OUT OF DEEP WATERS

WINNER - DOLPHIN TALE

2011-12-21T09:55:00.002-05:00

The winner is #1 Jen, Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address.

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 17
Result:1
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

DOLPHIN TALE GIVEAWAY

2011-12-19T15:05:00.005-05:00

Grace Hill Media has provided a copy of Dolphin Tale to giveaway on my blog. I have not had the opportunity to watch the movie yet, but have read the review at ChristianAnswers.net.

To enter to win, please leave a comment below letting me know if you have seen Dolphin Tale and what you think or if it is on your list of things to see. Make sure I have a way to contact you. Winner will be chosen randomly at 10:00 a.m. on December 21st.

From Wikipedia:

Dolphin Tale is a 2011 family drama film directed by Charles Martin Smith from a screenplay by Karen Janszen and Noam Dromi and a book of the same name. It stars Harry Connick, Jr., Ashley Judd, and Morgan Freeman.

The book and film are "inspired by the amazing true story of Winter", a bottlenose dolphin that was rescued in December 2005 off the Florida coast and taken in by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It lost its tail after becoming tangled in as rope attached to a crab trap and had to be fitted with a prosthetic one.

HE DIDN'T KNOW

2011-09-29T20:34:00.004-04:00

He didn't know that I spent over $100 this month on lice treatment

He didn't know that I spent over $200 this month on my van

He didn't know that I had unexpected doctor's visits this month

He didn't know that I am so broken it hurts

He didn't know anything about me, but...

HE did! Tonight a stranger gave me $20 and simply said, "Be blessed" and I wept because I felt HIM all around me, reminding me that HE sees it all. The stranger didn't know that his simple, kind gesture would envelope me in the Father's Love.

Something deep inside me resists the gift because it makes me feel unclean that men who are not my husband are loving me and caring for me in tangible ways. God is using His body to love the widow and her orphans and something deep in me is touched and wounded all at the same time.

That man, that man that I will probably never see again had a thought and he acted on it. Is he a believer? Filled with the Holy Spirit? It doesn't matter because God used him.

THE DESIRES OF MY HEART

2011-08-27T21:29:00.007-04:00

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It was a great week, a hard one, but GREAT! I was faced with a lot of issues this week, but with God and friends He has blessed me with I began the process of overcoming, which is EXCITING to me!

This morning as I made breakfast I heard the Lord say, "I am preparing your heart to receive its desires...you are not yet ready to receive them." Wow! Wow! Wow! As I shared this with my daughter she asked if it was a revelation and I said, "Absolutely!"

Psalm 34:7 says, "Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Delight is 6026 in the Strong's Concordance and means soft or pliable. Pliable defined by Webster's dictionary means 1. Flexible 2. Yielding easily to others.

In the process of delighting myself in the Lord I am "yielding easily" to Him and opening myself to grace (5485 Strong's), the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life. Ultimately, delighting is yielding my heart to Him so He can influence it. In the process of influencing it He is teaching, molding, convicting and healing me, thus preparing me to receive the desires (requests) of my own heart, which He established to begin with. Whew! That is a lot to take in. He is not changing the desires of my heart He gave me free will to do so (it's a choice on my part). The desires of my heart are changing as I yield to Him and allow Him to heal me.

As I begin to live out this revelation I can more easily be patient in the waiting for my desires to be fulfilled because I am (Romans 12:2) being transformed by the renewing of my mind, that I may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God, which at this level have become my desires.

This revelation will also not allow me to accuse God in the waiting because as I yield to Him and allow Him to influence my heart I know that He is preparing me for my own desires (requests) to be fulfilled.

He's an amazing Daddy to give me such a precious gift this morning!

Bible Gateway Verse of the Day: Psalm 94:18-19

2011-08-23T17:48:00.001-04:00

When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Bible Gateway Verse of the Day: Psalm 94:18-19

PEACE

2011-08-01T10:45:00.000-04:00

Early on when my husband left I was so concerned about the children, looking back – overly concerned. I had several people tell me they could see the peace in my children and I was sure they were “just saying that.” I remember thinking, “How could they have peace?” The bible says, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:16 There was almost an immediate sense of peace when the strife was gone, but I still didn't believe it for my kids. I was interjecting and confusing my struggles as a child of divorce and was afraid for them (which meant I was NOT trusting God). It is a blessing for me as I realize that as I diligently seek the Lord I am overcoming and so are they, because of HIM they do not have to live out my generational iniquities.

As I was reading the bible the other day I read this again in Isaiah 54 verse 13, “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” I immediately thanked God for giving me confirmation about my children's peace. He is teaching them and GREAT is their peace. I had to hear it from Him before I would believe it, which is the way it I should be in every area of my life.

Who or what are you believing?

GREAT DEAL ON UNIFORMS

2011-07-30T10:47:00.001-04:00

source

My kids are going to school this year for the first time (more on that later), so I have been looking for and purchasing uniforms. The best deal I have found is at Tuesday Morning online. I ordered six skirts and six shirts for $104, which I think is a great deal. The best thing about these uniforms in my opinion are 1) the length of the skirt (it is not a mini-skirt) and 2) the feel of the polos. Shipping is a little high, but if you get a lot of stuff it is worth it. To the best of my knowledge uniforms are not available in the Tuesday Morning stores, but contact your local store to be sure.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD...

2011-07-28T22:03:00.005-04:00

I shall not want.

We know the verse and know it well, many of us have it memorized, but do we KNOW it? I had a first hand experience in Psalm 23 a couple of weeks ago.

My four kids and I were leaving church. The older two were walking next to me and I was holding the 2 year old and the 4 year old was clinging to my leg because there was a stray dog pestering us. I knew the dog had knocked down a couple of kids earlier in the week and my little ones were obviously afraid. I kept telling the dog to go, but he kept coming back. A man from the church came over to where we were and got the dog away from us. I was amazed,it was as if the Lord was giving me a picture of what He wants to do for me - in every area of my life. He is my Shepherd and will keep the enemy away as I trust in Him. I didn't even have to ask the man to get the dog away from us. He took charge and took care of the situation. It was a first for me. Having always had to look out for myself, it was a beautiful example of how the Father wants to take care of me.

Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

HOW MY BLOG GOT ITS NAME

2011-07-24T14:54:00.000-04:00
This was my very first post almost three years ago (12/12/07). I recently stumbled upon it and it speaks to me now as much as it did then. I pray it blesses you:

Naming a blog is a big deal. It's kind of like naming a book, you want it to be catchy and unique. I don't know if this qualifies as either, but it spoke volumes to me above all the other names I considered.

During a time of great healing and rejoicing the enemy interjected a time of great stress and turmoil in relationships in my life, but before he had the opportunity to do that the Lord gave me these verses out of Psalm 18:16-19 to comfort me and prepare me for the battle. These verses continue to minister to me and bless me every time I recall or encounter them.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me OUT OF DEEP WATERS.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

The Message bible reads:
But me he caught—reached all the way
from sky to sea; he pulled me out
Of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos,
the void in which I was drowning.
They hit me when I was down,
but God stuck by me.
He stood me up on a wide-open field;
I stood there saved—surprised to be loved!

For many years my motto was, "I'm just trying to keep my head above water" - hence, "out of deep waters." I remained there a long time not knowing there there was such an incredible life to be found in Christ.

Chaos was my enemy disguised as my friend, we went everywhere together. It took some getting used to peace, I had to confront the discomfort and press through to the other side. It truly was a great surprise to know how much I was loved by the one who created me and it makes me love Him all the more. I seek to know Him more everyday and the more I know the more I want to know. He continues to heal me, make me whole and minister to the deep recesses of my heart. My heart is completely His and I long to share His love, compassion and desire to heal with anyone who will listen.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE A COMPLIMENT?

2011-07-20T14:52:00.001-04:00
In the last few months I’ve had many people encouraging me and exhorting me and a lot of it has come in the form of compliments. I remember the first time my friend said, “You are a great mom.” I could hear her, but I could also hear, “That’s because she doesn’t really know you. That’s because she didn’t see you yesterday…” Who do you think said that? My enemy, the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. I can be real with this friend, REALLY REAL, so I told her what was happening and that when she was going to compliment me she was going to have to speak to those things first and tell them to step aside because she had something to say to me. It continued to happen when her or others spoke words of praise to me.

As I mentioned in the last post God is teaching me about my identity and through that I am learning to love myself. Did you know the bible repeatedly says to love yourself? (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 19:19, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8)

A couple of weeks ago during lunch with friends one of them said, “You are funny.” And I said, “I know.” Then I stopped midsentence and said, “Did you hear that? I’m learning to love myself.” It was definitely an A-HA moment! I think I could hear the angels singing.

It has been a process of me learning who I really am and agreeing with what God says about me and what others who love Him and me have to say about me. It has been really important to pay attention to the things I hear when others are encouraging me and exhorting me because that is where the breakdown starts. When I listen to the voice of my enemy and begin to give ear to his words instead of my Father’s I begin to accuse my Daddy of being a liar. Sounds harsh, but it is true.

So, how do you handle compliments?

AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE

2011-07-19T21:45:00.000-04:00
The day we came to look at the house we are living in now I told the kids that we needed to pray and ask the Lord for clear direction. I told them that if the Lord gave them a verse or anything to tell me. About ten minutes down the road I hear from the backseat, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord whether that is in the old house or the new house." Alrighty then!

The day we moved in I saw there was a framed print in one of the rooms "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" Such great confirmation.

John Waller has a song called As For Me and My House and it is awesome. You can download it for free here by making a declaration that you are serving the Lord in your household.

In the song it says:

Idols raised, tear them down

For me it was a startling revelation that my husband had become an idol to me. During the Beth Moore Breaking Free study, she gives a testimony about her son-in-law. He puts his son to bed everynight and says something like "I'm proud to be your dad, I think you have what it takes to be a great man and I love you" and everynight the toddler looks up and says, "I want juice." The Lord used that story to show me how He has told me, "Mari I'm proud to be your dad, I think you have what it takes to be a great woman and I love you" and I would look up at Him and say, "I want Todd." I rejected God's love seeking the love of a man. Oh, that was a humbling revelation. I repented for idolatry and am now seeking the Lord in ALL areas of my life.

What or who are your idols? Are you ready to tear them down? Whose kingdom are you building?

WHO AM I, REALLY?

2011-07-18T14:22:00.003-04:00
God has really been teaching me about my identity. Throughout my life I guess I could say I’ve never known who I really am. Recently I realized that my identity came from the various titles I’ve had over the course of my life. Over the last several months many of my titles have been stripped away. I’m no longer a business owner, I’m no longer a homeschool mom and I’m no longer a wife. I didn’t realize how much of my identity was in my “titles.” The truth is I am a DAUGHTER, not just a DAUGHTER, but the DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD and that is enough.

This is a brand new revelation and I’m learning how to just be a daughter (of course I’m still a mommy), but truly resting in the fact that being a daughter is enough. I’m accepted and loved based on that alone! That is still sinking in.

What does it look like to be a DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD? I’m not sure yet and honestly it still makes me squirm and twitch a bit. I’m learning to let people love me, just me, a girl who doesn’t have it all figured out.

I’m blessed to be a part of a church body where no one has “arrived” and we are given opportunities every service to share our struggles and our victories. It is through this that I have been able to grow and learn that being a daughter is a high and holy calling and that I AM GOING TO MESS UP AND IT’S OKAY. Did you catch that? It is okay to mess up! THAT REALLY MESSES ME UP!

Who are you? Where do you get your identity? Have you asked your Daddy who you are? If not, read His Word and He will reveal it to you.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12

THE TRUTH ALWAYS COMES OUT

2011-06-15T20:37:00.004-04:00

photo credit

Three months ago after clear confirmation from the Lord I moved my children and myself to a new town. My husband had left home almost two months prior and we needed a smaller home with more support nearby. We are in a wonderful place of peace, support and love, but I’m still struggling. How is that possible you ask? Yea, I ask too? With little signs of change in me I wondered, “What am I doing here?” All this love around me and I feel unchanged! Well, that was until we made lemon bars.

It was a Saturday afternoon and my oldest daughter and I were making lemon bars from a boxed mix and seemingly out of the blue she said, “You are getting so excited about things mommy. As God is helping us and people are supporting us you are getting more and more excited.” I stopped for a moment and pondered her words. She was RIGHT! I am getting excited about things, again. It’s been a long time. After thinking about it for awhile, I said to her, “As I stop agreeing with the enemy about who I am mommy is becoming the woman God created me to be from the beginning of time.” That’s EXCITING!

Even in this the enemy had the blinders on me, so I could not see that indeed I was changing (being set free). He would love for me to think that I’m going to remain the same, regardless and eventually would love for me to give up and accuse God. But God, out of the mouths of babes…stilled the enemy and avenger (once again). (Psalm 8:2)

As I am seeking God with my whole heart, He is leading me into ALL TRUTH!

The next day at church the whole service was a time of sharing what God is doing in your heart and my daughter and I were able to share this. She even spoke in the microphone through tears and told everyone what she had told me and I talked about what God showed me through that. It was a precious experience! I also shared that I don't even know who that woman is yet, I'm just at the beginning of this revelation, but am excited to learn more and more!

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

HIGHCHAIR MAKEOVER

2011-05-24T22:02:00.004-04:00

Here is the after shot of my "roadside" highchair. I don't have a before, but it was worn and weathered. I love the end result. I spray primed in red, put candle wax all over in random spots (then sanded after final coat), then finished in a dry brushed coat of yellow. Beautiful! It looks awesome with the pail and plants, I'll have to get a picture of that too.

The photos are not the best, I'm having a terrible time with my new camera and uploading to blogger. I had to resize the pictures, so they would download, but now you can hardly see them. Any tips?

FREE TEXT MESSAGING

2011-05-22T13:48:00.005-04:00

Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gmail offers free text messaging with an email account. For complete instructions click here. The first time you send a text message it will show that you have 50 messages remaining, but when you receive a reply you accrue five messages. If for some reason you were to use all your messages you could text your own phone and reply to get five more messages. If the person you are texting does not have a texting plan on their phone they will be charged for the message, so please check with them before you send the first one.

I do not have text messaging on my current cell phone plan, so in a pinch this has been a blessing!

A FAVORITE RESOURCE

2011-05-09T18:29:00.000-04:00
I have been homeschooling for five years and have often used resources from Currclick.com, including their many free weekly resources on every subject from flight to spring. We have taken online courses which were great and done countless lapbooks using their products. Check out this week's free resource on butterflies. It is very timely for us as we took advantage of Friday's free day at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA and visited the butterfly garden and attended the butterfly class. Enjoy!

Butterflies Lapbook: "Butterflies Lapbook"

PARADISE

2011-04-21T20:44:00.005-04:00
Image: Jomphong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A little over a month ago after much prayer, the Lord opened a door for me and the kids to move to a small town a couple of hours away. As we sat at the table one day talking about moving, my oldest said, "We are going to paradise." "I like that," I said.

The property has a rental cottage on it and there is a family of seven there this week, so we were all outside on the deck having dinner last night and the mom said, "This is paradise." "Yes! It is!" I replied. The fenced in yard is spacious and has beautiful gardens full of many varieties of roses, irises and much that has yet to bloom.

Today I looked up paradise in the Strong's Concordance and it said:

a place of future happiness

a place of blessedness

and today I would say BOTH are accurate.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13

MY BIRTHDAY PLAYLIST

2011-04-18T22:46:00.005-04:00
A couple of friends from church threw me a party on Monday and we had an awesome time and an even better time in worship, here is the playlist with some of my favorite lyrics listed:

I could not get the lyrics to format under the videos, so here they are:

Potter’s Wheel by Daniel Bashta
Make me
Shape me
Into everything that You want me to be and more
So place me on the potter’s wheel
Spin me until
There’s nothing left but You in my life
Cause brokenness is what I want
So do a work Yeah in my heart
So when You look at me
You see Your reflection

Heaven by Daniel Bashta
Heaven fall down on me
Bring Your peace bring Your joy
Let it rain let it pour

Worth it All by Rita Springer
I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways

Take My Hand by Shawn McDonald
Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
‘Cause I cannot do it on my own
You're what I need and I need to be
Right by Your side ‘cause I cannot hide
Lord, I know that I need You

Rain Down by Jesus Culture
Feels like its time, to dream again
I hear Your voice, and yes I'm ready

After worship we had a dance party including the Cupid Shuffle, ChaCha Slide and the Cupid Shuffle to Take My Hand...try it, you won't be disappointed!

GODLY PERSPECTIVE

2011-04-17T22:52:00.005-04:00

Photo credit

This morning I walked into church with a lady and I asked her how she was doing. She said, “I’m learning what it means to take care of myself.” I said, “Me too!” I told her that yesterday I went into Pine Mountain and had tea with friends and spent the whole day there and had a wonderful time of fellowship (practicing taking care of myself with time off).

As I sat down in church something was bubbling up inside of me and I said to another friend that “I was so excited I could scream.”

Midway through the service all these pieces came together in my head and gave me a beautiful revelation. The Lord showed me the reason I have trouble “taking care of myself” is because I don’t value you myself or see myself as beautiful, the way He sees me. He brought to mind the rusted enamel basin and pot I bought yesterday at an antique store. I saw them sitting outside and immediately I saw them as beautiful planters (they had value to me). That’s how He sees me with my rust spots, I’m beautiful and have purpose and value! You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7

When I got home with my treasures I went to a friends to borrow her husband’s drill to make drainage holes in the planters. As soon as she saw them she said, “Oh, no…I don’t like those.” I said, “I love them.” Her opinion of my treasures did not change my opinion at all, the same way that the enemy’s accusation of me does not change God’s opinion of me nor should other’s opinons of me change my own.

This morning before church I planted flowers in those pots and they were even more beautiful and He showed me as He plants His word in me I become more beautiful too.

It all comes down to understanding deep in my spirit who He says I am. This is not a new revelation just with a new tangible reference point. The planters sit on my front and back porches as constant reminders of the beauty He is planting in me and that I have great purpose too!

On a side note, when I planted the flowers in the pail I knew it needed a stand and thought an old wooden highchair would be perfect. Guess what I found in the trash on the way to church? Yes, an old highchair. I knocked on the women’s door to make sure she was getting rid of it, she said I could have it. Isn’t He just the best daddy EVER?

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecc 3:11

NO PLACE I WOULD RATHER BE

2011-04-16T22:41:00.002-04:00
This song is the cry of my heart these days. In the midst of this battle there is NO PLACE I would rather be...than here in His love...enjoy...

the songs starts at about 19 seconds

THE PROMISED LAND

2011-04-11T07:00:00.000-04:00
Today I am 40!!! Praise the Lord! I am so grateful to Him for my life and all the blessings I have. I got a birthday card this week and it said something like, "40 is a great year for fresh starts." I was recalling it during breakfast yesterday and remembered the Israelites, they wandered around 40 years and then entered the Promised Land. I believe I am entering my Promised Land as I agree with the Lord about my life. Today during church the Lord gave me this in Exodus 14:

9But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon.

10And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

11And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

12Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.

13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

14The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

That is so me...whining in the wilderness and wanting to go back and serve the Egyptians (sin, behaviors, idols, places) He is delivering me from...but Moses said, "...for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever."

Click here for links to my previous posts relating to my difficulty in staying in the season the Lord has me in. This verse gave me great revelation of the problem and great hope for the solution!

The Lord has told me, repeatedly, that some of the battles I am in now are going to be finished works (more on that later), so I look forward to entering in...

HOPING FOR SPRING

2011-04-08T22:30:00.005-04:00
Hope can be defined as "joyous expectancy" and that is where I am at in the midst of a winter season, I am "hoping" for spring. If you have been here a while, you know all the Lord is teaching me about seasons (here, here, here and here) and I can happily report I am overcoming the fear and resting in the current season and not going back or forward. I was blessed to find this on Cheri Keaggy's site:

He said) ‘See, I am doing a new thing – do you not perceive (it)?’ Making a way in the desert - filling up wasteland with streams Yours is a story of Winter – but, child, you have believed That I am the Author of your life – and now I am writing your Spring

There are buds all around me and I can't wait to see them bloom (and unto Him be all the Glory)!

I'M STILL STANDING

2010-12-04T11:51:00.004-05:00

Did you ever have one of these? I did and I loved it. Last night as I tried to fall asleep and replayed the events of the last few weeks in my mind, this is the picture that popped into my head. A few weeks ago as a couple of friends were praying for me I said, "I feel I keep getting the wind knocked out of me and everytime I stand up it happens again." Isn't it great to know that we are "weighted" and do not have to stay down?

One of my favorite songs a few years ago was Still Standing by Israel Houghton. Some of the lyrics are:

You gave me courage to believe that all your goodness I will see
and if it had not been for you standing on my side where would I be

Chorus: If not for your goodness if not for your grace I don't know where I
would be today if not for your kindness I never could say I'm still
standing if not for your mercy if not for your love I most likely would
have given up if not for your favor I never could say I'm still standing
but by the grace of God

To you I lift my offering and set my heart on higher things for
if it had not been for you standing on my side where would I be

In the middle of the song he gives an exhortation and this is what he says (my favorite part of the song), read it all, it is powerful:

I feel the need to explain something
This is not I’m still standing and I barely made it and I crawled into the building
Just pray for me brother and nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen kind of standing

When I was a kid I had one of those things that you could punch it and it’d go down and it would pop right back up because it was weighted on the bottom
That would preach wouldn’t it
So, this kind of still standing is
He’s hit me with his best shot
Life has poured all it could on me
And I got to bounce back in my spirit
Enjoy the song:

Psalm 27:13, 14
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD
Over the last few weeks I have had to deal with physical and emotional pain. I can tell you that I bounced back in my spirit long before my body caught up. It was exciting and challenging at the same time. My emotions and spirit were high, but my body was in pain and weak, so I had to wait on the Lord and what a blessing that was. My strength was renewed and I will soar on wings like eagles.
Joining Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders

HOO-HOO-HOOSIER?

2010-08-06T17:33:00.001-04:00
This my friends, is what I have been waiting for. On May 1st I bought this piece for $60 for its storage possiblities and have had it at Linda's (painter ex·tra·or·di·naire) house waiting to be painted. I called her last month and told her I was ready and here it is. My beautiful distressed, taupe-ish Hoosier. I wanted it to store all my stamp supplies instead of the plastic drawers that have now overtaken the homeschool room/office. Almost all my stamp stuff fits in here, minus the stamps...I'll have to rethink that one.

The cabinet was cream with blue accents including handles. I think she did a beautiful job, it is beautiful and oh, so deep and full of places to store stuff.

From Wikipedia:

A Hoosier cabinet (also known as a "Hoosier") is a type of cupboard popular in the first decades of the twentieth century. Named after the Hoosier Manufacturing Co. of New Castle, Indiana, they were also made by several other companies, most also located in Indiana.

The typical Hoosier cabinet consists of three parts. The base section usually has one large compartment with a slide-out shelf, and several drawers to one side. Generally it sat on small casters. The top portion is shallower and has several smaller compartments with doors, with one of the larger lower compartments having a roll-top or tambour. The top and the bottom are joined by a pair of metal channels which serve as the guide for a sliding countertop, which usually has a pair of shallow drawers affixed to its underside. The whole assembly, with the counter retracted, is fairly shallow, about 2 feet deep; the width and height are generally about 4 feet and 6 feet respectively.

LOVE IS...

2010-08-01T17:26:00.006-04:00
patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Even before I had a relationship with the Lord this was my very favorite bible verse. I have always loved love. What does it mean to love love? Let’s just say I believed in fairy tales, which can also be referred to as a hopeless romantic. I used to read this verse and dream of my future husband because I did not understand that this verse describes the very nature of God. At that time in my life I only knew of a God that was to be feared and if I did enough good then he might do something good for me. It was not all bad because I held out for love and when I found the kind of love mentioned above it was in an intimate relationship with the Father. He put the desire for love in my heart knowing that He was the only one who could ever fit the bill.

Anyway, recently while at my niece’s first birthday my sister-in-law commented on how Brooke gets in the dishwasher because she wants to help. What? Help? That thought never crossed my mind when Kaira got in the dishwasher, I went straight to anger (she’s being disobedient, she’s being destructive, etc.). It made me realize that I tend to think the “worst” first and immediately I knew that was contradictory to scripture. 1 Corinthians 12:7 in the Amplified bible says, “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. So, we are to “believe the best” not the “worst”. I asked God to help me in this area, I wanted to line up with His Word.

From an early age I saw the worst of people (to the extremes) and I guess I just began to expect it, so you can guess what I got…the worst of people. It does not matter that my life was filled with the worst, the bible says to expect the best…so, I have a decision to make: a) keep doing what I’ve always done and keep getting what I’ve always gotten or b) agree with God. Of course, I choose the latter.

I had a woman from our church and her two daughters over for tea this week and we got to talking about a lot of things, which led me to pull out my notebook from a conference earlier this year. The first thing I turned to was the page with notes from the accusation teaching. They teach the manifestations in our lives when the spirit of accusation is present. I was amazed, blessed and blown away by what I read first:

From my notes:
We accuse others – love is to think the best and the enemy tries to get us to focus on the worst

Believe me when I read that I was praising God. He gave me the revelation I needed to be free from this spirit that is causing me to disagree with Him. We know that Satan is the accuser and he will accuse us, have others accuse us or have us accuse God. I certainly did not want this operating in my life.

I repented to the Father for agreeing with this spirit and asked forgiveness and cast out that spirit of accusation. Now through my obedience and being transformed by the renewing of my mind I will begin to line up with the word of God. I am excited to see how this will impact my life, my marriage and my children.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

80s FLASHBACK

2010-07-19T17:06:00.004-04:00
The year was 1985 and I looked the part, fluorescent clothes (even make-up), uniquely 80s layered hair, ultra-teased with tons of Aquanet hairspray, thick belts, matching socks, earrings in every color and O-rings (remember Madonna wore them?). I probably would have never attempted some of what I did had I not been in the best company I had ever been in my whole life.
8th grade prom 1985 - me in the blue dress

The previous year I had come out of a school that was, by today’s standards, abusive to put it mildly and getting no better as I got older. After begging my mom to send me to another school and seeing she was not going to budge, I played the only card I had not played – I want to go live with my father! It was March I think and I was on a plane to Atlanta and I was going to be enrolled in public school for the first time in my life. Because I was the “new” kid from Miami, I was of interest to many. I made lots of friends, fast, I had only a handful in the school I left behind, despite my best efforts to “fit in”. After completing 7th grade I was on my way to high school, that is how it worked in the school district my dad lived in. My mother wanted me to come home and I said I would not go back to “that school”, so she agreed to let me attend another private school started by my first grade teacher.

Just for some background, I was terrified of school, I cried everyday, even some in college. In first grade I had Mrs. Santos, so it was better and my best friend Tina was in my class too. We were teacher’s pets, so we had no other friends, but that was okay because we had each other. Anyway, Mrs. Santos was the most loving woman I had ever met and I enjoyed being around and her and felt somewhat normal and safe in her presence.

Fast forward, it’s now 1984 and I am on my way to Mrs. Santos' school. She is the founder, principal and the 8th grade teacher. Now in my mind it just didn’t get any better than this, except that our 8th grade class was 20 strong and we were ALL friends. It was the best year of schooling for me and probably the happiest I ever was. Again, I felt loved and safe everyday! The school only went to 8th grade that meant graduation was inevitable. I was valedictorian for our class and had my speech prepared, but I cried the whole time, so Mrs. Santos read it. Everyone cried, and I mean cried a lot! We were like family and we were all going to different schools, I was actually moving about a half hour away. It was not a happy day!

Since 1985 I have kept in touch with Mrs. Santos yearly. Christmas cards, letters, visits and birth announcements. Our relationship has changed over the years as it should now that I am an adult. I have had two opportunities to see her this year. In February I took my kids to the school and showed them around and they got to meet her and her husband. It was a wonderful time. Then she said, that they would be having a tribute to my class this year at graduation and prom because it was the 25th anniversary of our graduation and we were the first graduating class. I was so excited. I began to feel the Lord’s gentle nudging that this was Him working.

Mrs. Santos invited me to give my speech from '85 at graduation and I was excited to have the opportunity, but even more excited when she gave me her blessing to say “whatever you want”. The Lord’s hand was moving. In prayer He lead me to verses of encouragement for the graduates. I asked her if she wanted me to tell her what I was going to say and she said she did not need to see it ahead of time.

I had the awesome opportunity to meet her, her family and the 8th grade graduates for a weekend of fun at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island just before graduation.

I was able to get in touch with a few friends from my graduating class and they were going to be at graduation too. It was thrilling! I had Isabella and Annais with me, which made it extra special.

On the drive down, I listened to Francis Chan’s Crazy Love and it solidified a lot of what I heard the Lord speaking to my heart. My kids and I had prayer time the day before and asked the Lord to prepare hearts for what He had to say.

Tuesday morning before graduation as I got ready the Lord spoke to me and said, “You were valedictorian 25 years ago because I have something to say to these people TODAY.” Wow, knock me over! This made it all the more exciting because my purpose was sure.

When Mrs. Santos introduced me she said that she was not giving a speech that day, that I was giving the principal’s address. Did you catch that? A high-school dropout with some college, the principal’s address? This is how God works. He instantly put me in position of authority and although most people there didn’t know me, I now had their attention. They would HEAR His word. She also said that I was here to give them a message of HOPE. Remember she did not know what I was going to say. So, for the first time I gave my speech, at least parts of it. I also shared the verses the Lord gave me and I told them that He loved them. That He died for them, individually and He has a purpose and a plan, a good one, for each of them. I told them 25 years ago I needed a family and the Lord sets the lonely in families and the Lord had brought me to that school. I told them how He rescued me out of deep waters because He delighted in me and how He delights in them. I told them their lives were before them and mine was still before me - in Him. I also shared with them what the Lord had spoken to my heart that morning, that HE had a message for them. I only spoke 8-10 minutes, but as I took my seat I was humbled by the opportunity the Lord gave me to share with people that I love. Best of all my oldest two were a part of all this and watched God work.

I went out to lunch with my two best friends from 8th grade and they both told me they were proud of me, even one of their husbands told me. I just smiled because I knew it was the Lord. They had nothing to be proud of me for. They don’t know what kind of house I live in, car I drive or much else about me for that matter, but they said they were proud. That just doesn’t “happen”. The world only tells us they are proud of us when we produce evidence that we are worthy of their praise. The only thing I shared with them was His love and now that - that is something to be PROUD of!

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's - Psalm 103:4-5

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us Eph 3:20

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I SEE YOU SIS WINNERS

2010-07-18T21:30:00.004-04:00
Here is a beautiful picture of Lekeshia from her I See You Sis debut yesterday in Marietta. It was a wonderful event full encouragement, love and possibilities...

The winners of the I See You Sis giveaway are Mari from My Little Corner of the World and Sara from Splashin' Glory.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

10 6 Timestamp: 2010-07-19 01:29:12 UTC

"I SEE YOU SIS" GIVEAWAY

2010-07-08T14:30:00.006-04:00

A couple of months ago a friend asked me to bring tea and set up a table at her customer appreciation party. I knew it would be a great event, but I never expected a divine appointment. The lady setting up next to me, Lekeshia, had a sign that said “I See You Sis”, so you know I had to find out what she was doing, which led to several short conversations throughout the afternoon. I was ignited by her passion for the Lord and her passion for women. In an age of social networking and text messaging, she is taking it “old school”. I’ll let her explain.

How did you come up with the idea for I See You Sis?
I would like to say, I came up with the idea. However, God gave it to me through a wonderful experience. In April 2008, while working out at Bally Total Fitness (Marietta, GA) I was caught-off guard by a zealous woman. While on my treadmill, across the room there she was, running with every fiber in her being. Ouch! I got convicted. Here I was a former track athlete with a free membership, mp3 player and a football/track coach as a work out partner. And there she ran alone, all alone with only her clothes and a water bottle. (Prior to this conviction, I was walking on the treadmill cruising on former muscle memory and family genetics.) Immediately I turned my speed up until I was finishing my 35 minute run at speed 6 on an incline of 3. Wow! in less than 2 hours at the gym; I silently meet a woman that would change my life and the life of many women and girls. I never spoke to this woman of inspiration. At the time, I was too into my insecurities to approach her with words of encouragement. Later she left and I remained there inspired. Before my work out ended, all I could think of was "I see you sis". As I kept repeating it, the vision for this company began to flow simultaneously.

Tell us about the concept of “I See You Sis”
(KJV) Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever does the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister , and mother." The "I" in I see you sis is the voice of Jesus Christ. In us He lives and as vessels we are used to do the works of the kingdom. One which is to encourage positively in love and truth, to build each other up.

What are your goals, hopes or dreams for this ministry?
Each one Inspires. Encourage one Individual. As stated in my motto, I vision for women and girls to live on purpose, in purpose to inspire those in need. And in turn, encourage others to encourage those who has inspired them. This year I look forward to faithfully being apart of 1,000,000 letters of encouragement shared across the globe. As well as motivate and give purpose for people re-embrace the most intimate form of communication; writing!

Share a testimony or two that you have received since starting this ministry?
I believe in sowing. And before I sold any letters, I wrote to 50 women. Many responded back with encouragement to continue sharing this opportunity with others. It helped them during their not so sunny days. They reread their letters to get them over the hump. A letter of encouragement is like a hug to someone who needs comfort or a smile.

How can others get involved?
My dollar menu consist of one item that is fat-free, zero calories and reduces weight. $1 to get involved is all it takes. Others can get involved by sending out "I see you sis" letters to any woman or girl. And yes! Men can get involved too. And, you'll have a blank card and envelope embodying the "I see you sis" logo and motto.

So, it's simple. Buy an "I See You Sis" card and send to a woman or girl you want to encourage or send out your own "I See You Sis" letter to any woman or girl.

How can people contact you?
I am most certainly available in 4 ways. www.facebook.com/iseeyousis - P.O. Box 680993 Marietta GA 30068 - info@iseeyousis.com or my favorite, 404-642-2300. Since my website is in progress and many will desire to purchase I see you sis letters. Use any form of contact and we'll make it happen. Preferably by phone or mail.

We are offering a giveaway of five I See You Sis cards to two random winners. Please leave a comment to be entered to win. You can just leave a comment or share how a personal handwritten note has encouraged you or how the Lord has used good old fashioned communication to bless you or someone you know. I usually do not do this, but I feel so strongly about this message that I am offering a second entry to you if you will post about this giveaway on your blog and a third entry if you post about it on Facebook with a link to I See You Sis Facebook page. Make sure you link directly back to this post. We need a way to contact you, if you have to leave an email address, leave it as email (@) bellsouth (dot) net to prevent spam.

Winner will be selected on July 18th!

If you are the not one of the lucky winners, please contact Lekeshia to be a part of this awesome ministry.
Visit Amy at Signs, Mirales and Wonders for more great music!

THE ISSUE OF TRUST

2010-07-06T22:13:00.002-04:00
If you missed the previous post Turning Point click here

The sermon on Mother’s Day was Trust, specifically trusting God! Just what I needed to hear, it shook up stuff in me and when it all settled things were a little clearer, Praise God. The scripture was from Jeremiah 17:5-8:

This is what the LORD says:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.
He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

The last verse stands out to me because as you remember, Psalm 1 – trees planted by streams of water – was the scripture and theme the Lord gave me for our homeschool year. A couple of weeks before this sermon, one of the pastor’s wives handed me this:

She said she wasn’t sure what it meant, but I knew immediately, it was the Lord confirming His word to me.

This sermon on trusting Him helped me link Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17, specifically the tree planted by streams of water, together with trusting Him. So, that is what He has been trying to teach me all year?! I love when things come together, even if it took me an entire school year - better late than never. I cannot be a tree planted by streams of water that does not fear when heat comes if I do not trust Him.

I’ve mentioned before that this has been a most difficult year and I have struggled a lot spiritually, but a lot of that stems from not trusting God. The pastor said, “The God who made all things, makes all things new.” I needed to hear that and maybe you do too wherever you’re at today.
A friend called a couple of months ago and told me she had to talk to me about a dream she had about us. She said that her and I were together and we were running from a combine. We were hiding in a church basement to escape this combine. When sharing this with her husband he pointed out to her that combines are used to sift wheat from chaff. I told her that it was just like us to run! We have both been dealing with fear and anxiety this year, so running would be apropos. I knew the Lord was telling both of us something. He was doing something and He was doing something deep and we needed to stop running and let Him do it.
In his sermon the pastor said, “We run away from things in our life that would produce trust in us.” "Huh, you talking to me?", I asked...as I crawled under the seat.
If I run from the combine (the Lord), the sifting of the good from the bad, then I am not putting myself in a position to trust in God. I run because the sifting is painful and I’m afraid of pain, especially emotional. If I run and everything stays the same I do not see what God wants to do. I stay in my fear and other the stuff that goes with it and I continue not trusting Him. It’s a pretty vicious cycle if you ask me, one that I’d rather be done with for good. So, I resigned myself to go through the fire or the pruning if you will, I’m sitting still in the field waiting for the combine.
Before we left this church almost two years ago I began to trust so much in the church, pastors and people (of course I did not know I was doing this at the time), God had to take me out of there and get me totally dependent on Him, so I would learn to trust Him and only Him. Remember I felt released to return when I recognized and repented for those things – it took a year and a half.
“Learning to trust will produce the things in you that you need to survive any storm and walk through any fire. It will produce gratitude. It will produce joy. It will bring peace.” Tom Tanner
The pastor asked a tough question:
Where do you go or to whom do you turn when it comes to meeting the deepest needs of your life?
Acceptance (knowing that you are cared for loved and wanted)
Security (knowing that you are safe, protected and provided for)
Identity (believing that you are special and significant)
Purpose (believing that you are put here for a reason)
Ugh, he got me again! This is where the Lord began speaking to me about my misguided expectations of the church and my husband.
All these needs are well and good, but we MUST go to God first! I’m not sure what all this looks like, but I know that it is true. Read the following exhortation that ended the sermon and it is the merry-go-round that has been my life for almost two years.
When we trust in people or we trust in things then our security is dependant upon someone or something that we cannot predict we cannot control and whose resources are limited and the result is inconsistency and frustration. One day we may feel good the next day we’ll feel bad the next day we’ll feel good the next day we’ll feel bad and that’s the way it works when you choose to trust in people or things for your security. When you choose to trust in people or things for your identity then you’re identity will come more than likely from one of two places either from what you do or what people say about you and both of those things will get you into trouble. Because your significance and your identity will depend on circumstances and responses that you can’t control.. When you depend on acceptance when you look to other people or things for acceptance your acceptance is based on gaining approval from others which leads to a life of performance. You will find that you will do just about anything to gain acceptance and in trying to gain acceptance you will in fact loose your identity. When you look to people or things for your purpose then your purpose becomes confused by changing circumstances and by the changing opinions of both your critics and your friends. When you trust in God and you look to Him for all of these things then your security is dependant upon one who is totally faithful and whose resources infinite unlimited. Your identity is found in one who will never fail you, never forsake you and who has pledged to love you forever. Your acceptance is found in one who knows you completely and loves you unconditionally. Your purpose is grounded and rooted in God’s plan for you, not man’s opinion of you.
I don’t know what this trust thing looks like, but I am committed to trusting God to work this out in me. I trust in Him to walk alongside me on this journey and remove things that hinder me trusting Him and place things in me that enhance me trusting Him. The good news is because I am trusting Him I don't have to figure this out, He will! Amen to that!
During the sermon the pastor asked someone this question, “Why did Peter warm his hands in the enemies fire?” Mark 14:54 and the answer was, “because his hands were cold.” He had a real need, he just went to the wrong place to get his needs met, so it is with me and I for one am tired of warming my hands in enemy fire because I ALWAYS get burned!!!
You can hear the sermon in its entirety here click on May 9, 2010

Trusting God,

TURNING POINT

2010-07-03T20:54:00.012-04:00
As I sat in my first of two different services on Mother’s Day I never expected to be called to action. As I’ve mentioned before one of the songs that morning was called Potter’s Wheel by Daniel Bashta and the words are:

Make me
Shape me
Into everything that You want me to be

Make me
Shape me
Into everything that You want me to be and more

So place me on the potter’s wheel
Spin me until
There’s nothing left but You in my life
Cause brokenness is what I want
So do a work Yeah in my heart
So when You look at me
You see Your reflection

I sang those words with a deep desire for God to do the things in my heart that the song talks about. Worship is the biggest part of my relationship with God. It has become an act of prayer for me, it is where I connect with Him in deep and intimate ways and cry out to Him from the depths of my heart and spirit. It is where I truly see Him in all His glory, majesty and splendor. It doesn’t matter that I can’t carry a tune, I sing anyway! I just did not expect His first answer to come just after communion.

In a post a while back I talked about seasons and how I have tendency to go back to old seasons, which by the way is disobedience. I do it because I’m afraid, which by the way is a lack of trust. See how this is all fitting together? Trust and obey, there is no other way. Amazing how He does that. Anyway, in the post about seasons I talked about being wounded as a result of my disobedience. Well, shortly after that post the Lord told me to go to that person and repent and ask for forgiveness. I talked to him and told him I needed to come see him, but have not done it yet. I have a good relationship with him, so I am completely comfortable with doing this, but on Mother’s Day the Lord called me to repent not to that person (he wasn’t there), but to the senior pastor (who I do not have a relationship with) much more difficult. Because the Lord totally blew me away with the card I sent to Nita I was quick to obey, no hesitation or stalling this time. After the service I told my husband I would be right back and I headed straight for the pastor. I was already crying when I got there. His sermon that day was on trusting God and I realized that for a long time I had trusted the church, pastors, people, etc. more than I trusted God. I harbored anger, bitterness and unforgiveness towards them for things they were never supposed to do in the first place. So, I told him all this and repented to him and asked his forgiveness. He said he was sorry and I said I was sorry too and that was the end of that, but I knew something shifted in me spiritually at that moment.

I still plan on speaking to the other pastors, but I was obedient to what God told me to do that day. It released me and I felt lighter leaving. We are now back at the church, we’ve come full circle and I believe that was key in God releasing us to be back there. It is like coming home. I never wanted to leave in the first place and was SLOW to leave and, you guessed it, OBEY. I’ll share more about that next time because I don’t want this post to be too long and lose anyone. I will also share highlights of his sermon on trusting God, you don’t want to miss it.

God is faithful and trustworthy and ALWAYS has our best interest at heart.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

SOMETHING I LEFT OUT

2010-07-02T10:30:00.002-04:00
Follow-up to yesterday's post read first

The Lord reminded me of a very important lesson I left out from yesterday’s post. As I attempted to hold onto something that was not mine, the Lord asked me what else I was holding onto? What? Me? “Yes, you are holding onto many things that don’t belong to you!” Ouch! Of course, He was right and after careful examination this is what I came up with.

I hold onto behaviors that are not pleasing to the Lord, but since I don’t trust Him I rely on these behaviors to keep me “safe”. In reality I am not “safe” just deeper in bondage. A pastor approached me once and said, “The Lord says that the fear will not keep you safe, He will.” That is truth, but I hold onto the fear for dear life although the Lord says “FEAR NOT” in His word I think 365 times. I’m a slow learner sometimes.

I hold onto things because I am afraid of lacking. God says in His Word, “My people shall lack no good thing.” I have a hard time with that because of my trust issue, but I’m working on that. I will keep certain things in case I need them someday instead of trusting His provision. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory.

I hold onto relationships, ones that are dead or dying simply because I don’t want to let go or am afraid to let go. I was reminded of this recently when talking to a friend from elementary school. We haven’t spoken in over 20 years and she never asked me one question about me, but proceeded to talk about herself. She was no different back then, but I held onto the relationship. It made me sad that I was willing to maintain a relationship like that just to have a “friend”.

We all hold onto things that the Lord would rather see us let go of. Things that keep us from His BEST for us, things that keep us from His BLESSINGS, things that keep us from His WILL for our lives. I’m still recognizing things that I’m holding onto and asking Him to show me how to let go, because I cannot do it on my own.

I am reminded again of the blessing of obedience, if the Lord says let it go then I can let go in total peace and trust! Trust and obey, there is no other way.

TRUST AND OBEY, THERE IS NO OTHER WAY

2010-07-01T21:04:00.007-04:00
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Words from a hymn written in 1887, but the words and message are timeless!

If I really sit down and think about why I do not obey, it usually comes down to a lack of trust.

At the end of March I took Judah for prayer for his ear infections. It had been a couple of years since I had been to that particular church’s prayer night. After they were done praying for me and Judah a lady called me over and handed me two pictures that she had painted for me while I was receiving prayer.

(Sorry for the terrible picture, I tried taking it over and over again. The text says, "I have set angels in charge over you. You are never alone.")
This one immediately ministered to me because Isabella had asked me to read the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert before I left the house. For the first time the last line really stood out to me and became rhema:

Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
The next picture ministered to me for a moment and I cried, but the Lord told me this one was not for me and He told me who it was for.

A little girl approached me as I left and handed me yet another painting (above) and said that it was “the Lord’s presence”. Needless to say I was extremely blessed and full leaving there that night. I came home and taped the two pictures from the lady to my bathroom mirror and gave the one from the little girl to Isabella.

The Lord kept gently reminding me to send the one of the jar with tears to someone else. I hesitated, I stalled, I flat out disobeyed. I wanted that for myself, I wanted the constant reminder that He sees ME. I could not let go of that tangible reminder. I was feeling forgotten by God, unseen, desperate for Him and I did NOT trust Him.

About a month later I knew that I would be seeing the lady who the picture was for, so I sat down with the picture, a card and a pen. I cried. I mean really cried. I wrote to her telling her that the Lord said this was for her and that I did not want to give it to her, but He was telling me to trust Him. I put the picture in the card and sealed the envelope and headed to the meeting. She was not there. I asked someone if they would see her and they said they would not – maybe I could just keep it after all? No! I addressed it and put it in the mailbox. My well meaning son brought me the mail, not really, it was just the card that I had put in there. Hmmm, maybe I could still keep it? No! I explained to him that it was outgoing mail and asked him to take it back. Two days later I read this (please click on the link and read Nita's post, it is overwhelming). I was overwhelmed with the goodness of God, I cried and cried. The blessing for me was not in the keeping of that which did not belong to me, but the giving it away. Despite my disobedience the Lord used that picture at the perfect time to bless Nita and Drew. I was left speechless at what the Lord did.

You know what the message was at the meeting that night, the night that I took the picture to its rightful owner...That God in the Old Testament is El Roi, THE GOD WHO SEES.

This is not to puff myself up or pat myself on the back for my obedience, I just want to share the result of obedience (even delayed obedience). The Lord used this situation to show me that the blessing is in the obedience. He was preparing me for an even greater task just a week later…I’ll share that next time.

Until then, do you really trust Him? Are you obeying Him? If not, why not? The more I learn to trust Him the easier it is to obey Him especially when I see how He took my mustard seed and multiplied it!

PHONE ETIQUETTE

2010-06-28T17:15:00.002-04:00
Our home phone seldom rings, so my kids have very little opportunity to practice phone etiquette. Today my oldest answered and said to her daddy, "Daddy, it's a lady for you, are you giving ladies your phone number?" I'm sure the lady was laughing, I WAS! The lady, from Best Buy, called back and she said to her daddy, "Daddy, it's another lady for you!" This time the lady WAS laughing and asked my husband if he got a lot of phone calls from "ladies"? He said, "No, that is why it is SO FUNNY."

Maybe I should unplug the phone and have them practice answering or maybe I won't and use this as one of the many ways I get my entertainment.

FREE AUDIOBOOK DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH

2010-06-10T19:42:00.001-04:00
Each month christianaudio gives away a premium audiobook download for free. How does it work? Well, we give away one audiobook download (that we have published or that a partner has allowed us to give away) absolutely free; available only during that month and only once, ever.

christianaudio, Oasis Audio, and David C. Cook have partnered together for the month of June 2010 to bring you the audiobook download of Forgotten God for FREE!

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (Unabridged) by Francis Chan

A follow up to the profound message of Crazy Love, Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two?
Instructions: Add the download to your cart and use the coupon code JUN2010 when prompted to receive this month's free download! You must use the code to receive the download for free.

I just downloaded my FREE audiobook, Crazy Love, from last year. You have a year to download. I'm headed to Flordia for a few days for a 25th year 8th grade graduation reunion (more on that later) and the books will be a treat for the ride!

THE TRUTH ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING

2010-06-08T23:40:00.003-04:00
This post is strictly my opinion and my experience.

The truth is I never wanted to homeschool. It was never something I thought about, not even once. When people would ask me if I was going to homeschool I would ALWAYS say I don’t plan to, but if God calls me to I will. Did I realize what I was saying at the time? No! Maybe I NEVER really thought He would call me, that is until He told me I was already called.

I’ve shared my story here

We are wrapping up our fourth year of homeschool. I don’t have a long-term plan for this and MANY people ask how long I plan to do this? This? Like it is some sort of phase I’m going through. Some in the homeschool world say you HAVE TO be committed to this for the long haul and I’m not there yet. I still take this year by year and honestly lately I want to put my kids in school EVERYDAY. Why, you ask? It is hard. Not the homeschooling part, but everything else.

Judah has been sick with ear infections for six months and wants and needs more from me than I have to give in any given day. Kaira is dealing with some issues right now, that I do not feel equipped to deal with. The atmosphere in the house because of marital issues is less than pleasant and that affects everyone. Sometimes I feel I do not have anything left to give to the two I'm supposed to be teaching. We are working on getting along with siblings, but my husband and I don't get along...I feel a little hypocritical.

I am with my kids 24 hours a day seven days a week. My house is used as a primary residence, it houses a small business and triples as a one room schoolhouse, so you can imagine the activity here. Sometimes ALL the activity becomes overwhelming and I just want a break, but there is no where to run (so to speak) and no where to hide. This is my life. I’m not unhappy with it, just overwhelmed. There are no mornings to clean the house or grocery shop. I wipe a counter while I wait for toast to pop-up or throw a load of laundry in when everyone is sitting at the table for lunch. Then my husband will ask days later how long ago did you start the washer and the answer is always the same, “I don’t know.” When my husband gets home it’s dinner time and then I usually work if I don’t pass out before I hit the computer.

Homeschooling is hard! It is not hard to teach the kids they WANT to learn and LOVE to learn. It is not hard to teach different ages at the same time. It is hard because it stretches me in ways I never imagined. It brings my character flaws, imperfections, personality idiosyncrasies and all that other stuff to light EVERY SINGLE DAY. Even writing this I want to cry and probably will before I’m done.

I am aware how much easier I have it than the homeschool moms before me and I am not minimizing their sacrifice in any way. I am just being honest. These are MY struggles right now. With four kids eight and under I am in a constant state of motion and sometimes I just want to be still. Even when I can get away for the occasional few hours by myself I am still doing something for my family or working. It is like being on a merry-go-round and not being able to stop.

My husband does not understand my inner struggle. He either thinks I’m double minded or just plain crazy. He thinks homeschooling is the best for the kids, but that is where his involvement ends. My kids thrive on being at home and have excelled in ways at early ages I never thought possible. I do not run a rigid homeschool and we are not work, work, work - they have a natural love for learning and an environment in which to do so. I have also been able to see so many milestones reached that I would have missed if they were not here.

The TRUTH is I love it, not every minute of it, but for the most part. I love to teach, I get to use my creativity and be productive. Just last week we made corn syrup paintings, they were AWESOME until Kaira put hers upside down on the carpet and stepped on them, on purpose. The fun was OVER at that point and I unraveled quickly.

I’m considering preschool in the fall for the two littlest ones (I hear the gasps from the homeschool community), good thing I’m not out to win a homeschool mom of the year award. Right now I basically just want to make it through another homeschool day. If Mother’s Morning Out helps me do that with a little less stress than so be it.

I do not know what next year holds for us, let alone tomorrow. We have less than a month and a half before we finish this year and I am counting the days. I’m praying God will give me insight and wisdom on how to proceed with this High and Holy calling.

SPEECHLESS!

2010-06-07T22:20:00.004-04:00
Isn't it amazing how God speaks to us in the just the right way, at just the right time? I'm left speechless after reading My Lesson from Job tonight because it spoke so tenderly to my heart:

It begins...

Today I randomly decided to read some things I highlighted in the book of Job. I found myself reading from chapter 32 all the way to the end of the book! Things really started making sense to me like they hadn't before. It really fit in with some of the things I've been learning lately about trusting God and His Holiness....

read full post here, you will be blessed!

SOMETIMES...

2010-06-02T20:14:00.005-04:00
words aren't necessary!

MAMA AND THE CHEESE DOMES

2010-06-01T14:34:00.008-04:00

You know you're popular when someone writes a story about you, but you know your FAMOUS when your daughter does. Here is a story by my guest blogger Isabella:

MAMA AND THE CHEESE DOMES

My mom LOVES cheese domes. Just one time she didn’t get one, but other than that, she can’t resist! She spray paints them and puts birds that we paint and glaze under them. Blaaah! Cheese domes! Ding-dong! Cheese domes! Everywhere! I just have to make up with them and well, I’ll live. She just got another one! Sometimes she goes to Goodwill and gets stands for them. She just got another one! She just got finished painting it. I have to admit, they are pretty. I guess that’s why she likes them. Before they are made pretty, the cheese domes sit in our garage till she gets an idea. She just just got one and put a tea cup under it. She is going to sell it at One of a Kind. That place is an antique shop. She runs a business called Tea and Traditions. As you can see, it is a tea business.

The End

Everything she says in the story is true. I'm starting to feel withdrawals (it looks like it is spelled wrong, but it is not...I checked) because I only have two cheese domes left after these go to One of a Kind. It's an addiction! Is that possible? To cheese domes? Seriously? I guess it can happen. I love them because they make pretty things look even more beautiful. The robin's eggs are painted Easter eggs speckled with brown paint and the brown eggs in the cream colored bowl are Easter eggs covered in jute (my new favorite embellishment). One thing I love about the birds is that Isabella and I do those together, I paint and she glazes. As she is getting older she can help me more and we are having fun! The little ones do what they can too, after all it is a family business. Most customers have met or heard my children on at least one occasion.

The cheese dome with the white stand was an old cheese dome with wooden plate. I attached a wooden candlestick, painted it and distressed it. The glass stand is a glass candlestick attached to a glass plate with a cheese dome on top.

I'm moving to a new space at One of a Kind, so I'll post pictures soon.
Joining Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

OUTDOOR CHANDELIER

2010-05-24T17:30:00.004-04:00

I took one of these...not sure what they are called. Anyone know? I got it at a yard sale years ago and it has rusted in my garden. I've never known quite what to do with it...that is, until now!

I had leftover chain and S-hooks from a birdbath that I did not hang and had an idea to make this beauty - my new "outdoor chandelier"! The glass hurricane fits perfectly in there with seashells and a glass pillar from Dollar Tree. I can change the look anytime by adding different items.

View from the side

View from the top

At a distance

My new centerpiece on the table is a terra cotta saucer with sheet moss in the bottom. I covered a dollar tree glass pillar candle with sheet moss (also $1), added ivy to Isabella's mosaic pot and painted a $1 birdhouse to make this centerpiece. I also layered a doily over a round placement for added interest. The glow of the candle looks beautiful through the sheet moss.

I also, covered an older pot that I just did not like anymore with jute. I love the result and can't wait to plant something in there.

Joining Metamorphosis Monday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday and Outdoor Wednesday

SUGAR SCRUB GIFTS

2010-05-24T14:47:00.006-04:00

I saw this on Under the Table and Dreaming and wanted favors for a "tea" party I am having tomorrow. I've invited the dealers at the store where I sell my tea. There are so many awesome ladies that I never really have a chance to talk to or get to know. So, I thought an outdoor tea party was in order.

I adjusted the recipe adding more sugar (eyeballed and smelled it - I did not like the heavy olive oil smell) and added lavender essential oil along with the lemon. Put it in baby food jars with a circle punch label on top, tied it with jute and slipped in a sample spoon (to scoop out for use). I hope the ladies will enjoy these.

Like she said on her blog, it is good to get paint (and glue) off your hands after crafting.

AWESOME MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-16T15:21:00.000-04:00
On Saturday before Mother's Day, the girls and I attended a Mother/Daughter tea at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. It was a wonderful event with 100 people in attendance, wonderful tea and lots of fun. They had treasure boxes for the girls to decoupage, hats to decorate and supplies to make tussy mussies. It was a great time for everyone!

On Mother's Day I woke up to spray roses, my favorite, a letter from Isabella and handmade cards from my husband and oldest son. I also received a love letter from my husband and a handmade book about chimpanzees from Isabella. She also wrote letters like mine for all the mothers in our culdesac, which I thought was very sweet.

As I mentioned before we went to two different worship services, which were both awesome. We came home after lunch and I fell asleep in the screened porch until 6:30 pm when Isabella announced the home made pizzas were ready.

It was a blessed day!

POTTER'S WHEEL - TSMSS

2010-05-14T23:49:00.000-04:00
For Mother's Day my request was simple I wanted to attend two worship services. This song was played during the first worship service. They played a video similar to the one in this post (maybe even the same one). Isn't it amazing when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you ARE where you ARE supposed to be?

God is shaping me, molding me into who He wants me to be and although it's painful at times I am willing (sometimes kicking and screaming) to withstand the discomfort to rid myself of the things that remain that are not of Him. I want to see, I want others to see, I want Him to see His reflection.

Worship was very powerful for me that morning and the message even more so, you can listen to it here. It is listed as the Mother's Day sermon, but it was on TRUST. A couple of years ago I realized that I did not trust God and we worked through that or so I thought, now there seems to be a whole new layer to it. I haven't trusted Him in a long time, I have accused Him and I have doubted His intentions. I have no reason not to trust Him other than I attach disappointments I've experienced to Him. Disappointments with my dad, my husband, church, etc. I wrap it all up together, but it doesn't fit in a neat little package because God cannot fit in a box with humanity.

Let me just state for the record that God has NEVER let me down! He has always done exceedingly abundantly more than I could ask, think or imagine, ALWAYS! He is faithful because that is who He is, He cannot deny Himself or His Word. I on the other hand fall short. I start looking around at people, places and things for comfort and reprieve and when it doesn't come I doubt that God loves me, that He cares about me or that He will do anything about the situation. I was so convicted during worship about my attitudes towards God, it was humbling and sad at the same time.

I have let fear override my faith and get me into a dangerous place with the Lord. Sunday it was as if a light bulb went on. You always hear people talk about peeling back the layers of an onion and I was reminded of this on Sunday. This is another layer of my walk with Him, He is taking me deeper, but He must remove another layer...He must! So, I surrender and I sing:

Make me
Shape me
Into everything that You want me to be

Make me
Shape me
Into everything that You want me to be and more

So place me on the potter’s wheel
Spin me until
There’s nothing left but You in my life
Cause brokenness is what I want
So do a work Yeah in my heart
So when You look at me
You see Your reflection

Song by Daniel Bashta

Be blessed and be changed!

Joining Amy for Then Sings my Soul Saturday.

SCREENED PORCH PROGRESS

2010-05-11T20:00:00.008-04:00

Joining A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

This shelf came from my mom's house and it has been in the garage for months, but while cleaning on Friday I decided it would fit perfect in this corner of the screened porch. The bird's nest that is sitting on the third shelf consists of two spray painted dollar tree birds which my daughter glazed for me, a little Spanish moss and a terra cotta saucer. I love this look that cost only $3 to make. Love you Dollar Tree!

The plaques in the background were a thrift store find that I spray painted, sanded and glazed.
This is one sitting area in the porch. My husband bought me those indoor/outdoor pillows at Costco for Mother's Day, $14.39 for two...great deal! I'm still working on accessorizing the coffee table, any suggestions welcome! I found the tin teapot today and am ecstatic with it. I'm all about tea and this works well out here because I won't be afraid for it to get broken. It says made in Yugoslavia which makes me want to look it up and discover its history, if it doesn't have one it soon will...

Another corner of the porch that needs some attention. I would like to get more plants to fill in the wash tub. I found the Contorted Filbert today for $5 for a big bunch. I love it!

Yet, another corner...every room has four! Here is my favorite piece in the porch, my birdbath found at a yard sale years ago for $25, she has aged well. And more pillows from Costco.

A cozy sitting area with my favorite "new" find a vintage scale found at One of a Kind's Market Day a couple of week's ago.

A little bistro set I picked up on clearance at Target years ago with some beaded balls I found at Goodwill for .99 for all three. The balls are nestled in moss in another terra cotta saucer...I have two more left in the attic, so they show up again. The trim propped up against the chair will be hung from the molding on top of the screens, found those today along with the teapot and Contorted Filbert.
Any tips for accessorizing welcome, but be nice!
To see other great spaces and projects visit A Southern Daydreamer's Outdoor Wednesday

UH-MAZING DOLLAR TREE

2010-05-10T17:44:00.004-04:00

Needed something to go over the dandelion vinyl cling from Stampin Up in the girls/guest bathroom - enter Dollar Tree. Total project cost $4 for the frames at Dollar Tree. I used scrapbook paper and the bird punch from Stampin Up to do the rest (they were already on hand). Love the result!

Just goes to show, it does not take a lot of money or time (took about 30 minutes to put together) to decorate.

I have big plans for those cabinets, stay tuned for the reveal. I also purchased a gorgeous mirror to go on top of the vanity, just trying to figure out if I'm painting it or not...maybe I'll let you be the judge?

Linking to Southern Hospitality's Thrifty Treasures and Coastal Charm's Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays

FIRST BIRTHDAY - DECORATIONS AND FAVORS

2010-04-27T19:48:00.007-04:00
I found this bulletin board at Goodwill for $4.64 a week before the party, with no intention of using it for the party, well, that is until I had this brainstorm. I used fancy fibers and yarn to cover the board and printed Happy Birthday on cardstock. I cut out the letters using a circle cutter and matted them. I attached them to the fancy fibers with binder clips. I printed baby pictures of Judah and did the same. I had an extra smaller palm tree that I cut up and stapled behind the pictures for added color and texture. I love the way it turned out!

This was on the front door, I used one of the napkins and attached it with brads to a piece of cork I had and placed it in the center of the wreath.
These are the beach balls we gave away as favors, they were in the shape of jungle animals and there were glasses to match. The kids had a ball with these.
This guy is from Judah's shower, isn't he cute sitting on the palm tree?

This was the table in the foyer. It has a palm tree with another lion, the glasses, a photo frame with Judah's birth announcement in it and a digital frame with a slideshow of his birth picture.

These are Annais' monkeys that he let us borrow for the occassion.

FIRST BIRTHDAY - FOOD

2010-04-27T17:43:00.013-04:00
Grandmother's Punch - A wonderful punch that I have made for all my kid's first birthday parties. Click on the picture for the recipe.

Roasted Olives, YUMMO! I got this recipe off the Lindsey Olive site and have made it twice. It is always a hit. Three kinds of olives, garlic and cherry tomatoes served on the new Toppers crackers. Click on picture for recipe.
Loaded baked potato dip, just like it sounds. Served on potato chips! People always ask if there are potatoes in it and the answer is NO! Here is the recipe:

LOADED BAKED POTATO DIP

8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream with chives (or plain, add chives)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Small bag of real bacon bits
Chives

Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese (about ½ to cup – personal preference), about ¼ cup bacon bits and add chives if not included in sour cream, bacon bits. Stir well and put in a 18 oz. baking dish and top with cheddar to cover, remaining bacon bits and chives. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts completely. Serve with ridged plain potato chips. Tastes just like a loaded baked potato.

The dish in the middle of the three layer stand is Artichoke Salsa, a Pampered Chef favorite that I have made at all their first birthday parties too! Serve with tortilla chips. Click the three tiered picture for recipe.

A picture of Isabella and Kaira in front of the punch and cupcakes. I got the punch bowl as a special treat for me for Judah's birthday. I LOVE it! It's the Arthur Court 14" acrylic bunny bowl. I got it here for a great price.

I've had these at all the kids first birthday parties too. Little Hershey's nuggets covered with their names printed on address labels (Avery 5160).

The HIT of the party - 7 layer dip, but not what you are thinking... it's a delicious blend of peanut butter, nutella, marshmellow fluff, shredded coconut, peanuts, chocolate chips and gummy bears. Can you say d-e-n-t-i-s-t? Served on FLIPZ, Judah's absolute FAVORITE crackers. Click either picture for recipe. Way to go Evite!

Had to get some fruit in there, served with a cool lime dip in the middle, click picture for recipe.

And of course, J-E-L-L-O, it was as big a hit as anything and I served it with those tiny samples spoons that me LOVES!!!

The cupcakes were made by the World's GREATEST babysitter, Sarah Lynn. She made 48 cupacakes for the party. Some were covered in sprinkles and others were covered in crushed Reese's Pieces, can you say DELICIOUS!!!

Just a good shot of more of the table. See all the candy we had? $14 of jellybeans...I about fainted when the lady gave me the total...well, it was for a good cause.

FIRST BIRTHDAY - FAMILY AND FRIENDS

2010-04-26T00:16:00.005-04:00

(Top) Kevin and his oldest (Bottom) Erika, Kevin's wife and their youngest

(Top) Mary Margaret and her son (Bottom) Bo and Ruth Allen and their youngest

Kaira and her friends

(Top) Me and Judah (Bottom) Me, Daddy and Judah (can you believe I forgot to get a family picture?)

The three of us!

(Top) Kaira chewing on her hand for some reason (Bottom) The girls

(L) Isabella admiring a weed, we have MANY to admire (R) Annais and Isabella outside

(Top) My brother David and my sister in law Kassy (Bottom) David with Kassy and Brooke Lynn

(Top) Daddy and Judah (Bottom) Brooke Lynn and Judah having a serious discussion about "baby things"

(Top) More of the three of us (Bottom) During worship

(Top) Introducing Judah to Ann's son (Bottom) Isabella having fun outside

Come back tomorrow for food and recipes!

FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY - WORSHIP!

2010-04-25T08:08:00.000-04:00
For a long time I knew worship would be part of Judah's first birthday party and the first person that came to mind was Bo! He leads worship at a church plant from our previous church and there is a sweetness and reverance when he is leading worship. I sense the Lord's presence and love in a mighty and tangible way as he leads worship and ushers people to the throne room. I am so grateful that him and his family were able to share this day with us.

Bo said he wanted to sing a song over Judah; it was a song he wrote for the children's ministry based on Jeremiah 29:11 and part of went like this:

Give you hope, bring you peace, give you joy
It was a blessing to hear that spoken out loud, not only over Judah, but all of His children! That is His plan for ALL of us!
It was precious to see Judah worship the Lord as Bo led worship! Starting with a little hand clapping. Getting those arms ready! Lift off - full blown worship. When our pastor shared the meaning of Judah's name he actually lifted his hands much like this to show that this is what Judah's name means - hands extended upward worshipping the Father. Beautiful!

More worship clips:
Hosanna
Oh, Praise Him

FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY - KING OF THE JUNGLE

2010-04-23T21:26:00.011-04:00

Here he is - Judah - King of the Jungle!
Ohhhh, I love this cupcake!

First taste of watermelon!
Judah giving his "RRRRoar"!!! Yes, I do know that is a giraffe he is holding!
Judah and cousin Brooke Lynn

Just over a month ago we celebrated Judah's first birthday - King of the Jungle! We have been working on his "roar" for months. Judah, what does the lion say, "RRRROAR!" SO cute!

Here are some pictures of us celebrating Judah! All pictures were taken by Ann Purcell and you can view more of her work here. We have had her take pictures at several of our events and have been grateful and blessed that a dear friend has captured our special moments leaving us free to enjoy them! I would have never gotten the amazing shots that she did!

It has been an amazing year with this little boy; he has added so much to our family. Judah loves life and he loves his family. He is sweet, curious and on-the-go all the time! I am amazed at how much one little person can change a whole family. I am thankful to God for the gift of Judah - in His perfect time.

Over the next few days I will share more highlights of the party such as our worship time, family pictures, food with recipes and decorations/favors. First birthdays are my favorite and Judah's was no exception.

Thank you all for sharing this wonderful year with us!

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; Genesis 29:35

Worn out after a wonderful day!

For the story behind Judah's name and newborn pictures, click here

MY SISTER

2010-04-21T19:22:00.004-04:00

I could write a long, mushy post about my sister Laurrie, but I won't today being that this is a picture of her as a clown! I just got off the phone with her and reminded her that I do have a blog where I post pictures, so here she is, one of my beautiful sisters! The long, mushy post coming soon because it sounds like a great idea. Her birthday is next month, so I'll do it as a gift to her and you, so you will have a chance to meet the greatest sister alive (no offense to your wonderful sisters).

Just so you know she's the more serious one!

A HORSE IS A HORSE

2010-04-20T14:19:00.000-04:00
These petticoat hanging lampshades inspired me months ago and I have been looking for the perfect project to knock-off this shade. I found it! A $13 (including shade) horse lamp for my daughter who loves all things horse.
Photo from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic site

This is exactly what it looked like when I brought it home. Isabella posing proudly with her now trash, soon to be treasure. I love that she can envision all that I tell her I am planning to do. So, it was off to Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Jo-Ann's - we completed the crafting triathlon in under two hours at rush hour...not bad for metro Atlanta.Here we are prepped and ready to paint, she chose white. She also handed me a McDonald's french fry bag (when you have four little ones these are readily available on your garage floor) to cover the light socket and knob. She's a born crafter!Here are the first three layers of our petticoat knock-0ff. I ripped off the cowboy fringe and hot glued eyelet fringe around the shade.Do you like my hat?
Voila! The finished product. The lamp is metal, so the body area can be used as a magnet board. I am working on making some spectacular magnets to finish it off. I am re-doing the second row of eyelet because it is not spaced right.

I covered the horse with a floral scrapbook paper, again the ole' trace, cut and paste (spray adhesive) method. I sanded around the edges for a more finished, shabby look.

In retrospect, I would spray paint the shade white first or cover it with white fabric. The picture below is after I adjusted the second row of eyelet.

Linking to Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented and Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm - check out these sites for other AWESOME ideas, tips and transformations.

AWESOME GARDENING DEAL

2010-04-20T12:38:00.003-04:00

SpringHill Nursery offers $20 off $20 or more with code 414217. The coupon works on Liquidation Items as well as regularly-priced items. Shipping starts at $7.95.

I bought the package pictured above on sale for $18.95 (regularly $29.99) and only paid $7.95 shipping. I plan on ordering another garden package next month for my Mother's Day planting.

Of course, I will do a before and after picture when the first plants come in.

TSMSS - FIELDS OF GRACE

2010-04-17T00:03:00.001-04:00

I have been repeatedly listening to this song. If you've ever heard this song sung in a large group of people there is always a shout out when they sing, "There's a place where religion finally dies", but this is the part that makes my heart sing lately:

I love my Father, my Father loves me
I dance for my Father, my Father sings over me

And nothing can take that away from me

There is something SO beautiful about that picture!

For more Then Sings My Soul Saturday, visit Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

COMMUNICATION IN THE THRONE ROOM

2010-04-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

The toilet in my bathroom has its own little space, door and all. In that little space I hung a bulletin board (where I post encouraging things or those dear to my heart) and a dry erase board. The dry erase board has become a place where Isabella (age 7) and I communicate. The photo above is one of the sweetest ones. We encourage each other here, make each other laugh and share tender moments. We have great in person communication, this is just another form. Sometimes she starts it and sometimes I do...it really doesn't matter. It can go on for days. No matter what it is I treasure the words or pictures she shares here because I know she is sharing her heart!

FOR YOU MOMMY

2010-04-14T01:00:00.001-04:00

For more Wordless Wednesday click here

FILE THIS!

2010-04-13T14:01:00.009-04:00

In my attempt to organize the homeschool room/office I created these decorative and appealing (use me, use me, use me) file folders. It was simple, I used the old trace, cut and glue method. I used Microsoft Word to make the labels for the folders using clear labels.

I know they sell folders like this already made, but that just wouldn't be me, would it? They cost a lot and you do not have to fancy them up because they already are. So, for you frugal, organized and creative types...this project is for you!

Here are two quotes that I have hung up in the room as I attempt to organize:

"We don't need to increase our goods nearly as much as we need to scale down our wants. Not wanting something is as good as possessing it." - Donald Horban

"Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." - Albert Einstein

Whereas, the sign on the door reads:

DO NOT ENTER
Under Construction or Destruction?

REPURPOSED ROCK

2010-04-12T18:30:00.000-04:00

I previously shared pictures of some of the rocks in my yard. I've always had a thing for rocks. The rock below was calling to me from the river last year on Father's Day. My husband has carted many a rocks home for me. This one had the perfect shape although I wasn't quite sure what I'd do with it...until Judah's first birthday (can you believe he is 1?). I used chalk to welcome guests. It looked so good, we have left it there.

My new God-made chalkboard! Love it, love it, love it!!!

Working on a post for Judah's first birthday...coming soon...

CHAIR MAKEOVER

2010-04-09T02:05:00.000-04:00
I bought a dining room set from a friend who moved away several months ago. I have been having the chairs refinished two at a time. I could do this myself, but I really don't have time and this lady is doing a phenominal job including the piping (which I cannot do). She is also a dealer at One of a Kind and gave me a great price that I could not pass up.

This is the before.
And the after! I love this zebra print. We sprayed them with Scotchguard, so hopefully they will last a little while. Still debating whether I'm going to paint the table or wait till the kids get older...if the table lasts it that long.

What do you think?

A DECADE AGO

2010-04-08T16:29:00.006-04:00

April 8th, 2000 at 6:30 in the evening Todd and I said, "I DO." It was a beautiful and very personal ceremony. Our little 3.5 pound Yorkie was our ring bearer, Todd's dad sang a beautiful song to us and Todd surprised me with Cross My Heart by George Strait. Todd is an incredible singer and it was awesome to have him singing to me. Did you see Pure Country? Check it out, George Strait sings it to his love interest in the movie - I bawled! My friend Malorie and her husband shared the Blessings of Grace, a personal biblical exhortation of Christ, husband, wife and marriage. It was all I ever dreamed of. It was not my first marriage, but it was my first marriage since becoming a believer in Jesus Christ. All my hopes were in the fact that Todd and I both loved God and I secretly hoped it would be enough and feared it wouldn't. Little did I know then!

So, much has happened since that day 10 years ago. We relocated to Georgia two months after our wedding. We've moved four times. There have been job changes, disappointments, blessings and 1-2-3-4 AWESOME kids.

Tonight, with four kids at the next table, we will celebrate not only 10 years of marriage, but 10 years of God's faithfulness, blessings, love and provision. I set up a card table in the den with the glasses that were served at our cabin in the mountains at our dinner for two. The clock represents the cabin's name "Time Stops Here" that we stayed in. The one thing not on the table during our honeymoon are the envelopes in the bottom right corner addressed to "mom and dad".

Music from our wedding will be playing while we eat and I asked Todd to bring home a VCR, so together with our precious children we can watch our wedding video.

I still do not know what our future holds (nor will I ever), but I know God has good plans for us, plans to give us a hope and a future. I've had so much revelation in the area of our marriage this last week, I could not possibly fit it in one post. Maybe more on that later, but for now we CELEBRATE!!!

We have been visiting a local church for their marriage series, "I Want a New Marriage" and although simple, it was incredibly powerful. On the third week of the message the pastor's wife shared from her perspective and I gained so much insight and "freedom" from that. You can listen to the podcasts here and I highly recommend it!

The following is printed with permission:

When I told the kids that I was going to take a shower, Isabella said, "Go ahead mommy, you deserve to take a shower after being married to daddy for ten years." Oh, out of the mouth of babes!

HOMEMADE BIRTHDAY GIFT

2010-04-07T18:09:00.000-04:00

Joining Shanty 2 Chic's I Made it Without My Hubby!!!

Isabella loves horses and has plenty of them hanging around. I wanted her to have a special place to display them (and keep them out of Kaira's reach).

I found this shelf for $25 and knew it could be beautiful.
I sanded the shelf (just a little) and added wooden embellishments from Hobby Lobby and Michael's.

I spray painted it Heirloom White and sanded it again to distress it and used Minwax Red Mahogany and Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze for added distressing and depth.

I have horse sillhoute frames that I made to match the shelf, but I'll include those in a separate post.

Once I give it to her I'll get another picture with all her horses on it.

MY OTHER LIFE...

2010-04-06T15:37:00.000-04:00

You know me here as a daughter of God, a wife, a homeschool mom, a perpetual crafter and super saver. What I do not talk about here a lot is my business. I sell tea! Click the header above to see my "tea" blog and you can link to my store website from there.

It is pretty interesting the business I'm in, you see I have only been a tea drinker for three years, but God in His infinite wisdom brought me this opportunity two years ago. I am His representative in the "tea" world to minister to those He sends my way. I love it!

Just last week two coffee shops contacted me. What are you up to Lord? I do not know, but I'm going to enjoy the ride. My business plan unclear, my purpose - SURE, my focus HIM!

Come by and visit sometime!

IT ALL STARTED AT GOODWILL

2010-04-06T08:16:00.000-04:00

I'm joining the Nifty Thrifty party at Coastal Charm...check it out to see the amazing things people find thrifting and the spectular things they do with them.

Remember this post where I shared the treasures I found at Goodwill? I'm going to reveal what I did with them.The picture above is from the Ballard Designs catalog and was my inspiration. It came with a $45-$60 price tag depending on the size. I love the boxwood look, but from the posts I've seen where people recreate this I know that the tedious process is not for me. Besides I love moss, it's all over my yard.

We live on a solid piece of granite, the stones below are from our property when they blasted the granite to build the house. They are all over the yard. I love rocks too! Because we are on granite the drainage in our yard is terrible, so there is a lot of moisture, hence the moss...EVERYWHERE. I could probably do a whole year of science with the kids studying the various types of moss we have.

Okay, onto the project. I started with three varying sizes of Christmas balls I got 50% off after Christmas - total $5.75. Looks like I'm setting up a solar system.

I spray painted them black, so the bold colors would not show threw if I was not meticulous in covering them.

Now for the moss - $4.99 a bag at Hobby Lobby.

The finished product - I LOVE THESE!!!

Who knew moss balls could be so photogenic?
The urns were about $ 7 for all three at Goodwill
Total project cost $18 not including spray paint and spray adhesive.

FINDING "EASTER" IN WALMART?

2010-03-29T19:44:00.003-04:00
This family was at Walmart for a few hours waiting for their car to be fixed and made the most of the opportunity and filmed this. I think they did a fabulous job!

THE CANADIANS, THE MINNESOTANS, A GEORGIAN AND ME

2010-01-24T21:08:00.000-05:00
A week ago I was blessed to attend a week long conference at my church. I have been to this conference before, but not alone and not without all my kids close by, so to be there by myself was a miracle and a blessing. My husband and I discussed this last year and agreed that this year I would go solo. He took a week’s vacation and I was off to spend time with the Lord, much needed time I might add.

This year has been one of the hardest years I have had since becoming a Christian a little over ten years ago. One thing that changed significantly was the time I spent with the Lord; this was due to some time constraints and largely due to confusing what the enemy was doing in my life for God. Be careful, the enemy comes as an angel of light and it will sound so good and so spiritual, but in reality he is planning your death! What I thought was the Lord speaking to me was the enemy and he knew he was orchestrating circumstances, so that when I needed the Lord the most my intimacy with Him would be at an all time low.

After recognizing this I repented and cried out to the Lord and told Him how much I missed Him and how much I wanted our intimacy back. He answered that prayer a hundred fold. I know He never left, but in confusion I did.

Anyway, back to the conference. I drove the two hours to our church, checked in and expectantly waited to meet my Daddy. I stayed with a lady from the church which was just the perfect place for me; she was kind and prayed for me Sunday just after orientation. During orientation I met a girl who lives about an hour from me and we sat next to each other and there we stayed all week.

Monday I woke up excited, I could hardly wait to see what the Lord had in store for me. I got ready and walked out of the house with my tea travel mug…it was going to be a GREAT day! When I got in the car it said 7:15 a.m., what? I did not have to leave until 8:15 a.m. I headed back in the house and put in a CD. It was Kutless’ Strong Tower. As I listened to Ready for You my spirit soared and I surrendered myself to Him to make His will be done.

Ready For You

Lord, You take my heart away with Your love
and I am willing to put on my faith in Your plan.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

Cleanse all of my mind that is not of You.
Break me, teaching me how to find rest in Your hands.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.
To come and fill my soul.

Whatever it takes,
I'm needing to make Your will be done
and I'm letting go of my control,
for I see what You've done in me.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

Walking towards the church Monday morning I saw Dianne heading towards me and I said, “Hi Dianne.” She cupped her hands over her eyes and squinted and asked, “Who is it?” I said, “It’s Mari.” She grabbed my shoulders and turned me around to see the sun, it was bright and blinding. She said, “That was all I could see.” I replied, “That is what you should see when you look at me” and finished with Isaiah 60:1 “Arise shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” As I walked into the church I began to cry because that was such a sweet gift from the Lord to start off my week with Him.

We assembled in the church at 8:30 and began with worship and were then notified that the heat was broken, it was a record cold snap for Georgia. Oh, that devil he’ll try anything to distract God’s children. Not happening! I wrapped up in everything I had and borrowed whatever I could get from my brother who works at the church.

As we finished for the day several of us started talking and before I knew it there were several of us going to a local pizza place for dinner. There was John, Roxanna and Michael (their son) now known as the Canadians, Marie and Kate (mother and daughter) now known as the Minnesotans, Kim (who lives close to me) now known as the Georgian (until we can come up with a better name) and me. We laughed and shared at dinner before heading back to church for a teaching on the Father’s Love and our first ministry session. It was a perfect day in the Lord.

I headed back to where I was staying full and grateful and expectant. I did my homework for the night and had a wonderful night’s sleep.

There is much more about my week that I will share, but this is about the fellowship that Father God provided for me last week. My heart was broken, I was lonely and very afraid when I got there and He surrounded me with generous, loving people that became like family in a very short time.

We said our goodbye’s Friday night after the celebration service and the Minnesotans came back with me and we talked late into the night. We gathered for breakfast before everyone headed off and took a picture (sadly without Kim) and then the Canadians came home with me - to my real house.

We ate cake that Isabella made the night before at her Keeper’s class, had lots of tea, ate Chinese food and just hung out…like family. It was a perfect end to my week. They headed back to church for another week long conference, so the kids and I were able to see them one last time last night for our final meal together (for now).

I am a different person than I was the week before the conference; God met me in some amazing ways. He changed me and He blessed me. He also used some Canadians, some Minnesotans and a Georgian to love on me. It was a wonderful week in the Lord and I am excited about the fruit I will bear from a life-changing experience.

Here is Kutless’ video – it is an amazing song:

I am who I AM says I am

2010-01-23T19:00:00.000-05:00
I have shared my testimony here before. When it happened I wasn’t sure what happened then I thought the Lord healed me of life-long depression and He did…well, sort of…

About six months ago the Lord showed me that He did not heal me of depression that night, He healed my broken heart and I received His love for me which broke the power of many strongholds in my life. That was a powerful revelation. Anyway, in the last month He has shown me that I have formed my identity in this testimony, which on the surface may sound good, but IT’S NOT! I AM NOT my testimony!

I AM says that…

I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus
I am the apple of His eye
I am the daughter of the Most High God

So, the moral of this story is your identity is in Him and Him alone, not even in what He has done for you (no matter how good it is). If you do not have your identity secure in Him you can be sure that the devil will be knocking on your door to bring doubt, confusion and unbelief. If you are not sure who you are ask Him who created you!

EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY...

2010-01-22T19:07:00.005-05:00
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20

God has been continually speaking to me and orchestrating circumstances as I seek Him in every area of my business. He is faithful to run this business and I show up and do the work He has me do. Recently I had an amazing experience of His faithfulness concerning Tea & Traditions. He called me to this business two years ago and has provided ever since. No money has had to come out of our personal account to pay any business expenses although we still have a sizeable loan that we are repaying.

God’s Faithfulness Manifested…

A friend lent me a book on New Year’s Eve called In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. It is an old book with a timeless message. In it a pastor, after a series of events, encourages his church to commit for one year not to make any decision or take any action without first asking the question, “What would Jesus do?” The book follows the stories of these people as they begin to practically and impractically live this out in their everyday lives.

All the people who made the pledge meet every week after service for prayer and support. One Sunday a newspaper editor communicates to everyone that he wishes for his paper to become a “Christian” paper, but he lacks the funds to do so. One of the members at the meeting is a very wealthy woman and has been looking for ways to use her money as she thinks Jesus would have.

While reading that part of the story I offered up a simple prayer to the Father, “Lord, would there be anyone whom you would use to help financially with Tea & Traditions?” That was Monday morning and there was a $500 check in the mail when Todd brought it in after work. I can not tell you how my faith soared!

There was a note inside that this was in response to praying about what to do with a receipt of a sum of money and the note said, “You were on God’s list”. The note specified that it was for my “ministry.” The note also said, "Keep spreading the good news."

We serve a faithful God, a God who hears the cry of our hearts. I was blessed by this gift and will bless others as I was blessed. I pray the givers of this gift will be encouraged in their faith as they were obedient to the Father as He answered His daughter’s prayer of faith.

I do not know what made me pray that prayer or what gave me the boldness to ask, but the bible says that we have not because we ask not. What are you believing God for? Be bold, ask your Daddy who wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

NEW LIFE FOR WEDDING GIFT

2010-01-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

This clock was a wedding present almost 10 years ago from my husband's grandparents. We used it for a long time on our mantel and then it ended up in the attic and I just could not part with because I love his grandparents so much. So, in comes spray paint, wooden appliques, scrapbook paper, a clock face stencil and glaze. The whole project took about half an hour (not including drying time). I love it and it will go well in our "new room".

I spray painted the clock in Krylon Blue Ocean Breeze then sanded the edges using an 80 grit sanding block and finished up with Ralph Lauren Smoke Glaze. If it sounds like I know what I'm talking about it's all wording I've picked up from Shanty2Chic, where you will find me spending a lot of time these days...that is until school starts and Tea & Traditions re-opens on Monday. You MUST visit Shanty2Chic they have recently posted their favorite projects and you will not be disappointed.

I'm sharing this as part of Shanty 2 Chic's link party, be sure to visit and get some AWESOME ideas.

TEA WITH JAM AND BREAD?

2010-01-01T10:22:00.022-05:00
This was my Christmas gift from Todd's parents, a Zojirushi bread maker. It has taunted me from the den since opening it Christmas morning. It sat on the floor mocking me and overwhelming me with all its features and large instruction manual, then Tami from Floating in Winter Creek threw in the lifesaver...a recipe. She emailed me because I had asked her opinion about bread makers before deciding on the model I should get and she was a huge help.

Tami emailed me out of the blue to find out if I got the bread maker and then sent me a recipe for Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bushman Bread and she said this, "This is one of those recipes where the machine makes the dough, but you shape it yourself and bake it in your oven. And just wait until you smell this loaf!! All your intimidation will be pushed aside and you'll be baking like crazy!" Well, that was ALL I needed, a little encouragement! Tami, were you a cheerleader? You make a GREAT one...thanks!
Isabella helped pour the ingredients into the bread maker...complete with yeast well.
This was after the dough cycle was complete. Isn't it pretty?
Can't remember if this was before or after they rose. I'm not very good at shaping them, mostly because I don't like working with the dough. I'm putting all my faith in the yeast to make these babies rise into the loaves they were created to be. Crazy? We'll see.

Not bad for a first timer.

Straight out of the oven.

Eight beautiful loaves cooling.

Just like Outback, knife stuck in the top and all...that impressed Isabella. See our homemade whipped butter? Just a little butter, a little milk and a beater...VOILA...whipped butter!

The true test was cutting it open and it was...cooked! SUCCESS!!!

We dug in and it is everything Tami said it was!!! Try it, you will NOT be disappointed. Email me for the recipe, the one online has not been updated for PERFECTION!!!

Our second attempt is already in the bread maker. We are attempting whole wheat bread cooked in the breadmaker from start to finish.

IMPOSTER?

2010-01-01T10:13:00.007-05:00

This is the Louis IVI Sideboard from the Ballard Designs catalog. It is listed for $1,199 delivery charges not included.

Here is my version, $200 (already painted) from One of a Kind two years ago.

It has taken me my whole life to realize that beautiful furniture does not have to cost a lot of money. Of course mine would look even better accessorized like the catalog picture, but Ballard Designs catalog does not have four kids. Right now my bread maker is sitting on top of it and there is homeschool stuff in the bottom, one drawer is dedicated to tea samples and the other to coupon circulars and magazines. Life in the REAL world, my world!

LOOKS LIKE THE REAL THING, BUT IS IT?

2009-12-31T14:06:00.001-05:00
I have had affections for all things Ballard Designs for years, but my wallet does not fit my appetite. Fortunately, their catalog is a great place for inspiration...Exihibit A

Ballard Designs Chaumont Console originally $999 on sale for $899

My "faux" Chaumont Console(becuase knock off is too strong a word) $115. The cabinet was $60 at a garage sale and I paid $55 to have it picked up, painted and delivered. It houses our 55 gallon fishless fishtank.

Stay tuned for Exhibit B Louis XVI Sideboard ...

THIS IS GONNA BE BEAUTIFUL

2009-12-30T12:51:00.004-05:00
We are finally getting around to decorating "our room". It is becoming more and more important for us to have our "space". Here are some of the treasures we have found. Only little snippets till the big reveal when it's close to done...don't know when that will be.

Do you like my (new) hat? I found this lamp, or this lamp found me at a local antique store. I saw him and was intrigued and then I couldn't stop looking at him. I walked around the store several times before returning to his booth and snatching him up. He came with the first shade and it just wasn't him, so I replaced his hat with the second...much better! He is now "basket boy" in our house and I love him. The lamp cost either $22 or $28, I can't remember, but is any price too great a price for la piece de resistance? Unequivocally, NO!

Found this chair and a half at the same store with basket boy. I have been looking for a chair like this for a LONG time and the price was right $89 and $29 for the ottoman. The tray was $10.80 at One of a Kind, the store where I have my booth. Trouble with being somewhere with so many beautiful things, a lot of beautiful things come home with me.
These beauties were also found at One of a Kind, the first week I had my booth. I can't reveal the price because it was a generous good deal from another dealer. I loved these doves the most until I met basket boy, oh, emotions so futile! I will be looking at small quilts today in another dealer's booth perfect for in between the ottoman and the tray. Of course I have ideas for the tray, but you will just have to wait and see. The hint of color on the wall will be our new bedroom color - someday.
A friend sent us money for Christmas as she usually does, but this year we used it on ourselves. We bought the hat for basket boy, a bedskirt (that needs wrinkle releaser, since I don't iron) and three pillow shams. It looks beautiful! The bedspread was aquired years ago at Marshalls for about $50 and it was blue, but I got bleach on it, so I bleached the whole thing. I love the way it turned out, now it is an off-white, but the threading is still blue.

BIG PLANS

2009-12-11T16:49:00.003-05:00

Today I went to Goodwill, two of them to be exact. These are my finds! I spent $54.52 for everything pictured here and I have big plans for these (soon to be) treasures. Stay tuned...

GOD'S LOVE

2009-12-03T22:16:00.002-05:00
Have you ever bought something for someone because the Lord prompted you to do so? You didn’t know why they would need that mug, plaque, book, etc., but He did. Have you ever been overwhelmed by His love for someone when giving them something that you knew He wanted you to give them? It’s amazing isn’t it?

Have you prayed that prayer, the one that goes something like, “Lord give me your heart for others, let me see them like you see them.” He has answered me time and time again, supernaturally enabling me to share His love with someone else. I think I missed it a lot of the time not realizing He was answering in a particular way and I guess I assume all of sudden I will feel like He feels and see what He sees, but I don’t. Usually I will be burdened with His great love for someone else and in those moments, it never dawned on me that this is His expression of love for this person and He feels the same way about me. Pretty amazing!

You know the flowers your friend brings to your house, the card with just the right scripture in it or the hot chocolate left on your doorstep on a cold, winter’s day by a friend who knew you had none. That is how He loves us - through one another. If we are not expressing His love to others, to the world, who is?

HEARTS AT HOME

2009-12-03T16:17:00.000-05:00

Everyone loves a good sale, Right? We'll let me tell you about a great one:

It’s a Hearts at Home
Black Friday after Black Friday Sale Dec. 7-11

Did you sleep in on Black Friday? Did you drag yourself out of bed, but still miss out on some awesome deals because you were standing in line too long at one store? Do you still have shopping to do, but dread the crowds, traffic, and cost? Let Hearts at Home help!

Their Black Friday sale has been extended to the week of December 7-11. Shop in the convenience of your own home and receive an unprecedented 25% off all of Hearts books and merchandise. They have great gifts for everyone in your family.

Find gifts for friends, teachers, bible study leaders, bus drivers, and everyone else on your list. You may even find something for yourself. This is a great time to stock up on all those Hearts at Home books you’ve been wanting to read.

Let your family know how much you would love a Hearts at Home gift certificate so you can use it for your Hearts at Home conference registration and/or Mom’s Night Out tickets.

Go to Heartshoppe.com, choose your gifts, and enter code “HEARTGIFT” upon checkout. You will receive 25% off your total purchase (before tax and shipping).

I also want to fill you in on a couple of other great opportunities!

Be sure to check out Jill Savage's blog this month (she is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home). She is doing one giveaway A DAY through Christmas.

And, if you stop by the Hearts at Home blog December 8 - 11, you will have an opportunity to win a Heart's at Home prayer journal. The prayer journal is a brand new resource from Hearts at Home.

Merry Christmas from Hearts at Home!

HERE IT IS!

2009-11-30T19:10:00.005-05:00
Isn't it beautiful? Compare it to the previous picture. I told you she was the BEST painter EVER!!!

Here is my new set-up at the store:

I am so excited about this! Can you tell???

BIG NEWS!

2009-11-24T12:18:00.008-05:00
Remember last month when I was looking for direction in my business, well I have it. The ladies tea I participated in really encouraged me in my faith and business.

For a year and a half I have had shelves at a local gift shop. It has worked beautifully for me and my customers. It is close to where the previous owner had the tea shop, so it is convineint for customers and they can special order things and pick them up there. I visit the shop once a week and restock, until now...there is no more room on my three big black shelves. So, next week I am taking a whole booth, that's right 80 square feet to with what I want. That means I have lots of space to fill, enter hutch #1:

This beauty is being painted by the most fabulous furniture painter east of the Mississippi. She works wonders with paint. I will use the hutch to display my products (mostly teapots) and will also sell it. Have I ever mentioned I LOVE furniture? I mean REALLY love furniture! This will give me an opportunity to buy a lot of furniture and decorate till my heart's content. I have always loved decorating too and am grateful the Lord is giving me the opportunity to do not one but TWO things I love - tea and furniture. Oh and be a wife and mother, etc. etc. He is pretty AWESOME that way!

THE DEVIL AND THE LEOPARD DRESS

2009-11-16T18:27:00.009-05:00

www.freedigitalphotos.net

It was the eve of Judah’s dedication. I was at a local department store looking for something to wear. It had been six months since I gave birth, but the extra pre-pregnancy pounds were still hanging around. I was NOT going to wear maternity clothes to his dedication when he was SIX months old.

I tried on several dresses peeking ever so quickly in the unforgiving dressing room mirror to see if the outfit would suffice and make me feel somewhat normal for the day. I had a lot of “NOs” hanging up. Returning my items to the “I’m not taking this” rack I made my way back to the ladies department and then I saw it – a leopard dress. I LOVE animal print. Then I heard it, “You can’t wear a leopard dress to your baby’s dedication, it’s not appropriate.” What? Who said that?

Grabbing the dress I headed towards the dressing room and tried it on. It fit nicely and I could look at myself for more than a few seconds. As I turned to look at my profile I heard “You look six months pregnant.” I am buying this dress I said with determination! It was only going to be about $20 with the sale and coupon.

As I headed towards the register I stopped in the purse department. For as long as I can remember I have only had one purse at a time because I do not like the hassle of changing purses. So, I keep it till it falls apart and then I get another. Mine was beginning to fall apart, so I looked with great interest. I found not one, but two awesome purses on clearance, which would be further reduced by my coupon. You know I cannot resist a good deal. Then I heard it again, “You can’t wear a leopard dress to your baby’s dedication, it’s not appropriate. Two purses, now that’s just extravagant.” What was going on?

Before I knew it I was in full on battle with the enemy. He was accusing me, as is his nature, but he was accusing me to myself. The battle was so fierce I almost began to cry in the purse department. I called my husband for back-up, but he didn’t answer. I frantically kept dialing the number, no answer. It was just me, the devil and the leopard dress. I have come to know my Father so intimately I recognized the attack from the enemy almost immediately. But would I win?

This may sound over-the-top to some, but to anyone who has ever struggled with self-image you will understand the conflict. This battle was not about a leopard dress and a couple of purses, this was a battle for my soul. Would I agree with the devil, who is a liar or would I agree with the lover of my soul, my Maker who created me in His image? What does my poor self-image say about Him? To Him? It says He is a liar. I knew that was not right.

I would like to say I pulled myself together, prayed a heartfelt prayer, resisted the devil and he fled, but it did not happen that way. Rustling up any strength I had left I headed to the checkout with the leopard dress and two purses, but my insides were churning. I did not feel like a daughter of the Most High God, so isn’t it great that the title does not depend on my feelings? I walked out of there with a dress and two purses for $50, so I should have felt great, but I didn’t. There was still a full on battle going on inside my head.

You know our thoughts come from three places? God, the devil or ourselves and I always used to think the accusing thoughts and negative thoughts were always from me, they are NOT! The accuser of the brethren was throwing anything he could at me to bring me down and at this point I was not fairing so well. I told my husband all about it when I got home and still almost cried just remembering, but somehow when I got dressed Sunday morning I felt beautiful.

Our pastor always does a word study on the name of the baby being dedicated and he said this about Judah...Judah means this “He stood facing the congregation with his arms raised to the Lord” what an awesome picture of the name the Lord gave me for my son. Then the pastor gave me the microphone to share my testimony about how the Lord named Judah. It was a wonderful day!

Can I just tell you that many people told me they loved my dress after church. Ha, ha devil! And I told some of them the battle I fought to even buy that dress. They understand the battle and encouraged me.

I would like to tell you that it is all behind me and I came out victorious, but I am still fighting this battle, AND I know my Father is VICTORIOUS. I continue to seek Him to restore me in this area. The pictures from that day still make me want to cry because I am not happy with the way I look, but I did go out recently and buy all new clothes in a bigger size because I am going to be at peace with myself and my God until we work this self-image thing out*. And WE will because He is faithful as I seek Him in EVERY area of my life.

*This in no way means I'll be this size forever. It means that I am NOT striving to lose weight. I will do what He shows me to do. The Lord and I will address the issues that keep me at this weight and with His help, the weight will come off in due time.

THE GOOD NEWS IS:

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10

There is a great chart (issue 9, page 21)that has these three headings:

GOD/THE GOOD SHEPARD
SELF/THE SHEEP
SATAN/THE THEIF

and it lists what the voices sound like. For example: God - doesn't compare you to others, Self - compares you to others, Satan - forces comparison

I highly recommend going here (click issue 9, page 21) and printing this chart and keeping it in a prominent place. I'll be taking it with me shopping for a while!

Chart is from an archived issue of House2House magazine

TEA PARTY PRAISE, PART 2

2009-11-15T21:35:00.000-05:00
As I mentioned just minutes after leaving the tea party…

I got a phone call and it was a neighbor of my mother’s boyfriend's son. She said that my mother told her I wanted to sell the business and she was calling to talk about it. (That was not exactly what I said) I was caught off guard, but I was still basking in the Lord’s faithfulness and presence. I was “self-controlled and alert” because I know “My enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) I was on my way to another event that would keep me out until 6 p.m. that night. I was tired. This was no time to have this conversation; I said I would call her back.

Two things that stood out to me here:

1) It was so like the he enemy to try and catch me when I was busy and tired, so I would get caught up in the moment, 2) BUT it was SO LIKE GOD to go before me and show up in a big way just moments earlier giving me firm footing in my faith to fight one little tempting phone call (fiery darts)

Do I want to sell the business? If that is what God wants, but like I said I do not feel released.

One lady came up to me after the tea and said, “You have a ministry. People need to be taught this. We are raising a generation of children who will not know how to have a face-to-face conversation.” Wow, when you put it that way! My business is a High and Holy calling.

The previous owner saw this business very much the same way – a ministry. To me she was a forerunner for what God called me to do with this business. I can do what I do with this business because she was faithful in what He called her to do. When God hands the baton to the next minister I will know and I will joyfully pass it on. For now I stand firm in knowing this is what He has called me to do. There are still days (many) that I am busier than I would like to be and want to throw in the (tea) towel…BUT GOD!!!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

2009-11-14T20:44:00.002-05:00

Q: What could be better than a FREE weather forecaster?

A: A weather forecaster that uses words like "delightful" to describe the day!

TEA PARTY PRAISE

2009-11-07T21:28:00.003-05:00

God prepared me for months for this event. It was a tea party at a local church for 100 women. They invited me to speak and bring tea. The topic "Biblical Hospitality". It was a wonderful time - from the months of preparing my heart to minister to these women to the 200+ cups of tea I made. It went beautifully! My heart was full when I got there and overflowing when I left.
I was as excited when I left there as I was when I wrote this. Knowing He had called me and was preparing me was beyond description. Bringing stories to my recollection to share with these women. Making His word come alive, so my passion would ignite them.
Earlier in the week I read a story by a local pastor titled DIS-CONNECTED. In it he recounts overhearing a father talk about taking his teenage daughter and a friend to a football game. During the game she was texting and when he asked her who she was texting, she pointed to the friend next to her. That story startled me! I have a lot more to say about that in another post. It was part of my argument about the importance for these women to open their homes and share Christ's love with a "dis-connected" world. I'm not talking just the "world", I'm talking about the people in your church. The ones who sit next to you week after week and you never say more than, "Hi, how ya doin?'" scootin' away before you hear their answer. I encouraged them to do it despite the condition of their homes.
That may sound simple to you or you may be one of the many that will not invite others over because your house is not "just right". People are lonely and hurting, they just want to be asked, invited, included, so please you be the ONE! Be the one who invites, opens and includes someone who just needs a friend. Afterall, God does not care about the condition of your home, he cares about your spiritual condition and that is obedience.
Romans 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
These women got the message! Their comments heartfelt and sincere after my talk. God spoke to their hearts and moved in their spirit to obey His call to hospitality.
What I love about tea is it is a simple way to answer the call to biblical hospitality easily, affordably and in a relaxed atmostphere. Things happen over a pot of tea that may not happen otherwise - people let their guard down, they open up and they share their lives. The art of brewing tea causes us to slow down long enough to be PRESENT.
So, I encourage you as I encouraged them - INVITE! Then I want you to come back and share your testimony with me, because I know there will be one because God is JUST THAT GOOD!
What happened minutes after the tea party in the next post because...your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

I JUST HAD TO DO IT!

2009-10-30T16:21:00.006-04:00

Okay, so it doesn't take a lot to impress me or get me really excited. When I saw this here I immediately grabbed the broom. This is not a practical joke or a trick...my broom is standing upright in my kitchen...I'm just giddy over this. Maybe because I haven't been feeling good, maybe because I haven't been out of the house in two weeks or maybe, just maybe...my JOY is complete today! I'll go with the latter. Now...if that thing would start sweeping...whoa, it'd be just another day in PARADISE.

Go on, you know you want to try it. Did it work? Are you excited?

The why of this: On this website I read it has something to do with gravitational pull that only happens 4 or 5 times in 60 years. I don't know and I really don't care...I'm impressed.

By the way, the bristles are not spread apart.

FLYING LESSON

2009-10-29T15:07:00.008-04:00
Isabella (2nd grade) and I completed this lapbook today while the little ones were playing office. This lapbook is part of an online class that we purchased at currclick.com. We have completed classes with this professor before and have loved them. The price was right (I would have paid full price - it would have been worth every penny). The class comes complete with videos, vocabulary list, worksheets, a research guide and everything needed to make this lapbook.

We learned about Leonardo da Vinci, the Montgolfier Brothers, Sir George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal, Octave Chanute, and Dr. Samuel Pierpont Langley.

DID YOU KNOW: When Langley attempted to launch his plane, the Great Aerodrome it lurched forward and ended up in the river. Two months later, trying again, he also failed. He was riduculed in papers all over the U.S. The New York times reported that a man-carrying airplane may be built one day, but it would take engineers one to 10 million years to do it. WRONG! Just nine days later, Orville Wright made history and flew the first powered airplane.

I had purchased this video (below) at the grocery store a while back for $9.99. Of course because God orchestrated all this, the video ties in perfectly with the class.

My sister sent us a book on Leonardo Da Vinci last year which will be our prep work for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit at the High Museum in Atlanta that we will visit soon.

I am so thankful that God directs our steps, makes resources readily available and ties it all together.

A DAY AT THE "OFFICE"

2009-10-29T11:15:00.007-04:00
Our new "office" for the preschoolers.

Kaira's first day on the "job"

I saw this idea a while back here, but finally got around to finishing it today. It was a hit! We are on a little break from school while mommy is not feeling so well and this kept Kaira busy for at least 45 minutes today. Now Annais is playing at the "office" and putting things in envelopes and delivering mail. I love when something actually works out like you hope it will.

To complete the office I used: An old phone, bought a keyboard and mouse from Goodwill, used an old mouse pad, put several different pads of paper in the organizer, play money, envelope sized sale papers, envelopes (the remittance kind that I never use), old address labels, play money and a printout of a monitor stuck to the wall. I will add more stuff as I find it and as it is consumed. (Kaira almost used a whole pad of sticky notes today!)

P.S. One stone did make its way out the night before last. Thanks for the prayers.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY OR MAYBE...

2009-10-25T21:02:00.004-04:00
the rest of my life.

I read this quote today:

"We need to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives." Pastor Pete Wilson

and you can read the article where it was quoted here

This is very timely! I have been out of commission for a week and a half with kidney stones.

It was a week ago last Wednesday that I woke my husband up and said I have a pain in my back that feels like a pulled muscle, but it is not and I need to get this checked right now...it was 11:35 p.m. We called a friend to come and stay with the kids and we headed to the ER. We were there all night. I left with lots of pain killers in me and lots of paperwork and the two kidney stones I arrived with.

In my mind our only choice was to get these little suckers blasted as soon as possible because we have four kids, homeschool, business...you know HURRY, HURRY! So, on to the urologist. Well, he said they would not do anything till the next week, so here is another prescription for pain killers and I will see you on Monday. If they are still there we can blast on Tuesday. Tuesday? That was four whole days away. He was in no hurry.

We scrambled. My kids were shuffled all over the place. Friends, neighbors, even strangers came to watch the kids at my house. The kids loved it (although I think they did start missing Mommy). I missed my life and I had no clue even after the blasting when I would feel better. I still have the stones. They are persistent and they are in NO HURRY!

Through this, at least when I have been awake, everything I have been struggling with has been amplified. When you are not feeling well things tend to look worse than they actually are or things that you did not even know were wrong come up.

Today a friend prayed that the Lord would help me find my mustard seed and as I close tonight that is my prayer too. I need that mustard seed to see me through tomorrow...when I try to slow down.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

CONTEMPLATING

2009-10-12T18:08:00.003-04:00
Many of you know that I run a tea business and it is a blessing and I love every minute of it. Although I must say recently it has been getting harder and harder to keep up with the business due to other demands - homeschooling, having an infant and life happening. It was almost two years ago to the date that this happened:

A local tea shop in announced it was closing and I was devastated. A few days later the Lord began to speak to me and give me what appeared to be a business plan for an internet based tea store. I spoke to the owner the next day and here I am!

Because of things the Lord led me to do a couple of years prior I was positioned to make this transition fairly smoothly complete with access to wonderful free resources at the local college including an attorney and business coach.

Last night as I packed tea and listened to my children play in the den I could not help but wonder will I regret missing this time with them.

The business has never been a burden on us financially, but it also has not added a penny to our household income. Every month it has produced enough to pay its own bills and the loan we took out to purchase it. I do have a significant balance on a credit card that I hope to have paid off soon. I do not want money to be a deciding factor for me.

My dilemma:

I love tea and I love the tea business. I love the people I have met and the opportunities it has afforded me, but I love my family more.

The bigger dilemma:

I do not feel released to give it up. More than anything I want to be obedient, so I must trust God’s timiring as I did two years ago when He called me to this. Everyone asked me repeatedly how I was going to do this and I continually replied I don’t know, but God does. He has been faithful and He is STILL DOING IT.

God’s faithfulness has been interwoven in every aspect of this business and contiues to be. I want Him to be glorified in this and I want to represent Him to the best of my ability, which I feel is lacking in every area of my life right now.

He called me to be a wife, mother, homeschooler and business owner in that order and I do not want to get that confused.

When you think of me please pray and if you have been in this situation and God spoke to you, please share. Any scripture for encouragement or words of Godly wisdom are welcome.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. HEBREWS 13:20-21

EASY, DELICIOUS HOMEMADE GRANOLA

2009-10-08T10:33:00.003-04:00
My kids love granola, but the last time we were at the health food store the price for a small container had skyrocketed, so I did not buy any. I was reading one of my favorite blogs the other day and found a recipe for "Lazy Granola" which is just my speed these days. I gave it a try on Monday and I was AMAZED (as were my children and husband). It tastes just like the delicious (expensive) granola from the health food store. If you like granola you must try it! For the recipe visit The Finer Things in Life

I do not have a picture of mine, but there is one in Amy's post.

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY

2009-09-22T19:23:00.000-04:00

I've seen this on here before using laundry baskets, but these paint can boxes worked beautifully. As you can see I stacked them four high except in the middle where I stored my 24 pack of water bottles and the Bumbo turned upside down, so I could store liquid dish soap and hand soap in the crevices. Games, the beach umbrella, the umbrella stroller and other miscellaneous items fit behind the boxes. We packed a family of 6 for 10 days at the beach. I gave everyone a 5 outfit and 2 pairs of shoes maximum and brought a roll of quarters to do laundry midweek. The Pack N' Play did not fit in the back, so it will be packed in between the bench seat and the front seats just before we leave.

When we came home I unpacked one box at a time and emptied it and then put it out for the trash, so another bonus...NO suitcases laying around!

For more great tips check out We are THAT Family!

TRUST

2009-09-18T21:31:00.004-04:00
Tonight we were about to make an impromptu run to the Dollar Store to snag a blow up pool for a $1. When I tried to start the van it would not start, so my husband charged the battery while Isabella and I waited in the car. She was obviously afraid, so I began asking her questions. She was afraid to be in the car while he was charging it because she was afraid it would roll down the hill, so I explained to her that the "park" feature still worked. Then she began crying as we backed down the driveway because if we got stuck at the store "Daddy would leave the little ones alone while he came to get us" and I assured her that would not happen. Daddy would not leave the little ones at home, he would bring them with him or someone there would help start our van. I said we need to trust God Isabella...I knew this was a "teachable" moment. It was important she go with me and face her fear and trust her Father.

Isn't it interesting how irrational her fears were, but aren't all fears irrational? Fear is not based on Truth.

Ever seen the acrostic FEAR? False Evidence Appearing Real

As we left the parking lot I explained to her that we can always trust God. I told her I was glad she trusted me and the words that escaped her lips left me speechless, "Me too, if not my life would be a disaster." Wow! That was a loaded statement.

Remember my struggle with retreating to old seasons? Well, here is my revelation. Plain and simple it is FEAR. A spirit of fear that the bible tells me DID NOT come from my Father. I am struggling with trusting Him right now and my life some days is a "disaster" - I am going to remember what Isabella said. So much wisdom for such a little girl. A girl who knows her Father and trusts Him and believes He is a good Daddy. On days like today I learn much more from my kids than they learn from me.

Trusting our parents is important, but trusting God it is VITAL!

THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF PANAMA CITY

2009-09-11T16:39:00.007-04:00

We vacationed in Panama City, Florida a couple of weeks ago, so I thought I'd share some of my favorites shots. Stayed tuned for the important lessons my kids taught while gathering shells.

It is hard to get spacing right when putting text under the pictures (for me anyway) so, I'll sum it up here. Most pictures of Kaira were of her in a chair or in Judah's Bumbo, she would not touch the sand till the last day. Our silly picture is becoming a vacation tradition. Judah loved the water. We stayed a walk away from the state park and went to the pier several times to see a family of dolphins, which was much cooler than seeing them at an aquarium. I have never seen them in their natural habitat and so close up. The sunset from our screened porch was amazing.

DO YOU EVER GET SO EXCITED...

2009-08-29T22:28:00.001-04:00
when you know the Lord has called you to do something? I DO!

Several people have called me to speak at events in the next couple of months (after I said I was not going to do ANY events in the near future). Good thing God orders my steps even when my plans (flesh) attempt to get in the way.

I asked my hubby to pray about all these opportunities because I want to be careful and do only those things that I know the Lord has planned and not because it is "good for business" or "advertising". My business is a business second and a ministry FIRST and it is easy to lose sight of that if I am not "checking in" with the Lord about every opportunity that comes my way.

Of all the calls I have gotten I am only speaking at one event at a local church as a fundraiser for their bridal department. I will be speaking about tea of course, but my main focus will be hospitality and our biblical call to be hospitable. It is one of my favorite topics. I will encourage the women to extend hospitality using tea because it is a simple and elegant way to fellowship with lots of women at one time. Tea tends to open up conversation as we must slow to make and drink it and the Lord does the rest. Opening our homes is more about preparing our hearts for those coming than preparing our homes.

I am extremely excited about this opportunity because I know the Lord has called me to do it. He has already begun preparing me, I know He will show up big as He always does. When I speak at churches or wherever He calls me I am always blown away by His Mighty presence and blessing. It is not for another two months and I know He will have a lot to teach me until then...

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Seems like this verse keeps popping up...He must be trying to tell me something!

HOW FAST THEY GROW

2009-08-27T18:18:00.000-04:00

These picture were taken two weeks from the first day we discovered the bunny nest. Amazing how fast they grow. When the white blaze disappears from their head they are old enough to be outside on their own.

These bunnies were tiny and furless two weeks ago (see picture here) and they are already out of the nest and ready "to be on their own" - I am so grateful God gave me "a little more than a couple of weeks" for mine to stay in the "nest".

This season with lots of little ones in my nest is difficult at times, but it is so short. With each child I am learning to rest in this season and enjoy each precious moment because they do not last long enough.

THAT'S SO KAIRA!

2009-08-25T16:37:00.001-04:00
So chic, so fashion forward, SO KAIRA! This girl brings cool to our house. Never a dull moment with her around. She picked the frog boots to go with her frog outfit AND it works for her!

A MAN, A BOY AND A RECLINER

2009-08-24T18:26:00.000-04:00

PRECIOUS LITTLE NEST

2009-08-21T14:19:00.001-04:00
Our house is in the shape of an "H" and in between the top of the "H" is our wild kingdom...we get all kinds of animals in there, but nothing tops this:

A BUNNY NEST!

My hubby found it (thankfully) while he was cutting grass. The momma bunny built her nest inside our Little Tikes play set and did an awesome job building. It has been raining here, so we put up our beach umbrella to keep them dry! As tight as she weaves the nest when she leaves they probably could have stayed dry on their own.

Reading about wild baby bunnies was fascinating and I am amazed once again at the Lord's thoughtfulness, creativity and thoroughness in His creation. Hmmm, it just dawned on me all that applies to me, well off to ponder and pray about that. Sounds like He is working on me again! When I finally get into this next season I won't recognize myself...Praise God!

I have not forgotten to post about my revelation about seasons, there is just a lot to it and I'm waiting on Him for the words He would have me share.

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20

For WE are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

TSMSS - EVERY SEASON

2009-08-15T07:00:00.000-04:00
I have always loved this song by Nicole Nordeman, but it takes on an even greater significance in light of my recent revelations about seasons - here, here and here. This song ministers to the deep recesses of my heart in this “season”.

Read the lyrics (below all at once or follow in the video), they are powerful!

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

The Lord is so gracious to be gently leading me on this journey of discovery to expose the lies and bring me to His truth and closer to Him and His will for my life.

For more Then Sings My Soul Saturday visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders

FALL COMES FULL CIRCLE

2009-08-13T20:40:00.000-04:00
Ironically I wrote this 14 years ago when I first moved to Delaware and saw my first fall and was overwhelmed by the beauty. It was a time of great struggle for me as I was at the height of my battle against depression. Praise God by His love and mercy I was Gloriously healed and no longer have to live in bondage in that area.

After all the revelation I have been having in the area of “seasons” I thought this fitting to share. Keep in mind that I was not following the Lord when I wrote this. Now I know that I do not lose my way because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and the lifter of my head.

FALL COMES FULL CIRCLE

Leaves fall from the tress around me
Symbols of life

People will admire the magnificent sight
Wonders of nature

Leaves of radiant colors…reds, greens and golds
Brittle and broken

Leaves fall as they must
I have fallen too

Winter is dark and dreary
I have lost my way

Tress before me naked and bare
I am feeling helpless and unprotected

The sun hangs lower
I cannot hold up my head

Spring is here and with it an abundance of new life
The cloudiness I felt is gone

Amazing the sight before me
I pick myself up

Brilliant new flowers…leaves sprouting on the trees
I smile

Sunshine on the trees stimulating its growth
I have grown

The leaves are green…the trees are full
I feel whole again

Leaves fall from the trees around me
Symbols of life

RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME

2009-08-12T08:42:00.001-04:00
There are costs associated with being in the wrong season - for example - last year during an extremely difficult time I went back to a season God called me out of and the results were devastating. I was deeply wounded as a result of MY disobedience. I went to someone in authority over me (in the previous season) and asked for help, when the help did not come I was hurt, confused and angry. I had to repent and ask for forgiveness a lot over that situation. Do you see the problem? I got angry at someone for NOT doing what I thought they should do when I was the one who was sinning against God. Wow, that is a startling revelation!

If I simply would have trusted God in the new season and used the resources He had already provided I could have avoided all that. Not being sensitive to the season that God has us in opens us up for sin.

God is revealing to me the root of my disobedience and I am excited to share all He is teaching me in that area…soon.

It is possible to be at the right place at the wrong time and I am learning the benefits of obeying God and being sensitive to His timing for my life. It comes down to Faith!

SEASONS CHANGE

2009-08-06T20:01:00.003-04:00
Growing up in Miami, Florida I did not see seasons change much. It just went from hot, to hotter, to warm, to chilly. There were no majestic colors of fall or dreariness of winter and maybe that is where my problem started. I seemed to always want to stay in the same season. Normally I am not resistant to change, I love change and sometimes thrive on it, but not when it comes to seasons in a spiritual sense.

Seasons have been on my mind A LOT lately! I read a post by a friend who has been in a difficult season with a son recovering from a car accident for almost a year now. She talked about a “different season”. I ordered a stamp set at stamp club last month and it was a bare tree with many stamps to embellish the tree for the different seasons. I have been reading Eccelesiates 3 and really meditating on it. Have you ever read just a little further and seen this:

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

And there I stay.

This weekend I was talking with my brother about meditating on scripture and I often move on if I have been somewhere a while, but why? I move on because I think I have to or to get to that next “season.” So what if I stay in Eccelesiates 3 for 25 years? If that is where the Lord has me that is where I SHOULD stay until He says to move on.

Anyway I digress…

A couple of weeks ago I took Isabella to camp at our previous church and on Monday when I left her there I was not so sure she was supposed to be there. I did not pray about it, I just signed her up because she had fun last year and she wanted to go. I had an uneasiness, not worry or concern, it just did not feel right. She finished the week out and Friday I went to her show. When I got into the elevator I got stuck and I just had to laugh because it was so symbolic – I WAS STUCK – in the last season. Holding on, sometimes tightly, sometimes tearfully, sometimes not even knowing why, but doing it anyway. As I drove away from the church the Lord asked me a question, “Why do you keep going back to the seasons I have called you out of?” Hmmmmm, it was a loaded question and I was surprised, but not really…it was time to address the issue. My reply to Him was, “I do not know, but I would like you to show me because I have done it my whole life.” I cried because this has caused me problems and I often end up in situations I should not be in because I am in the wrong season. Many times the resources God has made available to me are in the seasons that I do not want to be in. Beth Moore talks about the enemy always taking us back to the places that God has called us out of. I do not want him to be in the driver seat of my life anymore!

You see I always want to be in spring. I hate winter, but it is necessary for my growth and freedom. I am always trying to get back to last spring or next spring and not enjoying the winter. Can you enjoy the winter? The bible says to praise Him in all things, so YES I can. If it were not for this winter I would not have this revelation that will carry me to my next season.

As I mentioned before we have open mic at church and Sunday was the first time I knew I was to share something. The pastor began the service talking about “marvelous light” and someone else got up and gave an exhortation about “marvelous light”. God has been ministering to me through the song “Marvelous Light” for weeks now and I had the CD in the car. I shared the song with one of the pastors during the service and he loved it and asked if I was going to say something, ugh, I don’t know I replied and he said he had to know. Okay, I said very unsure of myself, but I knew this was a critical moment for me…decision time. I got up and shared the story about going back to past seasons and they played Marvelous Light. Three people came up to me after church and shared how my testimony or song ministered to them and that is no kudos to me, but all Glory to God. It showed me, once again, the importance of obedience. He had something to share with others using my mouth and my experience and if I had disobeyed (yes, He could have and probably would have used somebody else) I would not have had the Blessing of obeying Him.

On Monday a friend from church wrote this on her blog, it ministered deep into my Spirit and gave me much to pray about:

This week I listened to Mary Pat's CD, Biblical Insights to Food and Related Issues. In it she says, Pastor Henry teaches that we are neither black nor white, but pilgrims in progress moving from black to white. So we are all in vary shades of gray. Then she nailed me with the following, "We hate the gray. We hate where we are. We say, 'I don’t like where I am. I should be thinner or healthier or stronger or different. I don’t like this gray. I want to be more white. So I am going to try to get more white. I am going to try to get more white.' "How many of us have tried to get more white? It is ugly. It is not pure. It’s not white.We are all a shade of gray. And if we hate it, if you hate what you are doing, where you are and who you are, that is a door point for accusation for self-hatred and for drivenness and performance to get you whiter. So the moral of the story is love the gray and trust God. That if your heart is open to Him, He will change you. You don’t have to do a thing. God will change you. When we try to do it ourselves, it gets ugly. So be content in your gray where you are. Love yourself where you are."

So, it boils down to hating myself in the seasons and not the seasons themselves and that is sin because I am disagreeing with who God says I am and with where He says I am to be!

My husband just came and shared this scripture with me, which is HUGE!!!! How timely is our God:

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62

Thank you Lord for revealing your truth to me and for your Goodness. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4

I will leave you with Marvelous Light – get on your dancing shoes – your Daddy is calling you out of darkness into His marvelous light…

HEARTS AT HOME

2009-07-26T15:39:00.000-04:00

One of the things I love about blogging is the exchange of ideas that takes place; after all, what mom can't use a new idea every now and then!

If you are interested in a blog that brings a group of mommy bloggers all to one place, stop by and visit the Hearts at Home blog.

Hearts at Home's contributing bloggers write about motherhood, each with a unique perspective, reflecting on the spiritual, emotional and downright funny aspects of motherhood. Their group of bloggers range from professional speakers to authors to stay-at-home moms, all who share a passion for the profession of motherhood.

The Hearts at Home blog covers a variety of topics, such as practical mom tips, recipes, book reviews, and advice for tackling tough mommy issues.

Take a peek at this great resource and connect with real moms sharing real stories today!

FREE WEATHER FORECASTER

2009-07-24T09:08:00.003-04:00

These are on clearance at Walmart for $50 (not on walmart.com) and you can print a $50 rebate form here. I bought mine yesterday and I must say I am ecstatic, I love the 5-day (really the 10-day) forecast. Isabella is already excited about being our family meteorologist. This will help the younger kids learn about weather as Isabella teaches them using this TOO COOL FREEBIE!

Thank you Faithful Provisions for the tip!