothes are folded, and/or hung and put away.

Also, I am really happy right now that the last can of Lysol that I bought was scented, because
It has been used quite a bit today as I have a sick one (*tummy virus*) home from school today.

So far, I still have a lot of energy left, and it doesn't feel like its letting up anytime soon!!



Try some Coconut Oil on your food or in your drink soon!
Amazon has a great deal where you get now get TWO jars for only a few dollars MORE than what it cost to buy ONE jar with less in it!!!!

Coconut Oil has some amazing health benefits!!! Check the out for yourself, Don't take my word for it!!!

Day 3

I have actually gone three whole days without raising my voice to my children. No Yelling, Screaming or raising voices!-This doenst mean that they have not yelled, whined or screamed at me but I have responded back each time with a soft voice.
The "Raising Godly Tomatoes" is a really special book.
I'm really learning a lot from it and by applying some of these techniques, its actually

making our house more peaceful.  The children know that we want them to respect and to Obey us.
Afterall. God commanded them to "Obey your parents".
Anyway, its not all Peaches and Roses but its been a LOT better that it has been

and I am really enjoying not having to yell or raise my voice to get their attention.
Stay tuned for more changes.
If you are not following my design blog, please consider following it over at

http://www.stephs-designs.blogspot.com/

My New Book!

So. My new book came in the mail yesterday, along with my journal that I got in a giveaway for Revive your hearts!I'm so excited
Elizabeth Kruger did a great job writing "Raising Godly Tomatoes".
So far, I've already read several chapters.  I agree with pretty much EVERYTHING she says about raising children.  So now comes the hard part... Actually DOING the things that the book recommends.
Basically, of course its BE CONSISTANT.  I've talked to SEVERAL WOMAN who have read and used these Biblical Principals in raising there children and HARMONY has been brought into their homes.  Some of them may have NEVER had the harmony in their homes before now.
No! It's not a MAGIC PILL type of book that will take away every problem you've ever had with your children, but it will HELP!
Her ideas in this book are amazing and its things that most of us already know but maybe aren't sure how to implement it.

If you arelooking for a Biblical Approach to parenting that focuses on the heart of your child as well as his/hear outward actions, then you really need to check out this book!  --This was taken from the back of the book.

Check out what Tomato Staking is all about and how it really helps in raising your children!

I can not wait to start living in harmony with the children once again!!!
Get the Joy of parenting back!!!

Bought A New Book

Well I did it!
I finally broke down and bought the book that came to me as a suggestion all those many months ago from a dear friend. A book that I have read countless reviews on how life changing it is.
I can not wait until the day it arrives at my house. I can not wait to read the
awesome life lessons written in there by another Mother!Raising Godly Tomatoes by Elizabeth Krueger"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life, and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."
- Proverbs 3:1-3
　
(This is the overview from Amazon), but I found it cheaper on the actual website, than on Amazon.
If you are simply looking for a straightforward Biblical approach to parenting that focuses on the heart of your child, as well as his outward actions, then Raising Godly Tomatoes is for you. In these pages you'll find a wealth of common sense and godly wisdom, a guide to applying reasonable discipline, and instructions on how to build a close relationship with your child.
Raising Godly Tomatoes encourages parents to keep their young children -- their little 'tomatoes' -- lovingly staked to them, in order to train and apprentice them in a godly way of life that will prepare them for Christ's calling in the future, and render them a pleasure to live with today.　If you havent had the chance to visit the site: Raising Godly Tomatoes (dot) com
then do so.. Its a great site and a I've heard wonderful things about the book!!

When you Carry the Bible, Satan gets a headache.
When you open it, He collapses.
When he sees you reading it, He faints!
When he sees that you are living what you read, he flees.........

New Day....

Day 45

Reading: Psalm 135:1- Proverbs 6:35

Half Way Through

How are you feeling?
Whats changing in your life?
What are you doing differently?
Its been more than 30 days now!
Do you like the new habit you've formed about reading your Bible everyday?

DO you find it HARD or EASY to pick up the great BOOK and read it?

To be 100% honest, I'm struggling with it! SO much has happened over the last couple of weeks that I can really feel the enemy trying to break down this beautiful relationship that I've been building with my Savior!
I can feel him slowly creeping into any wall that I've built up and finding several ways to ruin my days.
It all started with with the Flu taking over one of my kids and me getting off track.
Then it continued with my husband breaking his hand.
Then with all the laundry and house work that has piled up on me.
I had everything going so good. I was in a good mood.
I was enjoying being around my kids, even doing crafts with them.
I was reading my bible EVERY DAY and really enjoying it.
Then Satan creeped in and ruined EVERYTHING.
The worst part is.. I let him.
I was weak!
But he is not getting the last laugh!
He's not getting the best of me.
Im going to win this Battle with the Help of Jesus!
I'm back on track.
So Satan...Stand back!
I'm going to be the type of Woman that when I wake up in the morning and my feet hit the ground.
Satan is going to say to himself "Oh crap! She's awake!"

I love that saying. I'm sure you've hear it before.
Be the kind of woman that when your feet
hit the floor each morning the devil says
"Oh Crap, She's up!"

This is how I want to live my life!





Just found out through an email from" Revive Our Hearts"
(TRUE WOMAN MOVEMENT)

That I just won a Journal! I'm so excited! This day is looking good again already!!!!!

I've gotten a bit behind on my Bible Reading, but I'm still in! I got behind a few days..Not even sure how it happened yet. I was caught up then somehow in the midst of life, I forgot one day to read my chapters and the next thing I knew I was behind by three days!  Ahhhhhhh!
However, I'll get caught up today.
Im very excited because we are in Psalms!
Who else is still with me?

Anyone gotten behind?
Ahead?

I'm blessed.

Our son always did and always has done everything early in life.
I remember he started crawling at only 6 months.
One day, I was playing with him and standing him up when he let go of me and stood on his own for several seconds.  Later that afternoon when daddy was coming home from work, we went out to the front yard to watch for him. I remember it like it was yesterday.  We had a little tree that we had planted and our son was standing in front of it.  I let go of his little hadn to see if he would stand up again by himself. He did. He kept standing for several minutes. Then we saw Daddy driving down the road and pull into the driveway. Little man was still standing waving his arms happily toward his daddy.  Then he did it. He walked.  Not one or two or three steps.  He walked about 10 steps.  Daddy picked him up. We went inside and he walked from wall to wall in our living room.  He was right at 9 1/2 months old.  We knew we were in trouble then!
Fast forward about nine months. Little man was 18 months old and Princess 1 was 3 months old.
It was 3 am in the morning.  We were all sound asleep. (Or so we thought!)
We were awakened by hearing a loud "tap tap tap tap click tap tap click".  What in the world is it?
We thought. As we tiptoed down our hallway. (We were thinking maybe someone was breaking in our house) I think my husband was even carrying a ball bat at the time.  We reach the end of our hall and what do we see.  Tiny little Man standing in the computer chair, playing a game on the computer. (The internet).
After we overcame the shock and put him back in bed, we were just amazed that he could even log onto the internet. Let alone play an actual game on it.
He's always been that way though. He can figure out how to do anything for the most part. He loves to read.
One of my favorite memories of him is when he was four years old. We were trying to get him and Princess to take a nap. He was refusing because he wanted to play. He simply told us "You are old. you need to go to sleep."

So my husband says to him "If you can tell us the square root of 81, we'll go and take a nap". 
Without a second thought, we turned around and were about to head downstairs when we hear "Thats NINE".  I was shell shocked.  Seriously...How did he know that.
Im spitting out "Whaaa..huh..WHAT? how did you know that?"
He had to learn it on Diego or Dora or something, right?

To this day, we have no idea how he knew that answer but he LOVES math!
Everyone has been telling us for years he was Gifted. We didnt want to push the issue. The last thing we wanted on our children were labels.  We just wanted our children to be God Fearing people who Love and Respect their parents and Love God with all their Heart.

But Validation happens. This past week, He brought home a letter asking for our permission for him to be tested for the gifted program at his school. He had been referred by someone at the school.
Amazing.

So we signed it. It will be nice to find out what level he is on.
I'm excited. Why wouldnt I be.
His little sisters may be following right behind them!
I am so very blessed to be their Mommy!
The next year will bring lots of new and exciting things for all of us and I can not wait to begin sharing the next part of our journey with you.

These days, makes being a mom, EASY!

Both of my school age children, woke up in fairly good moods this morning.
Of course, The oldest Princess had an issue with her hair but We fixed that!
The Prince got ready quicky, ate breakfast and had time for a quick computer game, before he played with his baby sister when she woke up.
The ride to school was pretty much the same as always.  The older two were loud, but for the most part nice to each other.

Now, I'm sitting here and I just read a TON of chapters in 1 Chronicles (I'm getting caught up, because I got a day or two behind), while the youngest  (Princess #2) is watching "Your baby can read". She really loves this show.  She loves to clap when "When your happy and you know it" comes on.  She is learning to raise her arms when the words "Arms raised" pops on the screen, and I Just saw her touch her mouth when "Mouth" came on the screen! 
She is sitting quietly playing with some little blocks while watching tv.
She LOVES anything with Music!

Yes, Days like this, make being a Mommy EASY!!!  :)
I'm so blessed for my three little busy bees!

I think the Flu has finally left our house.
Last night even the baby slept better! Only waking up a few times! Which was nice!
Im still caught up on my reading. Its been a challenge the past week, but I've managed to do it.

I just love how much the Bible reading is affecting me. I feel so much closer to God that I have in a long time and for once I can see what I've been missing.
I feel that its helping me out a lot in other areas too. I feel happier more. I do not seem to be getting frustrated near as much or loose my temper near as much.
I have been struggling for years to find a way to find joy in parenting again.
I love my kids, but I was loosing joy at being a mom. I kept NOT letting my kids do things or help me with things becuase I knew it was inevitable that there would be a mess....but then I started thinking back to my own childhood at all the fun I had MAKING those messes, and how my own parents even helped make those messes and how I do not remember my parents complaning (Especially my mom) about cleaning them up.
Who am I to deprive my children a chance to make some of those messes while learning in the process.
I've actually enjoyed it!

The past few days, our middle child was out sick with the Flu, so I allowed her to make some crafts/art projects at the time she was feeling well enough. She painted several pictures, drew a lot of things and made a really cute "Vowel" barn!
Also, the day before she came home with the flu, she found out she had recieved the "Cheif Award" from her school. This is for students who show outstanding behavior/character, etc.
We are so very proud of her.

Anyway, back to the blog...
When I start feeling myself get irritated
I am reminded of the Bible verse in Proverbs 15:1.

A gentle asnwer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger!

How true is this. I am trying my best to teach my children this as well. The little words they can say can either make their or someone elses day, or completely break it.
If they don't want to do something, instead of throwing a fit, or yelling/screaming etc.
They could just as nicely say "Mommy/Daddy I really don't want to do that right now.."
It may not work but it will score them huge points in the end!!! I would much prefer to hear niceness instead of whining. 

So I am finding my joy in parenting again,, which is very important, because I do not want my children to grow up thinking that We didnt love them or never wanted to do anything with them and anything of the sort.

What are you doing with your children?
Have you lost your joy in parenting?

Do you spend time with your children or do you constantly tell them "In a minute, I'm busy" (I'm guilty of this too)....

Caught up

I got behind.. pretty far behind all my fellow 90 day Bible challenge friends. Infact, I was about 4 days behind!
Thats a lot of catching up to do, especially when you are in 2nd Samuel and need to read halfway through 2nd Kings! Whew!
But, I did it!

Im sorry I havent been blogging much this past week.
Just yesterday morning we got a call from school and our middle child was sick.
I took her to the doc and turns out she has the Flu.
It hit her pretty hard and I am just praying it doesnt hit the rest of us.
Upping the Vitamin C and disinfecting the house today..

So. No Cheerleading or Basketball for us today.

Anyway, I hope you all are having  a fantastic day!
God Bless!

Keep on reading, even if you get behind, just keep on!!!!

 

How in Earth have I not known about Coconut oil before now!
A sweet lady, and friend recently told me about Coconut oil and about all it can do for your body.
At first, I was a bit skeptical, but she told me to use some on my sons severely chapped lips. I finally FOUND some after looking for it for almost 2 weeks, and of course my local Publix was out of it.
Yesterday they finally got it in and I was so happy.
I put a little on my sons lips and today they  look SO MUCH BETTER!

She had mentioned to me a few of the things that she uses it for.
Bruises, Infections, Cuts & Scrapes, Hair, etc.
I wasnt sure If I wanted any type of OIL used for Cuts and Scrapes.
But I decided to do a little research.

Here is what I found out:
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc.  Here is where I found the info at.



Did you know that Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for your hair. It not only helps hair growth and shine.You can actually take a bit of the oil, and massage it into your scalp (Sounds delightful..who doesnt love scalp massages!!!) and then you can also put it on your hair, from the roots to the ends, and wait an hour and then wash it out.
If you choose, you can put a shower cap on your hair, and leave it on over night and wash it out in the morning, and BAM! You have beautiful shiny hair!
Its great for dry scalps too! And the best part, YOU CAN USE IT, no matter your age.
Even on babies, Also, by massaging this oil on your head, it can release MENTAL FATIGUE!

 It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care.


WOW!!!!! I still can not believe I didnt know about this stuff earlier in my life!
There is so much information out there on the uses and wonders of Natural ingredients, and NO im not asking you all to run out and buy some coconut oil. But I am just sharing my simple amazement in it.
This doesnt even tell you half of what you can use this for.  I am currently researching more on it to find out more uses, becuase I am not pretty sure after the results I saw just overnight with my son, this will be a staple in my house from now on.

For the record, my friend who told me about this is from another country, where the use of natural ingredients instead of "western medication" is used mostly.  They may be onto something.
While prescriptions are wonderful for some things, I do think that natural products are just as great or better for other things!
This is something that Im excited to find. It can be eaten, infact, many people cook with it, just the same as they do with Olive Oil or Vegetable oil.  Its just so happens that It can be used topically as well for skin irritations and skin treatments. I love it because its safe for my family, and has so many benefits!


Oh and another tiny bit of information that I found very interesting..
Its used by Athletes before races and such!
Finally, coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance of athletes.

Ok, now...If you are reading this still (Im sorry its a bit long) and you are in my 90 day Bible Reading Challenge with me..
I'm right on Target and staying on tract!
Todays reading is 2nd Samuel 12:11-22:18
For some inspirational reading and daily devotional to go along with 2nd Samuel 12:11-22:18Please head over to:

Calling to the Lord, makes my Day Better! Day 23

 

What is it God?

Don't you just love it when you FEEL God is trying to TELL you something,

and you have no idea what it is?

Last night (or rather early this morning) during one of the times my littlest was awake,
I just started praying for God's wisdom and guidance.
I asked him to reveal to me, what it was that I felt he was trying to tell me, but because I am human, and have human ears and a human brain, I just couldn't figure it out without his help.

It's almost funny. It should be simple to figure out what someone is telling you. But because you are so much in and of the world, and trying to come out of it as much as possible, those simple things that you should be able to figure out, become like a huge math equation.

I've never been good at math. I've tried but my brain just didnt click with it...... I wish I was better! I'd pretty much LOVE to be able easily help or teach my son with math as he gets older.
Ok, ok, now that I've chased the rabbit...Lets get back to the point..


What is it God? What are you trying to tell me?
I'm just a simple person with simple ideas.
I need you to reveal in me, in a way that I will and can understand what it is that you are wanting me to know?Have you ever been in this place before? How did it turn out for you? What did you do differently?
How did God finally reveal his plan to you? Or is it still a process?

Comments highly appreciated!
　
　

 

Sorry.......Its been a few days...

It's been a few days since I've blogged. I got a day or two behind on my reading, and I was trying to catch up! Its been a bit busy here. We had to take our baby to the ENT, where they scheduled her surgery to get tubes in her ears for the following morning, (Which was yesterday) . Last night was a bit rough, as she woke up a lot and her ears are very sensitive.  The good part, is now that she has tubes, her ear is no longer blocked with excessive fluid so she should be back to her normal self very soon. (And hoping some extras sleep for mommy and daddy as well).

Ive been feeling a bit convicted lately on my parenting skills. Im guessing its because of the Bible reading challenge and I am feeling a bit closer to God, than I have in a very long time.
I am wanting to parent our children the way that God wants us to, so that they grow up with good self confidence, and Godly.  I want so much for them, that I know I have not given them over the years.

I have a friend who put it best, (I hope she doesnt mind me using it here) " the important thing to me here is not a punishment to fit the crime but rather the development of their character"

This to me, makes a lot of sense and its an excellent way of directly and parenting our children in the way of the Lord.    To Built Character.
We should be Building our Children up, not berating them or tearing them down.
We should be Building our Spouses up, not berating them or tearing them down.
We should be BUILDING others up....not berating or tearing them down.

Remember what I said a few days ago......

When we spend time criticizing people, we lose time that could be spend admiring them.

AWESOME!!!

Head over to  Graceful AbandonAND checkout her checklist!!! Its amazing!!! Please take 5 seconds of your time and head over there NOW!

 

What kind of Culture are you helping to build?

This post is mainly from things we talked about in Sunday School yesterday.

What kind of culture are you helping to build?
As Christians we are called to build a culture of life. God expects us to use our spiritual gifts and abilities for His glory and to help inpact our society with the gospel.

As Christians, we too must turn to the Scriptures as the right blueprint for making a godly difference in our wayward culture, we should pray for our nations leaders, work to protect the most vulnerable of our vitizens, and seek to make the will of Christ Supreme in our lives as well as in our society.   by Studying Scriptures and prayof for God-given understanding , we can learn Gods' instructions for building a culture of life-a culture that pleases rather than angers our Lord.

(taken from Explore the Bible, Adult Learner Guide, Winter 2010-2011)

How Vital  this truth is for believers seeking to built a culture of life! By setting the example of loving God and living according to HIS ways, we often influence others to do the same!!!

 

 

A few things on my mind this morning.

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.
Deut:4:39

Hear O' Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandements that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols to your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deut 6:4-9

Fear the Lord your God, serve him ONLY and take your oaths in his name.
6:13

The Lord commanded us ot obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God so that we might always propser and be kept alive, as is the case today.
And if we are careful to bey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.
6:24

Are yo wondering why I am listing these passages in Deuteronomy today?
These were in my Bible reading yesterday. These really spoke to me.
Especially the one where is says.
"As is the case today"

Are you wondering why I am writing these passages from Deutoronomy today?
Well, these were part of my reading yesterday and they really spoke to me.
Especially the one that says
"As is the case today"

Why?
Well I fear that many people read through parts of the Bible and figure that things that were written in the Old Testament before the Birth of Jesus just are not as important as things written after the Birth of Jesus.

This simply is not true. 
God Is God, God has always been God. God will always Be God.
HE is the Alpha and Omega. The Beginning (Genesis) and the End (Revelation)
Things in the Old Testament are just as important and things in the New Testament. Yes a few things may have changed with it came time for Jesus to be Born, but no matter what, Gods word. Is and always will be Gods word.
Every single word of the Bible is 100% important!
Nothing is un-important.

"As is the case Today"

Whether you were reading this 2000 years ago, or 100 years in the future.
"As is the case Today" will still be there. and it means what it says.
The Lord commanded us to bey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our GOD, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, AS IS THE CASE TODAY"

---and if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD OUR GOD, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness!

 

A New Perspective

Last night, I did something that I have not done in a very long time.
Rewind a bit:
At night time, usually My husband and I sit on the couch, one of us holds the baby, Our older daughter plays in the floor with her barbies and barbie house, while our son sits on the loveseat/sofa.

Last night, our oldest daughter climbed onto the couch with us. She does this fairly often as she is a huge daddys girl. Daddy was holding Princess #2 in his arms. So he had both his girls cudding with him.

I noticed that our son, like always was sitting alone, like usual. I started to feel a huge conviction over not spending as much time with him as I should.
You see, he and I are a lot of like, so we butt heads all the time.
We are both hard-headed, strong willed, always right, never wrong individuals, When you have the two of us together it can be very dramatic.

However, I understand that by the Grace of God, God has showed me Mercy and Grace when I know I do not deserve it.  He has taken this strong willed, never wrong, always right woman, and taught her to admit defeat, admit being wrong and to think about things and perspectives BEFORE I open my mouth.
This is a long time coming, and I am glad its here because I feel more at peace with myself.


So fast forward to my son sitting on the sofa.  I got up, walked over, climbed over him (He was sort of laying down) and pretended to get behind him but instead, picked him up (like a baby)..and started tickling him, then sat him back down on my lap, and we both just sort of cuddled up on the sofa together (He's a LOT heavier than I remember...haha!)

We sat there and watched Nanny McPhee Returns (That my husband brought home with him after work yesterday) and It was a very pleasant experience.

This worked out nicely because while daddy was spending quality time cuddling with the girls, mommy was cudding with her boy!

It was a nice evening all around.  This past week I've spend a good deal of time with each child, but I had never felt so convicted as I did when I recently read that a friend of mine tries to speind twenty minutes EACH day, with each of her kids, Just spending time and enjoying being with them and for that, I am so thankful that does that.

But I was very convicted.  I made sure that this morning, when I knew my kids were awake to immediately be cheerful and tell the Good Morning and even play a little morning wake up game with them.
Then while we were eating breakfast,  We went around the table and told each other FIVE THINGS that we love/like about each other!!!!

Now, I am off to my handsome, extremely smart and talented sons basketball game and to watch my Princess #1 daughter cheer! (For the churches league)

 

Checking in on Thursday.

Today, I am going to ask everyone to go over to
Graceful Abandon

and read her incredible post about the beginning of time and when Sin began.
Then make sure tomorrow you take yourself back over to her
and read her end of the week post.

Don't forget!
For those keeping up with the 90 Day Bible Challenge, its going wonderfully.
We started Numbers yesterday and will continue reading through it today.
My eyes have been opened so much the past week at just how accurate God told the people to be.
I am so glad that We are Forgiven and that Jesus Died for OUR SINS, so that we do not have to be as accurate and do all the sacrifices. I honestly do not believe people today would follow directions to that extent.

Are you not THRILLED that GOD SEND his only SON so that we may Live FOREVER in his Kindgom after we perish off of this Earth!B

 

Encouragement

en·cour·age·ment    (n-kûrj-mnt, -kr-)

NOUN:

1. The act of encouraging.
2. The state of being encouraged.
3. One that encourages.

The noun ENCOURAGEMENT has 3 senses:

1. the expression of approval and support
2. the act of giving hope or support to someone
3. the feeling of being encouraged

When I think of Encouragement, I immediately think of "To lift someone up" Not their physical self, but their emotional and/or spiritual self.

Encouragement:  Something we should do everyday. No matter who we are around.
Everyone needs a little encouragement now and then.

Another thing:

When we spend time criticizing people, we lose time that could be spend admiring them. 

I feel that this post has been brought on mainly by one of the challenges that I have taken on this year.
I have taken on the "30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge".

Todays post really touched my heart.
"Women who are constantly negative towards their husbands-espeically by speaking evil of them to others-show great disrespect.
Men respond to women who respect them.
Do you know how many people out in the world speak negatively of their husbands, wives, children, friends, parents.  So again, refer back to the bold large typing above

When we spend time criticizing people, we lose time that could be spend admiring them. 

Instead of criticizing...ENCOURAGE!

I consider myself extremely blessed! I am very encouraged all the time. Not only by my husband and our kids.
But I have a network of newfound and (recently found again friends) who are all doing the 90 Day Bible Challenge, who encourage me all the time.  Whether its not specifically pointed at me or not. I'm extremely encouraged and I want to give them each a BIG BEAR HUG!