Walking by Faith with the Lord

Apron Giveaway...

2009-11-13T15:30:00.004-05:00

I read an amazing blog called Raising Olives. She is a homeschooling mom of nine children. Her and her husband live their lives by honoring God and raising their children to do the same. She is very inspiring to me and I thoroughly enjoy reading her blog almost daily!

Well, this week Raising Olives has a giveaway on her blog, as she does each week. This week however, is something I really enjoyed and wanted to share with you. Hop on over to her website RaisingOlives to check out the aprons from Sasha Sews.

Love Gone Crazy

2009-11-13T14:45:00.006-05:00

When we think about love we tend to think of romance movies or novels, weddings or Valentine's Day. But, do we ever think of the Greatest love ever given to us? God? I will probably bet that He is the last to come to mind when we think about love. However, God's love is perfect and he longs for us to love Him in return. If you have children, think about this; you wake up in the morning and your child comes into your bedroom and smiles and asks if you are ready to play for the day or when you come home from a busy and tiring day of work and you walk into your home and your child is grinning ear to ear and runs at you with arms wide open so happy to see you. That is love. It sure makes me feel great when Bean welcomes me home like this. I truly love those moments. This is the kind of love that our Father in heaven has with us. We are His children and He longs for us to come running at Him with that huge hug.

Francis Chan said in his book, Crazy Love, "The irony is that while God doesn't need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don't really want Him most of the time. He treasures us and anticipates our departure from this earth to be with Him -- and we wonder, indifferently, how much we have to do for Him to get by" Page 61. The thing is, we cannot or will not ever earn our way to Heaven by being a good person or by doing good deeds. We have to truly love our God and know Him as our Saviour and Redeemer. "The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself" Page 62. I read this and actually heard Chan preach on it and I can't help but ask myself if I believe that God is the greatest thing that I can experience in the whole world? Being a Christian, my immediate answer should be yes, but also being a sinner I know that my answer is sometimes no. While I know that God's love is the greatest gift and and I am so thankful to know God and to one day be with Him for all eternity, I know that I do struggle with desires that would fulfill my earthly time here. I love my house...it is beautiful and my husband (and Father-In-Law) worked so hard to provide me with it, but I also look forward to the next house. Why do I need a next house? Because the world tells you that you need bigger and better! I should just be thankful for the home my Lord provided me with and if I ever NEED a bigger house...He will provide then too! So, therefore, brings me to another question, am I in love with God or with what He can do for me? I am slowly learning to simply be in love with God. He is the one and the only. The only one I should have a desire for. This life on earth will end, so the kind of clothes I wear or the type of car I drive will never matter when I get to Heaven. What will matter is how I lived my life loving God, talking to others about God and how I spent my time representing God.

In the Mundane life, where is God?

2009-10-29T11:25:00.005-04:00

How often do we live our lives caught up in the ordinary routines of life? I know there are days that I am so busy, but then at the end of the day when Bean is in bed and I am sitting on the couch, I can easily ask myself, "what did I do today?" Or "what did I do that was meaningful to others?" Or the most important, "How did I glorify God today?" I am sometimes very ashamed of my own answers. It can be so easy to place God on your check list of things to do for the day. I know that I struggle with incorporating God in the daily routines of my life. It is easy to remember God when you are doing a devotion or when you read the Bible to your children before nap or bedtime and you pray, or even before you eat. But, I am talking about including God in the EVERYDAY life. Like vacuuming or preparing lunch or playing on the floor with matchbox cars...those are moments when I could incorporate God either for myself or discussing Him with Bean during those quiet playful moments. I truly find it hard to remember remembering God during those moments.

During this second chapter of Crazy Love Francis Chan opened my eyes to the fact that I could be the next person in my family to die. Wow! I mean, you know you are going to die one day. One out of every one person does! But, to actually think "I could die today" can really make a difference on how you view what you do with your time. Chan says, "You could be the next person in your family to die. We have to realize it. We have to believe it enough that it changes how we live. We need to stop living selfish lives, forgetful of our God." Pg. 50-51. I am realizing that I need to regroup how I spend my days off. This actually was my prayer request last night during small group. To find the balance between housework and schooling Bean on my days off. I need to have a better schedule and I need to include on that schedule ways to incorporate God in my (and Bean's and Rock's) daily routine...I need to include it so greatly that it becomes so natural for me. Out of everything in life shouldn't God be the center and most important? I mean 'He is everything'! He created everything and can take everything from us at any moment.

All praise and glory go to Him!

Feeling Tiny

2009-10-23T15:20:00.007-04:00

Our Wednesday night small group just watched the Louie Giglio video, Indescribable. In this video, Louie shows us just how far away and how powerful some planets, stars and galaxies are in the universe. It was incredible to think just how small our planet is compared to the universe, let alone just how tiny we are as humans compared to the universe. Louie made a comment that it would take all the gross national product of all the states like millions of years for us to power the sun for 1 second. How about that? Stop and think for a moment about that. Amazing, huh? This was the second time that I watched this video and yet, although I knew some images were coming, they reached a closer part of my heart than when I watched it the first time.

I am currently reading a book called Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. I am about half way through. It has been a very convicting, yet inspiring book. It has me questioning just who God is to me and how I view Him, as well as my love for Him. I brought up the Indescribable video because Chan has on his website a little clip also using astrological concepts to show just how big our God is. You can view it at http://www.crazylovebook.com/ and go to the "Awe Factor" You will be amazed at what you see.

I wanted to share some highlights on chapter 1 that left a lasting impression on me. On page 27 of the book (which you can also read on his website), Chan goes through different things throughout the earth that only God could have created; not some explosion. I am only typing a couple of them, so I encourage you to go to his website to read all of them!

An average elm tree has approx. 6 million leaves on it

Your own heart pumps enough blood throughout your body that is could squirt up to 30 feet

There are hundreds of different kinds bananas

Coral plants are so sensitive that they can die if the water temperature varies by one or two degrees

Goosebumps actually help you to stay warmer by trapping in your body heat

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19:1-4

Chan tells us that God is Holy, God is eternal, God is all-knowing, God is all powerful, and God is fair and just (even when we don't see it). "God never excuses sin. Whenever we start to question whether God really hates sin, we have only to think of the cross, where His Son was tortured, mocked and beaten because of sin. Our sin" Page 34. Think about just how big God is; that is how much God loves us too and He truly cares when we sin - it hurts Him like we hurt our mom's and dad's when we disobey. This chapter and the video both have me thinking about my significance in life. Everything that I do in life is so insignificant when you think about how HUGE God is compared to us. Just how big the sun is compared to the earth, and so forth. It is like almost contradicting of itself, because there are things in life that I can do, like spread the word of God, or invite a friend to church, that are very significant to God, but when you sit back and think about how puny our lives are and that we are but a vapor on God's timeline, that significance is really shrunken down quite a bit! How Humbling!!!

Tell me your thoughts - please. I am interested to see how you view God and how you love Him!

Who doesn't like convictions?

2009-10-02T10:21:00.004-04:00

Convictions are great. Right? I mean it is God telling you what you should be doing with your time. So, shouldn't it be easy to turn from your old ways and start anew? Ha, that seems too easy. I have been so convicted in getting up early before Bean wakes up to read my Bible. I have had friends tell me, I have heard messages on it and have felt convicted of it. So, you would think that I would just "do it." I mean, I have blogged about this before!

It isn't that easy. I did so well last week and then I started to not feel well. Then Bean started to not feel well. I haven't been sleeping the best and I am simply NOT a morning person. I do read almost everyday, but there is something about reading first thing in the morning and giving your day to God. That is what Jesus did when he walked this earth. If Jesus did it for God, then why shouldn't I do it for God?

Last week, I really took the time to read in the morning and then through out the day I would read my two other books that I am involved in. One is Crazy Love by Francis Chan and the other is Life on Planet Mom by Lisa Bergren. Both wonderful books. I think that last week I was truly filling my time with the Lord and his word throughout my day that I was focused soley on Him. Now, this week (and it being Friday!) I have realized that I haven't read a single chapter in either of my books nor have I gotten up one morning to read. I have read during the day, but I haven't given my day to the Lord first thing. Let me tell you....it matters. I can honestly say that my mood is different. I am not in the wanting to read mood like I had last week. I am in the "I am reading because I have to" mood and this is NOT where I want to be. I am blogging about this so that whoever reads this can keep me accountable and pray for me.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.

The change starts here...right now! (Help me!)

Life and change...

2009-09-10T12:47:00.014-04:00

So much has happened since February when I last blogged.

Bean broke his arm the early part of June. We were very blessed that is was a clean break and he only had to wear his cast for 4 weeks. Not too bad and he didn't miss too much of summer since this was one of the coldest ones I can remember. He did not do well with his cast for the first couple of days, but after I told him that only the doctor can take it off, he seemed to stop asking me to and began to accept it and get used to it for that period in life.

Family life is great! Bean is almost three years old. That time has just flown by. He is so loving and amazes me every day. He has learned his first Bible verse, "God's way is perfect" Psalm 18:30. It is so cute to hear him quote it. He is learning how to count, the sounds and names of his letters and how to use scissors. It is amazing how fast kids can learn, but it is also amazing how much we parents need to teach them. The things that we simply do every day, well a three year old needs to be shown how! But, it is a fun learning process! Love this age!

Do you remember our tree incident back in December? You know, the tree that fell on our house? Well, last Monday we had another tree fall and crush our tool shed and my car. I was in bed waking up for the day when it happened. I heard the tree fall. It actually wasn't as loud as I thought it would be for falling and taking out two things. Then, my gram passed away two days later. It was a very stressful and sad week. We got through it though, with the help of God, our family and some great friends. Through last week, God has truly shown us how blessed my husband and I are. We buried my gram and I find it amazing how we are all there for one another. Keep us in your prayers though, as the grieving period is still here. We did find a new car...a mini van to be exact. And, if you know me...I have been wanting one since I had Bean. We are excited and truly honored that God gave us a car that totally surpassed our expectations of what we could afford.

Our last and biggest news is that we are expecting again! Yep! A boy and he should arrive sometime in late January. We can't wait to meet him. If you have any suggestions on names, please share as we have not yet come up with one!

Many blessings to you all!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it.....

2009-02-06T20:46:00.004-05:00

When people say the heart will grow fonder when your love is out of town they are telling the truth. Me and one of my friends have been talking all week about how much we miss our husbands and how when they are home we will nit pick at them when we are frustrated or argue with them over the most ridiculous things and yet, now we would give anything for them to be home with us. Well, my husband is coming home tomorrow (and my friends')!!!! I (We) are so excited! I won't get to see him until pretty late, but, nonetheless, I will get to wrap my arms around him. A group of people from our church went to the Dominican Republic for a mission trip which left many of us "widows" for a week. I have learned a lot this past week. Out of seven nights I stayed at my house alone for only two of them. I definitely need to learn to give Christ all of my trust in the area of fear that I have with being home alone at night. I have learned that besides my husband I have so many people in my life who love me and are there for me at the drop of a hat. My husband is such an amazing man, but with him not being home this past week I found that I am very dependent on other people. I spent quite a bit of time over my parents house and even two nights at there house and I found more time than ever to talk to a really good friend on the phone all week. We kept each other's spirits up while we missed out hubby's and let each other get it all out and we also talked about our attitudes about going on a mission trip some day. Sidenote: I think that we might be convicted sometime soon in this area! This week gave me the opportunity to see how my attitude and my behavior affects Bean without Rock being home and I have to say that I tend to get frustrated quite easily with things.

Anyways, I am so proud of my husband for giving so much of himself this week to share the good news of Christ with other children and adults, to help make a water purification system and to help build a school for many of the adorable children. I can't wait to see his pictures and hear all of his stories. God has an amazing way of letting his Glory shine through and I have been touched this week by so many people. God is good - all the time! Sorry for rambling - I had a lot to say!

H - let's make sure we stay in touch as often as we did this past week. I really enjoyed your friendship and encouragement. I am so proud of you this week! (A - you too if you read this!)

Blessed with Friends and Family

2009-02-04T14:11:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to share how thankful I am for each of my friends. God has truly blessed my life by giving me some wonderful Christian women whom I can thankfully say are my best friends. Many of you are bloggers and many of you read blogs, but you are all so dear to me. Thank you all for your encouragement these past couple of days. I have been scared, depressed, happy, moody, and joyful. I have been scared, depressed and moody because my husband is gone this week on a mission trip and I hate being home without him. I had a wonderful friend share this passage with me (below) and I have been reading it and I said it before bed and I just know that God is with me and he is protecting me and Bean all day long. I need to put my complete trust in Him with all things.

I have been happy because I have wonderful friends and family who have called me all week and have spent time with me this week. I am joyful because when I talk with Rock I know that God is doing amazing things through each person on the mission trip. God is so good. We have been teaching Bean to pray "God is good, all the time, thank you for your Blessings" and sometimes it isn't easy to think of the goodness God brings us because we spend a lot of time focusing on our wants here and now. My want is: I want my husband home...but God's need is: I need him to be an Evangelist right now and give a community water and a school. He will be with you soon.
I have started an accountibility for losing weight with some friends and I am so thankful for them because I am really caring about what goes into my body and how much I am eating.

So, thank you to all of my friends and family for all of your love and support!

Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. 13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."

Mommy's Moody

2009-01-31T14:43:00.005-05:00

So, I am in a mood today - not a bad mood, not a good mood; just a mood. This past week I have been waking up early to read the Bible for about a half an hour. Well, with my husband leaving for DR in the middle of the night and with the crazy busy week I had I was exhausted and in my prayers kind of told God that I was going to "skip" this morning. Well, as a result, Bean slept until 7:45 (Praise the Lord because he never sleeps that late anymore). So, I was able to get some needed sleep, but my mood has defintely suffered from it. I did not get to wake up with Christ pleasing mood that I had so loved this past week. Not to mention that I haven't wanted to read anything today at all - not my Bible or my books! I have no desire today - I feel very lazy.
So, not that I want to ramble on about this, but I continue to be convicted of this and I know that this is an area in which changes are needed. So, please pray that I have the desire even on my most tired mornings.

Bean does like to keep my spirits up, however. I took this last night. He is just too precious. The clip is a couple of minutes long, but he is playing with his cars and then he begins to count them. He is only two and he is counting...I love it!

Long, Meaningful, and Encouraging....read on!

2009-01-24T16:23:00.006-05:00

I am doing a study with a group of women friends of mine on the book Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God, by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock. This book has been very enlightening and encouraging. I know that it has helped each one of us in different areas in which we struggle. We just finished reading the chapter The Wise Woman Creates a Gracious Home and I became very convicted. There are many areas where I need to be more prudent. First we had discussed proper etiquette; using the correct cutlery, bringing the hostess a hostess gift, responding to an RSVP, and sending out thank you cards (something I rarely do!). But the parts of the chapter that really touched my soul was the latter part of the chapter. There is a poem and a tale that I will be including in this blog that you should find interesting. However, here are some question and thoughts that came to mind while reading and meditating:

1. When I am frustrated with Bean...is it because he doesn't understand me and am I asking too much of him?

2. Do I get easily frustrated when I am in the middle of something or if I need to complete something and I am interrupted? Usually this interruption is by Bean, but sometimes by Rock and I am learning that we only live this stage ONE time in out lives....WELCOME the interruptions.

3. Children should never feel as though they are bad, but that their behavior may need some altering. I have been doing pretty well with this one...when I am correcting Bean, I always tell him that his behavior is wrong or unacceptable. I try not to say "you are bad."

4. Words have an awesome effect - whether positive or negative - they can determine the attitude of one person's day. Stay positive and try to lift other's up. This will change your attitude as well!

5. God has a plan for us all....want to know it? Read His word....it is right there in front of you!!! :)

6. Here is a quote from the author, "Many Christian women complain more frequently than they express gratitude - and they don't appear to realize what devastating effects their complaining has on their spiritual growth." VERY POWERFUL! Negative complaining IS a sin and the Bible directs us to give thanks for everything. (Ennis and Tatlock). "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 I challenge you - the next time something comes up that you weren't wanting - look up and praise God.

I know that I will be working on praising God more and complaining a lot less!!!
Here is the poem and tale....ENJOY!

"Only One Childhood," by Linda Ellis

"I stopped to watch my little girl

Busy playing in her room.

In one hand was a plastic phone;

In the other a toy broom.

I listened as she was speaking

To her make-believe little friend

And I'll never forget the words she said,

Even though it was pretend.

She said, "Suzie's in the corner

Cuz she's not been very good.

She didn't listen to a word I said

Or do the things she should."

In the corner I saw her baby doll

All dressed in lace and pink.

It was obvious she'd been put there

To sit alone and think.

My daughter continued her 'conversation,'

As I sat down on the floor.

She said, "I'm all fed up, I just don't know

What to do with her anymore.

"She whines whenever I have to work

And wants to play games too;

And never lets me do the things

That I just have to do."

"She tries to help me with the dishes,

But her arms just cannot reach

And she doesn't know how to fold the towels

And I don't have time to teach."

"I have a lot of work to do

And a big house to keep clean.

I don't have time to sit and play --

Don't you know what I mean?"

And that day I thought a lot about

Making some changes in my life;

As I listened to her innocent words

That cut me like a knife.

I hadn't been paying enough attention

To what I most hold dear.

I'd been caught up in responsibilities

That increased throughout the year.

But now my attitude has changed

Because, in my heart, I realize

I've seen the world in a different light

Through my little darling's eyes.

So, let the cobwebs have the corners

And the dust bunnies rule the floor,

I'm not going to worry about

Keeping up with them anymore.

I'm going to fill the house with memories

Of a child and her mother

For God grants us only ONE childhood,

And we will never get another."

The Tale of The Frogs

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump out of the pit with all of their might. The group of frogs kept telling them to stop because they were as good as dead.
Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The second frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs kept yelling at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped harder and finally made it out. You see this frog was deaf, unable to hear what the other frogs were saying. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
There is the power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift him up and help him make it through the day. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill him. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words...an encouraging word can go such a long way. May your words be a blessing to someone today.
-- Author Unknown

Update on Tree Removal

2009-01-06T13:12:00.005-05:00

It has been an exciting week to say the least. Last Monday, we had a company here to remove the tree. They were very friendly and very good. His company is Mike's Tree Service and I would recommend him to anyone in need of tree service. Anyhow, they got the job down pretty quickly despite the need to have our electric company come out and cut the line down of electricity to our house. The tree had gotten tangled in the line and if the line would have snapped it could have caused a fire and would have electrocuted the workers.

We are very happy with the progress. We had a company come out and tarp our roof and insert temporary support beams on our porch. We are in the process of getting bids from different contractors. We have one in mind that we would love to get the job, but Rock and I aren't sure how much say we have in choosing the contractor. We would just like to have someone that we trust to get the job done correctly.

Anyhow...here are some updated pictures...Enjoy!

Tree...meet our house.

2008-12-29T13:05:00.006-05:00

Have you ever had a tree fall in or on your house? It is not something that you typically see when you drive up your street. Yet, when we came home from church yesterday that is what we saw in our front yard. In a two hour span of time the wind had knocked over a tree and it fell on our house. We are very lucky and thankful though, because it could have been worse than it is. We are still able to stay in our home, no one was home when it happened and everything is covered under our insurance (so we were told). I will keep you posted throughout the week with the progress of the work. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story...
Have a wonderful and blessed week and New Year!!!!

My News...

2008-12-17T09:04:00.004-05:00

My exciting news....I put in my notice at work!!!! This is something that Rock and I (and our small group) have been praying about for months. I have been struggling with working full time. I haven't felt like I have been a Christ-pleasing wife or mother since I have started working full time. God is so faithful and his yes means yes and his no means no. With praying, I felt as though God had been telling me to be still - that he has something greater in store for me. He did. I wasn't even looking for a new job and he provided me with a part time job working closer to home only a couple of days a week! Praise God!!!! I am so excited to start this new chapter in my life. My prayer is that I can fully lead life how God desires me to. I truly want to become the Proverbs 31 woman.
Please pray for me as I begin this new chapter!!! Thank you!

God IS Faithful

2008-12-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful God we have! He sees our hearts and hears our cries. I have exciting news to come this week. I am so excited to share. Look forward in the next couple of days for the details!!!
"1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me 2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar." Psalm 139

Who Knew Corn Could Be Scary?

2008-12-03T11:27:00.002-05:00

So, last night I gave Bean some peas and corn to eat for part of his dinner. As he was eating I was doing the dishes. He loves to eat peas and corn frozen! Kind of weird, I know. But, nonetheless, he eats his vegetables pretty well. Well, last night he wasn’t very hungry and he was just playing with his food. I looked over at him and he was rubbing his nose and was fussing over it. I walked over to him and noticed that he had a huge booger coming out of his nose. I grabbed a Kleenex and went to wipe his nose only to realize that it was corn! I grabbed it and pulled it out. He was breathing normal, so I thought he was fine. A couple minutes later, Rock was holding him and Bean says, “here mommy” and he hands me a piece of corn. That is now two pieces of corn that was in his nose. So, I lied him down on the couch and sure enough he had a third piece stuck up there! It was really lodged up there and I could not get it out. Fortunately we have great doctors and they took me first thing this morning – the Dr. even came in early for me. They got the corn out quickly with no problem. Bean was so scared. But, at least he is safe! Oh, Bean is so joyful! I do love him!

It's Christmas Time...

2008-12-02T14:51:00.001-05:00

I love this time of year. Growing up Christmas was always about being with family and traditions. Every year my dad would put up a huge train display that would take up the half of our living room. This is where our Christmas tree would be. My mom would decorate this tree with her nice ornaments and really spend a nice amount of time making it look perfect. We would also put up a smaller Christmas tree in the other living room. Some of you would call them a living room and a family room, but in our home we called them the front room and the back room because they both served the exact same purpose. Anyhow, this smaller tree would hold all of the kid’s homemade ornaments and we would put our gifts for one another under this tree. The other tree is where Santa would leave his gifts. My mom has a really authentic looking manger scene that she puts up yearly. My mom would take time to bake cookies throughout the month and she always made different types of breads, jelly’s or ornaments to give to others as gifts.

Another area about this time of year that I really get excited about is shopping. Those of you who know me know that I am not big into shopping just to shop and when I say that I love to go shopping this time of year, I mean that I really enjoy shopping for other people. I love to give gifts away. Each year we set a budget for who we are going to buy for and for how much. Months ahead of Christmas I am already thinking about what that person might need or want. So, when I find the perfect gift for them I am just thrilled. Now, we set a budget, but I almost always go over – if I find the perfect gift and it is only a couple of dollars more…than oh well…it is the perfect gift for that person! I love to give to people…if I could I would give our entire savings away. Now, yes, that can be foolish and that is why God gave me Rock - to remind me that if we give away all of our money than it will be a lot longer for me to be home with Bean.

It wasn’t until last year when I became a Christian that I really began to see the true meaning of the holiday. I have always had loving intentions and selfless acts during this holiday (not 100%), but rarely saw it as Jesus’ birthday. I knew that this was the reason we celebrated, but I focused more on Santa and giving the gifts away and not really taking the time to think why I wanted to give people gifts. Yes, I had very good intentions, but it has always been missing something. So, this year, before I went shopping on one of the craziest shopping days (yes – I enjoy this day) I prayed on my drive to the store that I would buy gifts that people needed or gifts that were Christ pleasing and that I wouldn’t spend our hard earned money on foolish items. Well, prayer is powerful because I don’t think I bought one thing that I regret. I put a lot of time and thought into what I was buying and I really hope that the receivers truly appreciate their gifts. I have vowed to make this holiday solely about my Savior and less about the secular needs and wants of the holiday. Won’t you join me?
Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Sunlight

2008-11-24T14:42:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had an A-ha moment?
I was driving home from work one day about two months ago with my son sitting in the back seat talking in his little gibberish way and I was just smiling at how cute he was. I then started to think…again…how unfair it was that I wasn’t able to be home with him and how I was missing out on so much. He is growing up so fast and I am missing a huge part of his life. There are many times I have felt sorry for myself because of this. This was one of those times.
As I looked up into the sky while driving I saw a white, puffy cloud with the sun peeping from behind -around the entire cloud. It really was a beautiful scene in the sky. Since I was driving on a highway I was able to view this scene for about ten minutes. My mind then started to think…the sun is so beautiful peeping out from behind that cloud. How much more beautiful is the sun when there is nothing to block it? It is gorgeous and inviting! My mind then started to move toward Christ. Is this not just like our Heavenly Father? God is so beautiful and perfect, yet how often do we let life bog us down and get in the way of God’s light? So often God wants to shine through us and we don’t let him. We place a big cloud right smack dab in the center!
I had a huge ugly cloud that was consuming my thoughts. On a daily basis I would pray and ask God why I couldn’t be home? Why are so many other women able to be home with their children, but not I? After all, aren’t women called to be workers at home? I truly felt that this was so unfair! I want to live that life! Why can’t I? This was my big ugly cloud.
So, I continued thinking that if removed my ugly cloud…just how beautiful would God’s light be that would shine through me to other people? Isn’t that why I am here…to be a disciple of God? To tell others the Good News? I have since then changed my attitude towards my desires. I now share my desires with God, but I also (humbly) tell him that His will is greater than my desires and that I want to be a part of His story. So, Lord, please create my life story: my marriage story, my motherhood story, my homeschooling story, my work story and I will submit to you whatever you ask of me. Whether I want to or not…God is in control and has a greater plan for me whether I know it or not. God is bigger than my life. I need to remember that – always!
So, I want to ask you, how much more beautiful would life be if we all removed our cloud that blocks His light and simply allow God to shine through our lives? Our lives would be what Christ desires for his children – a life living to solely glorify Him! What is your cloud? Can you remove it? Let’s pray….it is the BEST thing we all can do!

Sawee Mommy

2008-11-24T14:40:00.002-05:00

Rock and I have done a total 180 with discipline in our home. We were basically disciplining Bean out of guilt since we aren’t home with him much. However, his attitude and behaviors were starting to show it.
We are trying to teach him manners; to say please and thank you and if he needs to, say sorry. Well, he is just so adorable. All weekend he would come over to me and just give me a hug and say, “sorry mommy!” What is even cuter is that his R’s don’t have a sound; Bean kind of skips over that sound in his words. At one point in the weekend I was correcting him and he looked me in the eye and just gave me a big fat wet kiss! How wonderful…even in my correction he still loves me so much. My heart just melted.
Those are the moments that I want to remember. Those are the moments that I am so thankful that I am a mom. I am so thankful that Rock and I were given Bean at the exact moment he came to us. God timed it perfectly…but then again He is God…He is Perfect!
Thank you God for Rock and Bean! I am so happy to be their wife and mom. Give me the strength to live daily for you and die to myself so that I can be a Christ-pleasing submissive wife and loving and disciplined mom!

God's Presence is our Presents

2008-11-11T11:42:00.006-05:00

Last year Rock and I were asked to go to a Marriage Encounter. Well, this weekend had completely changed our lives. Rock and I were able to talk to one another in areas of our life that we would have never discussed. This weekend exposes different ways to communicate with your spouse then your usual everyday discussions. During this time I knew that I needed to share with Rock some shameful issues that he did not yet know about me that were really affecting our marriage. Rock also found through this weekend that he needed to open up to me more as his wife. Throughout our communication with one another we both felt a presence front and center in our words and actions. One night something amazing happened. I was asked if I was saved and I had to finally admit that I didn’t know what being saved meant. I was able to have a conversation with an amazing couple about my beliefs. They explained to me who Jesus was and why he was my Savior. As we prayed I imagined that Jesus was sitting there holding my hands and hugging me instead of being some huge thing in the sky. The next morning while singing a song called Surrender I began to weep while reading the words. At that moment I could feel the Holy Spirit filling my body, heart and soul.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your won; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

I came to understand that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were there at work in mine and Rock’s lives. Their presence was very real before I even knew them. By the Grace of God, forgiveness was offered to me by Rock and our marriage was too, saved. I am very thankful for that time I got to spend with Rock, I am thankful for this couple who showed me the way to Eternal life with God, I am thankful for Marriage Encounter for offering this amazing weekend to reconnect with your spouse, and I am most thankful for Jesus Christ for dying for my sins and for calling me to be a part of His family.

Rock and I are now a part of the support team for Marriage Encounter and this past weekend we were able to witness God at work within other marriages helping them reconnect with one another. The Holy Spirit’s presence was there the entire weekend and was hard at work fighting off Satan who was trying to stop these couples from finding their love for each other. Many couples were able to come to Christ and many couples were able to save their marriage. Praise the Lord! Rock and I both look forward to the next Marriage Encounter where we can continue to serve our Lord in a way that is so precious to us. This is a ministry that my husband and I are really pouring our hearts into. This has become a passion and we encourage anyone who has not yet been to a Marriage Encounter to come!
Gifts are definitely fun to give as well as receive. Most people like to be on the end of receiving gifts. Well, take a deep breath because there is a gift that we can open day after day … Christ’s daily presence is our daily presents! Thank you Jesus!!!!!

Rock and Bean

2008-11-03T12:05:00.005-05:00

Some of you may be wondering who Rock and Bean are or if you know me why I chose those names. Well, another blogger friend of mine has chosen to use nicknames for her family for security/privacy reasons. I feel very strongly that this is a great idea. Unfortuately, we don't live in a very trusting society. So here is my family:

Rock is my husband and my strength. He is loving and trusting and forgiving. He has been there for me in more ways than I could mention in this blog. He keeps me optimistic, he lifts my spirits up (or chin up as he would call it) and he has his own passion for Christ and our family. I was created to be his helpmate; "The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him"(Genesis 2:18). So, that is what I am striving to be...his helper.

Bean is our fun little boy. He is two and just the greatest kid on the earth. His nickname is Bean because when he was born daddy thought that his head was shaped like a bean :) He is growing so fast and learning so much. His vocabulary has just exploded. He came to me and Rock as a surprise and a huge BLESSING! Rock and I both live for Christ, each other and Bean. We are complete in our oneness.

God is my Heavenly Father and my Saviour. My husband may be my Rock and strength and Bean may be my Blessing, but I would have nothing if it weren't for Christ dying for my sins. Christ loves me more than anyone here on earth. He gives me the daily breath that I need to fight through this sinful world. All is possible with the Lord....it's a guarantee. I can't wait for the day when we all reside with the Lord in His New Earth!

My Full-Time's...

2008-11-03T08:43:00.001-05:00

I have been thinking about starting to blog. Many people are doing it...but I wasn't sure what I would have to write about. However, the more I thought about it the more I thought there might be women out there who are struggling with the same battles as me. If I could at all help someone else with what I am learning then why wouldn't I want to share?!

So, here is my story/struggle. I am a full time worker outside of the home. I am a full time wife, a full time mother, a full time house keeper and most importantly a full time Christian. My struggle is that I do not know how to balance them all in my life. However, I need to learn because I can't do without any of those items. I can't decide to just up and quit my job, I can't choose to not clean my house, I can't give up on my husband or my son nor could I stop my relationship with my Lord and Savior who has blessed me to live this life. So, where does that leave me? In a funk. How do I go about having time every day to be there 100% for all of my full times? Well, one simple answer is, I pray about it. I have learned that I need to pray first thing in the morning. Give my day to God, who has graciously given me the day. I have not earned the day, I have not earned the right to live...Christ has given me these days. I need to make sure He is the one that I am thanking each day. I have been learning to wake up earlier to arrive at work earlier so that I can come home at an earlier time and that means more time with Bean. I am learning to juggle when I clean or tidy the house. After Bean goes to bed I try to make sure that I am sitting wherever my Rock to make sure that I have shoulder to shoulder time with my husband.

"Life is a dance...you learn as you go," John Michael Montgomery. The most important part of the dance though, is making sure Christ is at the center of all I do, think and say. "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2