Mommy....will you please read to me?

It's my turn now. I have a head cold. All day I have felt achy and kept the box of Kleenex close by. My little guy seems to be feeling a little better.

All week I have wanted to write a post for this. Some of my favorite words are "Mommy...will you please read to me?" My older three kids are very independent readers. I remember when my oldest daughter was a toddler lying on my bed with a stack of books reading together for what seemed liked hours. We read many of the Golden Books over and over that by the time she was three she had most of them completely memorized. She is now fifteen years old and I still find her most nights with the light in her room peeking into the hallway as she is curled up in her bed with a book.
Her goal over the next month is to finish reading For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. and Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot. She is also reading this book for a school project.
My eleven year old daughter is currently reading Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I would like to see her finish the book in the next month. A couple nights a week we will lay down on her bed and she will read to me.
My ten year old son has always enjoyed reading. He is thoroughly enjoying these books at school and his goal is to finish Pilgrim's Progress by Paul Bunyan at home.
When each of my children have been in Kindergarten I have taken the school year and read all of the classics in the curriculum Five in a Row. I homeschooled my two girls in Kindergarten and used this as part of our curriculum.
My six year old son, who is in Kindergarten this year has been enjoying our journey through these wonderful classics. We read one book for five days in a row. Over the next four weeks I hope to read these favorites with him. The Story about Ping, Make Way for Ducklings, A New Coat for Anna, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, and Katy and the Big Snow . Over the years I have collected many of these classics for my own library of children's literature.

I try and spend fifteen minutes everyday reading board books with my two year old. I have noticed he is slowly sitting for longer periods of times. I also have a Before Five in a Row curriculum which has classics for younger children. I am going to read Caps for Sale over the next several weeks in addition to the board books about God, animals, and shapes. Each day I will read as much of the book as he will sit for. I have noticed that these books are so well written that my kids want to stay and hear the whole story. Another favorite classic that I read to him at nap time is Goodnight Moon. This has been a favorite for all.

These are my goals for each of my individual children in addition to their Bible reading using the youth and children's Life Journal.

Now, for our family read aloud. My husband reads to the kids one or two nights during the week. He will have devotions right before dinner with the kids and than immediately after dinner they will gather together with pillows spread out over the floor and he will read to them. He is currently in the middle of reading Mystery of the Island Jungle by Lee Roddy. This was an old book we have had on our shelf for many years. It is an adventurous book in which a young boy learns important truths about depending on God and facing tough times instead of running from them. Their goal is to finish the book over the next four weeks.

Thank you Jennifer for hosting this. Writing my goals down will help me to stick with our plan. For more great ideas in reading to your children go to Snapshot.

Introducing his "new" look

For those of you who asked, Here he is with his first big boy hair cut and "no" I don't have any regrets. As much as I loved his curls, his long hair was constantly in his eyes. He sat in the chair so sweetly. And "no" I didn't cry and "yes" I saved several curls.

The poor guy has not felt good the last three days. He saw the doctor today and has ear infections in both ears. No wonder he hasn't slept well for two nights (and neither has mom) He fell asleep tonight around six thirty and woke up about an hour ago. I am getting ready to put him back to bed. I pray he sleeps tonight. I have the "newborn" baby fog and I am ready for a full night's sleep.

Wordless Wednesday - We finally did it!

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In "Other" Words

"Those who read fast reap no more advantage than a bee would by only skimming over the surface of the flower, instead of waiting to penetrate into it, and extract its sweets."
~ Madame Jeanne Guyon ~

I have truly selected someone else's words today which so beautifully describe what I hope someday may depict my own life when it comes to the word of God. I often struggle for the right words to say or write. I know them in my heart, I have experienced it in my life, but it just doesn't seem to come out as I would hope. But I do hear and feel the music and will continue to sing the song. This most thought provoking quote was at the end of our bible study this morning for our Tuesday morning study at church. I have been meditating on it all week.

"There is a difference between memorizing Scripture and thinking biblically. There's a difference between knowing the words and experiencing their meaning. There is a difference between having sentences embedded in your head and having their impact embedded in your heart. There is a difference between "doing Christianity" and being a Christian. You can memorize all of the words, but if you've forgotten the music you still won't be able to sing the song." Tim Hansel

For more In "Other" Words go to Laurel Wreath

Menu Plan Monday

Here is my menu plan for this week. I've always liked having a plan, but I do not serve the plan, but the plan should always serve me. A menu plan always makes my weeks go much smoother. Last week, many of the meals I had planned worked well with my busy schedule. I had three slow-cooker meals that I was able to prepare in the morning and therefore my entire afternoon and evening was free to take care of other things and still have time to sit down at the table as a family and enjoy the fellowship of one another. This week I have a short menu plan since I am not sure yet what our weekend plans will be. Note: Last Friday I did not prepare my enchiladas since my husband went out of town, so since I already have the ingredients I am serving them this week. And normally, Tuesday is Mexican Night, but since I have a busy day on Tuesday, I am serving the enchiladas with home made refried beans tonight. shhh...my husband will be so happy!!

Monday: Enchiladas with rice and Beans

Tuesday: Swiss Chicken Bake and salad
(simple new recipe from An ordinary mom)

Wednesday: Breaded Shrimp, potatoes and cream corn

Thursday: Beef Stroganoff over rice and steamed veggies


For more great Menu's and new recipe ideas go to Organized Junkie

Word Picture

Jennifer at Snapshot had posted this and I thought I would try it. Random words from a month of blogging! I was pleased to see God, heart, journal, life, and love as some of the larger words. I don't know if those words found most in your blog come out larger or if it is all random? Anyhow, I love words and this is definitely a very cool word picture! Go to Snapshirts.com to make your own.

Thank You Friends!

A friend encouraged me to start this blog. I have always enjoyed putting my thoughts on paper and after reading other blogs for several months I certainly could see it would be something I would enjoy doing. Several years ago, I wrote articles for a homeschooling support group on various topics. That short assignment brought me a great deal of enjoyment and I knew there was more I was to do.

I started off writing posts based on the book, Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney, which I was reading along with several other ladies who no longer lived near me. Once we finished the book together I never expected to continue to have anything to post. But I continued through the holidays writing thoughts about Thanksgiving and Christmas and found a great deal of enjoyment in writing and reading other blogs.

Several friends are faithful readers and have encouraged me greatly! I know in real-life several other wonderful women who write blogs and I find those blogs as some of my absolute favorites, since I know who they are. I have two friends who inspire and encourage me with their emails and comments to go on even though they do not write their own blog.

With all that said, one of the things I did not expect in writing this blog was to have any one reading it beyond maybe a few people I told about it. I have been amazed by those who 1)either have personally told me they read this little itty bitty corner of my world. 2) perfect strangers who read here and 3) blogs which I have come to enjoy and read several times a week myself.

Like everything in my life I hope to always glorify God with this little itty bitty corner of my world. Today I received an email from a long time friend who has been reading and asked if I would write more about being a Godly woman, wife, mom, and if I would speak of some of the demands of being a Pastor's wife. I was humbled by her request, because it is something I would have looked to her for in recent years. I emailed her back and said, "I would try."

Today I wanted to say thank you to some of my new friends in this blogging world who have also greatly encouraged me by their kind words and comments. Today, Jennifer at Snapshot listed me as a new read for her. Thank you Jennifer! Most of you leave wonderful comments, but Susanne at Living to tell the Story is one of the most gracious commenter I have seen. If you think you have written something really bad or just plain boring, she will find something good in it. Her blog is a very warm and friendly place. Thank you Susanne! Kelly at A Spacious Place and Kim at Lifesong are two of the first blogs I began visiting regularly and I can't even remember how I came across them. They both are extremely inspirational. They have since received new blog designs which are beautiful. Thank you Kelly and Kim! Two of my newest reads have been Cyndi at One Day More and Deidre at For Such A Time As This. Cyndi has blessed me with her posts and her comments. I only wish I could sit down and have coffee with her. I sense we could talk for hours. Deidre has written some beautiful and very well written posts. Today she shares part II of a beautiful post titled: Not My Plan. Please go read this most beautiful post on God's sovereign and loving hand in her life. Her blog is beautiful!

I would love to hear from those who read and don't regularly comment. Are there things that could be shared on this blog or by others that may encourage you? If so, would you share as my friend has. Thank you!

What does the cross show us?

I read The Hiding Place when I was very young. Later on, I read Tramp for the Lord and I have treasured This Day is the Lord's. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Corrie Ten Boom.

"What does the cross show us? What do we see when our eyes are opened? We see that our sins are laid on Jesus, and that His righteousness is placed on us. Jesus had legions of angels available, which could have been an overwhelming defense. Nobody could have done Him any harm without His allowing it, but He did not use His defense. Through His obedience, He made His defense available to us."

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8

"The blood of Jesus Christ has great power! There is perhaps not a phrase in the Bible that is so full of secret truths as "the blood of Jesus." It is the secret of His Incarnation, when Jesus took our flesh and blood; the secret of His obedience unto death, when He gave His life at the Cross of Calvary; the secret of His love that went beyond all understanding when He bought us with His blood; the secret of the enemy and the secret of our eternal salvation."

Wordless Wednesday - My Guys

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5minutes4mom

Happy Valentines Day!

In Other Words

We are urgent about the body; He is about the soul. We call for present comforts; He considers our everlasting rest. And therefore when He sends not the very things we ask, He hears us by sending greater than we can
ask or think. Richard Cecil

I picture a stack of papers piled at the corner of my desk a bit tattered and yellowed from their stay, although unattractive by nature they represent the many unanswered prayers through the years. There have been so many
things I have declared that "I needed or desired" and pleaded with the Lord to allow these events or things in my life. Several things come to my mind, but one stands out. A few years ago my oldest daughter had participated in a drama performance group through the school she was attending at the time. There was a selection process for the following year in which several students were selected to go on and work with a group which would perform in area schools and so on. Everything in the natural mind would have expected my daughter to be selected, but God did not bring what we asked. He did not answer my prayers for my daughter. Instead the words, "He hears us by sending greater than we can ask or think" were lived out before me in the next few months. In the moment, I did not understand why. I prayed with my daughter as she cried and felt a bit betrayed not by God, but by the director and leader of this group. In her natural mind she had worked hard and in every way should have been selected. But neither of us knew what God's plans were at the moment.

Over the next couple of months as the Lord began to open the door for our move across the country we began to see God's gracious and loving hand in our lives. My husband, my daughter, and I all knew had she been selected for this group our hearts may not have been open to His plans. Even my daughter proclaimed God's goodness in her life allowing her heart to be open to the change that was approaching. At a time in a young person's life when most would agree that a major move would be detrimental, she welcomed God's plan.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

Again, the image of several pieces of paper stacked at the corner of my desk and what they represent, reminds me of God's loving and sovereign hand in my own life. There are a few new pieces of paper at the top of the stack. There are still many that have been there for years. At times, I feel the need to deal with these on my own, but than I remember the words of Psalm 77:11-19

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.

I desire God's footprints throughout my life, those unseen places which only He knows what is needed and what will bring about His eternal plans for my life.

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11

For more "In Other Words" visit Joy in the Morning

Menu Plan Monday

This is my first Menu Plan Monday. Like most of you I find that if I don't plan for the week, I end up scrambling from day to day trying to figure out what to serve my family.
For several years I have used a 30 day menu plan with approximately 20 meals that I try and rotate. Every month I try and add two to three new recipes and remove any that weren't working for us. Planning ahead also forces me to shop in advance and have extra ingredients on hand for unexpected visitors etc. Ideally, I like to shop only once a month for all my staple items for my planned meals, and then shop once a week for the fresh ingredients. This greatly reduces my grocery bill when I stick with this plan. I am able to better take advantage of sale items and other specials when I have a plan.
I have also tried to have a cooking day once a month in which I will cook several pounds of boneless chicken and freeze in 2 to 3 cup portions for several dishes. I also have a few casseroles that freeze nicely.
The family meal time is one of the most important times of our day during the week. I try and create an atmosphere in which we truly "come to the table". Tuesday is usually our Mexican theme night. Friday nights we sometimes have carpet picnics depending on what I am serving. Occasionally, we have "table talks", play a simple game while eating or a family favorite is having each child share about their day. And now that our children are getting older we have added devotions right before the meal. Our two year old is the only one I serve ahead of time so that he remains quiet while daddy is reading and sharing. Some evenings everything goes nicely as planned and other times it is chaotic. Perfection is not the goal in my planning, but to create an environment in which my children can experience the love of family as well as receive both spiritual and physical nourishment.
Here is what I hope to serve my family this week all of which are part of my 30 day plan.


Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, Salad and garlic bread

Tuesday: Taco Soup, Chips and salsa

Wednesday: Chicken Packets, corn and red potatoes

Thursday: Roast Beef and Gravy and Steamed Veggies

Friday: Enchiladas with rice and beans

Saturday: Super simple Beef Stew with homemade biscuits

Sunday: Lasagna with salad and cheese bread

For more menus and great recipe ideas go to Organizing Junkie

I am From

When I read Kelly's and Heth's "I am From", I knew I wanted to do this little writing exercise myself. I wrote mine several weeks ago and just let it sit for awhile. It is amazing how many things come to your memory when you right things down. I often think of the heritage I want to leave my children in the written word. I want them to read things that I have written, my love of God and His word, my love for their daddy, and my love for each of them. I want them to hear my struggles, the pain, the disappointments, and my faith. I hope that in each of my journals and even this little blog they discover my faith in Jesus Christ.

I am from...

I am from black tops and side walks, from Disneyland to Knott's Berry Farm.

I am from the small stucco house at the end of a cul-de-sac, the smell of chlorine, block wall fences and Ford trucks.

I am from green grass throughout the year, sandy beaches, palm trees, Santa Ana winds and snow capped mountains.

I am from Christmas Eve with Grandma and Grandpa, Norwegian Lefse and homemade cinnamon rolls, from Ron and Blanche and a man named Jim.

I am from bus rides down Brookhurst street straight to Huntington Beach and summer visits with my aunt and uncle, their eight kids, barbeque's in the backyard, kick the can and hide-n-seek.

From Santa Claus and and the little song, "My mother said if I'd be good, she send me to the store"

I am from Jesus becoming Savior, a small church on the corner and Calvary Chapel concerts.

I am from the sunshine state, an accountant, beautiful wood work, and simple family meals around the kitchen table.

From the love of antiques, all things old, doll collections, cowboy boots and western wear, Johnny Cash and Engelbert Humperdinck, Mano's Pizza, Squirt and RC Cola.

I am from the stories of growing up in Wyoming, or the small town of Keokuk, and the Grandma retired in Santa Monica who raised five boys by herself.

The beauty in this little exercise is that no matter where "I am from", I am most importantly a daughter of the Most High God.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33

Home is where your heart is!

Before I begin my actual post for today I have something to say about my choice of Wordless Wednesday posts. It is not my intention to torture anyone with the wonders of summer. (if you are wondering what this is about go read the comments from her, her, and her and probably more!) I promise when we are sitting outside fanning our faces with sweat dripping down our backs, I will post the snow pictures I am currently taking. Until then, this week's picture was taken in my parents backyard at what I would call my childhood home and I am mourning just a bit.
Now for the actual post I had planned for today. I moved to 9721 Kennelly Lane right before the 4th grade and lived there until I was married. My family has now lived in this house for over 35 years and they are getting ready to put it on the market. My parents have already purchased a new home in another state and are in the final stages of their move.

Don't misunderstand me I am very happy for them. God has truly provided for their desire at this season of life. But I am extremely sentimental over certain things and this is one of them. I know it is just a house, but it is filled with so many memories. The address, phone number, and even a few neighbors have remained the same for 35 years. This past summer after spending nearly two weeks visitng and knowing this was probably my last time at the house, I found myself nearly out of breath trying to keep myself from breaking down and weeping upon leaving. I had awoke early the morning of our departure and spent some time with the Lord. I walked through the rooms quietly in the stillness of the morning while everyone else slept. Growing up the house was about 1400 sqaure feet, and later my parents added an additional 500.
Looking at the tiny room in the middle of the hallway which once graced yellow and lime green walls, the bathroom in which I first learned about make-up and other girly things, the place on the floor where I would lay for what seemed like hours talking on the phone to friends because the phone was connected to the wall all just seemed to take place moments before. The first time my husband came to the door, the place he asked my dad if he could marry me, the mark on the steps where we once sat and talked and even the place in front where we always parked our car when visiting all were etched in my mind. Even my children have spent many days and years running through Grandma's house, watching their favorite movie in what she called the "sanctuary", eating at the counter, taking baths in their deep kitchen sink, and of course summertime literally living in their swimming pool, except for eating and sleeping.
I realize as I boarded the plane later that morning to come home, that I hold the memories, not the house. The memories will go where I go and are locked in my heart. After all, home is truly where my heart is. I will miss going to 9721, but there are new memories to be made at their new home and for this I am very thankful!

yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14

Wordless Wednesday x 2

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In Other Words

"I long to worship Jesus with the heart of a child, in a state of pure and true adoration. Yet so many things of the world cloud my thoughts and pull on my heart until it's no longer just a girl in the arms of the Father"
~ Darlene Schacht ~
"The Mom Complex"

When all of my children were babies there was a point in their growth that the safety of my arms securely wrapped around them could no longer keep them in my grasp. There was a point in which the noises in the room would slowly pull at their senses away from my loving touch and caress. They wanted to stay curled up against me, but the distractions were great and would slowly overtake them.
Then suddenly, without warning my babies would be back in my arms. And often if someone or something tried to remove them they would refuse. They were firmly fixed in place or steadfast about their position.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

I long to worship with pure adoration like the heart of a child. But I am more like one of my own babies when I am standing before Him worshiping. My eyes are closed, my heart and mind are purely focused on Him. But then, slowly I open my eyes and begin to look away, notice those around me, my mind begins to wander, and before I know it I am as far away from the security of His presence without ever leaving the room.

In Matthew 18:3. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:13-14

These verses reminds me of the value Jesus placed on the little children. It is their heart and faith that we are instructed to become like. It is pure, simple and uncomplicated

For more In Other Words visit here

I know I am not alone

I have felt a bit weepy this past week. It is both a physical weariness and a heaviness I have on my heart over many things. Some of the heaviness is for others and what they are facing and the rest is my mother's heart.
The past week or so I have felt the mental, emotional, and spiritual demands of being a mom. The very thought of being someones "mom" has brought me to tears. The love that these children give me in spite of who I am, or what I have done, or what I continue to do and say is so remarkable. A child's love is so pure, genuine, forgiving, and perfectly wonderful. They love their mamas and trust them immeasurably. I believe God created us this way.
Learning to trust God with these lives He has so lovingly entrusted to me is one of the hardest things I have had to do.

I know I am not alone. We all dream of our children growing up happy, successful, beautiful, loving and as God honoring and fearing adults.
I know I am not alone. We all start out in this mothering role with hopes and dreams of our little guys doing well in school, playing sports, revealing wonderful talents and gifts right from the start.
I know I am not alone. I have been through the ballet classes, gymnastics meets, baseball games, and auditions to see all the parading mommies hoping their special child will be the "One". The "one" who shines above the rest, who is selected as the best, or who remains first through the test.

But what do we do as moms when our little "one" is not the best or doesn't' stand out among the rest? Or maybe doesn't even come close? How do we pray? As a mom in the midst of it, it is sometimes difficult to see that God's plans are always the best. We pray the scripture that says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." But we hurt as our child hurts. We cry as our child crys or walks away after being told they aren't the best. We hold on to the promises God has given to us as moms and for our children.

edited: (I removed my daughter's photo)

My eleven year old daughter, Kelsey, said to me the other day as we were discussing some of the difficulty she was having with her school work, "why didn't God give me better brains?" I have to tell you that at that very moment I did not have an answer. In my weariness, I could not bring up any great spiritual wisdom from anywhere within me. As she began to cry and say, "mom, I have struggled in 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade..and so on", I began to weep with her. I wanted and still do so badly to fix this. I want to do something. I wanted to take away the memory of the struggle and replace it with beautiful memories of fun and success. But I can't. My husband and I have prayed for this little girl, looked at everything prayerfully in her little life, we have sought the extra academic help and so on. But as a mama, it is so difficult to bear. I know I am not alone. I want God's best for my child.

As I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning and taking care of things in my home, I prayed for this girl. I prayed for wisdom. I prayed against the standards the world as set up and labeled "successful" in my daughter's life. I thanked the Lord for giving me this child (I had a difficult and scary pregnancy). I thanked the Lord that she is fearfully and wonderfully made just as God had fashioned her before the foundations of the earth. I recalled and prayed many of the promises he has given me for her and through some of the challenges we have already faced and His faithfulness in it all.

And than this morning in my in-box was the most beautiful words of encouragement from the only person who I had mentioned this little conversation to. A gentle and wonderful reminder from the Lord. Here is some of what she said in part as she has explained her own daughter's struggles in school. I have to tell you before you read this that I know her daughter and she is truly a remarkable, beautiful, and extremely talented young woman of God.

I have had so many talks with her over the years to help her see that the brains aren't what God wanted her to excel at- that it could have very well gotten in the way of His plans if she was straight A and locked into that. She has a boldness and a love to share her faith that has born fruit in junior high, high school, college, Australia, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, and now Kenya. And school was hard for her. Sunday she will sing of her Lord in front of maybe 6,000 people. Not because she did well in school. God has great plans for Kelsey. She is fearfully and WONDERFULLY made to bring glory to God. Keep cheering her on, Momma. You were chosen to be her mommy and so get out your pom-poms and go at it!

Words cannot express my appreciation to this dear friend. She may never understand what "new" life her words gave to this weary mom. A mom who wants only what God has planned for her little girl. But I think she does know for she has prayed and watched God do this for not just one girl, but two, and one more who is still on her way. And of course I won't forget the three sons, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law and six (almost seven) grandkids.

So I am off to make poms poms in my heart and cheer this girl to the finish.

I have never won anything, but I rarely if ever enter contests or other things like this. But this jewelry is so cute and I know someone who would love this necklace so I thought I would join in on the contest fun at 5Minutes4Mom.

Love and Acceptance

Two words that I have struggled to grasp for myself: love and acceptance. For many reasons, some of which the Lord has showed me through the years and others that I am still seeking, learning and trying to understand.
Some people are so comfortable in the presence of others. When they visit your home they don't need to ring the doorbell. They come through the back door. They don't notice if your house is a mess. They will just step over, push aside, or join in on whatever is going on.
How do they do it? It is simply acceptance. The kind of love and acceptance that doesn't come to see your stuff, but to see you.
These people leave behind their expectations of how others should be and what they should do. To them, every person is a buried treasure to be discovered and enjoyed. Differences, evaluations, judgements and makeovers are not their job. Loving acceptance is.
When such a person takes me into her heart, it is certain that she cannot stay long out of mine.

Wordless Wednesday x 2

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The Truth that Sets me Free

"Satan's ultimate lie is that you are capable of being the god of your own life, and his ultimate bondage is getting you to live as though his lie is truth."
~ Neil Anderson ~

Our Tuesday morning Bible Study is currently doing a study on the "Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free". I am using Nancy Leigh DeMoss's book as a reference. (the book is excellent and I would highly recommend it)

During our first week we looked at the creation of woman and how Satan was able to trap her in believing the "lie". He is still trying to use this method of operation today.

Satan deceived Eve through a clever combination of outright lies, half-truths, and falsehoods disguised as truth. He began by planting seeds of doubt in her mind about what God had actually said (“Did God really say….?”)

In Genesis 3, right at the beginning he questions God
He questions the word of God. He questions his truthfulness, the meaning, the motives, implying that God has some secret plan and so on. He twists the meaning: He said, “Has God indeed said” (verse 3:1)

What God had said (Gen. 2:16-17) actually came in the positive.

He deliberately misrepresented the character and the command of God. He made it seem as if God didn't care.

Next he not only mis-quote’s God’s word but he contradicts it. (Compare Gen. 2:17 with Gen. 3:4)

Than in verse 5 he gives her a partial truth.

Eve was deceived. In verse 6, She “saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise”

He appealed to what seemed right at the moment.

Like with Eve, Satan does not come head on and say to me "you can be like god", therefore believe this. Instead he starts by questioning the truth. He plants seeds of doubt. I than begin to question the character of God, and once I am questioning His character I have opened myself up (like Eve) to believe the lie.

God's Word is truth. The more time I spend reading, studying, meditating, and praying God's word the more I know his character and the truth. The more I know Him!

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."John 8:32

For more great posts visit Christine at Fruit In Season

...to be His love

In preparing for bible study, I found the most beautiful qoute from Mother Teresa, "The family is the place to learn Jesus. God has sent the family - together as husband and wife and children - to be His love."

I can think of no better place to begin than home, to share His love!

I Have Felt Loneliness

I wrote this post last night after pondering the question a friend asked me recently, "have you ever experienced loneliness?" Without hesitation I immediately responded, "yes". I know my response surprised her, in fact at times it even surprises me, but only in the last several years was I able to recognize it or even understand how it creeps into my life. I had hit the publish button and went to bed, but this morning I had some additional thoughts.

Loneliness as described in Webster's dictionary, is being without company,cut off from others,not frequented by human beings, sad from being alone, producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation. I have yet to meet a woman who doesn't desire "alone" time. But this wasn't what my friend was referring to. She was talking about what Harold Rupp quotes in the book, "A Woman in her Home", "loneliness is not so much a matter of isolation as of insulation."

There are many circumstances in which I have found myself insulated from others.

I have felt the deep loneliness of location - often separated from family.
I have felt the loneliness of aloneness - in a strange land, pressed on every side by many people.
I have felt the loneliness of wife hood - when my husband's tasks took him away, often and long.
I have felt the loneliness of motherhood - when no one understood. or could lend a helping hand.
I have felt the loneliness of friendship - when the phone doesn't ring and my box is empty
I have felt the loneliness of standing up for what is right - while others mocked, laughed, and looked on with pity.
I have felt the loneliness of deeply involved decisions - which no one else could solve.
At times I still experience loneliness.

The hardest thing to do during intense struggles, change, disappointments, pain, weariness, all of which can take place in the day to day life of a wife, mother, employee etc. is to continually reach out to others. It is during these times that we sometimes insulate our hearts in a defensive nature assuming that we will be protected. When in actuality we are allowing the disease of loneliness to have its perfect breeding ground.

One of the distinct characteristics I noticed in experiencing loneliness in my own life was my focus had slowly shifted from pleasing God to looking at myself and allowing my circumstances to dictate how I felt rather than God and His word. I needed more than ever to reach out to others, attend a weekly bible study or mom's group and yet during these times I have every excuse in the world not to go, not to reach out, not to risk the possibility of feeling worse.

Dee Brestin in her book, "The Friendships of Women" states,

Intimacy is risky. No doubt about it. If I reach out to a woman to whom I am drawn, she may reject me. If I tell a woman that I love her, that I cherish her as a friend, she may respond little (or not at all). If I open my soul to another, trusting her with my dark side of failure, she may draw back in shocked silence (or she may tell others). If I love out of the overflow of my heart, promise another unfailing love until the day I die, then I have bound myself before God( and I bring upon myself His wrath if I break my vow) Risky. Risky. Risky.

It is risky, but as I shared with my friend, "God never leaves us, nor forsakes us." I encouraged her to begin attending the ladies bible study in her church. I told her, "It will take courage to fight through the walls that have been built up in her heart, but God will be waiting at the door." I prayed with her and reminded her that "she is not alone!" I am anxious to hear the report.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

A Church Guy

Today while driving home Theo, who is 10, was talking about what he wants to do when he grows up.
Hunter, who is six and in Kindergarten, shouts from the back seat, "I want to be a church guy like dad" (he meant a pastor, but for now we will call it " a church guy")

Theo looked at me and smiled!

Music to my ears...

My fifteen year old daughter has been at home sick the past two days. This morning we had a conversation about babies. She commented that she wished that Coleman, her 2 year old brother was still a tiny baby. (the picture to the left is my daughter at 13 a few days after Coleman was born) She mentioned that when she has children she will already know how to change a diaper, dress a baby, give them a bath, but there still may be some things that she would need help with. I told her that I would be there to help her and she smiled. She went on to say that she loved large families and hoped to have four children. This was music to my ears. Why? Not because at some point she has expressed the opposite desire or because I have some fear that being the oldest child of five children that we had somehow discouraged her from desiring a large family, but in a culture in which young women are encouraged to be independent, powerful, self-absorbed, and to "take care" of themselves and not rely on a man, a young lady who desires to pursue a life as a wife and mom is not given that box to check as she comes to the end of her high school education.

You may be wondering if we are encouraging our daughter to go to college. Absolutely, if this is the direction we feel God is leading her in. As parents we don't need any help encouraging her to pursue her dreams and desires for a career. We are bombarded by media, friends, school, and other influences that speak to those desires. But where is it spoken for young girls to look at the role in which God created them for as a most high and holy calling? Who is showing and encouraging young girls to live a life devoted to her husband and children? Personally, I feel the job is best completed through women who recognize the truth of the word of God and begin to teach these truths to their daughters, granddaughters, and other young ladies God places in their life to influence.

Preparing my daughter for a life of biblical womanhood includes preparing her for singleness as well. 1 Cor. 7:34 says, "There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband." Teaching my daughters to trust in the sovereignty of God over their life, even the hope of marriage and children someday can be an anxious and troubling time if there is not a sure reliance upon the providential care of the Sovereign God.

Our oldest daughter is typical of other girls her age. My husband and I prayerfully plan to continue to guide and teach her these truths. We hope to model them in our relationship and through the teaching of the word of God. She (or we) may stumble and get muddy along the path, but we continually put our trust in God for wisdom, strength, and help as we parent our children.

Wordless Wednesday

the little things

Luke 19:17 says, "Well done, my good servant! his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities'. "Little things matter to God. And I don't know anyone entrusted with more little things than a mother. You know the things I mean. That little everyday stuff that never ends:

• make beds
• laundry, laundry, and more laundry
• read a story, write a note, kiss a boo boo
• dishes, dinner, and more dishes
• vacuum, dust, and bathrooms
• when you're done, do it again
• and do it again once more

There is a point to all this. When we do the little things that matter today, it has eternal value. I am reminded of what Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me." ( Matthew 25:40)

Reading this verse cause my toilet scrubbing, nose-wiping duties to take on a high and holy purpose.

S.O.A.P. for today

This morning my household duties were calling out for attention. I took inventory and realized places in every room were looking at me saying, "pick my up", or "put me away", or "wash me". I had two piles of laundry sorted in each of the kids room and three loads in my room.
Often times when my home is screaming are the days that I am most tempted to forgo my time spent in God's word and yet it is these days which I need it most.
So this morning, in the midst of a sink of dishes, a floor that needed sweeping, clothes to be folded, and my own desire to finish up my notes for tomorrow's bible study, I sat down to my Life Journal. Our reading for today was from Exodus 3,4,5 and Luke 22.

Title: The "I" worries 1/22/07
S. (Scripture)

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."

Exodus 4:10-13

O. (Observation)
I have read this portion of scripture many times. But something stuck out for me this morning. The conversation Moses was having with God beginning at the burning bush and continuing on into chapter 5. God had revealed himself to Moses, performed miracles for him personally, and was speaking directly to him. (How much more could a person want) And even with all this Moses was still questioning God. As I read I am a bit intrigued with this conversation going back and forth with Moses asking questions and God supplying answers. Finally, the last excuse Moses gives for not being the one that should go, is he is not talented or capable or eloquent etc. etc. in his speech. God responds with again more words revealing who He is and some personal instruction, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses still replies, "let someone else do it." Matthew Henry in his commentary says, "But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less perilous."

A. (Application)
I found myself thinking, "come on Moses, what more do you want?", but before I could finish the thought, the question in my own mind arose of my own questioning of God. The easy things I am asked to do. He paid the ultimate price, has already demonstrated His unconditional love, and has sent a helper, comforter, encourager in the Holy Spirit. How often do I try and negotiate with God? How many times have I missed an opportunity to complete His services because "I" worries got in the way.

P. (Prayer)
Lord, Send me forth, not in my own strength, but with the words, "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say", imprinted on my heart.

Thank You for your help!

My kids, my husband, and I all had fun sharing our thoughts and reading yours on the very trivial subject of whether or not we should cut our son's curls off. My husband, who loves to tease me about the whole thing has kindly left it up to me to decide when to schedule the hair cut since 60% of you voted "yes" (even those who suggested a trim) and 40% "no".

I appreciated Kim's and Julie's comments who reminded me gently that I should respect my husband's vote. This couldn't of been more timely since we are talking about this very subject in our Tuesday morning Ladies Bible Study, you know the word that we often avoid in our conversations with other women, yes I am talking about "submission". By the way this would be a good post for another day.

Anyhow, thank you again for the fun! I thought it was so cute last night as I was helping my half asleep 10 year old son get into bed that he asked, "do we know what the vote ended up at?" After a full day of church, playing in the snow and being with friends, this is what he was thinking about. I just giggled to myself since I know he doesn't like getting haircuts himself and was having compassion for his little brother.

A Weekend Poll - Should we cut his hair?

My baby boy is two years old. His curls have been such a cute part of his personality that I don't want to cut them. For over a year they had been pretty tight. Check out this picture or this one. It doesn't matter what he is wearing, the greeters at Wal-Mart have been commenting on how cute "she" is for months. I know it is time, but I am really dragging my feet. So, I thought I would ask you the important question of the day, "Should we cut his hair?" I know he will be just as cute and sweet with a little boys cut where there is no longer a need to constantly brush the hair out of his eyes, but I also know that once we cut it, the curls will be gone for now at least. His older brother had the same curls at two years of age and now his hair is straight as a board. So help us out and play along. Take the poll on my side-bar and let us know what you think. Thanks for your help!

I love the way his curls hang out of his cap.


Hair in the eyes

A view of the back


A side view..and zippering his own coat(which by itself was adorable)


Click on the pictures to see them larger..thanks again and don't forget to leave a comment to let us know you voted.

Stretch out your hand

Author Elizabeth Elliot writes in A Lamp for My Feet about a game she played as a young girl. She writes, "My mother or father would say, 'Shut your eyes and hold out your hand.' that was the promise of some lovely surprise. I trusted them, so I shut my eyes instantly and held out my hand. Whatever they were going to give me I was ready to take." She continues, "So should it be in our trust of our heavenly Father. Faith is the willingness not to have what He does not want to give."

Do you have unanswered prayers? Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten you or has stopped listening? I have! I am not like Elizabeth, often I keep one eye partially opened wondering if what God has promised in His word is going to be lovely. I hold out my hand proclaiming my belief, but in my heart I am ready to tuck it back in. "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness." Gen. 15:6

Jeremiah 29:11, a much quoted scripture says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." By faith, I choose to believe God. I gently close my eyes and uninhibitedly I stretch out my arm and open my hand with fingers spread to receive His promises, given His way and in His time.

5 things you didn't know about me

Cyndi and Susanne both tagged me for this little meme. These are five things you didn't know about me, unless you know me. Does that make sense??

1) I lived in Southern California just 10 minutes from Disneyland until six years ago. Then the Lord moved us to the Foothills of Northern California for five years and finally to the beautiful mid-west.

2) I majored in Accounting, but I always dreamed of being a teacher.

3) I accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of 10. I had started attending a little baptist church on the corner across from my elementary school. I was invited by a friend. I can still remember my first Sunday School teacher, Mr. Roberts.

4) I have always liked the beach, the feel of the sand, the smell of the ocean, and boats. As a teenager, my friend and I would go sailing in the harbor. We would sail these little two man boats (I forget the name) and they would easily tip over which was half the fun.

5) I love to read. One of my favorite things is to take a whole day and find a quiet corner and wrap myself around a good book, but it is a rarity, so instead I often stay up too late reading.

So, there it is. Things you may or may not know about me.
If you would like to do this little meme, go ahead consider yourself tagged.

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5Minutes4Mom

I can cause such a stink

Too often I find myself relating to the mother in this cute yet smelly story:

The mother of six children walked into her home one day to see all her children huddled together in a circle. She approached them to see what had evoked such intense interest, and she could hardly believe her eyes.

To her horror, in the middle of the circle of children were several baby skunks. She immediately screamed at the top of her voice, "Children! Run, run, run! Out, out, out!"

At the sound of their mother's alarmed voice, each child quickly grabbed a baby skunk and headed for the door. The screaming and panic, of course, set off the instinctual danger alarm in the skunks, and each of them quickly dispelled its horrible scent. Each child and the house itself were doused with an aroma that lingered for weeks, regardless of intense scrubbing and use of disinfectants.

Too many times I am the mother in this story reacting to my children's behavior with a scream or harsh voice and causing a stink that sometimes takes days or weeks to rid itself. The smell of skunk is all too familiar after living in the foothills for five years.

Most often my children receive the worst of my reactions when I am tired, preoccupied, or in a hurry. If only, each time I was about to respond inappropriately I would get a whiff of one, maybe than I would stop and think about my response before reacting from my emotion-driven, spur of the moment, selfish behavior. What do ya think?

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

S.O.A.P. for today

In my Life Journal this morning I looked intently at these verses in Luke.

Title: What is my Attitude? 1/15/07
S. (Scripture)
"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'
" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Luke 15:28-32

O. (Observation)
Whenever I read Luke 15 and see the heart of Jesus when it comes to the lost, I am always drawn to these verses. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior as a young girl, therefore I have tried to walk with him throughout most of my life. And so did this older brother. Or at least that is what he thinks. One thing I have always wondered is "what happen after the father came out and talked to him?" Did he repent in his own heart for his pride and self righteous attitude or did he stay outside and remain angry and bitter. Scripture does not tell us. But as I look at the older son's description of his faithfulness to the father and the words that was selected to describe it, I have a clue. He says, "Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders." His heart is revealed. Loving devotion, faithfulness and obedience usually do not use imagery of being a slave. He also reveals his heart and attitude towards the Father when he refers to his brother as, "this son of yours" as if to have already separated himself from the family long before he came in from the field. I can almost imagine him placing himself in some high position in his mind because he wasn't LIKE his younger brother. Oh, what a dangerous place to be.


A. (Application)
Do I celebrate when others come to Christ who have clearly caused grief to their family and others? Or is my heart jealous of what God is doing in their life and do I let my own self-righteous attitude come forth? Do I become irritated when it seems the prayers and concerns are always aimed at the lost and hurting in my family? Jesus celebrated when the lost repented. I must always remember "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". No matter how long I have walked and pursued godliness in my life, I must never forget that I am a sinner, saved by grace.

P. (Prayer)
Lord, forgive me for my self-righteous attitudes. Help me to have a heart for the lost and hurting. I thank you for the words, "you are always with me, and everything I have is yours".

I want to be like the tree

As I pulled away from the school this morning I found myself a bit reflective. That is of the trees. Along 2nd Ave. there are these huge trees one right after the other.
There they stood this morning in the brisk cold air towering high into the sky naked as ever. It was almost like they were a bit proud of their position, their season, this time that they were given. Normally I don't notice them much at this time of year but rather look forward to the new life they bring in spring or the dramatic performance they give in fall. Yet I know from my brief studies of the seasons while my oldest daughter was in kindergarten, that at this time or season all of their energy and efforts are put into their root system in order for survival during the harshness of winter.
And then I saw it, not the naked limbs which seem so vulnerable to the elements but the huge trunk with what almost looked like legs going down deep into the ground. All of a sudden in an instant I realized I want to be like those trees. No, not naked, but rather with deep roots and a strong foundation because life is often referred to as seasons.
I know that during the difficult winter the tree is at risk of being hurt, losing a limb or two or three, and gasp even being forced to be pruned. But what if a tree refused to give up those leaves and stay green all year and put forth all of their energy towards staying in this one season, never changing? Like me at times, the tree would look pretty silly and eventually die of sickness and disease due to a poor root system. I could almost see it, the tree holding on to those dear leaves with everything it has as the cold air blew across the sky and than crying out for help, "Oh, dear God have mercy on me."
Am I like a tree refusing to go through the season that God is taking me? Do I resist the pruning? Am I more worried about what others see in me or am I concerned about only the roots, the foundation on which I am to stand even if it means I have to go through the barrenness of a winter season.
As I pulled into the garage and entered the warmth of my home, I asked the Lord to forgive me for holding onto so many leaves, for not shedding those things, those thoughts, and stand barren before Him with my only desire to please and know Him. I asked Him to help make my roots strong because this is what will sustain my life in every season!

Wordless Wednesday - Kisses

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5Minutes4Mom

Chile Relleno Casserole

If you love mexican food, you'll love this yummy casserole which can be made into a low-fat version very easily.

Chile Relleno Casserole

2 (7 oz.) cans Ortega diced green chilies
1 lb. grated Sharp Cheddar
1 lB. grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 (13 oz) can evaporated skim milk
3 tbsp. flour
3 whole eggs plus 1 extra egg white

HERE'S THE LOW FAT VERSION

2 (7 oz.) cans Ortega diced green chilies
1/2 lb. grated low-fat Sharp Cheddar
1/2 lb. grated low-fat Monterey Jack cheese *
1 (13 oz) can evaporated skim milk
3 tbsp. flour
4 egg whites or egg substitute
* more cheese can be added if necessary but sparingly

Mix ingredients; pour into 9 x 13 inch casserole dish sprayed with a low-fat cooking spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.
Sprinkle top with thinly sliced tomatoes as soon as it is baked. Serve with fresh salsa.

For more great ideas go here

He speaks it over and over....

This morning was our first Women's Bible Study after the holiday break. I came home made lunch for me and my little guy, put a load of laundry in the machine, and now I am checking emails and of course bloglines. Kelly at A Spacious Place tagged me for this fun meme that has already gone around and has some great posts here and here. Since this is so easy I had to do it quickly.

1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123,go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same

Since I just plopped my books down from Bible Study the book on top was one I am using as a resource for our study titled, Lie's Women Believe and the Truth that sets them Free by NancyLeigh DeMoss. And this is what I read:

When I do so, what I am really saying (though I'd never actually say it) is that I can handle that day on my own - apart from the presence, wisdom, and grace of God. I am saying I can do my work, keep my home, handle my relationships, and deal with my circumstances without Him. That independent, self-sufficeient spirit is an expression of pride.

And all I can think is "Yes Lord, I get it! It is what you have been speaking to me over and over.

But I can't just stop there. I have to finish the page:

The Scripture teaches, "God resists the proud" (James 4:6 NKJV). If I walk in pride, I must be prepared for God to resist me and my efforts.
Sometimes I get the sense that God may be saying to me, "You want to handle this day by yourself? Go ahead." The result? At best, an empty, fruitless day lived by and for myself. At worst, oh, what a mess I end up making of things.
On the other hand, God "gives grace to the humble." When I start the day by humbling myself and acknowledging that I can't make it on my own-that I need Him-I can count on His divine enabling to carry me through the day.

I tag Julie, Heth, and Tina

I know it is very strange...

I absolutely love biographies. At a young age I read "The Hiding Place" over and over. I still have the very tattered copy on my bookshelf. I am not sure where the love comes from exactly. Could it be that I am nosy, curious, or perhaps it is my love of history, time lines, and geography. I have always been fascinated with the past(not my own just those that have lived before me). I love old pictures and the stories behind them. For many years I have collected old books.
Which brings me to the first two books I am reading for pleasure (somewhat) in the new year.

I am going to join in with Girltalks Book Club and read Elizabeth Prentiss 'More Love to Thee'. I have already read the Forward and Preface and
I am anxiously wanting to go on. But I will refrain and stay with the group.



While unpacking books a few months back I uncovered a treasure I forgot I had, A Time for Remembering: The Ruth Bell Graham Story. My copy was published in 1983 and given to me by a friend who was serving in the mission field. Today there is a newer version titled,Ruth, A Portrait: The Ruth Bell Graham Story published in 1997. I have also read the preface and forward in this book and I am looking forward to reading her life story and what it is like to be the wife of the most famous Christian evangelist of this century.

Two women from different centuries. I hope I can keep the details of their lives straight.

S.O.A.P. for today

It is the beginning of the week. The first full week of hopefully getting back into a regular routine. I have much to accomplish this week with two weeks of laundry to get caught up, cleaning bathrooms, washing bedding, planning meals, not to mention several closets and other areas that desperately need some attention. I can easily begin to allow myself to feel overwhelmed, because in the midst of it all life has to happen, kids fed, nurtured, read to, played with, and I need to reserve some energy and time to enjoy my husband. And I haven't even mentioned what I need and hope to accomplish for the church.

But before I begin with my things, I start with His ways. Last week I shared here about the Life Journal. S.O.A.P. is the acrostic used for the journal. No matter what I need to accomplish today, I first begin with this.

Here is an entry in my Life Journal from last week that I am also using tomorrow as part of the teaching in our ladies bible study:

Title: "Did God really say?" 1/2/07

S. (Scripture)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1

O. (Observation)
The serpent questions God's word and doesn't even quote it correctly, "you must not eat from any tree" He questions God's Word raising doubts about the truthfulness of what He has said.

A. (Application)
Do I take God at His word or do I question it? Do I listen to the enemies lies or allow the world to influence what God is speaking to me in His word?

P. (Prayer)
Lord, I want to take you at Your word. Help me to hear and obey what you have spoken. Reveal to me areas in my life where I have believed a lie, half-truth, or questioned Your words.

I chose this entry because although short, it packs a powerful reminder to me at the beginning of this new year to become a woman who takes God at His word.

Go ahead...kiss all you want

I found this article tucked away in one of my old books...thought it was cute!

Researchers discovered that husbands who kiss their wives every morning:

• live an average of five years longer
• are involved in fewer automobile accidents
• are ill 50 percent less, as noted by sick days,
• earn 20 to 30 percent more money

Other researchers have found that kissing and hugging releases endorphins, giving mind and body a sense of genuine well-being that is translated into better health.

A kiss a day just may keep the doctor away!

Wordless Wednesday - Laughter

For more Wordless Wednesday go to 5Minutes4Mom

Go here for my New Years Meditations and Life Journal

Life Journal

For my New Years Meditations go here..


For years I tried to read through the bible in a year only to come up frustrated when I missed a few days and the reading list would grow and grow and be so overwhelming that I would give up. I had such a strong desire to systematically go through scripture and gain wisdom and understanding that I would continue to try each new year only to end up feeling like a failure.

Several years ago through a conference and other events in our life we discovered the "Life Journal". It was originally created by New Hope Church in Hawaii. It is a systematic approach to reading through the scripture and a simple way to journal what God's word may be speaking to us personally.

It has and continues to be a wonderful tool in my life. The journal provides a reading guide which you can also find here
under on-line devotions. (I also have a link on my side-bar) The reading takes you through the Old Testament once in a year and the New Testament twice. After the reading for the day has been done the acrostic S.O.A.P. is used in a journal to record what God is speaking through the scriptures. Here is how it works:

S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading found under today's date. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. (This can be used with any scripture reading, not just this particular reading schedule) When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal. I have often found several scriptures and had to narrow it down to one or decided to include all of them in my journal for the day.
O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.
A for Application
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

I usually can do this on one page, but occasionally will use two. This can be done in any journal or a word processing program. The Life Journal encourages you to title your entry and date it of course and record each entry under a table of contents at the front of your journal. This is for easy future reference.

But, the best part of all is if I miss a day, I don't worry about it. I don't go back unless I absolutely want to. I am not doing this for a year, but rather a "LIFE" time. I have been using this tool for almost five years and I am not tired of it at all. I have a stack of journals that are full of God's words, promises, prayers, and testimonies of what he has done in my life. What a heritage for my children. I would never of accomplished this any other way. (I know me!) Journaling God's word has been life transforming. I purposely show others the gaps in my journals where maybe life has forced me into a particular topical study, or other season. But when I come back I start with today.

Developing a daily time with the Lord is as my husband said Sunday morning, "will be the fight of your life".

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Welcome 2007!

New Years Meditations
Hosted By Laurel Wreath

I awoke earlier this morning than I expected after staying up past midnight. I am filled with excitement and anticipation of a New Year. Each week of my life I sit in a unique position. Most attend their church each week sitting next to their spouse or other loved ones hearing a message from their pastor. I on the other hand have known only one thing for most of my married life. To sit alone listening to my husband share the word of God or serve in some other area of ministry in the church. Now that my children are getting older I have the wonderful privilege of having one or two of them sitting along side me. I am often asked questions like, "is it hard to listen to your own husband each week', or "do you always know what he is going to share", and on occasion, "I bet you have heard all this before." and the answer to all those questions is, "No".

I have another unique privilege as well that so many other women who also walk in a similar place are allowed to experience. I know the man behind the words. I pray with him, listen to his heart, and share everyday life with him. So, what does this have to do with New Years Meditations, my hopes, dreams and goals. Well, yesterday my husband gave a message that was simple in nature, and oddly he had shared much with me this past week, and yet I walked out of service knowing with a fresh perspective that all my hopes for my family, my dreams for the year and the goals that I usually like to set for myself are nothing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING apart from God. I had a sense of new revelation about my life. Colossians 1:16 says,

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

The words, "all things, and "for him" have played over and over in my mind in the last 24 hours. One of the questions he asked was, "What's the reason for everything? It's all for God's Glory Romans 11:36 says,

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

As I look at my life, the season I am in, raising a teenager, toddler, and everything in between, the hopes and dreams I have for my home and family, the daily goals I have for myself to take better care of myself, to live a life that matters, and my own tendency to make plans and figure things out, I think of this statement made yesterday morning by my husband in the context of finding purpose and meaning in your life, "who cares who remembers me in this life 100 years from now....WILL GOD KNOW ME!

This is my hope, dream, and goal for 2007. To KNOW God! And everything else will find its right place. The only way to really know someone is through spending time with them and so I continue on with my "Life Journal". My daily devotion with the Lord. It has always been a priority...but for some reason it has a new vengeance. I don't' feel compelled to make the list of things to accomplish, my dreams, my plans, and so on but I find it almost too simple, as my husband shared, "seize the day" and Know God!

Thank you Lord, that I can go to your word and look for Your hopes, Your dreams, Your goals for my life, for my family, for my future, for ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!

To read more New Year's Meditations go to Laurel Wreath