22 September, 2011
I know, I know... it has been awhile! I hope to remedy that problem.
Okay... so here I go. I have a lot of thoughts so this may end up a jumbled mess, but I will try and organize them the best I can!
I will start with a question a dear friend asked me last week while we were hanging out at the local splash pad. I have been thinking a lot about it lately. She said, "what does loving someone that is broken REALLY look like?" Does it mean just sending them a text saying, " I love you... thinking about you?" Does it mean being there when they need you, but at arms length or when it is convienent? Does it mean getting down and dirty with the broken, helping them sift through the pieces of their brokeness and helping them glue the pieces into a beautiful mosaic? How does loving someone through their brokeness translate to daily living?
I think an excellent way to start is to realize that we are ALL broken in some way, shape or form. Some more broken then others. Some experienced devistating circumstances to lead to brokeness, some just broken from being a sinful being. Nevertheless , all broken-- all in need of love, connection, and friendship.
Showing the broken grace is needed. Grace means :mercy; clemency; a pardon. Why grace? Because it is by Grace that we have been saved through Christ Jesus. Remember your own forgiveness and grace that was afforded you by our Lord. (Eph. 2:8) Because that emulates our Lord. (Gen 5:1 -- we are made in HIS likeness) Follow that up with compassion. Jesus led by compassion. So much so that he broke his own father's laws to show compassion. (Luke 13:10) The good samaritan not only showed compassion in thought, but put into physical tangible actions! (Luke 10:30) It really has amazed me and is something that I have been learning in a BIG way over the past months.... It is a shame on us, but sometimes we don't show or understand the degree of grace we should show to others until we are in the place of needing that grace ourselves.
I do know that one thing the broken do NOT need is judgement. Nine chances out of ten the great judge (the Lord) and refiners fire has already been at work in the brokeness. That is more than likely where their brokeness has come from. They don't need your "fire". The definition of judgement is the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind. I love the last 4 words! These circumstances are almost always not based on fact or by being a "scholar of another" and ripping off the packaging to open the box of their lives. It is all about where the mind takes it. No one has ever been healed or restored by judgement. Compassion and love, yes! If we are looking to change lives, judgement needs to go out the window and let grace and love abound!
We as Christians are usually the worst offenders of passing down judgement. I would almost be more accepting of judgement from a non-believer. But we as Christ followers should know better. To whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) There are times when rebuke and correction are necessary and founded by truth in situations, but other times, if we are honest... the situations are just uncomforable to us , out of our box, some new way that the Lord is choosing to work his big picture that we aren't familiar with. We may not like the situation or circumstances in someones life and how uncomfortable it feels to us, but we are called to LOVE, show COMPASSION, and offer GRACE-- not just in word, but in deed!
These words come from a truely broken vessel. I seek HIS face daily, trust his promises, walk with him through the fire and pray for beauty from these ashes. I KNOW HE is creating a beautiful mosaic, and I am thankful for those ppl who are helping me slap in the grout to make it complete!!!
XO
16 May, 2011
18 April, 2011
I heard a song on the radio that is an oldie but goodie by Christian music's standards! It is by a group called Avalon. I think the timing of this song is very significant being played this week as we go into "passion week"--The week prior to the Death, burial , and glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus! My mind and heart cries out for you to take the stories and really seek the reality of them!
I have grown up in a Christian home most of my life. Went the Sunday school like a good girl, joined the youth group, memorized scripture, and even attended a christian school from 1st- 12 th grade. I heard the stories, my parents drilled them in But at a point , we have to evaluate ... are they just stories-- just a page of history? There is a time when all these stories become the catalyst for making your faith your own-- not just what your parents want you to believe. To know him is to love him and to love him is to make him your everything!
What does the story of Easter mean to you? Is it just a story, or do you live it, breathe it, thank HIM for it! Do you read the story and then put it back on the shelf till next Easter? Our Lord did the most amazing thing for you and I... came to earth in human form, took on the critics, testified to the truth of our heavenly father, was beaten, and crucified all because of his love for us.
Is HE everything to you... is he how you live, breathe, talk, act? Have you made he stories a reality in your life? I love how Avalon sings it... they can do a much better job of sharing my heart with you. So here you go!
Have a great day!
14 April, 2011
We have dragonflies EVERYWHERE down her in Florida, which makes sense because they are mostly found around marsh lands, ponds, and lakes because their first stages of life are aquatic! You can see one flying around or you can see hundreds in a field just buzzing in a group. They really are fascinating to me! They are fast little bugger too... On record... the fastest dragonfly was clocked at 60 mph! Of course that is out of the norm, but generally they fly about 35 mph. Can you imagine how fast those wings are flitting to get those kinds of speeds!
Another reason I love them... the eat our pesky mosquitoes! God's natural pest control system! I love it!
When I dug deeper into the Dragonfly cultural significance... I found one that I particularly loved!
Japan:
In Japan dragonflies are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness, and they often appear in art and literature, especially haiku. The love for dragonflies is reflected in the fact that there are traditional names for almost all of the 200 species of dragonflies found in and around Japan. As it symbolizes courage, boys are given the name of "Tonbo", meaning dragonfly. The shape of the archipelago of Japan, as seen on a map, is said to be that of a dragonfly. Hence the leading male character in Kiki's Delivery Service, in a non-Japanese setting, is named "Tonbo" so that the Japanese audience can identify with him. (wikipedia)
That is just so cool to me because I can remember MANY times looking back where I have been going through a rough time or needed an extra pick me up and was visited by a Dragonfly! I remember one day, when I was taking a LONG walk. It was hot, I was tired, the baby was cranky, the dog refused to listen and I just wanted to make it home. Wouldn't you know a dragonfly came down out of nowhere and landing at the head of my stroller canopy! It was almost as if to say, "I am gonna help you flit home-- now let's get going!"
Some of you may be thinking, "HOKEY"! But I see this as a way of God using his beautiful and magnificent creation to help his children with little reminders of HIS grace, strength, and courage! When I see them now, I remember God's promise that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I will remember that God does not give us the spirit of fear. I will remember that no matter how insignificant I think my struggle is , my Lord cares and my happiness lies in him!!!
Wow, all I can say is that thank the good Lord I am not Japanese or having any more children or my son just might just end up with the name "TONBO"!!
Next time you see our wonderful dragonflies ... remember strength, courage, and happiness and where it all comes from!! Thanks Lord for BIG reminders in the form of one of your littlest creations!!!
07 April, 2011
Driving home the other day from picking up the kids from school with my radio on to our local christian radio station that is "safe for the little ears" :o) , My favorite artist came on and with his new song "I will follow"! Yes, I am referring to Chris Tomlin! As the music started, Monkey, said... "mom this is my favorite song" and proceeded to sing all the words! WHAT?????????
As she sang, "where you go, I'll go"... "when you move, I'll move"... "if this life I lose, I will follow you"! Oh, poop... here come the water works!! I sobbed as she sang in the back seat! I could only pray that those words would resinate in her as she grows, and she will fully understand the awesomeness of that song!!!
Thank you Lord for that gift in the backseat!!!
Now sing with her!!!!!!!
30 March, 2011
So this upcoming week in MOPS we will be re-visiting MOMOLOGY: Grandscape!! As I sit here editing the lesson DVD ,and praying over what will be shared in the meetings, I am forced and convicted to reflect on my own mothering and the grandscape of that journey with Christ ,and where He fits into that grandscape!! God permeates our past , present, and future. He wants to hold our hand through it all , in an intimate relationship. This is true for every avenue of our lives, but I am reflecting specifically on motherhood since that is my current thought process right now!
1. What do I think about this idea that God wants to guide me through this Grandscape?
WOW! the creator of the universe... the healer and giver of life... the one that spoke the world into existence with his very words... the one that caused the red sea in the OT to part... etc... wants to hold my little , worn, calloused, and painted fingernail hands through my journey of being a mom. A job that some ppl take very lightly at times and fear isn't important other than securing the human race. On the flip side... it scares me a bit because I am such a control freak! This God that I can not see, audibly hear, or touch is asking me to have faith in Him and His plan for my children and my mothering. WHAT? Can I truly do that? Can I fully let go and let HIM guide my mothering? Can I yield the plans I have for my kids to the great shepard?
Psalm 23 says I can , because "He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
I am also comforted in knowing that my Lord knows everything there is to know about me. Psalm 139 says He knows I am a control freak. He knows my desires and my plans for my kids and my mothering. He knows it all ... he gave me kids that He knows I can mother . His plan is perfect!
2. How has God guided me in my mothering journey?
That, my friends, is a question that could take 13 years to answer! I could share so much over the past 13 years, but rather I focus on my past 5 years of mothering! Guiding via handholding is such a beautiful picture. Instead of guiding by taking his hand and waving me in a direction or putting "signage" for me to follow, he grabs my hand and shows me the way! Not just hand in hand, but the intimate "fingers entwined" , "I am not letting you go" kinda hand holding!! I see Him in my mothering every day in every way. Looking back through the picture books in my mind, I can see His fingerprints everywhere! In a more deeper intimate way lately, though. As the struggles get bigger, deeper... the need for His guidance becomes even greater.
Starting with my miscarriage in 2006, I could see Him gently showing me that I wasn't in control of my mothering. He was the one that gave and took away. Through the whole ordeal I slowly saw how he orchestrated each detail with his infinite grace and perfect will. He was taking my hand and guiding me through it. Don't get me wrong... it took me awhile to be okay with what His plan had brought me to. But the day I could reflect and say, "it is well with my soul" was a day I will never forget!
Aching for the baby I had lost, the Lord did see my tears and the desires of my heart. A year later, he gave me a another chance but all the while teaching me, guiding me, and showing me HE was still in control. Even through His lessons and refinement of my heart and soul, he NEVER let go of my hand. Savannah , my now 3 year old, was a twin. Obviously, at the time that I had lost her twin, I thought this was a cruel joke and how could this be perfect and pleasing to Him? Then there was a risk that I could lose Savannah as well? WHAT? Really? Where was he guiding me? Was I letting him guide me? I couldn't feel his hand in mine anymore. Again, he knows me in and out! He guides me! His will IS perfect! There were reasons...at the time I couldn't see... but now in retrospect, I know it was perfect! And I KNOW he never let go of my hand!
When my daughter, princess, was going through her cardiac issues ,and we were in a sea of unknown... he never let go of my hand.... I was in such a place of peace that it was almost sureal to me. I began to think "should I be more freaked out about this?" The answer... no! He had shown my back in 2006 and 2007 via my miscarriage and loss of a twin that He was still on the throne and was holding my hand and guiding me through every up and down of motherhood!!!
God loves us so much... John 3:16 says that "God so love the world that he gave his only son." Now we know that His son died for us so that we might live. There is no greater example of love. If you have any doubt of how much he loves us-- pick up the greatest love letter of all time from Him... the bible!
Maybe it’s been a long time since you picked up your Letter of Love. I pray that today that you’ll pick it back up, hold it in your hands, and read it for the first time all over again.
Motherhood is such a challenge, a beautiful fulfilling challenge! I love my job-- my ministry, but I could NOT do it without my Lord! Face it... it is stinkin' hard with him. Can you imagine doing it without him? He wants to be in relationship with you. He wants to hold your hand through your mothering journey. He wants to guide you so you don't have to do it alone. Even the Lord is on a mission of NO MOM ALONE!!
All you have to do is let him guide you and hold your hand! When you are diapering the baby, feeding them, dropping them off at daycare, cruising the grocery store isle, or even just sitting on the bed being quiet... He is there guiding you like it says in Psalm 139:10 (our theme verse this year) "even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." FAST... not wimpy... not like a limp noodle-- he will hold you FAST!!
10 March, 2011
Scripture reading: 1 Cor. 10:14-33
In two short phrases, the apostle Paul practically wrote a thesis on simplification. For every one of us who ever wondered where to draw the line, juggled too many balls at once,or had trouble making up our mind, Paul offers a timely simplification: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." We differ in talents, gifts, and resources, but the hands of time strangle us all. We desperately need a time management course-- but who can fit it in? :o)
When our beloved Michael was little, he loved to "help" me in the grocery store. Once he begged me to buy our dogs a large bag of rawhide bones. His face was so animated that I agreed, but when we arrived home I forgot about the purchase, Michael-- always a sneak-- slipped the bag out without my noticing. Later that day, a strange commotion in the backyard seized my attention. Our dog , Sunny, was hopping frantically in every direction, kicking up more grass and weeds than a weed eater, and panting as if she were fighting for her last few breaths. When I walked out to investigate, I heard Michael laughing mischievously, and then I saw them-- at least 100 "bones" scattered all over the back yard. Sunny was frenzied. So little time-- so many bones!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not "dogging" us for trying. Most of our "bones" are good ones. We've just got too many to chew. In our attempt to do a hundred good things, we may not do any of them well. We're caught in the captivity of activity-- hopping frantically in every direction, tongues dragging, and lungs panting. We're dog tired.
God never meant for us to live frenzied lives. Back breaking schedules are not His idea. How can we, believers in Christ, restructure our lives ad find a little refreshment?
Reestablish the goal: Isaiah 43:7 tells us we were created for His glory. The purpose of our brief journey on this planet is to glorify God. He desires for us to pour the best of our energies
into God's works. Go back to the basics!
Redirect your focus: Matthew 6:33 makes a revolutionary promise. If we seek God first,
He will direct our schedules and help us to discern His priorities through the work
of the Holy Spirit. Give this approach a try... it works!
Rethink your motivation: Galations 1:10 prompts us to ask ourselves if any of our
activities are seeking man's approval rather than God's. If we seek to please
people rather than God, rules will constantly change and expectations will soar.
Rest in God's will: Hebrews 4:10 says, "Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own
work."
Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? God is not unreasonable. He does not heap on stress and then refuse to grant us rest. None of us can do 100 things to the glory of God. Let's find rest in His will and do a few things well!
"whispers of hope" by Beth Moore
06 May, 2010
This is for all of Monkey's sunday school teachers at our church!!!!!!!
You are doing it!! They are getting it!!!
All the time you put in, all the time you pray for the kids, all the time you drive to the church, all the times you wish you didn't have to .....
IT IS ALL WORTH IT!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
So with bible in hand... she sings!
14 February, 2010
I was going to come up with an amazing post on love, happiness, and chocolate! However... I have chosen to link to my sister blog for a great article on "Dating God". It was written by one of our MOPS girls!! She has some great thoughts, and I just love the concept of Dating God!!
You can read the article HERE!
Have a great Valentines day !!! Hold your loved ones close!!
You can read the article HERE!
Have a great Valentines day !!! Hold your loved ones close!!
20 January, 2010
I am sure most of your have heard! How could you NOT? Haiti has been hit my a catastrophic earthquake that pretty much leveled the country! Three days prior to the earthquake a team from NEW MISSIONS went to Haiti to pass out Christmas shoe boxes and supplies to the poverty stricken country! New Missions has been working in Haiti for the past 27 years. I love this organization. They have such a great heart for service.
A part of this team was my sweet friend!! She was so excited to go and counted down the days! Her heart was overwhelmed with JOY to be able to go. So she packed up and left her hubby and 3 small kiddos! When we heard about the quake.. we waited for word from her. Finally... she was fine... the whole team was fine! They were rescued from the beach by the US forces in Black Hawk helicopters and taken to the Dominican Republic. There they caught a flight home to Central FL.
Please don't forget Haiti!! This is a video put together that they showed at a recent fundraiser. It features our NEW MISSIONS team from Central FL and my dear sweet friend. She is the woman at the beginning! It also shows the moment the quake hit! It will move you, literally!!
A part of this team was my sweet friend!! She was so excited to go and counted down the days! Her heart was overwhelmed with JOY to be able to go. So she packed up and left her hubby and 3 small kiddos! When we heard about the quake.. we waited for word from her. Finally... she was fine... the whole team was fine! They were rescued from the beach by the US forces in Black Hawk helicopters and taken to the Dominican Republic. There they caught a flight home to Central FL.
Please don't forget Haiti!! This is a video put together that they showed at a recent fundraiser. It features our NEW MISSIONS team from Central FL and my dear sweet friend. She is the woman at the beginning! It also shows the moment the quake hit! It will move you, literally!!
Haiti Earthquake from New Missions on Vimeo.
I will certainly NOT forget Haiti.... her name is Jessica and we LOVE our sponsored child! 
She needs us now more than ever. We have been sponsoring her for almost 2 1/2 years now!! We love her sweet little letters!! We haven't heard anything from the organization about the status of our sweet Jessica, but we know she is in the Lord's mighty hands!!
If you can help visit New Missions website!! I know now more than ever... little ones will need your support!
*UPDATE*
I was told that if I haven't heard from New Missions re: Jessica then she was safe!! PTL!!!
Also ... if you go over to THE NEWLYWEDS BLOG she is donating $$ to relief for Haiti for every comment that is left on her post!! GO... such a simple easy way to help!
19 January, 2010
Most of you know that we were "fasting" with our church from TV for one week! We only did TV! A lot of people did a whole Media fast! Like I said ... BABY STEPS!
So some things I observed from our fast!
So... some things will change around here for the good. I trust we can look back when faced with a TV show "crisis" and say... "it is okay... TV isn't that important!" I KNOW I will watch less news!! We have implemented family game night. We've done them before, but now it is a Family rule to have one each Friday night! I even think that we will do multiple TV fasts on our own through out the year! Reconnect, refocus, and rehabilitate our souls!
So some things I observed from our fast!
- We can live without it! We didn't go into convulsions-- we didn't start to sweat uncontrollably-- we didn't seem more agitated. Quite the opposite.
- There was more peace in our home. The kids weren't fighting over who was going to watch what or for how long. The constant TV on in the background wasn't ruining my ability to have a civilized conversation on the phone w/o screaming... "turn that thing down!"
- The kids realized that the world won't stop spinning if they miss their favorite show. There was no grumbling through out the week from them re: the fast. I stand amazed!
- I felt more inner peace. I wasn't watching the news each night like I do, so I didn't have all the sin of the world weighing down my heart.
- I got ALOT more things done around the house daily.
- I spent more time reading my bible.
- We did a lot more interacting with the kids. We talked, played games, did homework together!
- The kids were getting on each other's nerves a bit more. They were playing together alot therefor not having much time "watching tv" away from each other or sitting silently on the couch.
- Monkey and I had a lot more playtime together! We read more books, colored, and she even helped me with some housework.
- I actually got to take a couple of naps while Monkey was sleeping! I usually try to do that every once in awhile, but I usually have too much stuff to do or I try doing it with the TV on. Well, no TV on-- sleep! N0 work to do, because I am caught up due to the TV not being on in the morning-- sleep!
- I can hear the Lord more clearly when my mind isn't wrapped up in the TV. I honestly think that is why I had my meltdown. My mind wasn't going a mile a minute thinking about pointless things. My mind was clear of all that the TV puts in so I was able to hear him better when He needed me to. That is why I had heard that song a million times before, but never really HEARD it until now!!
So... some things will change around here for the good. I trust we can look back when faced with a TV show "crisis" and say... "it is okay... TV isn't that important!" I KNOW I will watch less news!! We have implemented family game night. We've done them before, but now it is a Family rule to have one each Friday night! I even think that we will do multiple TV fasts on our own through out the year! Reconnect, refocus, and rehabilitate our souls!
08 January, 2010
So, I am driving to the store this morning-- minding my own business, listening to one of my favorite CD's Paper Heart by Francesca Battistelli when the song "Time In Between" came on. Now... I have listened to this CD MANY times and have sung them at the top of my lungs in the car. (when no one is around except the baby-- she thinks it is rather amusing!) Today, I was completely taken off guard. I started to sing the words and then it happened. An indescribable enormous rush of emotion fell over me. I suddenly started to weep. (Not good while you are trying to drive!) Thank goodness for the red light that enabled me to stop and compose myself for the rest of the drive! I don't know why this song hit me so deeply today versus any other day, but I am in awe of how the LORD makes himself known and tells us what we need to hear and be convicted of -when and how HE chooses!
I don't focus as much as I should about the "time in between". I know he came and he died for me!! The time in between is what set the course for our salvation and set us up to KNOW our Lord's character. The ultimate example we need to strive for. He endured the ultimate challenges, criticisms, and temptations in that time. He did it all for me.
FOR YOU!! The unconditional love that flooded me this morning was just what I needed! The thing is ... HE would do it again for me even if it were ONLY for me!! I stand amazed in my Saviors love for me!! I love that he reminds me in ways that can only amaze and "blow my mind"!!
On that cross between two thieves he promised... "today, you will be with me in paradise"-- No matter what that thief's past... can't put it into words appropriately to really express the way this song has touched my life today. I share it with you so that you can be blessed as I have.
The words are below and the song you can hear via youtube. Listen ,follow the words ,and remember the time in between and THANK HIM!!! Let His love for you penetrate your heart!!
Time In Between - Lyrics Francesca Battistelli:
"You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb
(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between
Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again
(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between
So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all
(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between"
I don't focus as much as I should about the "time in between". I know he came and he died for me!! The time in between is what set the course for our salvation and set us up to KNOW our Lord's character. The ultimate example we need to strive for. He endured the ultimate challenges, criticisms, and temptations in that time. He did it all for me.
FOR YOU!! The unconditional love that flooded me this morning was just what I needed! The thing is ... HE would do it again for me even if it were ONLY for me!! I stand amazed in my Saviors love for me!! I love that he reminds me in ways that can only amaze and "blow my mind"!!
On that cross between two thieves he promised... "today, you will be with me in paradise"-- No matter what that thief's past... can't put it into words appropriately to really express the way this song has touched my life today. I share it with you so that you can be blessed as I have.
The words are below and the song you can hear via youtube. Listen ,follow the words ,and remember the time in between and THANK HIM!!! Let His love for you penetrate your heart!!
Time In Between - Lyrics Francesca Battistelli:
"You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb
(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between
Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again
(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between
So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all
(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between"
04 January, 2010
Yup, I did!!! Our church is challenging us as they do each year the first full week of the new year to go through a "TV Fast" for one week! A "FAST" is when you take something you love or dominates your life and you give it up for a period of time. The idea is to re-focus our priorities and do something better with our time, preferably... spending more time in the word, with our families, or just realizing our lives aren't run or held captive by the "boob tube"!!
So today we start our week long family "tv fast"!! This should be good! I stress it ...isn't a "media" fast as of now! Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to post all week about our progress!! Baby steps people! The kids took the news rather well. They said "okay"! I think they would start to shake and sweat bullets if we were doing a "media and tv" fast, but that still isn't out of the question! This could backfire on our part though. If they fast from TV then they may realize they CAN be okay w/o their favorite shows and then I won't have any "currency" to take away from them for bad behavior, cuz it won't matter! They did a Wii marathon yesterday to get it out of their system! Since the TV's don't come on, neither does the Wii!! Hard, since they just got it for Christmas, but they are doing okay so far!!
Question of the day... NO we do not have a DVR or Tivo! So no recording! Some of you are quaking in your boots right now thinking about "favorite show" withdrawal! I challenge you!! DO it for a week and see how much richer your week will be!! I will keep you posted on how we do!
26 November, 2009
I was going to give you my own thoughts, but I really love the thoughts a friend of mine wrote for my sister blog! (I am managing a blog for my MOPS group... that is a story I will save for another day!)
You can check out her thoughts here!!
Many blessings!!
Have a great day!
01 September, 2009
In chapter one we are setting the framework for what the book is really about... the heart! The heart is the wellspring of our lives! What our attitude and actions are is a mirror image of what is in our hearts! WOW... that hit me even in my own relationship with Christ, not just in parenting! Like the old saying goes... "garbage in ... garbage out". How can I shepherd my child's heart when my heart is not right and overflowing with the fruits of the spirit! You can not teach your children what you have not learned first! The Lord puts a lot of emphasis on the heart in the bible. Did you know it is mentioned in the bible over 700 times?We are also learning that the bible is the only book you ever need for parenting... geez to now "GET IT".... I could have saved a lot of $$ from not buying all the parenting books. I don't know why in my desperation in parenting, I didn't go the one true book that holds the only truths I need to succeed. The bible is the lamp unto my feet and light unto my path... that also does include parenting. Unless the word of God dwells in us, we will be ineffective!!
I can't wait to get to class on Sunday and dig deeper into ch. 1 with the gang!! It has only begun!
01 June, 2009
One of my dear friends, Brandi, has written an incredible post and an impassioned plea on her blog! This girl has a love and passion for Africa , more specifically, Uganda where her adopted son is from. She has visited the country she cries for and really needs our help!! I got this email from her today ! Please take time to read it and read the POST on her BLOG !! You can click here to go to her blog or click the button on the side entitled "Feed the Forgotten"! You think we are bad off in a recession... our recession affects them in a big way!!
On a side note... she is also selling paperbead necklaces that the Ugandan women made! She brought a bunch home from Uganda on her last trip there! I have one and wear it all the time. I get so many compliments on it!! It is a great tool to open up the conversation about Uganda! Every dollar goes to HOPE CHEST UGANDA!
On a side note... she is also selling paperbead necklaces that the Ugandan women made! She brought a bunch home from Uganda on her last trip there! I have one and wear it all the time. I get so many compliments on it!! It is a great tool to open up the conversation about Uganda! Every dollar goes to HOPE CHEST UGANDA!
This is the email I got:
I just wrote a very important post. Most people won't read it until Monday, but I wanted to give you a heads up.There is an urgent need in Uganda. Two of the districts Children's HopeChest is getting ready to launch ministry in are in dire need of food. They are literally starving to death. Read the article from AllAfrica.com HEREWe, along with HopeChest, are starting a campaign over the next couple of weeks to raise money to feed these precious people. It's called "Feed the Forgotten".
There is a blogbadge on my post that you can use. I am asking you to PLEASE consider posting about this on your blog. You can feel free to copy and paste my post or write your own. . whatever works best for YOU. You can post on it every day if you want. . call your "people" to prayer this week. . .issue a challenge, whatever you feel called to. Some ideas include challenging a mostly mom following to having their kids do a lemonade stand, if you are a coupon blog, challenge your readership to donate a portion of their savings, challenge people to give as gifts, or out of their abundance. . or sacrifice a meal or a movie this week. Those are just some ideas to get you started. . .but please consider posting this.I have raised money for a lot of things over the last year but haven't ever done an email like this to all the bloggers I know.
This issue has laid so heavily on my heart, I can't even fully describe it. I have spent time with these children. I saw the discoloration in their hair because of malnutrition. We sent Joseph (our country director) back there with food and he actually got mobbed. They are in desperate need and we can help. YOU posting about this and motivating people to give and get involved can actually save lives. How often do you get an opportunity like that?
12 May, 2009
Since being away from the kids for a couple of days and having a husband that works/travels a lot, I have been really pondering!! I really want our time together as a family, as mom and kids, as husband and wife, as dad and kids, as father and daughter, as mom and son... etc. to be quality time. It isn't about the quantity of time we spend if we make the quality of the time we spend together be amazing!!! I think this is where a lot of parents go wrong! They feel that their time together is based on the quanity. They are there with the kids, but the kids are engaged in the tv while the parent is on the phone/computer/blackberry! Our kids don't want a relationship with their tv, they want a relationship with US! We only get one time around-- one shot at this parenting thing! One shot at making this a marriage that we can be proud of! Even if we sit and watch a movie... turn off the blackberry and be engaged with them in the movie!
I have taken this really seriously and have made it a priority in our home! So much that I found a quote that goes a long the same idea and put it on my wall right above the front door as a daily reminder!
That is my challenge to you today! Make the day be filled with moments and don't let days pass before you have moments!!
06 April, 2009
I got this video in an email and HAD to share it immediately! I found myself in tears and exceptionally moved!! Please watch, turn off the media player in the left side bar, and turn up your audio! HE is coming, friend!! That is a promise!!! Are we ready?
30 March, 2009
If you haven't seen or heard Stellan's story, you NEED to! I surf the net a lot and read lots of blogs, but I have never been so touched, outraged, emotional, and broken for a family and their little one! This family needs your prayers!! Please take a minute and lift them up! I can't say anymore, you just need to read and pray!
Stellan's mom, what an amazing woman, blogs about their journey at My Charming Kids!
I just love this quote!
"If you haven't had a head-on collision with the Devil in a while, you're probably going the same direction as him."
- Steven Furtyk
Think about it!!
Being a christian is a never ending battle and head- on collisions! The Lord didn't say it would be easy, but that HE would never leave us. The fact that I butt heads with the devil daily, tells me that I am involved in a spiritual battle and need to remain strong and put on the full armour of God every day!
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