Walk with me as I "Follow the Fish"...

Over Active Bladder...I'm cured!!! TMI ~ LOL

2012-01-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

I really struggled about writing this post but figured if it helped me...it might help someone out there in bloggy land...

About a year ago, I began drinking 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water. This led to drinking 75 oz. of water a day...that's a LOT of water. I began going to the bathroom ALOT and any time I felt like it. Unfortunately, I messed up my bladder signals to my brain. It became so bad that I think I was going to the bathroom about every hour...it was ALWAYS on my mind.

I went and saw my doctor a couple months ago and told her about this. She sent me to a Urogynocologist and to Bladder Physical Therapy. Thanks to these two specialist...I now am back to "normal" in the potty area and I am SOOO thankful!!!

What did they do to get me "unchained" to the toilet?

The first thing I did was cut back my liquid intake, I was NOT allowed to drink more than 4-6 ounces in an hours time.
This lasted the ENTIRE 6 weeks of my Bladder Therapy.

The second thing I had to do was go to the bathroom at certain times - Here was my schedule all times are from waking:

Week 1 - go every hour

Week 2 - go every hour and 1/2

Week 3 - go every 2 hours

Week 4 - go every 2 1/2 hours

Week 5 - go every 3 hours

Week 6 - go every 3 hours

If this is followed and you are successful...you are CURED!!!

With each of these weeks, I also did Bladder Physical Therapy which included various exercises both internal and external to get the pelvic floor to relax. You are NOT allowed to go at night once you've gone to bed, if you find that you need to go and it's NOT time for you to be able to - you must occupy your mind with something else like saying your ABC's backwards or counting to 100 by 3's - I had several of these times and got pretty good at saying my ABC's backwards. I spent many a nights laying there praying that I wouldn't wet all over myself and the bed. I'm so GLAD this has worked...now I sleep right through the night...it's WONDERFUL!!!

To those not dealing with an Over Active Bladder - this may seem silly and really easy but let me tell you...there were MANY challenging times during all of that but you CAN retrain your body/brain and straighten yourself back out to hold an appropriate amount of liquid.

Now I just have to make sure I never go less than 3 hours at a time...most of the time, I can successfully hold it 4-6 hours. I am SO thankful!!!

This says it ALL!!!

2012-01-10T17:01:00.001-08:00

My ‘Unpaid’ Pajama Jean Review…As Seen On TV

2012-01-02T19:06:00.001-08:00

My sweet husband heard me talk about the “Pajama Jeans” when we were in Walgreens one day. Guess what I got for Christmas?

He knows I wear a size 10 so he got me a Medium…they fit fine but I wasn’t sure what they would be like after they were machine washed and dried…I didn’t want them to shrink up because I’m so tall, I took them back and got a Large. The Large fit just like I would want them to and they are the perfect length for me.

(image taken from the Pajama Jean website)

They sport the “look” of denim but the comfort and feel of sweatpants. While I wouldn’t normally go ‘out’ in sweatpants…I’ll go out in my Pajama Jeans!

Honestly, I would NEVER spend $40 on a pair of jeans for myself but I am really considering going and buying a couple more pair!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!!

They were originally only made in “bootcut” (so I have the legs of them pinned until I can sew them) but I now see on their site that they have “skinny” leg too…not sure WHEN and IF Walgreen’s will carry them. Order online from the Pajama Jeans website and get a FREE Grey Crewneck Tee.

Disclaimer: This review is my own opinion, I received NO compensation or products for my opinion but Hey Pajama Jeans…if you read this…I sure would LOVE me another pair!!!

Merry Christmas Momma!

2011-12-30T19:08:00.001-08:00

My Dad canceled out this year because my brother came to my house…it was the FIRST Christmas without mom & dad BOTH.

My dad’s health is getting bad…I pray he’s able to make it next year!!!

Aluminum Foil…in the Dryer???

2011-12-28T19:52:00.001-08:00

Just ran out of Bounce Dryer sheets and had 1 load to go. Because I ~~’m too~~ ~~lazy~~ broke my fibula, it’s hurting and I don’t feel like running to the store at 8:30pm…I took matters into my own hands by scouring the internet to see if I could find an alternative so our clothes wouldn’t be all full of static and such.

Low and behold there was a RAVING write up on using aluminum foil rolled up in a 2-3” tight ball in the place of a dryer sheet.

I was tickled pink since I had a roll of aluminum foil that had unfortunately gone haywire and was driving me crazy cause it would no longer tear off right…ugh.

Double ugh that foil made me so blasted mad when it happened. It seemed I could never get it to straighten back out right either. I didn’t want to throw it away but it has been NO use to me for the better part of a year.

Now I had the PERFECT solution…even if it came off in small pieces…

it would still work in my tight ball so I just started tearing and wadding…

Good news is…it doesn’t have to be pretty, or perfect, or anything like that. And thankfully, the more I unrolled and tore…it FINALLY straightened itself back up..YIPPEE!!!

I stopped at the point when I was able to get my roll back in the order it was suppose to be in…STRAIGHT that is. And was able to make (1) 2 inch ball and (1) 3 inch ball with what I had tore off. This is PERFECT since the reports online say you can use 2 aluminum balls if you have a large load like comforters and things. I’m super excited to see how this works and so looking forward to NOT buying dryer sheets again. I should be able to use the SAME ball for 6 months so the two that I have should last me ALL of next year…WOO HOO!

My laundry just finished and while there was ‘some’ static sounds when I was taking things out of the dryer…it appears to be the same as what I had when I took the laundry out with the Bounce Dryer sheets so to me…I’ll keep using it and will post later if I return to back to my dryer sheets.

Easy, Yummy, Chewy Coconut Cookies

2011-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

My husband LOVES coconut. I think it's one of those things that you either LOVE or hate...I happen to be a lover of it too so it works good for us.

He usually runs to the store for things we need through the week and sometimes even does our grocery shopping...especially since I fractured my fibula a month or so ago. I notice he's been buying sweetened coconut and eating the bag as a snack.

I had NEVER heard of coconut cookies but since cookies seem to be the theme before Christmas...I did a google search to see if there was any such cookie. To my surprise...there IS!!!

I found a recipe at allrecipes.com that looked easy enough for me to give it a try. For me, a recipe has to be pretty simple and not require alot of ingredients...I'm not a patient cook or baker. :)

Here's the Coconut cookie on one of my beautifully seasoned Pampered Chef stones. They are SUPER YUMMY! :)

Merry Christmas Bloggy Friends!!!

2011-12-08T09:44:00.001-08:00

I've had my Christmas cards since the middle of November...I had to MAKE myself hold off sending them out until after Thanksgiving. Finally, it's close enough for me to wish you "my bloggy friends" a Merry Christmas!!!

I was pleased to not have to photoshop people in or out of our picture this year!!! I just had to photoshop Lulu a new face because she had devil eyes that I could not get out in the original one.

Keep Christ in Christmas...Jesus is the reason for this season!!!
God bless you and Merry Christmas!

A Fractured Fibula...OUCH!!!

2011-12-06T12:19:00.001-08:00

On Oct 15 I ran my 8.5 mile training for the half marathon I was going to be doing on Oct 23. When I finished running that day...I could barely walk. My left ankle did something and it swelled and H U R T!!! OUCH!!!

I went to the doctor that week to make sure it wasn't broken or fractured before I ran the half marathon. The doctor sent me for xrays but also let me know that a stress fracture of the fibula doesn't always show up until it's healing and if it got any worse, I should come back in within 2 weeks and have another xray. The xray at that time showed that I did not have a fractured fibula however, the pain and what the ankle has been doing since Oct 15 never really changed. It has been hurting and swelling this whole time.

Photo courtesy of google images

I went to a foot and ankle specialist yesterday for my bruised toenails and to have him look at my ankle and tell me what he thought. He couldn't believe I had 6 bruised toenails of which ALL of them should have come off shortly after the run. Needless to say, we've been so busy around here and this was the first days that both the doctor and our schedules lined up. He took xrays of my ankle and it was as he suspected...a fractured fibula. Since we believe it happened on my Oct 15 run...I am 6 weeks into healing so we're not going to do anything at this point except for me to "baby" it as much as possible no real weight on it for 2 more weeks. He said if I would have come in 2 weeks ago, he would have walked me back to the OR to have them break and set my ankle. He was surprised as could be that it is healing in almost perfect alignment and said it's "nothing short of a miracle" for it to be in line like that after being walked on continually for the last 6 weeks.

Needless to say, I ran a half marathon with a fractured fibula...WOW!!!

My pastors wife said it best, "now you have proof...even when we're broken, God carries us"

Thank you God for carrying me!!! You are amazing!!!

Photo courtesy of google images

Shaking is coming…

2011-11-28T15:11:00.001-08:00

***Going into 2012 there is going to be a testing of your faith & your Lordship walk***

He's coming back for a Holy bride and in order for Him to come back there has to be a shaking of the church where all the grey areas of our walk are challenged and we only see black and white. There is going to be a shaking...our priorities will be changed. He is coming back for a Holy church.

The main 2 areas people fail in walking in Lordship is Not think you are adequate and not willing to change.

Matthew 1:18 Mary & Joseph are real people just like us. Josephs plans are radically changed.

Luke 1:29-35 how will this happen? I am a virgin.

*Anytime God speaks a plan into your life into action...there is always a shaking.

More people fail in the shaking because we don't feel like we are good enough, strong enough to do what He called us to do. We don't think we are enough to do what He's called us to do. The beauty of Him calling you into something is not for your glory. Run from the one's that act like they deserve to be called. Humbling is coming. I'm not strong enough, wise enough, smart enough.

Joseph has a plan of his own. Found a pretty girl in the church and God shook up the plans and blindsides us and the plan changes.

The plan can change because finances fail, sickness takes a loved one, jobs are loss, marriages end and one partner didn't want the marriage to end. The changes are NOT always good...you don't know what to do or where to turn and you will need to depend on God.

Life & change happen but the hand of God is there.
Change happens and we don't like change or when God changes our plan.
Don't let your faith be based on the outcome of what you are walking through.
We cannot be those people to create a way to be prepared...be prepared ahead of time. Be ready constantly in the word and prayer. Desire to look like HIM in the end. Be concerned with our personal walk.

Shaking is coming.

Recognize when you've dismissed Him because things in your life aren't turning out like you planned.

I'm your servant, let it happen as you desire...let your Word be so.

Lone Elk Park in Jeopardy of Being Closed

2011-11-26T19:23:00.001-08:00

I just read an article* that one of St. Louis' greatest parks, Lone Elk Park, is on the top of the counties list of parks to be closed. The article lists that there are 20 parks that will possibly close in the St. Louis County area...another big one on the list is the famous waterway...George Winter Park.

This news has me bummed out. I've gone to Lone Elk Park since I was a kid and have fond memories of great times there. Currently we live close enough to get to there within about 8 minutes.

Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. When I was a kid we used to go on guided hiking tours there and now my daughter enjoys Geocaching there.

If you live in Missouri and have been to Lone Elk Park, hopefully you have grown an appreciation for the park as my family and I have. If so, please take a moment and flood the phone lines of St. Louis County requesting that they remove "Lone Elk Park" from their proposed parks closing list. Contact Charlie Dooley at 314.615.7016 or email him at cdooley@stlouisco.com.

Photo taken from the St. Louis County Parks webpage

*Article information taken from The Big River Current News Magazine.

A Night of Worship

2011-11-20T19:39:00.001-08:00

A friend of mine blessed me with a ticket to Chris Tomlin's "A Night of Worship" concert here in St. Louis on Friday night. It was quite amazing that she even thought of asking me to go. I was blessed beyond measure! My husband and daughter were also given tickets on Friday from someone at my husband's work and that was also quite amazing. Funny thing is, I was going to buy us tickets and knew we shouldn't spend the money on that right now so I exited the webpage and said, if God wants us to be there...we'll be there...well, looks like He wanted us to be there!!! :)

Not only was the Night of Worship AMAZING but so was sitting on the floor level during the concert and the Meet N Greet that was included with our tickets...WOW!!!

Thanks friend...you sure blessed me!!!

The Supernatural - Living a Life of Holiness

2011-11-15T07:08:00.001-08:00

1) It shapes our worldview

2) It defines how we walk through our life

3) walk by Faith - believe God whether I get the outcome I want or not. God moves according to His will and not according to our faith. If I can dictate to Him when He moves then I am playing God.

4) Fear holds us back...fear of the unknown

5) trying to establish our own kingdom

6) unbelief holds us back

7) living a life of holiness

How do we walk out the holy life. If I don't walk holy, no one around me will see holiness.

Galatians 5:16-18 you are not to do whatever you want.

A holy life has to be led by the Spirit and walked out according to Him and His will.

Image from Google Images

If you wake up and your day is all about you then you are NOT walking holy. Most Christians spend their whole week walking in the flesh however they want. If everything is about you then something is off.

Wake up everyday and be led by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:19 - 21 the acts of the flesh are OBVIOUS: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, idolarty, hatred, discord, witchcraft, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkedness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God.

Don't try to be the Holy Spirit and do His job by judging those walking in the sin. He hates that you walk in sin.

What a life CAN look like:

Galatians 5:22-24 The fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, self-control & crucify the flesh (the I wants/ I do's).

2Peter 1:3 -4 His divine power has given us everything to escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:5 -11 for this reason, make every effort to add to your faith

Image from Google Images

A C28.com Christian Store Giveaway

2011-11-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Two (2) people will win a hundred dollar gift certificate for c28.com online store. Contest dates runs from November 8, 2011 through November, 12, 2011.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!!! (Please do NOT enter by leaving comments for me, you must click to go to the site to enter the contest)

The Run…It’s Done!!!

2011-10-24T19:18:00.001-07:00

I was emotional leading up to the event and I really thought it was going to be an emotional day for me but it really wasn’t and that was a great relief! I’m trying to stop my mind thinking that healing needs to look like this or that (that I needed to be all emotional for the healing/past of this event to take place). I feel that God had me run for a reason...I’m still trying to process what that reason is. (Maybe there’ll be a “Run for Raped & Sexually Abused Victims”) Nevertheless, I know that God had me run “For such a time as THIS”!!! Maybe you would continue to pray for me that God would reveal anything He wants to from this, that I’ll hear his voice just as clearly as I did when He told me to “Choose to Run”.

The run itself was difficult but good. I marveled at the symbolism of the run compared to my true life event – there were 13 miles to symbolize my 13 years before being raped and .10 miles to run to the police station/the end...13.1 never felt SO good!!! (Freedom!!!) Believe it or not, a week ago I hurt my ankle on the 8mile training run but my ankle stopped hurting at the start of the run and really didn’t bother me until about mile 10 when EVERYTHING in my body was wanting to quit and aching....I stuck it out and though I was a bit slower than I had hoped (finishing at 3hours & 3 min)...I didn’t have to be taken out of the race for medical reasons or have to be picked up by the wagon because I was too slow so those are both good things. It was great to spend time with the Lord just knowing I was doing what He asked/called me to do and knowing the completion of it all was behind me. And kind of comical for me to pass a penny on my run facing heads up right smack dab in the middle of the two yellow lines I was running down around mile 9...those that have read my blog will understand the symbolism of that.

I’m not sure what my future holds as far as running goes but I know my healing is complete and God has a plan and a purpose for all of this. I do know I’ll need some new running shoes cause mine are officially “retired” after their 135 miles these last 2 months.

Choosing to Run…

2011-10-22T11:55:00.001-07:00

When I was 13 years old, I was held down and forcibly raped by a guy that I babysat for and kept there to endure more at a later time in the night. During the in-between time of events, I had an opportunity to “RUN”. There was a police station a block away and I was one of the FASTEST cross country runners at school...if I had only gotten up off that couch and “RUN”.

Why didn’t I run? I was afraid...FEAR kept me from running. Thankfully God was with me then and God is with me now!!!

In April of this year, (after 27 years) God told me it was time to forgive the guy who raped me. I walked through that process and I forgave him and it was one of the most freeing things for me!

And now...it’s time to RUN!

Over the last few months, I have been training to run the St. Louis 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles)...not because it’s anything that “I’ve” ever wanted to do but it’s more of a command from the Lord for me. I’m suppose to “Choose...to RUN”! I’ve tried to quit a couple of times but God has awaken me in the night telling me “Choose to Run”. Therefore, that’s what I’m choosing to do...that 13 year old girl can get off that couch and run...fear will NOT keep her there any longer!

I’m not the FASTEST runner anymore but I don’t care about times...I just want to FINISH the race! Jesus is who He says He is and I can testify by what He’s done in me...I’m an Overcomer!!!

Dealing with the Supernatural...

2011-10-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Image taken from Google Images
It IS real, it is the substance in which we walk out our Christian walk. It's hard to understand it in the natural. There is no way to walk in Lordship without the Supernatural!!! Don't let the Supernatural be a 'bookend' in your life. What is the Supernatural? What do we need it for? Act 1:8 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Phillipians 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ WHO strengthens me! It is impossible to walk in Lordship and complete the calling on your life if you don't submitt to the Holy Spirit's Supernatural power. It is not bound to the Natural laws. It is beyond our natural ability. What is it for? 1) revelation 2) direction 3) protection 4) provision The Exodus had ALL of these Supernatural things! Everything that He does Supernaturally points back to Him!!! Why is the Supernatural and our belief in the supernatural so important? Because it will shape your worldview. As a beliver we can't be the kind of believers that allow the Supernatural/Holy Spirit the stop at the door. Mark 16: 16 whoever believes (that Jesus is the Son of God) and is baptized will be saved, but whoever doesn't believe will be condemned. Buy into the fact that this walk is determined and walked out beginning with a Supernatural event. (the death & resurrection of Christ). I believe a God who is the Only God who desires a relationship with me. He wants to talk with me. He created ALL things with His power alone. I believe He is a Holy God! It reveals that I am so broken and I need Him. I want to walk in Lordship to pay for a sin that I couldn't pay for by dying on the cross and raising from the dead. He sent the Holy Spirit to walk with me. It will be beyond your understanding and there will be Supernatural revelation, direction, protection and provision. This will define your Christian walk. How will we walk in this? Mark 16:17-18 The believers who follow after me will have power. Our lives should be marked with the Supernatural. Personalize it to your life by faith! Hebrews 11:1 now faith is the confidence/substance (being sure) of what we hope for and the evidence (being certain) of things not seen.

A Vacation of Blessings!!!

2011-10-13T13:17:00.001-07:00

Last year we had a vacation planned but after the Lord directing us to bless a ministry with those funds…we felt we couldn’t afford to go so we canceled the vacation. This year we had our money all saved up and I began making plans. Low and behold, a week or so before leaving the Lord once again directed us to bless a ministry with those funds and we were heading around that mountain again. We decided to Trust in the Lord, and go on vacation. WOW, we were blessed!!!

I think the most AMAZING animals in the world are dolphins, I have loved them for over 20 years now and think they are BEAUTIFUL creatures. I have wanted so badly to be able to swim with the dolphins. This year…it happened. Some of our friends got together and took up a collection to pay 1/2 of the funds for us to swim with the dolphins…it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I’ve wanted to do it so bad for so long…I almost cried when it was my time.

We drove on Saturday to 1/2 way and stayed the night in Georgia.

We got up Sunday and drove the remainder of the way to get to our timeshare condo at Orlando’s Sunshine Resort.

We were super impressed and pleased with our timeshare…it’s only the second time that we stayed at one of our properties. Here’s the view from our screened in porch.

On Monday we were blessed with entrance into the Holy Land Experience…WAY COOL!

The Holy Land Experience was wonderful…way too many photos to post but the highlight was the Passion play.

Monday night we decided to hang out and go to the World’s Largest McDonald’s. It’s CRAZY that they serve pasta and stuff.

Where we got our hair ‘did’ in the McDonald’s.

Tuesday was an UNBELIEVABLE day when we went to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. Discovery Cove was the ultimate of places…for one price you get breakfast, lunch, snacks, snorkels, and to swim with the dolphins.

Tuesday night we went to the Medieval Times Dinner Theatre which was ok – we thought Dixieland in Branson was better.

Wednesday we went to SeaWorld which came FREE with our Discovery Cove tickets.

It was a GREAT day to be at SeaWorld and thanks to a friend we took with us we were able to split up and the girls rode rides while we went to shows…it was GREAT!!!

Wednesday night was most depressing. We had reservations to attend the Sleuth Mystery Dinner Theatre – we found it to be not child appropriate and left after we ate our dinner.

On Thursday we checked out of our condo and went to our neighboring condo at the Fountains…WOW – it’s one of the most beautiful places.

There were 75,000 square feet of pools and it was unbelievable!

We began our drive home on Friday and ended up home about 6:30 Saturday night. It was a GREAT trip and such a blessing!!! Thanks to Hannah for going with us - you were SUCH a blessing and so much fun to have with us! Thank you to our friends for sending us to swim with the dolphins!!! We love you all!!!

He's a Refiner...

2011-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

Taken from Google Images This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

How to be an Overcomer

2011-10-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

How to be an overcomer - there should be constant moving forward. Revelation 12:10-11 You overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. The blood of Christ redefines you. By yourself you are broken and messed up. The blood of Christ covers, you go from unrighteous, unworthy to righteous and worth. The blood of Christ is payment for sin. A righteous God needs that payment for our sin that needs to be paid for. No blood = no restoration between her and God. The word of our testimony is 2 parts 1) to the truth that I know about Christ, He is who He says He is. 2) I can testify by what He's done in me. What are we overcoming? The wages of sin...I was seperated from God but the blood of the Lamb paid for my sins. The blood covers me. Romans 10:9-10 There is an accuser that stands before God accusing you. Don't accuse yourself of your own accusations of yourself. You have bern given the blood of Christ. 2 Corinthians 7:10 don't miss when the Holy Spirit is dealing with you when you mess up. The Holy Spirit calls you to walk in holiness and godliness. Correction that comes from the Holy Spirit leads to life. Know that you have the blood of Christ and the word of our testimony. He's not calling us to be perfect but he is calling us forward.

My Dyson Review

2011-10-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I told you of my Dyson purchase. After performing a ton of reviews before I purchased mine...I thought I'd give an honest review to you!I searched HIGH and LOW for the Dyson DC25 Animal. I happened upon scam after scam on Craigslist with a lady who kept trying to get me to go to another site and bid on one at an auction.

Photo courtesy once again thanks to Best Buy. I read many reviews about the "Ball" being hard to manuver and handle. I have not found it to be an issue at all. I actually like the manuverability of it. I have purchased at least 5 vaccuum cleaners in the last 10 years...one of them was even a Rainbow...though it was excellent at cleaning...I hated lugging it around and ended up giving it away within 6 months...that was $1800 out the window. :( The best vaccuum that I had up until this current time was the one that Consumer Reports rated #1 - The Hoover WindTunnel (with a bag). That was such a great vacuum that we bought another one a couple years later. I tend to help with the cleaning of peoples homes when they move...I love the opportunity to help and it's great when there are no people/things in the way to just get down to business. In ALL the times I ever took my Hoover WindTunnel to their homes...they would always ask me afterwards what kind of vacuum that I had cause it did such a marvelous job.

Photo thanks to Google Images. It was difficult to decide on something other than the "Hoover WindTunnel" but I've been watching the Dyson for a couple of years now (after using my aunts back in 2006) and 1 month before I bought the Dyson, my Hoovers on/off switch went out so I could no longer turn it off...it had to be unplugged all time and would freak us all out when we would forget about the switch being broken and plug it in...ugh!So, on to my Dyson DC25 Animal review:Pros*the price I got was a great deal - read my previous post *manuverabilty*weight is not really different than my Hoover*doesn't lose suction*no bags - easy to empty canister (which has a bit of a pro/con feeling with all the dust but I empty it into a throw away grocery bag outside and it's not bad, I also like the chance to pick out anything that was sucked up that shouldn't have been...this has been amazing since I've sucked up coins and stuff)*the long straight handle coming out and being able to "detach" from the flexible hose*the attachments that came with itCons*the flexible hose could be a bit longer and stronger - it seems a tad flimsy so I'm hoping it doesn't crack or break in the future*not all of the attachments fitting on the machine - Mine came with 3 different attachments, a long/thin crevis tool attachment, a flat attachment and an upholstery attachment. The upholstery attachment doesn't seem to have a "home" anywhere. I have solved this myself by removing the long/thin crevis tool attachment and placing the upholstery attachment in that spot...this works for a majority of the time but does fall out quite often. I had problems with one of my attachments on the Hoover that always fell off so I'm quite used to it. The long/thin crevis tool attachment I use quite often for almost EVERY T H I N G...I don't know WHAT I'll do if it breaks. I have attached it via a loom loop that my daughter had from her pot holder making kit and put it on the handle...this has worked PERFECTLY!!! Here's a photo for you :)

Notice the long/thin crevis tool attachment hanging on the front of my handle and the upholstery attachment tool sitting in the hole where the crevis tool used to reside. I use the crevis tool ALOT so it's easy to get to being right there and it's light enough that it just bee-bops around without any problems. There you have it...my 2 cents in a nutshell...I LOVE my Dyson and am SOOO thankful that I purchased it!!!***Views are mine solely, Dyson gave me nothing to do this review***

Three Types of Evangelism

2011-10-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

You have been called to do a work. Individually, corporately, in the communityjohn 3:3-7 Jesus came back to restore people to be righteous. We are ALL called to evangelizeThere are 3 types of evangelism: Matt 5:14-16 Lifestyle evangelismWe should see the love of God operating in our lives. Matthew 8 Opportunistict evangelism - moments in time in your life when you are prompted to vocal/verbal evangelism. Acts 7 Declaration evangelism - speak against wrong via the truth of God. Declare the goodness & righteousness of God but speak up against what the Bible says is wrong.

Servanthood

2011-09-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Open yourself up to 'recieve' in ways other than your paycheck - pray that God will bring it in in other/multiple sources. Step out IN the provision. Trust God in it and believe God OUTSIDE of the paycheck!!!The word was designed to call us to action!!! You are called to do good works!!!James 1:22-25 Don't just be hearers of the word be doers of the word. How do you do the word, internalize it, and DO it? God has given me a personal word. (Acts 1, "Go and wait for the Holy Spirit," they were together and praying for 40 days - be as 1, love one another, serve 1 another. The Holy Spirit decends upon them, they speak with other tongues then they go out into the streets and preach) Every one of us has been given a word directly, there is a corporate word - how do we function as a church, there is a community word commanding us to go and tell. What kind of word do we get indiviually? Matt 16:24 the first word to be walked out is Lordship. (I'm God, you are not so submit to me) deny yourself, pick up your cross...and follow me. Are you genuanlly walking out Lordship?How do you operate in the body of Christ (in one accord) - servanthoodLove one another! In the Community:Each of us has been given a word to go and tell others! Matt 28:16-20Your subdivision, your town, your family, your workplace, etc. (Is there fruit in my life that makes an impact on those in my circle/world?)When God has given you a word and you don't do it...that is sin.

Surviving the Elements

2011-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Surviving the Elements (after today we pray you won't go through storms the same way again. )To survive the elements you need:Food WaterShelterYou need these in the natural & the supernatural. Food= God's word - you will die without it. Heb 4:12;John 6:63; isaiah 55:11; John 1:1-2; Matt 24:35; Numbers 23:19 - when you stray away from the word you become an anorexic christian. Matt 4; mark 1; luke 4 - How Jesus stood against the devilMake a scripture list of topics of the things you are fighting against and everyday you pray, speak & believe that word. Matt 12:43-45 The danger of being empty - the devil comes back to tempt you in that area and brings evil back 7 times greater. The only power the enemy has is lies, manipulation and deception. Speak things out and it happens. Rebuke those lies from the devil. Col 2:13-15 Water = the Holy Spirit - illuminates the word - lack of water or the Holy Spirit can cause a dehydrated christian. (lethargic, dizzy, confusion) consistantly drink on God and the Word of God. Psalm 42:1-2 spend time in the river/ with God and emmerse yourself in prayer, praise & worship. Rev 22:1-2, psalm 46:4John 7:38Shelter = Is God Almighty - Trust & know God is your shelterPsalm 61:3;Psalm 36:7; Psalm 91God is bigger than ANYTHING that would try to destroy you. PT. 2The Cross is the very power of God1Cor 1:18; Rom 1:16; is the POWER of the cross active in your life? Why is it that so many of us don't have evidence of the cross in our lives?The moment you God got saved you got every promise & word that God has spoken in His word. Why is it the cross of Christ isn't evident or effective in your life? 1 Cor 1:17 we complicate the cross by adding all the extra stuff to it. Why does it not have enough powerin our lives? It's because of legalistic or religious mind set. We think if we fast and pray we can manipulate to get God to do the things YOU want him to do. We have a works menality doing what wethink will make God move in your life. Eph 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Cor 9:8 - Lord thank you for an ABUNDANCE for us to do EVERY good work!!! We don't have to beg/manipulate God...we needto declare, decree and claim/ receive ALL that God has for us. It's all FREE with the gift of salvation. John 19:30; Mark 10:45If you have prayed for something for a long period of time but haven't seen the answer...stop blaiming God. Matt 6:33 Seek FIRST the kingdom of God! Our asking should be to recieve what God has already done for us. Our mindset & prayer lists need to change. Whenever you add to the grace of God you taint it. It's not our goodness...it's God and his grace. The is no religious work that we could do to ever be good enough Isaiah 64:6; Gal 2:19-21 Don't make what Jesus did on the cross of no effect /power in our lives. There's nothing that we can do. Gal 5:4; 6:14 don't boast about anything except what God has done in your lives. Be real and have the food, water and shelter of God. Good things don't happen to us because of our goodness but it's only by the grace and goodness of God. God doesn't move because YOU are so good but He moves beause HE is so good!!!James 1:17; Rom 3:27; 2 Tim 1:9We don't take God's grace to live however you want. Rom 6:16; Gal 5:13; Romans 6:1-2; 6:15You become a slave to whatever you CHOOSE to obey!God is calling us deeper! He's going to break the religious things. Let God change others...just love on them. www.SulaSkiles.com

Building Godly Alliances

2011-09-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

The company you keep and the relationships that you have are going to play a role in your life and walk with God. Alliance with the Holy Spirit - 1) the baptism of the Holy Spirit is only an introduction to Him. The Lord doesn't want us to live day to day without the Holy Spirit...He wants you to have a REAL relationship with Him. The person of the Holy Spirit wants you to know Him more. God wants you to go deeper with your relationship with the Holy Spirit. You need to depend more on the Holy Spirit. The Helper is on the inside of you...don't LIMIT the Holy Spirit. You can limit God's work in you but you shouldn't. Don't let anything hinder the Holy Spirit. Do you believe the word of God more than your external circumstances?The Spirit of the Living God is on the inside of you. John 16:7 Talk to the Holy Spirit FIRST! Pray in tongues about it! 1 John 2:20Pray in tongues MORE!!!The Holy Spirit is your comforter. Just because you don't see the Holy Spirit doesn't mean he's not there!1) see yourself how God sees you! What the bible says you are!2) love yourself! If you don't love yourself it's because you don't know WHO you are! See yourself through God's eyes. 3) Forgive yourself! If the blood of Jesus was good enough for God to wash away sins then it should be good enough for you! John 13:16To not forgive yourself is to say you are greater than God. 4) you are brand new! When you became born again you became a new creation. 2Cor 5:17 Don't let your past hinder you for what God has/ called you to! Use every hurt to help every women out!Do the people you hang around push you TOWARD God or pull you AWAY from God?Hebrews 3:13Stay connected to the house of God. James 5:162 cor 10:12

Deny Yourself

2011-09-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

John 12:23-26 1st part of the plan is to die to yourself. Self always reverts back to self...we like to be comfortable. Self always leads you away from what God calls you to do. Deny your selfJohn 13:12-17 be a servant because servanthood kills 'self'.John 14:12-14 continue to do the work that Jesus has been doing. Eph 2:8-10 you aren't saved through works but you were created and called to do good works. What did He do? What are we called to do?Reveal the Father (reveal the unseen God)He came to serveTo preach the good news of the gospelDivision by showing others there is life or death...choose life!Testify to the truth that God is real and who He said He is. Destroy the works of the enemy - by dying to self, serve others and love others. Proclaim freedom for the believers and to give life

Dying to Self

2011-08-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Die to self by being a servant...you are below them. 2 Cor. 7:10 Worldly sorrow is sorry they just got caught. Tries to make you look better in the eyes of men. Bargaining with God praying He will get you out of the situation you are in. Saddness that comes when you don't get what you wanted. (I want to get what I want from God my way)Matthew 27:1-5John 21:7- 17 Godly sorrow wants to be near God...We all will fall...It's how you respond to the fall.

Praying for Our Kids

2011-08-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I was blessed with the opportunity to watch an adorable little brightly red-headed boy who is just the cutest thing. The last day I had him I felt compelled to pray for/over him, his life and his future spouse. Kind of weird since he wasn't even my child but I went ahead and prayed away...this reminded me that it has been a while since I've spent time in prayer praying for my own kids' futures & their future spouses. I oft times pray for them daily and what they are going through...focusing on the "here and now" but sometimes fail to cover their future...which I use to pray about ALL time.

This next year is the beginning of many new things for me and my kids. My 21 year old son has recently been sworn into the U.S. Air Force...this makes me so proud and so sad (that he's no longer my little boy) all at the same time.

Our 11 year old Beautiful One is maturing into such a beautiful young lady whom I am trying to stear the right way with keeping tabs on who she becomes good friends with, modesty and covering the facts of life stuff.

With the loss of my husband's daughter towards the beginning of this year, I'm realizing how precious life with our kids really is.

I hope putting these prayers out there might also give you a place to start praying for your children's futures & their future spouses.

(taken from Google Images)

Taken from Dannah Gresh's "Six Ways to Keep the Little in your Little Girl" & from Fern Nichols from "Mom's In Touch International":

God I ask that my children would NOT be "unequally yoked" with an unbeliever according to 2 Cor. 6:14. That their future spouses would love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, and that they love their neighbor as themselves like you command in Matthew 22:37-38. I pray Lord God that you would prepare the future wive's heart to be a 'helpmate' to the husband and that her husband would 'love her just as Christ loved the church' accoring to Ephesians 5:22-23. And that together they would serve and bring glory to the Lord (as for them and their household, they would serve the Lord ~ Joshua 24:15).

In the busy-ness of life these days...Don't forget to

(taken from Google Images)

Jesus has ALL Authority

2011-08-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

John 11:45-48 if we let Jesus keep going we will lose ourselves. John 12:2-8 he is establishing his authority over our moral values/agenda. God's ways, plans and agenda are higher than your plans, values or moral agenda. He has ALL authority and can do it all how he wants to. John 12:12-13; 12:23-26 Jesus' plan is to die for a reproduction in Jesus. If the seed dies and goes into the ground it produces many. John 13:1-17 the authority of Christ has to be established in you before that He IS Christ. The people that know this is to declare that Jesus is who He says He is. (I was blind but now I see). Declare the obvious. If you are to gain your life you have to lose it. (Deny yourself by serving, being a servant). You have to be a servant to everybody. Everyone is above me...I have to serve them!!!Give of yourself!Serve without expectation!Establish His authority in your life, declare what He's done for you in your life and follow His plan.

Seven Miracles in John

2011-08-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

John 2: 1-11 Jesus turns water into wine - Iam the answer to your current condition (pre-Christ you are lacking and you are empty)John 4: 46-53 Jesus heals boy from death - Jesus is mans answer to faith for sickness, death, brokenness...He extends grace. (getting what you don't deserve)Ephesians 2:8 by grace you have been saved, through faith - no from yourselves, it is the gift of God. John 5: 2-9 Jesus heals man by pool (Jesus is your answer when you have tried to work for favor of God, He's all you need)John 6: 5-14 Jesus feeds the 5,000 (Jesus is your provider/ your answer for lack, Keep handing out what I put in your hands.)John 6: 16-21 Jesus walks on water (He is your answer for doubt and fear, you can do supernatural things above your own abilities when your eyes are on Christ - to do supernatural things you have to submit to unnatural circumstances)John 9:1-12 Jesus heals the blind man (Jesus is our answer to darkness/sin; All sin leads to death - He will reveal in you things of darkness)John 11:30-44 Jesus raises Lazuras from the dead. (Jesus is the answer to mans death ; even if you die...you shall live)

God blessed my socks off!!!

2011-08-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at getting a Dyson for quite a while now. I went to vacuum with my Hoover Wind Tunnel the other day and the roller would no longer go. I decided it was time and did all kinds of research and talked to some people about them. Everyone loves them so I determined where would be the best place to get one. I remembered I had just received a 30% off coupon from Kohl’s so I went there. They were one of the more expensive places but with my 30% off...they would then be the CHEAPEST beating Walmart by $9.

Photo courtesy of Best Buy

Armed with my coupon after seeing my chiropractor we went to Lowe’s just to make sure there was no surprise sale there and then went to Kohl’s.

My Beautiful One wanted to look for a pair of tennis shoes...I generally let her get 1 pair of reasonably priced ($25 or under) pair of tennis shoes per school year. She found a pair of running shoes (she’s been wanting a pair of running shoes) on the clearance rack. The clearance price was $43.99...ugh! Then I remembered my coupon and decided the 30% off would make them about $30 and that was more do-able...the unfortunate part was my coupon wasn’t good until tomorrow...oh no...I need to vacuum TODAY!!! LOL

We went over to where the Dyson's where and there were NONE of the DC25 Animal Ball that I was wanting...oh bummer...HOW am I going to vacuum today??? LOL

We took the shoes she wanted and went to the service desk to find out if they would hold them for us until tomorrow because our coupon wasn’t good until then. The lady said no...she’d just take the coupon off today and we could take the shoes since we were already there...this spurred a discussion about the Dyson that I “REALLY” wanted but wasn’t there. She said let me ask the manager if there are any of those in the back...there wasn’t even a display one of them so I was almost SURE there wasn’t one in the back. Low and behold...there WAS one in the back in the box and it was their ONLY one...they said they would give that to me with the coupon off too...then she said and you know you get $10 Kohl’s cash for every $50 spent today right...I said NO way...she said yep.

So thanks to the sweet Kohl’s associate named Becky, I saved a total of $259.20 and ended up with $90 Kohl’s cash + my 30% off coupon to use still...WOW – What a blessing!!! God is SO good!!!

Revelation Cannot be Taken Away

2011-08-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

There will NEVER be a day that God will NOT love you!!!Seek God for revelation. Pray that others will have a revelation from God. Where the annointing is, bondages are destroyed. Sometimes you can hear something a 100 times but just don't get it. Jesus paid the price and we get it all. Eph 1:19Revelation is something that can NOT be taken away from us. God loves you and you can know him in a personal way. John 14:17; John 15:18-19 don't get mad when unbelievers think you are weird or from another planet. The Lord has chosen you as His own and the world will hate you. If everyone in the world likes you, you are probably compromising in your walk. Try to meet them where they are at without compromising. Hell is going to be complete seperation from God.

John tells us WHO Jesus is

2011-08-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

John lays out Jesus authority in ch 1, 2 Jesus purpose, 3 Jesus plan and ch 4 what it looks like to walk out Jesus plan. Everything that John wrote about Jesus life is summed up in John 20:31John 6:35 Jesus is the bread of lifeJohn 8:12 Jesus is the light of the worldJohn 10:9 Jesus is the doorJohn 10:11-14 Jesus is the good shepherdJohn 11:25 Jesus is the resurrection & the lifeJohn 14:6 Jesus is the way, the truth & the lifeJohn 15:5 Jesus is the vineJesus' job is to reveal God to us. He helps to reveal our shortcomings. He is the way in and the way out of our troubles. He is our final payment and our hope...He is the way, the truth and the life. We can not do things our own way. He is the vine and we are the branches. If you remain in Him, you will bear much fruit; apart from God you can do NOTHING!!! Our job is to reveal Jesus to others.

A TRUE Best Friend...

2011-08-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've had friends...LOTS of them. I've had friends who have told me they are my "Best Friend" and friends who have told me they love me no matter what.

Unfortunately, SOME friends will talk about you, tell lies about you, and some will eventually leave you but a TRUE Best Friend lasts through thick and thin.

Tonight I celebrated my Besties 40th birthday...we've been through SO much together. We've always managed to talk out our differences and love each other no matter what. She prays for me and prays WITH me. She's there for me any time of the day or night.

I LOVE my BFF!!! Happy 40th Melinda!!!

On a mission to help & bless others...

2011-08-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

We spent last week on a mission trip in Cartagena, Colombia.

Talk about challenges...boy did we have some. For times sake...I'm just going to give an overview of our challenges and share a few pics:

1) airline said they wouldn't charge our group baggage fees...they did anyway. $25 for 1 bag & $60 for 2 bags x 50 people = mucho grande.
2) airline had to hold the plane because them deciding to charge us held up our group quite a bit which resulted in the plane needing to wait 10 extra minutes for us all to board.
3) already said 10 minute late plane taking off discovered "AFTER" we got on board that they had a water distribution problem on said plane...this resulted in a service guy and him NOT being able to fix the problem which delayed us 1 hour and 10 minutes.
***A praise = 4) delayed flight caused us to get to our next connection within 20 min of take off. Plane was suppose to dock in terminal B and we would have had to deboard and trek to terminal C which they said we wouldn't make so our pilot was able to work it out where we docked in terminal C...just a couple of gates away from where we were suppose to board our next flight...God is so good!
5) was suppose to get to 1st hotel within an hour and a half...didn't get there for 2.5 hours because the drivers got lost. Dinner was at 8pm.
6) several people had lost their A/C through out the night
7) on Monday the lights started flickering and around 6:30pm went completely out...we found out that the polling electricity caused the electric line to snap off of the building. We stood outside for hours trying to warn people that the line was hot.
***A praise 8) the super nice hotel 4 blocks away was able to accomodate our group...at 10:30pm we walked to that hotel.
9) at the new hotel I turned our A/C on the coldest setting and froze the line...this caused massive water to run out of the A/C unit all night.
10) on Thursday we were on a home visit and had to leave abruptly due to something that happened in the neighborhood and they wanted to get us out of there.

This is just a sampling of some of the challenges that we faced but we are so thankful to God for being there and for having his hand on all of it...you could see God working around each obsticle.

Our welcome

Our first home visit

One of the fish markets

A guard on the street

The fort they forced the slaves to build to keep the English pirates from getting the Spanish gold. When a slave would die during the building they would push him over and continue to build on top of his body...how sad!

Favorite parts of the trip:
1) getting there and back safely
2) making friends with those on the trip
3) meeting Wendy, Emily, Juan, DeLaura, Julio, Claudia & Viviana
4) spending the day at Coco Liso Island swimming, eating cake & going to the Oceanarium
5) the trolly ride
6) shopping at the market
7) seeing the mall & the fort
8) devotion night on the beach
9) praying with Wendy's grandmother & aunt who recieved Christ
10) eating ice cream at Crepes & Waffles (YUM)
11) being picked up at the hotel and going to dinner in a horse drawn carriage
12) eating dinner at a BEAUTIFUL restruarnt
13) the meal at the BEAUTIFUL restruarnt
14) Hagen Daz at the airport
15) landing back in the USA

A few of my Favorite Photos

Motherhood is a calling - Children are a "gift" from God!!!

2011-07-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

"******I got this blog post off of "Just to Keep In Touch" and she got it off of the "Desiring God" blog. It is so good and just wanted to have it on my blog for myself. What an incredible reminder that children are a gift and that, again...it is not about me!!!*****"says Ashley @ The Fisher Family

"A few years ago, when I just had four children and when the oldest was still three, I loaded them all up to go on a walk. After the final sippy cup had found a place and we were ready to go, my two-year-old turned to me and said, “Wow! You have your hands full!”
She could have just as well said, “Don’t you know what causes that?” or “Are they all yours?!”
Everywhere you go, people want to talk about your children. Why you shouldn’t have had them, how you could have prevented them, and why they would never do what you have done. They want to make sure you know that you won’t be smiling anymore when they are teenagers. All this at the grocery store, in line, while your children listen.

A Rock-Bottom Job?
The truth is that years ago, before this generation of mothers was even born, our society decided where children rank in the list of important things. When abortion was legalized, we wrote it into law.
Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. In fact, children rate below your desire to sit around and pick your toes, if that is what you want to do. Below everything. Children are the last thing you should ever spend your time doing.
If you grew up in this culture, it is very hard to get a biblical perspective on motherhood, to think like a free Christian woman about your life, your children. How much have we listened to partial truths and half lies? Do we believe that we want children because there is some biological urge, or the phantom “baby itch”? Are we really in this because of cute little clothes and photo opportunities? Is motherhood a rock-bottom job for those who can’t do more, or those who are satisfied with drudgery? If so, what were we thinking?

It's Not a Hobby
Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.
Christian mothers carry their children in hostile territory. When you are in public with them, you are standing with, and defending, the objects of cultural dislike. You are publicly testifying that you value what God values, and that you refuse to value what the world values. You stand with the defenseless and in front of the needy. You represent everything that our culture hates, because you represent laying down your life for another—and laying down your life for another represents the gospel.
Our culture is simply afraid of death. Laying down your own life, in any way, is terrifying. Strangely, it is that fear that drives the abortion industry: fear that your dreams will die, that your future will die, that your freedom will die—and trying to escape that death by running into the arms of death.

Run to the Cross
But a Christian should have a different paradigm. We should run to to the cross. To death. So lay down your hopes. Lay down your future. Lay down your petty annoyances. Lay down your desire to be recognized. Lay down your fussiness at your children. Lay down your perfectly clean house. Lay down your grievances about the life you are living. Lay down the imaginary life you could have had by yourself. Let it go.
Death to yourself is not the end of the story. We, of all people, ought to know what follows death. The Christian life is resurrection life, life that cannot be contained by death, the kind of life that is only possible when you have been to the cross and back.
The Bible is clear about the value of children. Jesus loved them, and we are commanded to love them, to bring them up in the nurture of the Lord. We are to imitate God and take pleasure in our children.

The Question Is How
The question here is not whether you are representing the gospel, it is how you are representing it. Have you given your life to your children resentfully? Do you tally every thing you do for them like a loan shark tallies debts? Or do you give them life the way God gave it to us—freely?
It isn’t enough to pretend. You might fool a few people. That person in line at the store might believe you when you plaster on a fake smile, but your children won’t. They know exactly where they stand with you. They know the things that you rate above them. They know everything you resent and hold against them. They know that you faked a cheerful answer to that lady, only to whisper threats or bark at them in the car.
Children know the difference between a mother who is saving face to a stranger and a mother who defends their life and their worth with her smile, her love, and her absolute loyalty.

Hands Full of Good Things
When my little girl told me, “Your hands are full!” I was so thankful that she already knew what my answer would be. It was the same one that I always gave: “Yes they are—full of good things!”
Live the gospel in the things that no one sees. Sacrifice for your children in places that only they will know about. Put their value ahead of yours. Grow them up in the clean air of gospel living. Your testimony to the gospel in the little details of your life is more valuable to them than you can imagine. If you tell them the gospel, but live to yourself, they will never believe it. Give your life for theirs every day, joyfully. Lay down pettiness. Lay down fussiness. Lay down resentment about the dishes, about the laundry, about how no one knows how hard you work.
Stop clinging to yourself and cling to the cross. There is more joy and more life and more laughter on the other side of death than you can possibly carry alone."

Rachel Jankovic is a wife, homemaker, and mother. She is the author of "Loving the Little Years" and blogs at Femina. Her husband is Luke, and they have five children: Evangeline (5), Daphne (4), Chloe (2), Titus (2), and Blaire (5 months).

Meat in Phillipians

2011-07-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Phil 4:11 b - I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstance. Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:6 (to be content) be anxious for nothing but by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil 4:7 and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart & mind in Christ.God is my provider, not the economy. Phil 4:19 my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. Phil 1:6 be confident that He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.

A "Mac" kind of night...

2011-07-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today we had "this"...

photo courtesy of Google images :)

and tonight we had "this"...

Toby Mac photos courtesy of "me" :)

I'm lovin' it!!!

A night of laughs and fun...hanging with my sis & my bff!!!

2011-07-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's been crazy busy here and things aren't going to slow down for me for a couple of more weeks but I couldn't miss the opportunity to post about the GREAT night I had tonight going out with friends & fam. :)

My "BFF's" hubby is having a birthday so we went to "Rib City" to celebrate...let me tell you...they've got them some GOOD food there!!! LOL
We've eaten at ALOT of rib restaurants (thank goodness for spell check...I LOVE spelling but I can't EVER, EVER, EVER seem to spell that word right...ugh - it's NOT like it's that difficult! LOL) but they have to be one of my new favs!

I'm so thankful that my sister married in to such an AWESOME family. I've known my BFF and her family since my sister introduced me at 12 years old and have been hanging with them every since...God is so gracious to have given them to me!

A few pics from the evening:

Me & My BFF - Melinda, you've been there for me through thick and thin and I am SO very thankful that YOU are my best friend!!! Love you girl!!! XOXO

LOL, Trying to get Dale to ride the little pony like they have you sit on the saddle at Texas Roadhouse...lol - he wouldn't do it.

All of us minus my hubby who was so gracious to snap the shot!

BELIEVE

2011-07-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

John is NOT written chronologically.

John 20:31 BELIEVE!!!

John 2:1-10 (the miracle) because of Jesus' authority, he is able to take something that is unworthy for the master and turn it into something worthy!
(the jars) the jars were containers for water but once the water was turned to wine, now they are containers that hold the best wine ever. Something shaped and molded for one purpose can be changed and made to be something else because of what He's changed on the inside!!!

Jesus and the moneychangers in the temple. He has the ability and authority to change things by clearing them out of your life. To put things in order. (ask Jesus to come in and restore things in you) He brings order to disorder!!!

Everything I do needs to be worthy because He is holy.

Jesus Defines You

2011-06-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

John 1:37-38What do you want? Why are you following Jesus? Where are you staying?What do you want? (I just want to be where you are at)Come with me and you will see. (no longer are you yours, you lose your will and get His will. Jesus defines you because He has the authority. He lays out the path of salvation, checks your heart (check your motives), defines you (what you carry, etc) and His authority in your life then follow Him.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies...Thanks Yahoo!

2011-06-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Dishwasher Detergent

Here's a simple recipe for dishwasher soap:

• 1 cup of borax
• 1 cup of baking soda
• ¼ cup of table salt
• 2 packets (half an ounce) of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid

You can try to save even more by buying ingredients in bulk, but another idea is to find smaller and much cheaper boxes at your local dollar store: a good idea to since you'll want to try a small amount at first to see if you like the results. The amounts listed above are good for 16 loads -- one tablespoon each -- so even small batches will last a while.

Other recipes online vary: For example, we found one that suggested combining only borax and baking soda, 1 tablespoon each per load. Another suggested adding a little citrus essential oil to make it smell nice: We didn't try that one, however, because we had difficulty finding inexpensive citrus oil online. Then there's this recipe, which goes in a different direction altogether:

• 2 bars of shredded Octagon soap
• 1 cup of baking soda
• ¼ cup of washing soda
• ¼ cup of lemon juice

This one calls for melting the shredded soap in five quarts of water and then mixing in the other ingredients. If that sounds a little like the recipe for laundry detergent we wrote about last year, that's because it is.

Laundry Detergent

Speaking of laundry detergent, that's easy, too. You'll need:

• 4 cups of water
• ⅓ bar of cheap soap, grated
• ½ cup washing soda (not baking soda)
• ½ cup of Borax (20 Mule Team)
• 5-gallon bucket for mixing
• 3 gallons of water

First, mix the grated soap in a saucepan with 4 cups of water, and heat on low until the soap is completely dissolved. Add hot water/soap mixture to 3 gallons of water in the 5-gallon bucket, stir in the washing soda and Borax, and continue stirring until thickened. Let the mix sit for 24 hours, and voila! Homemade laundry detergent.

Other Cleaning Products

If you like the results of your homemade concoctions on clothes and dishes, why stop there? The next time you're at the store, instead of picking up a bottle of some expensive cleanser, grab these six items and make your own cleaning supplies:

• Vinegar. It may smell a little weird, but vinegar can handle everything from dishes to laundry and even weeds. We've written about the wonders of vinegar before.

• Baking soda. Eliminates odors and helps with stains, and also works as a natural method of pest control -- ants hate it.

• Borax. This mineral salt beats bleach as a toilet cleaner and is also useful for scrubbing walls. And as you see in the recipes above, works with laundry, too.

• Fels-Naptha soap. This one's actually made by one of those big cleaning companies: Dial. They recommend it for "pre-treating" stains. In other words, "use this in addition to a bunch of our other expensive products, like Purex!" But you can turn the tables by using it as part of a recipe for your own laundry detergent, and they can keep the Purex.

• Rubbing alcohol. Works as a disinfectant and is also a great glass cleaner. It also gets grime off plastic and metal surfaces like patio furniture or bathroom fixtures.

• Lemon juice. This cuts through dish grease and is an ingredient for homemade furniture polish -- but it's not the easiest thing to preserve long-term.

If making your own cleaning products sounds a little extreme, there are still simple ways to save. The best? Buying generics. And if you insist on using name brands, at least clip those coupons -- but only the ones worth your time.

John

2011-06-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

John establishes Jesus' authority from the beginning of his gospel.

John 20:31 the basis for all of the book of John.

It's important to KNOW Jesus' authority because HE is God!!!

Repent, walk in righteousness, practice holiness.

John 1:1-14 Jesus the Word became flesh.

John 3:1-7 You must be born again.

John 6:51 I (Jesus) am the solution to your flesh problem!

My Beautiful One gets baptized...God is so good!

2011-06-08T06:03:00.000-07:00

It was a day of fun with church and our church picnic. Lots of my family arrived for the baptism...God is so good!

Acts 22:16 "Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away..."

Didn't have time yet to fix my sons half opened eyes. :)

Customize your own slideshow

Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Freedom ISN'T Free!!!

2011-05-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the service men and women who sacrificially serve our country and have died for our freedom! God bless you all!!!

And especially to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for his gift of the ULTIMATE freedom...my salvation and place in heaven.

Photo courtesy of google images

Four Laws of Salvation

2011-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

1) God loves you and has a plan for your life. (John 3:16 & John 10:10)2) Man is sinful (Romans 3:23)Man due to sin is separated from God. (Romans 6:23)3) Jesus died in our place for our sins (Romans 5:8) & He rose from the dead (1 Cor 15:3-6) He is the way to God (John 14:6)4) We must recieve Christ through faith and experience new birth. (John 1:12, Eph 2:8-9, John 3:1-8, Rev 3:20)

Call things that are NOT as though they ARE!

2011-05-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Calling things that are not as though they are. Pray for the Lord to send a buyer for your house. Call the house sold, call your finances into abundance to be a blessing. Don't deny that the sickness exsists. Call your body well, don't be moved by how you feel. Don't call things that 'ARE' as though they are NOT. Call things that are NOT as though they ARE!Cd 7215

Enjoying a game...go Cards!

2011-05-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

The other day we had the opportunity to attend a Cardinal's game during the day...it was fun and WE won!

Way to go Cards!!!

We Are In A War

2011-05-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

the weapons of our warfare are NOT carnal. 2 Cor 10:14 we are in a war.

Don't get offended. Get a grip..you are a flawed human being.

All the answers to what we need are found in the Word of God.
Why is it so hard to think right? Because we have two natures...2 Cor 5:17 we get a new nature in the depths of our spirit. Everything you got when you got saved is on the inside. It's like seed and it takes root first instead of sprouting immediately. Water the seed with the Word. You are growing and you WILL see the fruit of it. Eventually you don't recognize yourself.

As a man thinks in his heart so is he.
Nothing will change in your life if you don't change your mind. Live by the Word of God...Do not live by feelings!

Renew your mind according to the Word of God. We have to suffer to not keep feeding the flesh. Be willing to be a little incomfortable now to have good results in the future.
Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh.
Your thoughts determine how you are going to turn out...think according to God's Word.

I am NOT quitting and giving up!!!

The Mind…Where ALL of our Problems Start!

2011-05-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

The mind is our biggest problem and what we think becomes our words and our attitude and our attitude becomes our mood. The devil is a liar.

There are two ways to handle the devil, stand up to him with the Word or take what he gives you.

Romans 8:4 - 5 be led by the Spirit and meet the full requirements of the law. Don't be contolled by the flesh. If u are walking in the flesh its because you are following after things of the flesh. Where the man goes, the mind follows. Cast down wrong thoughts.

2Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
Say what God says and stop saying what the devil/the world says.

Make your mind up to have what God says you can have!!! Stop talking about your mess and start talking about what the Word says. Make your mind up you can do anything God tells you to do. We are not weak and wimpy, we are warriors.

If everything around us is a mess (our house, etc) it's a sign that things are out of balance.
Don't waste your life being selfish and self centered.

Your thoughts determine your direction in life. Cast the wrong thoughts down.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the momma's out in bloggy land.

I got to spend the day with two of the worlds best kids...

This month has been a bit difficult since my mom died in May 2008. I can't even believe she's been gone for 3 years now. I miss you momma but I am honored that I was able to lead you to the Lord before you died and can't wait to be with you again someday!

What is in You HAS to Come Out!

2011-05-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's time for what God has put in you and the desires He's given you to come out. It's time to Step out. the word encorages us and protects us.

When you step out there is going to be a personal fear...When the fear rises up, your flesh is trying to protect itself, when God calls you to a work it does not rely on your ability in the flesh. I was not called to a calling because of how good I am. He is not reliant on how good/moral I am or my gifts, my strength and abilities. When you get this settled in your mind, you get feed up from pride (thinking you are so good) or insecurities. (what I have isn't good enough) (you NEVER deserve what He's called you to)
walk this calling out in the weakness and insecurity. mature past that.

Nehemiah 2:19- the devil will use the doubt and well meaning Christians to destroy God's plan.

2 Cor 10:2-5 God does not rely on me and my strength to fulfill His plan. Bring every thought into the light despite your frailties.

Press on...then an all out attack is coming. Plotting and scheming is going against you right now. He seeks to steal, kill and destroy you.

When God calls you usually it requires time and effort. Sometimes the greatest thing God called you to will be the hardest time.

Nehemiah 4:13 our enemies are no long just bringing doubt he's trying to bring harm and you better know your low spots and station people around you to hold you accountable if you would happen to walk that way. They can keep you grounded and guarded. You weren't designed to be all knowing and all seeing. Pride, adultery, insecurities, greed, etc. Find out on your worst day what your default is. Then don't stand in judgment on that.

Nehemiah 4:14 (underline)
What is in you HAS to come out...we need you!!! Fight for those around you.

An Attitude of Trust & Patience

2011-05-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Trust yourself to God, He is a God of justice...He makes WRONG things RIGHT!!! It may not come in your timing but it WILL come. God will give us double blessings for our trouble. God is a redeemer and a restorer and He gives us a double recompense for our former trouble.

Whatever you are going through, don't let it make you bitter. KNOW that you have a double blessing on the way! There is NOTHING that God can not do!!!

1 Peter 2:22-23
You can not have justice in your life until you let go of it and part of letting go of it is to STOP trying to figure it all out!

Jesus went through hard stuff too. (His disciples betrayed him, living a sinless life, dying on the cross, etc)

Just give it all to God. There may be a time of the cross and there may be a time of the grave but there always comes a resurrection.

What is your attitude while you are waiting? Deut. 8:2
God is taking us through the wildernesses in our lives to bring us to a place of abundance!!!

How long will it take you to get through your wilderness?
Psalm 5:11 'put' your trust in God. 7:1 'put' your trust in God. 9:10 'put' your trust in God. 11:1 'put' your trust in God 16:1 'put' your trust in God 20:7 'put' your trust in God
Don't put your trust in chariots or horses...Your paycheck and your job is NOT your source!!! God is your source!!!

John 2:24 don't put your trust in people...use wisdom. Don't have unrealistic expectations. Most always there will be some times of hurt with those you have a relationship with.

Psalm 31:14 I trusted in, relied on and was confident in you, O Lord; I said, You are MY God...my times are in your hands.

Humility

2011-05-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Andrew Murrays book on HumilityPride is wrapped up in so many areas of our being. 1 Thess 5:18 be thankful and give thanks!When the enemy is coming against you, get on your face and pray and sing praises to the Lord! Confuse the enemy by praising God in EVERY situation. Do ALL things without complaining!

Don't Gravitate Towards the Negative

2011-05-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

The natural flow of the flesh that is NOT being led by the Holy Spirit will ALWAYS gravitate towards the negative.

Finding Forgiveness...

2011-05-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm walking through alot of healing these days and SO glad I have found FREEDOM from "many things" holding me captive!

One of the things coming from my healing is...CHOOSING to forgive. I am beginning to share a part of my life story out in bloggy land - if you'd like to read it, feel free to click here.

The biggest part of the story is...I CHOOSE to FORGIVE!!!

I FORGIVE YOU!

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself...CHOOSE to FORGIVE!!!

"HE" is risen!!!

2011-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful One

My Handsome Son

Us

Thank you Jesus for rising!!! Thank you for loving me!

Repent & Believe

2011-04-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

All you have to do is repent and believe.

The problem we have is with the word "believe".

Luke 18:9 the Pharisees felt like their own righteousness was enough...There is nothing we can do to make ourselves righteous.

Luke 18:18 the rich young ruler...it had nothing to do with his stuff or money, it had to do with his heart.

Something in him could not give up what he had. It's about denying yourself or giving things up for HIM.

Matthew 13:53 we get to a place when we've been in church for so long that you don't actually BELIEVE in HIM. We think since we KNOW him that we have a relationship with him.

Mark 9:23 - 24 I believe but help me with my unbelief.

Ephesians 2:8-9 by grace you have been saved through faith...not from yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works- so that no one can boast.

Once a year...

2011-04-22T20:19:00.001-07:00

Each year either in April/May or Oct/Nov we drive 122 miles, 2+ hours to Sikeston, MO to eat here...

*Photo courtesy of Lambert's Throwed Rolls website

Since we're going to Florida in September...we decided we'd better make our annual trip now.

Then we went shopping at the outlet mall that's there. Since I just lost 25lbs (thanks to HCG) I really needed to do me some shopping. I got lots of goodies...We had a GREAT time!

No day would be complete without a stop in Jackson, MO at...

And this particular year...we reflect and thank Jesus Christ for dying on the cross for our sins...HE is RISEN!!!

Jesus Died For You!!!

Getting Over Things

2011-04-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Deut. 4:32 ; Deut. 11:23Getting over things that are greater and mightier than you. The Word and the Holy Spirit will get you through and causes change. 1) the #1 thing for change is the love of God. God's love empowers us to change. Understand the love of God. God loves you through everything possible. Rom 5:6-9 2) Feeding on God's Word. Rom 12:2 there can be true and lasting change. Be transformed by the renewing of the mind (metemorphisis) A) birthing stage - butterfly eggs are delicate and fragile, they can fall away and get crushed. (baby Christians)B) feeding stage - larvae /catepillar they eat, eat, eat (molting process and the skin sheds off 3 or 4 times) (Christans grow, eat and desire the word of God the process doesn't happen by TRYING...it happens by eating on the Word of God)(christians forget God loves them and they TRY to be good, discouragment sets in) the catepillar isn't trying to be a butterfly...it's just eating and wating. 3) resting stage - cocoon /pupa stage is rest and hidden in the cocoon...feeding on the word of God and His beautiful attributes are forming. Col 3:10Become imitators of God. 4) adult butterfly - becomes so full of God's word. Rest and feed on God and His Word. Once saved we are always in the feeding and resting stage on the Word of God. We then go into the active stage to become fruitful serving the church and God.

PART of "MY" story...

2011-04-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Part of "MY" life story shows up today on Sheila Gregoire's site. For those of you who have daughters...please click on the link...

To Love Honor and Vacuum

You & Your Girl ~ A Lifeway "Vicki Courtney" Event

2011-04-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Me & My Girl just spent part of the weekend "away" at a Vicki Courtney, "You & Your Girl" event. It was a mother/daughter simulcast for 5th - 12th graders. The 2 closest churches were a church in Columbia, MO and a church in Springfield, IL...we went to West Side Christian Church in Springfield, IL. It had to be one of the "MOST" amazing churches we had ever been too...it's HUGE!!!

The all day event didn't start until 9am on Saturday but I wanted us to have a good nights rest and some mother/daughter bonding time so we headed out a day early...you can read about that in the post below this one. :)

Vicki Courtney talked about there being "TOO MANY CHOICES" in todays society and it's actually paralizing people & causing depression. People need to overcome the "If I had __________________ I would be satisfied." Stop waiting for the "next BIG thing." There is a God sized hole in each of us that is suppose to be filled with "GOD" but many people try to fill their hollow spot with other things. Jesus is the "Bread of Life" and if we eat of that bread...we will be satisfied. Make time with God and STAY in HIS Word!

Our mom Break Out session was How to Grow a Godly Daughter in an "ungodly" world.

#1) We are all servants...we are working for God!
#2) We must be devoted to the ultimate purpose - We all have different gifts, none of us are doing the same thing & we must rely on God!
#3) We trust God for the results - You can NOT make your kids love & follow Jesus...the results are up to God...ONLY HE CAN BRING GROWTH!!!

3 Levels or things to help them grow:
#1) Impress the Word upon their hearts (Deut. 6:7)
#2) We Weed - Weed out outside influences or bad friends when your child's life begins to go the wrong way/away from God.
#3) We Prune - (2 Cor 7:10) Teach repentance - Find out what's going on in their heart.

Positive Words/Mom's Do to make them feel good:
- Girls that are delighted in, feel accepted & feel loved
- Melt downs = I can't get control of the emotions - most of the time this is due to puberty and you need to let her know this is normal.
- Dad conversations with daughters = 1) Let her know she's valuable 2) Talk about the boy brain and why boys do strange things and think they are funny 3) modesty
-Dad take her camping each year - just the two of them and she gets to pick anything she wants to take and anything she wants to do...it doesn't have to be fishing, etc.
-Teach girls to be kind & honest
-Ho do you deal with disrespect? Call her out and tell her you are NOT going to do that/speak to me that way.
*How to have a deeper/conversations relationship? Fill in the blank "Today I felt ____________ about_______________" I wish I could protect you from all the hurts that you'll face - I can't but I can be the one that you trust and feel those emotions with you. Don't try to "fix" things...just tell her you are sorry and love her. Use the "back door" approach and connect when it doesn't seem so obvious like she's not expected to talk...maybe go for ice cream.
-How much to tell your daughter about yoru past? Be careful that you have the right motive.
-Don't live life with regrets.
-What to do when your kids don't want anything to do with church anymore? (Is it rebellion or crisis of faith?) Make sure that "sometimes" we don't feel like going to church either but we do because it's the "RIGHT" thing to do.
- What new trends or issues are going on right now in the world? Sexting, Anxiety, depression
-Keep parenting with a journey in mind.
-Be confident; Hope & Trust - He who has begun a good work in you and your girl, is faithful to complete it.
-LAUGH ALOT!!! HAVE FUN!
-You WILL fail but God loves your girl MORE than you can even imagine!
-Parent out of love - NOT out of fear!

Know when to unplug and when to connect with WHO & WHAT really matters!
The goal is to feed our soul with things that build our faith & fast things that tear it down.

Commit to take the Vicki Courtney 40 day "More of ____________ and less of ______________" challenge.

We had a GREAT time and look forward to MANY more yearly events together!

A Mother/Daughter Time Away...

2011-04-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

We meandered around the mall a bit and she ended up jumping on the trampoline...which was fun and a bit scary when she got up as high as the second floor of the mall. :)

After nails and jumping...you need a good dinner - Longhorn...here we come!!!

Then we went to the Courtyard by Marriott to do some swimming & sleeping...it was a VERY nice hotel!

This post is getting pretty long so I'm going to start a new one concerning Saturday at the conference.

Our job is to be a revealer of the unseen God

2011-04-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and again I say REJOICE!!! Paul wrote from prison.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

When u really want something it's very easy to hear God say YES because you want it so bad. In that action you have then given into the flesh and made yourself a god. That's a consequence of the flesh.

If u want to continue walking in your maturity go to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request unto God.

Prayer puts you outside of yourself and going before God showing that you don't have the answers.

Be honest with God!!! He knows everything about you and can handle your being honest about your requests.

The prayer and petition has nothing to do with getting the "thing" it's about BEING in HIS will!!!

Make sure your feelings line up with the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12 the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 we take captive EVERY THOUGHT captive to make it obedient to Christ.

Philippians 4:8-9 whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable - whatever you have learned or received or heard from me (Paul), or seen in me (Paul) - put it into practice.

Our prayer is to become like Paul, not like the ones Paul is writing to.

We are the revealer of the unseen God!!!

So Thankful Lord...I Am Yours!!!

2011-04-06T15:03:00.001-07:00

You are NOT in this walk Alone!

2011-04-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

Philippians 1:27-30
Strive and contend for the message of Christ. Walking forward toward the message of Christ.

Contend together as a group.

Romans 12:3-8 don't think of yourself more highly than you ought...but think of yourself with sober judgment.

We are NOT in this walk alone! When we feel isolated we feel like we should do nothing or you think what you do is greater than anything.

Philippians 2:1-18 Do nothing out of selfish ambition but in humility DENY yourself. Consider others better than yourself.

Serve Others

2011-03-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Get over yourself and serve others.

Washing feet breaks down pride. With a right motive.

We r much more willing to do things for people we like and know.

Find a need and meet that need.

The thing that sours a marriage is when spouses stop doing things for each other.

Marriages are falling apart because we stop trying to make our spouses life better.

Serve Others

2011-03-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Get over yourself and serve others. Washing feet breaks down pride. With a right motive. We r much more willing to do things for people we like and know. Find a need and meet that need. The thing that sours a marriage is when spouses stop doing things for each other. Marriages are falling apart because we stop trying to make our spouses life better.

Help Others

2011-03-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Can only help others that want to be helped.

Help those that want it and don't worry about helping those that don't want it.

Stop trying to mess with anyone that doesn't have anything to do with you.

Satan uses rejection against us.

Matthew 10:11-14 shake the dust off and move forward.

This walk is all about others!!! Grow up!

Amos 6:1, 4-7 Selfishness is weakness but love is a position of power.

Show me someone that needs a blessing!!!

Philippians

2011-03-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Paul wrote Philippians from prison the story is in Acts. This Philipi church started from the prison guards family when Paul was in prison. Like a retirement camp for those who have been in the Roman history. Nero was in charge and a big fire breaks out so he blames the Christians because they weren't honoring his false Gods.

The Christians begin to face persecution. The main theme of this book - Philippians 4:4 penned from Paul in prison - rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and AGAIN I say REJOICE!!!

Philippians 1:3-30
Paul is writing to encourage them.
12-14) The testimony that Paul is sharing sounds foreign to us today. Paul is rejoicing but it has nothing to do with personal gain.

Change our focus to fight for the gospel no matter what and contend for the gospel of Christ to move forward with. This should be the number one testimony that we should LOVE to hear.

Our testimony should be that we are a people contending for the gospel of Christ.

Be in God's presence and be willing to fight for Him!!!

The Forgiveness Test

2011-03-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

It seems unfair to forgive someone who hurt you. Forgive and do yourself a favor.
There will be people in your life you will have to forgive over, and over and over.

Unforgiveness will mess you up spiritually.

Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart and recognize when offenses come in. Stop thinking about it and stop talking about it. The more you let it get rooted in you the deeper it's going to be and the harder it's going to be to get rid of it.

Matthew 6:12-15 if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Total forgiveness doesn't always mean restoration of the relationship.

Matthew 24:10 a last day sign - many will get offended. Being offended keeps you from going forward with God. 12) the love of the great body of people will grow cold. We are in the last days and can NOT be mad at other people.

Satan wants to build a strong hold of cold love in our hearts.

Mark 11:23-26 if you have anything against ANYONE forgive them and let it drop. In order that your Father may forgive you. But if you don't forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.

If we hold unforgiveness then God can't forgive us. Our faith won't work. Things have to be right between you and God. It has nothing to do with how you feel but how you talk and behave.

Do what's right when it STILL feels wrong.

Psalm 133 where there's unity, theres blessing and anointing.

The minute someone offends you, pray for them immediately. Some days it's just us having and off day and try to stay away from situations that might bother you.

Unforgiveness harbors bitterness towards others.

Forgiving is part of a test - work with the Holy Spirit and forgive.

Stop asking so many questions and FORGIVE!!!

The Forgiveness Test

2011-03-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

It seems unfair to forgive someone who hurt you. Forgive and do yourself a favor.
There will be people in your life you will have to forgive over, and over and over.
Unforgiveness will mess you up spiritually. Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart and recognize when offenses come in. Stop thinking about it and stop talking about it. The more you let it get rooted in you the deeper it's going to be and the harder it's going to be to get rid of it.
Matthew 6:12-15 if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.
Total forgiveness doesn't always mean restoration of the relationship.
Matthew 24:10 a last day sign - many will get offended. Being offended keeps you from going forward with God. 12) the love of the great body of people will grow cold. We are in the last days and can NOT be mad at other people.
Satan wants to build a strong hold of cold love in our hearts.
Mark 11:23-26 if you have anything against ANYONE forgive them and let it drop. In order that your Father may forgive you. But if you don't forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.
If we hold unforgiveness then God can't forgive us. Our faith won't work. Things have to be right between you and God. It has nothing to do with how you feel but how you talk and behave. Do what's right when it STILL feels wrong.
Psalm 133 where there's unity, theres blessing and anointing.
The minute someone offends you, pray for them immediately. Some days it's just us having and off day and try to stay away from situations that might bother you.
Unforgiveness harbors bitterness towards others. Forgiving is part of a test - work with the Holy Spirit and forgive. Stop asking so many questions and FORGIVE!!!

*NUGGETS are my own views on things I'm learning, going through or hearing on TV or in front of my pastor or that I just want to share.

My Beautiful One...

2011-03-23T08:19:00.001-07:00

you are little bit tomboy...

you are a little bit princess...

you are smart...

you are sporty...

you are outdoorsy...

you are into games...

you are into driving...

you are funny...

you are B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!

I am SO thankful for YOU!!!

I love you!

Love

2011-03-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:7-21; 3:16-17
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and mind, love your neighbor as yourself.

Love those around you as yourself.

Be willing to lay down your life for the good of others even when they are not treating you right.

God commands us to love like him, you have no way on your own without God to walk in love! It's impossible to walk in love without God. I know you can't do this by yourself, it comes from God.

Reflect the love you are attached to.

God uses flesh to reveal Himself to flesh so that the unseen (God) can now be seen through you. You have been called to reveal the unseen God.

We have a WHOLE church that's trying to GET something instead of trying to REVEAL something (HIM).

Be a people walking in the word walking in love according to the word.

You have NOT been called to GET you've been called to REVEAL!!! HIM!!!

Praying for Japan

2011-03-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure many Christians are doing right now...I've been praying for Japan. I don't watch alot of TV and it's been hard to get a good idea/picture in my mind what has happened. I can in no way know what those people are going through but I do pray that God will sustain them, reveal Himself to them and that some of them might find Him through the midst of ALL of this.

If you'd like to view some unbelievably disheartening before and after photos of the areas effected click here.

Each photo has a "slider" sitting in the middle of it - the photo to your left is a picture of what the area looked like last April, the picture to your right is what the area looks like after the devestation...so sad.
Click to EITHER side of the slider and the photo will change right before your eyes to which ever year of the picture you want to see.

Pray Against Temptation

2011-03-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Don't say or do things out of temptation/frustration or anger.

Conquer those enemies through prayer.

Everything that God tells us to do in his word is for us. So we don't have to live inprisoned to the flesh.

Add power to ur life, don't deduct power.

Know urself, ur weaknesses so u don't fall into temtation. PRAY against it BEFOREHAND.
Be ready, pray that u will NOT b decieved and that you will recognize it immediately when it starts and that u will NOT come into that temptation!

Luke 22:40 pray that u would not at all enter into temptation.
Prayer works and opens the door for God to work in our lives.
Don't be a temptation to somebody else.

James 1:12; Luke 4:1-13

U don't see ur true self when u r in church. We see our true selves when we r at home behind closed doors when things aren't going our way and the pressure is on, when we have been disappointed, when somebody hurts our feelings, when somebody makes us angry, when somebody lets us down. How we handle those situations is when we see our true self.

But with EVERY temptation God ALWAYS provides a way out.

Learn to say if this is what I'm dealing with right now then God knows what I can take and there's a purpose in it that I don't understand but there is a treasure in THIS trial. Pray that God will strengthen u to make it through and to b the man/woman that He wants/created me to be.

Let God change YOU!!!

There are seasons of trials followed by seasons of peace.

Learn to rise above what's going on in the world.

Temptation and trials are linked together alot.

Pray ahead of time to resist temptation when you fall into various trials.

Children of God

2011-03-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

1st John 3:1-10We r children of God. If u r a child of God, u will LOOK like ur Father. Galatians 5:22-25 Just because u serve in church doesn't mean that u r showing the Father to others. Romans 8:14-17 We r children of God and joint heirs with Christ. Phillipians 3:7-14 The prize is HIM...NOT the things He gives me!!!Www.DesiringGod.comInvite people so they can experience the love of GOD. We want to share HIS presence!!!

God Seems to Always Prepare Me...

2011-03-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Lord seems to impress upon my Spirit a verse to learn each year. I study it all year long and then later find out that it has deeper meaning/significance in my life...as in, He's preparing me/my heart for something.

In 2010, the verse the Lord gave me was:

"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2) a time to be born and a time to die...Ecc. 3:1-2a

Since 2004 I have lost someone of GREAT significance in my life every other year on the even year. Therefore, in 2010, after the Lord giving me that verse, I kept praying we would not experience a significant death in 2010...seems weird but it seemed as if death was lurking in our family every 2 years. When 2010, came and went and no one in our immediate family died...I felt a sense of relief. Not knowing what was lurking just around the corner of the new year.

Nevertheless when death comes, it does not matter what year it takes place...it's hard and hurts regardless.

In February my 42yo step daughter died unexpectantly...we struggle with many things but the one of greatest importance is was she saved? Did she go to heaven? We shared the love of God with her but she never showed any interest. Did she repent in her last hours? There is nothing I can do to bring her back and at this point, there is nothing I can do concerning where she is spending eternity...that is the hardest part about all of this. There have been many negative things going on regarding all of this but THIS has been the hardest. I think I've decided to "believe" that she made it...once we get there will we know/realize if she didn't? God's going to wipe away all of our tears so I'm not sure what kind of "knowing" we will have there. Will we know any different?

I'm still amazed that God prepared me with this verse now imbedded in my heart & memory...I know that has helped during our time of mourning. I serve a mighty and gracious God...I'll praise Him in this storm!

Clearing the C L U T T E R!!!

2011-03-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

I've been lurking behind the scenes for a few weeks since my step daughters death trying to process it all. It seems my life is very cluttered at the moment and I'm not sure WHERE to begin to CLEAR it all up. Before Chris died I had just won "Clutter Rehab". I really wasn't sure what I was going to do with it besides skim through for a quick fix or two. This book has been SO good though...I'm not completely done with it yet but I've got about 15-20 of the 101 tips ear marked.

My main issues are 1) dealing with the PILES of "paper" clutter that seem to be stressing me out every 3 months when I just can't stand them anymore. I made this cool file folder pocket system for my fridge and within 1 day it all fell apart...ugh. It was going to hold our outgoing mail, incoming mail and magazines in 3 different slots. I've GOT to come up with some type of system. My husband just finished me out an AWESOME office and I'm never in there because of all the clutter. My second main issue is I want to get organized so I can coupon efficiently. I haven't been a big couponer but I joined the grocery game and have the Sunday paper ordered so I can give it a whirl and see how it goes. I'm going to attempt to put together some type of coupon binder system...hopefully that will work better for me.

I heard the coolest thing the other day - I love to be organized but don't like "maintaining" my organization...that fits me to a 'T'.

I've noticed when I'm overwhelmed with my clutter...my mind seems to be in a cluttery fog too.

1st John

2011-02-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

1john 2:7-9 the original command is love your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. U should see a new way of looking at it after Christ came.

1john 3:11-17 tolerate and speak kind words to your enemy. Love those around us even unto death. Christ is our example.

9) anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is in darkness.

The enemy gets us trapped in unforgiveness and hatred. He gets us trapped in this moment in time.

If you are my child you do NOT have that right!!! You can NOT walk in unforgiveness if I have forgiven you.

3:16-19 this then is HOW know we belong to the truth

Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful above ALL things beyond cure. Your heart is a liar and directs you to the lust of the flesh. There is a war going on.

The heart will condemn you unto death and you run from the presence of God and the Holy Spirit convicts you to draw you near to Him.

There is a difference in u stumbling in an area and in u making a lifestyle of it. Either way the way out of sin is repentance.

1 john 3:21- 24 have full confidence in HIM - what i am doing will line up with HIS WILL.

How Winners Think…How to Think Through the Tough Times

2011-02-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 12:1-3

If we do anything difficult in life we need to think like Jesus. Know that there's going to b problems. Inspite of the difficulty of the things in this life. Don't become overwhelmed. Focus past to the race u u have to run. Ur faith begins in knowing there is reward in ur future. On Friday Jesus wasn't talking about that day, he was focused on Sunday. Fight discouragement.

The type of thinking that the devil traps us in - photographic - a bad moment in ur life making u think this is as good as it's going to get.

The spirit of fear tells u your future is worse than your today.

Prophetic thinking is willing to recognize that tomorrow is better than today.

Reality minus God = fear

God is at work in our family.

Have joy!!!

1/3 of the bible is prophecy.

Jesus is coming and we win!!!

We war with the prophecies that God sends to us. In that moment pull out your prophecy book and speak what God says about you to the devil.

1) walk by faith and not by sight. Believe in the unseen realm.

2) find a promise or prophecy that ministers to you in what you are going through.

3) embrace the gift of prophecy and the bible. Cultivate what the Holy Spirit says to you.

Listen and then write it down. Allow Godly people to speak fruit into your life.

What we Should do during these times

2011-02-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

1) keep your head in the game, be men and women who study. You will begin to think about things you can do.

2) keep your house in order, find out whats going on in ur house. Stop and think about ur house Get out of debt.

3) keep your heart in your faith, at the time we need it the most is the time we begin to back away from church, God, reading our bible and serving.

Daniel 11:32-33

4) keep your hope in God, this world is NOT our home.

It figures tonight would be a full moon...it's a sad, sad day!

2011-02-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning believing that the Lord wanted me to call an aunt of mine and apologize to her for being judgmental toward her...my flesh didn't "WANT" to do that but nevertheless, I did it. It was tough and the conversation wasn't as I had hoped but she "DID" grant me forgiveness. (Thank you Lord!)

Heather and I decided to run over and see my uncle who is in the hospital...we got ALL the way over to St. Louis University Hospital and drove through the entire parking garage for 10minutes trying to locate a parking spot. We finally got parked and walked all the way from one of the furthest spots in the garage to the elevators and then across the cross walk to the hospital. Lo-n-behold the receptionist about came unglued when we didn't stop at her desk because apparently, kids are NOT allowed in St. Louis University Hospital...you have to be at least 18 years old...ugh! She told me I was welcome to leave my 10 year old in the lobby (yeah right!) while I go visit my uncle...I don't "THINK" so!!!

We decided to go to the gift shop and see if there was anything we could buy my uncle and have them deliver it for us...unfortunately, while we were in the gift shop, Larry called and told me that his 42yo daughter (my step-daughter) was found dead this morning...I'm SO sad!!!

I've struggled all day with did we talk enough to her, show her enough love, pray for her enough??? Life is SO short...why didn't we connect with her more?

For whatever it's worth Chris...Thank you for being a friend to me...I've always loved you!!!

It's been a tough day...it's a full moon indeed.

Christine Denise Ritter-Grisham-Hedtkamp
April 24, 1968-February 16, 2011

Food Prices to SOAR!!!

2011-02-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I'm a WINNER...YIPPEE!!!

2011-02-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Laura over at Org Junkie and to Brian over at Say Mmm for their latest giveaway!

I used Say Mmm's new printable grocery list on a recipe I had posted over at Laura "the Org Junkie's"site and won a copy of Laura's newest book...Clutter Rehab. The printable grocery list was very easy to use and fun. I'm going to try to get organized and get over to that site and add some more of my recipes linking the printable grocery list to make it easier to see what we need for our meals.

I've just viewed some of the Clutter Rehab book over at Amazon and can't wait to receive my copy. I KNOW it's going to help me clear up some of this clutter I've gathered lately.

Go to Amazon and take a look...what a great belated Valentine's gift - go ahead and buy a copy for yourself and a friend!!!

Thanks Org Junkie Laura & Say Mmm Brian for the giveaway!!!

Our Conflict is between Flesh and our desire of God

2011-02-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

2 Timothy 4:3 there will come a day when men will become weary. They will gather unto themselves teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Our conflict is between flesh and the desire of God.

1 John 1:1-9; 2-5

1:5-6) God is light, there is NO darkness in Him AT ALL!!! If u claim to live in the light but you walk in the darkness - u r a liar and your life is based on a lie.

2:1-2) there is a difference between u walking in sin and just sinning - if u sin u can go before Him and repent.

Romans 10:14 tell people what u have seen God do for you.

#1 test whats in front of you False teachers will come -u have to know the truth to be able to know if they are speaking the truth.

A Message from Pat...worth sharing

2011-02-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

January 2011

Pat Robertson went before the Lord in prayer and believes the Lord has given him a word of warning to pass along to his staff and partners. He makes it clear that he is NOT a psychic; he simply seeks the Lord and then listens as the Lord speaks to him through His Word and Holy Spirit.

From Pat:

I believe the Lord said our country is in great peril. Our leaders have harkened to the demands of special interest groups and have led our nation into bankruptcy. In two years there will come a time of reckoning. The president who will be elected in 2012 will preside over an impoverished nation. Our creditors will demand payment and there will not be enough to satisfy their claims. Our currency will shrink in value.

In the midst of this turmoil, God says, “I will protect my people, but warn them now about what is coming. Tell them to get OUT of debt and RESTRICT purchase.” When crisis comes, it will be those who are in debt who will be hurt the most. Now is the time to get finances in order.

Then the Lord said, “My glory will shine throughout the earth. People everywhere will be seeking solutions to their problems and many will turn to Me.” Even though bitter recriminations, revolutions and turmoil will increase, CBN’s ministries will prosper. The Lord is granting us peace and prosperity, and there will be extraordinary miracles that we will see during this period of time.

The Lord also told me that He will NOT permit mankind to destroy itself with nuclear weapons. Despite the rhetoric and alarms, it will not happen. Great tragedy IS coming, but it will be by God’s hand-so that the world will know that He alone is Lord.

God is telling us to “seek wisdom, seek righteousness, and seek His blessing.” We are here for a purpose, and God is going to continue to bless us and prosper us as we work to see His harvest complete.

Is there hope for America? I believe so. We must pray for our nation to repent and turn back to God. God is preparing you and me to shine as a great light to those in darkness. When trouble comes, God will use His people to bring comfort and relief to those seeking help and solutions.

It’s going to be a year of GREAT ministry! Get your house in order.

Trust in Him, count on Him-He will never fail you.

*Taken from ministry letter January 2011

Making Right Choices

2011-02-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

Deut 32:19 i set before you life and death, choose you therefore life.

By making right choices you can do away with anger and making wrong choices, etc.
Live deeper by going beyond what you want, think and feel.

Freedom is NOT free. Sow wisdom, reap wisdom. Sow foolishness and reap foolishness.

Don't feed misery by going with your feelings. Do what's right while it still feels wrong...you are growing.

Luke 5:1-7 don't live in shallow water (i want, i think, i feel) go beyond what i (want, think, feel) deeper, i will have an OVERABUNDANCE in life. Wisdom does now what it will be happy with later on. That way you don't have to live your life in regret.

Proverbs 2:1-6 we have too loose of a feeling today concerning God almighty! We need to love,respect and reverance him enough out of love. The Lord gives skillfull and Godly wisdom to those who seek it.

Proverbs 4:8 - use wisdom and get promotion. Walk in integrity when no one is watching.

True promotion comes from God. Make yourself so valuable that they can't do without you.

If I behave wisely, I'll get promoted. Foolish is without commonsense. Wisdom is just good commonsense.

areas for wisdom:
time management - use your time wisely; it's about choice!

Knowing God's Will

2011-02-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Almost everybody asks God, what is ur will for my life? What we really mean is what is our destiny for "our" life. We are not promised tomorrow. God wants u to know His will for today. Do his will today, do his will tomorrow and u will walk out God's will for your life.
Matthew 16:24 deny yourself, take up your cross DAILY and follow Me.
Everything Jesus did was a part of God's will - to die on the cross was God's plan from the beginning...it was God's will for Jesus' life. God's will for EVERYBODY is 1 Timothy 2:3-6 God wants ALL men to be saved. His will for ur life is He wants u to be saved. Salvation is when u repent and turn ur life towards Him. After you are saved, His will for your life is Matthew 22:34-40 love the Lord ur God with ALL ur heart, soul and mind. Then love your neighbor as yourself. (everybody) This ain't about you. Jesus was a servant.
Psalm 119:105 your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. God's will is for u to know the word.
Mark 11:25 when u stand praying, if u hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive u ur sins. God's will for u is to forgive. If you are God's, U are not yours. If u say u r His, You HAVE to forgive.
Kids- Ephesians 6:1 God's will for your life is for you to submit to and honor your parents.
Wives- Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your husband.
Men- honor and serve ur wife.

Do these things to position yourself to line up to God's will for your life DAILY.

Don't hold anything against anyone.

*NUGGETS are my own views on things I'm learning, going through or hearing on TV or in front of my pastor or that I just want to share.

Fasting Pt 2

2011-01-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

Matthew 6:19-21
Food, money, tv are not evil...if he doesn't have your heart, he doesn't have YOU!

Don't do it for religious sake.
Give this time to God.

Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.
What to give up and lay down?

Know the heart of why we r doing it. Repent
isaiah 58:6-9

A heart issue, aligning your heart up with the heart of God.

Direction, battles, lay something before God.
Man made fast, God made fast

Fasting= abstain from all or certain foods -remind your flesh whose in authority.
When you give, when you pray, when you fast...Settles your heart. Brings you closer to the Lord.

It takes discipline, at the end you will receive the reward of it.
It's an external thing to cause an internal work.
Between the thing and God

*Normal fast- liquid fast

*Partical fast - veg & water or get rid of favorite food something you are attached to
first few days you might get a headache. Flush your system with water. Digestive track slows down about the 3rd day.

Fasting is a choice...it's about a break through...choosing God.

Don't run

Use practical wisdom the Lord will lead you in what to give up.

Isaiah 58:9-10

Go past what the flesh wants. Get practical with with spiritual things

A Friday Giveaway

2011-01-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Inside Bru Crew Life is having a giveaway. Here are the details but make sure you click over to her site and register for it.

Making Friday Even Better!

How do you make Friday even better?

Sleeping in...Starbucks Coffee...Crafting...

OR...

With a $55 give away from CSN stores!!!! (and the crowd goes wild...)

That's right...a representative from CSN contacted me again
about doing a review or giveaway!

With Valentines Day just around the corner
I have decided to offer this as a giveaway
to you my blog readers.

It is just a small way for me to say
thank you for choosing to read
Inside BruCrew Life!

Have you checked out any the CSN stores lately?

We have been trying to figure out
a different way to rearrange our living room.
And the only thing I have come up with is that we need
a different TV STAND
(yup that colored one is a link to a CSN store)
to make it work better.
I have been looking through all the different ones
that CSN offers and there are some pretty awesome ones out there.
I just have to make a decision...

Now what can you do to win?

1. Be a Follower here (old or new) if you are just a casual reader, now would be the time to make the commitment to this blog:-)
2. Check out CSN and tell me what item you would use the money on
3. Post the giveaway on your blog

Do any or all three of these...
obviously the more you do the better your chance of winning.
Please leave me separate comments with what you did for an entry.

You have until next Friday, Feb. 4th to enter...
Good Luck:-)

Don't forget to go to Inside Bru Crew Life

Being a Stay At Home Mom Missionary

2011-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

The other day I happened upon a site that talked about being a "Stay at Home Missionary"(Reaching the World for Christ beginning in the home)...it really got me to thinking. I've been struggling these days/weeks/months with being home and with homeschooling. I love it and all but for some reason I've really been struggling with it all. I'm not sure what's going on.

A few months ago the Lord quickened my spirit and told me to "Stand Firm" in what he's called us to do...I guess he was forwarning me as he knew I was going to have these thoughts.

Last night at church, I sat in with the kids and listened to each of them talk about school and what they are doing and the classes they get to pick from for next year, etc...All I could think of is our daughter who doesn't do all of that school stuff but WHY in the world am I feeling that way...we have lots of opportunities and get to do all kinds of fun things too.

Why do I feel like this job that the Lord has given me isn't enough...I mean the God who created the entire universe has commanded me to stay at home and homeschool...why can't that be E N O U G H for me??? I know that I Know, that I KNOW this is where God wants me to be and this is what He wants me doing right now. There could be NO greater job as a mother that I could have besides doing this...it is true...I am a "Stay at Home Missionary"...these kids are my mission field. Loving them, spending time with them, sharing with them, ministering to them and teaching them should be my greatest joy!

Joyce's message this morning played right into what I'm going through so I thought I'd put it out there for anyone else who may be questioning...

Radical obedience = just start with the little things that God speaks to you.

Don't quit because things become difficult. Stick with something even when it's not comfortable for you. John 21:17-18 i'm being carried to where i do not want to go.

Do you love me? If you love me, you will obey me. God loves us and wants us to respond to whatever he wants us to do. God your will will be done and not mine, i set my mind that even if it's not comfortable, even if i have to suffer, i'm going to do it your way.

So many people pay the price of spiritual discomfort to have the comforts of the flesh or to have fleshly comfort.

There's nothing worse than going to bed at night knowing you did not obey God.

It's time to get radical in your obedience to God. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's time to stop looking around at others and being jealous at what they have got.

It's time to be obedient to God in whatever he has called you to.

*NUGGETS are my own views on things I'm learning, going through or hearing on TV or in front of my pastor or that I just want to share.

It's time to Begin Getting Prepared

2011-01-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

*borrowed from google images

Most that I talk to think it's crazy that we are beginning to prepare. For some reason, they tend to think that God doesn't call us to prepare. That if we're living for Him, he will take care of us. There's NO doubt that God is in control of what is going on in our country and in our lives but I believe that God DOES call us to prepare for things.

In the Bible he called Joseph to store up and prepare for the famine that was coming. He spoke about the 10 virgins and how 5 of them were unprepared. I believe at least for me and my family that God is calling us to get "prepared".

It's no different than having car insurance...you pray you never have to use it but just in case you EVER do...it's there.

There is an AWESOME post written over at New Life on a Homestead's blog and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to share it with you.

Check it out and hopefully you can begin doing something for your family to prepare for whatever your future holds.

Fasting Pt 1

2011-01-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

"WHEN" you fast...in the believers life it is a given that people should fast.

Fasting for the believer is Not a suggestion.

Matthew 6:16

Next Sunday we will begin a fast (Sun-Wed or Sun-Sun)

Matthew 16:21-27

The heart of a fast is denying yourself, take up your cross (unto death) and follow HIM....it's an ongoing process. The practical part of fasting is the denial of self.

John 10:10 ; Matthew 6:16-21

A Little Snow Day Organizing...

2011-01-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

It's funny how I don't wake up with a list to "do" these things...they just happen out of the ordinary. Laura over at Org Junkie is hosting 52 weeks of organizing. When she started with the first week I said no way...I can't possibly participate in that this year...well - the people that linked up on week #3 got me enticed to 'organize' and organize I did.

When my mom died I got a few of her gadgets...and I have my own gadgets already so I really was running out of "room" for all these gadgets. (the Waffle Maker, George Foreman, Crock Pot, Bread Maker, Toaster, Food Saver, and Blender...yikes - that's alot of gadgets...I have more but they are stored away:) The goal was to get all of these gadgets except the crock pot and toaster stored away. While I didn't get pics of these out and about on my counter...they all now have their own home and my counter is BEAUTIFUL.

First, I started with the pantry, in hopes of getting some of the canning things organized better and getting the Waffle Maker & small George Foreman in there...

So I started out with the shelf that I had 'rigged' on the bottom of the pantry...

...with these boxes and the Cambell's Soup boxes...yikes!

I went downstairs to look for something and happened upon "this" little gem holding some of my daughters stuffed animals...sorry dogs...you've got to find a new home...this baby's mine!

Thought I'd mark the out dates on the rest of my canned goods while they are out of

The shelving unit I showed earlier wouldn't fit completely on the bottom because of the long arm that holds the bottom pantry shelf up so I removed the top level of the shelving unit (the shelves can all come off and the shelving unit folded flat). I took the top shelf and made another layer over where my canned goods are. What do you do when you don't have the
proper shelf holding brackets??? Improvise...with some of those handy 3M strips, 2 pineapple stacked cans and a Juice Plus Box.

The shelving unit in it's new home

Two of the gadgets in their new home

The new "rigged" shelf

Thought I should repack my Steel Cut Oats and vacuum seal them in a jar...PRETTY!!!

Kitchen medicine cabinet...BEFORE

After with the Bread Maker in it's new home

Under sink kitchen cabinet before

After

What are YOU organizing this year??? Link up over at Laura's and let us know!

Oreo S'Mores Bars

2011-01-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I happened upon a S'Mores Bar recipe from a Remodaholic's Sunday Recipe Link...

Danielle shared this recipe:

1 pkg sugar cookie mix
3/4 c crushed graham crackers
1 c chocolate chips
1 c mini marshmallows

Heat oven to 350. prepare sugar cookie mix, use about 1 1/2 c dough mix with crumbs, (save remaining dough for topping). Press into glass 9x13 – bake 15 min or until center rises and deflates slightly. Add chocolate chips across top, sprinkle with cookie dough and marshmallows, Bake for 5 min. Watch so it doesn’t burn.

My version...nix the graham crackers and replace them with Double Stuff Oreos...

Oreo & 1 1/2c Sugar Cookie mix

Baked first time

Adding chocolate chips

Then remaining 1/2c sugar cookie mix

Adding the mallows

the "baked" goods

Adding some crushed oreos...doesn't look so pretty...

..yum!!!

PS. I did have to bake it originally for 25 min and then for 15 on the second round.

Good from Evil

2011-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I did a 'bitter-sweet' post on a seperate blog of mine. I'm beginning to blog about some of my "life" story. Last year I met Brit Nicole and she encouraged me to "share" my story...I could only think of the story that was going on in my life at that time but I realize that God would have me to start more at the beginning. (Thanks also to Sarah Markley for your post about Secrets that helped me step out and share this).

God has confirmed to me all day today that what I wrote was what I was suppose to write and even led me to Genesis 50:20 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accompish what is now being done"...In this story Joseph's life taught him that God brings good from evil for those who trust him. Do you trust God enough to wait patiently for him to bring good out of bad situations? I too am awaiting good out of some more 'bad' situations but I do trust Him. God can overrule people's evil intentions to bring about His intended results.

You can find the beginning of "my story" at my other blog.

The Lord our Provider

2011-01-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

He provides anything that we need, anytime we need it, what we have need of.
Eph 1:17-19

Learn who you are in Christ, what your inheritance is, God doesn't love you more if you do good works but you should do good works helping others because He loves you.

Jesus left us things in his will (the word). Know the inheritance that's ours.

Go to God first, no matter what we face, God is here.

He not only provides financially but he provides strength, ability, power and might.

Proverbs 15:15 all the days of desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances).

Satan wants you to aspect something bad, he wants you to live in fear, fear is the opposite of faith and it takes faith to receive anything good from God. We open the door to the devil by having fears and open the door to God by having faith.

Waiting on God is a spiritually active time (expecting, looking for, longing for, with outstretched arms and heart waiting for the goodness of God to show up in your life.)

Say something good is going to happen to me and God is working in my life right now. When we get our break through it's a result of something God has been working on for a long time.

Psalm 62:1 for God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.

Phil 4 be self suffiecient, possessing enough to require no aid and having an over abundance to help others.

Expect something good! The word of God is light and where there is light the darkness has to flee.

Live ready and each day for a break through.

Live with a holy expecting. Lam 3:25

*NUGGETS are my own views on things I'm learning, going through or hearing on TV or in front of my pastor or that I just want to share.

Living a Life of Peace

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What r u suppose to do when you want something or need something??? PRAY! Purposly b thankful. Refuse to murmur and complain. God's will for us is peace.

Col 3:15 let the peace of Christ rule.

If u don't have peace about something then Don't do it. (don't go there or buy that, etc)

John 14:27 peace i leave with you. My own peace i now give to you. Not as the world gives do i give to you. Do not let your hearts b troubled, neither let them b afraid.

Stop giving into the demands of your flesh. You have all the peace you will ever need, do not be ruled by your emotions. Pray for revelation on how to access peace and for wisdom to start choosing peace. You being peaceful is more important than you getting your way.

1 peter 3:10-11 ...let him search for peace.

Have peace with God, then with yourself and with other people. You can never have peace with people until you can love people unconditionally just the way they are.

*NUGGETS are my own views on things I'm learning, going through or hearing on TV or in front of my pastor or that I just want to share.

The Law of First Things

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How you behave in the wilderness determines how long you will stay there. Some people never get out because they complain, to complain is to remain. Trust God and praise him. Do not let the devil steal your joy or use your mouth to complain. Deut 8:2 i led u these 40 years in the wilderness, to humble you and to prove you, to see if you would keep my commandments or not. It's easy to worship God on the mountain top, it's another thing in the valley and in the wilderness.
Man does not live by stuff, he lives by the word of God alone. God can exalt but can also humble and abaise. God can not find many people that he can give everything to because it has an ability to get ahold of you. Keep things in their right place. Always have time for God. (Read all of Deut 8) your life is not in stuff! If it ever becomes more important than God, he can take it away.

Matt 5:24 if u have anything against anyone, go make it right with your brother FIRST.

Luke 14:28 calculate the cost FIRST before buying anything.

Matt 7:1-5 do not judge others, FIRST get the beam out of your own eye.

Form a habit to put God first in your time, money, forgiveness, etc.

*NUGGETS are my own views on things I'm learning, going through or hearing on TV or in front of my pastor or that I just want to share.