Recent Blog Awards

I am so thankful for the recent blog awards given to me. One of them (the first), I am late in getting up on my blog, but I was still so grateful for it.

Jacquie over at Joy Made Full, blessed me with the “One Lovely Blog Award”. Thank you Jacquie!


And Heather, over at Mrs. Momma, blessed me with the “Over the Top” award. I always think these questions are so fun! Thank yo so much Heather!


1. Where is your cell phone? counter
2. Your hair? brown
3. Your mother? warrior
4. Your father? gone
5. Your favorite food? tacos
6. Your dream last night? strange
7. Your favorite drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Christ-likeness
9. What room are you in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? horses
11. Your fear?
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
13. Where were you last night? church
14. Something that you aren't? perfect
15. Muffins? banana
16. Wish list item? dehydrator
17. Where did you grow up? mountains
18. Last thing you did? snuggled
19. What are you wearing? comfies
20. Your TV? classics
21. Your Pets? many
22. Friends? blessed
23. Your life? A dream!
24. Your mood? sleepy
25. Missing Someone? Mama
26. vehicle? van
27. Something your not wearing? socks
28. Your favorite store? thrift
29. Your favorite color? burgandy
30. When was the last time you laughed? tonight
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? husband
33. One place that I go to over and over? Knees
34. Facebook? No
35. Favorite place to eat? Home

To receive these awards, I am to pass them along to some other bloggers. I am going to surprise wonderful bloggers with two awards tonight. I hope that is okay. I am not feeling well and it takes a LOT of time to do this on dial up so it is easier to do this. Most importantly, I think they each deserve them both. Though I know there are many more out there that deserve them just as much!

***SO, I would like to pass both of these awards along to:
My Mother at On The Write Narrow Path –If I could change it, it would be the “One Lovely Mama Award” :) YOU are definitely over the top!

Ann at A Holy Experience – Time put into reading her blog has richly blessed me! Her blog is lovely because it radiates the loveliness of the God whom we serve! Over the top!

A lady of virtue over at Large Family Mothering- Her writing greatly inspires me. She keeps it real, and has so much God given wisdom. Her love for our Savior radiates from her posts. Over the top!

From Storm To Shore

I am looking out to sea. I am not drenched anymore, I am starting to dry off, but I still feel in utter shock. I am staring out, remembering that I was just in there. I was drowning, yet here I stand, realizing that I have somehow survived.

The sun is setting. My eyes are opening and I can see it's beauty. It had been so long since I had noticed the beauty of the sun saying good night! The storms of life pulled me under, and my eyes shut in prayer for survival. Now, slowly at first, I open my eyes to see again, and my sight brought the realization that the vast ocean of grief and sorrow in front of me....was not so vast any longer. In it, I am beginning to see the mirror of my life these past few years. In those awful waves, in which I suffocated silently, I am seeing beauty. I am seeing more of my Savior, than I ever have before! I am seeing, that though I felt so very alone, I never EVER was! I knew this, but now I get to SEE it.

I am finding the courage to open my mouth to pray for strength and wisdom in my next steps. It is time to leave this place, and to move forward. I feel stuck here on the shores, so I know I need strength, HIS strength, to take those first steps away.

I have to convince myself that moving forward, does not mean forgetting. I could never forget. What has happened to me, is a part of my journey forever. I cannot separate myself from it. I cannot amputate my history from my destiny. Somehow, my God is going to use it for whatever my destiny here on earth is. No matter how difficult it is for me to make sense of things, I know one thing standing here, I know I can trust Him with every detail, and I want HIM to be glorified.

He kept me. He engulfed me when I was drowning, and He was my every breath. He held me closely, when I thought I was sinking to the bottom. He gaurded me, when I did not have the strength to keep the waves from crushing me. He is the only way, the only reason I could ever survive the horrible, awful, stormy, dark suffocating sea of grief. But not only is He the only one that could keep me alive through it, He is the only one who could turn that awful, stormy, dark, suffocating sea of grief, into a wonderful, calm, glorious, life giving sea of beauty!

So I look out, I remember what I will never forget. I know in that fact, that I will not stop feeling the pain, but can now be at peace. I find the strength in Him to move forward in healing I have never known before, because I have a Savior, who promises that "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the starts; He calls them all by name."Psalm 147:3-4 That is the God I know. He has done just so for me. He has healed my broken heart. He has bound up my wounds with His special touch. Now it is time to let them heal.

Maybe you are drowning in the sea.

Maybe you are standing on the shore in utter shock.

Maybe you are at the crossroad of wondering what comes next.

Take His hand. He will heal your broken heart, and bind up those gaping wounds. His loving touch, will be the beginning of the road of healing. When you are moved from storm to shore, He will give you the strength to move from the mourning, to the dancing.

The King's Little Girl

It has been a long time since I have been a part of a group Bible Study. I felt a tugging in my spirit, when asked to join the Esther study (by Beth Moore) this year. I really did wrestle with whether this was a time to say no, or a time to go. After praying and consulting with my husband, I came to the conclusion that the Lord wanted me there.

Just a week before entering into the study, I remember asking my husband, “I wonder, I really wonder, what would happen in my life….if I started really living like the King of Kings loves ME. What would happen in my life…if I started being okay with being me, because I am TRULY a daughter of the Almighty Creator!?”

My wonderful husband has learned over the years, to simply smile at my thinking aloud, such as I was that night. But the Lord knew that it was a question He had planted within my heart. It is one I am working through, and He is using the study of Esther, of all things, to do such a work in my heart.

So have you ever wondered, …”what would happen in my life….if I started really living like the King of Kings loves ME. What would happen in my life…if I started being okay with being me, because I am TRULY a daughter of the Almighty Creator!?”

Try not to analyze it. We make things so much more complicated than they really are. Simply allow yourself to think simply.

I AM A KING’S DAUGHTER.

THE KING LOVES ME.

THE KING CREATED ME.

I am a woman with wounds. It is hard for such a woman to believe she is loved and valuable. Do you happen to feel this way? Do you feel like you are walking around, trying to conceal gaping wounds in your spirit? I would love to share some healing thoughts from the study that really ministered to my own hurting heart.

Do you have a painful history?

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV)

You cannot amputate your history from your destiny. They will be tied together! God is using it all.

Do you feel weak and weary?

You are chosen.

1 Corinthians 1:27b~29
…..God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. (NKJV)

Are you broken?

Psalm 147:3~4
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the starts; He calls them all by name. (NKJV)

Look at the stars. Really think about this. The God who created you. The God who is reaching out to heal your broken heart is the God who, not only created those stars, but He is the God who NAMED them all. If you still do not get the great importance of this, get your hands on Louie Giglio’s How Great is Our God. It will change your life.

Colossians 2:10
And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (NKJV)

You are whole ONLY in Christ! Nobody else will ever complete you. He is the only way to ever being whole. The world leaves us broken. He heals the brokenness, binds our wounds and makes us whole IN HIM.

God is attracted to weakness because there is more room for HIS strength!

Are you beautiful and lovely?

Psalm 90:17
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hand for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. (NKJV)

Let the beauty of the LORD be upon your face!

So, what would happen in your life if you started living like the King of Kings loves YOU. What would really happen in your life…if you started being okay with being you, because you are truly a daughter of THE ALMIGHTY CREATOR!? If you saw yourself as His little girl.

Your life would never be the same.

The Joy Factor

I once had a friend ask me, if I could tell her ONE key factor that is building the success of our family, what would that be. I immediately said joy. We are definitely a house full of joy. BUT! Yep, there must be a BUT inserted here. There are times when things start to fall apart, and I end up on my knees begging the Lord to show me where we are going wrong, and it always inevitably goes back to “bring the joy back in”.

That kneeling revelation does not involve turning a joy switch and BOOM! There it is! No, it is often a step by step, moment by moment decision. Sometimes I have to decide I am going to CHOOSE joy, instead of giving in to the temptation to just feel sorry for little ol’ me.

When times have gotten really tough in our lives (and I am saying REALLY tough), my husband and I “upped” the joy. We found more ways to take the stress of, especially for our children, and make fun memories.

I have had the Lord impress these thoughts upon my heart lately. Maybe you would find it helpful to ask them of yourself, and the atmosphere of your home.

*Is my walk with Christ contagious?
*Are my children attracted to my faith, desiring the live a life full of Christ?
*Are my children so enraptured by the joy of Christ, just by how I live?
*Is there ever a lack of joy and passion, that makes the pull of the world more difficult for them to endure?
*Are the sins and struggles of my children, which are frustrating me, simply a mirror of WHO I AM?

Here are some incredible thoughts, whether you like the author or not…I hope you will really chew on them. I know I have been, and it has spurred me on to try to be a better daughter of Christ, wife to my soul mate and mother to the children gifted to me.

“Parenting is the most accurate test of one’s true character. It reveals the fountainhead of all that lies within the parents’ heart and soul and uncovers all that is hidden. Children reflect the soul of their parents; they manifest the heart that has been formally concealed behind sophisticated screens and carefully crafted public perceptions. We parents can manipulate the public perceptions, leading others to believe we are something quite different from reality. But it is our children who become our windows to our true selves, often opening windows wider than we would like and at times we do not expect. They find and expose the real you and tap into and follow that reality as their guide. They bypass our words and emulate our vital centers. If their mother is having a “bad” day, all the children will have a bad day, and Dad will have a bad evening. Bad days make bad weeks and bad months and bad years, which eventually turn into bad lives.

It is impossible to become a good parent without experiencing a revival within.”
Michael and Debi Pearl Jumping Ship

Praying For Myself As A Parent

Praying For Myself As A Parent

Okay, here comes the REALLY convicting part!!

*That I will be convicted of any personal hypocrisy lived out before my children, contradicting what I say by what I do, and when appropriate, admit my sin to my children. (Matthew 7:3-6)

*That my words, looks, and actions will clearly reflect to my children that my mate is loved, honored, and cherished. (Proverbs 31:10-12; Ephesians 5:25, 28)

*That I will recognize individual limitations, respect individual differences, and have realistic expectations for each child. (Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4)

*That I will never be too tired or angry or negligent to discipline my children wisely. (Proverbs 29:17)

*That I can be a peacemaker to diminish jealousy and irritations between my children and in so doing encourage them to be peacemakers. (Proverbs 17:14; Phil. 2:3)

*That I will not spoil my children with too many possessions nor too few demands and responsibilities. (Psalm 37:16)

*That I will be able to shield my children against premature associations with s*xuality, sophistication in ideas and dress, and unnecessary knowledge of the world. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,17)

*That I will resist the enticement of popularity for my children and be willing for our family to be different from the world’s standards. (1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 37)

*That I will be generous in expressing appreciation and approval while holding back reminders about past failures and mistakes. (Psalm 78:38-39; Proverbs 25:11)

*That I will know when to step in and take charge of a situation for my children and when to step back and let them learn for themselves. (Proverbs 16:9)

*That prayer will be my immediate response to family joys and crises alike.
( Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

*That I will daily remember my own need to be taught by God’s Word and filled with His Spirit so that I reflect the joy of the Lord before my children. (Psalm 16:11)

What God Does Not Want For My Child

What God Does Not Want For My Child

Again, we cannot grow children who are full of the character that is pleasing to the Lord, if we are not willing to work at purging the things He doesn’t want for them FROM OUR OWN LIVES. You may find some of the following convicting. I know I sure do, or have at some time (with some specific ones).

*Evil indifference toward God
*Hatred, Envy, Malice, Bitterness, Hostility
*Complaining, Whining, Pouting, Sullenness
*Quarreling, Strife
*Impatience, Sharpness
*Rudeness, Cruelty
*General Naughtiness
*Irresponsibility
*Ruthlessness, Harshness
*Laziness, Apathy, Boredom
*Conceit, Boasting, Arrogance
*Selfishness, Greed
*Unfriendliness, Self-centeredness, Isolation
*Critical Spirit, Indifference
*Disobedience, Rebelliousness
*Lying, Cheating, Deceitfulness
*Insolence, Sassiness, Defiance
*Resentment, Grudges, Unforgiving, Vengefulness
*Fear, Shyness and Timidity
*Ungratefulness
*Obscenity, Perverse or Impure Thinking, Speech, Reading or Viewing

Prayer Journal: What God Wants For My Child

This one is a convicting one, because we know the best way to instill these character qualities in our children, is to live them. So the list is a good one to also add in the section of the journal that will be for ourselves as a parent.

Holiness (Romans 12:1,9)

Love For Others (Romans 12:12, Galatians 5:22)

Joy (Romans 12:12; Galatians 5:22)

Peace (Romans 12; Galatians 5:22)

Patience (Romans 12:12; Galatians 5:22)

Kindness (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:32)

Goodness (Romans 12:14; Galatians 5:22)

Faithfulness (Galatians 5:22; Romans 12:12)

Gentleness (Galatians 5:23)

Self-control ( Galatians 5:23)

Diligence (Romans 12:11)

Vitality (Romans 12:11)

Humility (Romans 12:11)

Generosity (Romans 12:13)

Friendliness (Romans 12:13)

Sensitivity (Romans 12:15)

Obedience (Ephesians 6:1)

Honesty (Romans 12:17)

Respect for Authority (Romans 13:1)

Forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)

Strength, Courage (Ephesians 6:10)

Thankfulness (Ephesians 5:20)

Purity (Ephesians 5:3)

Coming up....
"What God Does NOT Want From My Child" and "Myself As a Parent"

A Wise Woman Builds Her House

I am so thankful this prayer journal has been a blessing to others. I know it was for me as well, when it was presented to me years ago. The following article by Debi Pearl goes along great with yesterday’s post. It is actually in my prayer journal, so you might want to add it to yours under the section for your hubby. The actual link for this article is A Wise Woman Builds Her House.

*A wise woman doesn’t take anything for granted. She is thankful to be loved and seeks to make herself more lovely.

*A wise woman doesn’t allow herself to be a liability but strives to be an asset to the marriage bond. She looks for ways to make, save, and use money wisely. Her husband knows he is a richer man because she is his wife.

*A wise woman seeks to be a part of her husband’s life. His interest becomes her interest. She looks for ways to help him in every endeavor in which he is involved. When he needs a helping hand, it is her hand that is there first.

*A wise woman knows that his peace of mind (and sometimes, wise understanding) is something she can give or take away by her observations and conversation concerning circumstances or people. She limits her conversation to the positive.

*A wise woman sets a joyful mood in the household. She uses laughter, music and happy times to stir the children to a positive, joyful frame of mind. She knows this light-heartedness helps take stress off her husband.

*A wise woman gauges her husband’s needs. She seeks to fulfill his desires before even he is aware of them. She never leaves him daydreaming outside the home. She supplies his every desire.

*A wise woman understands that her husband’s need to be honored is not based on his performance but on his position. She learns quickly to defer with enthusiasm to his ideas or plans. She looks for ways to reverence him. She knows this is God’s will for her life.

*A wise woman is not pitiful, puny, or whinny. She seeks to be confident, capable and thankful.

*A wise woman does not dream of what “could have been.” She sees clearly that she is not God’s gift to men; thus she is blessed in her present circumstances. She learns to be content.

*A wise woman never expects anyone to serve her; therefore she is never disappointed. She is ready to help—a giver. By her example her children learn to serve cheerfully and energetically.

*A wise woman doesn’t attempt to instruct her husband through feigned questions. Her questions are sincere inquiries concerning his will.

*A wise woman is always learning. She is open to change. She is ready to hear. She wants to know. She doesn’t cloud her mind with the foolish folly of entertainment. She uses her time wisely.

Intercession For Your Husband

More on the prayer journal...

I…do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to Father.
Colossians 1:9~12

"The first and most important thing you will ever do as a mother in training your children is to reverence your husband, delight yourself in him, love to obey him, feel honored to be married to him, joy in his presence. In doing so, you are building up your house, you are creating a home, you are establishing a foundation. This is the first and most important ingredient in raising happy, obedient, creative, respectful children, children who delight to be part of the family."
~Debi Pearl~

Intercession for your Husband
~The following work really well when broken up into groups to cover over the seven days of the week….

*That he would understand his identity in Christ.

*That he would present himself a living sacrifice.

*That God would keep him morally pure before Him.

*That he would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

*That he would be a man of God’s Word.

*That he would have the mind of Christ. (Make Christ-like decisions in his goals, attitudes, money, time.)

*That he would grow daily in his Christian maturity.

*That he would have a heart of forgiveness.

*That he would wear the full armor of God.

*That he would be sensitive and quick to repent and come back to God.

*That he would not be attached to the world.

*That he would have a spirit of brokenness and humility

*That he would have a servant’s heart.

*That he would reach out to lost people.

*That he would be an effective prayer warrior.

Still in the Living

I know at least a couple friends and family members out there are still reading *grin*. Guess what!?! I am still in the living! :) I have had very good reasons for my disappearance. I am happily expecting another baby, and spent the summer working through those first months. I have to majorly prioritize during that time, and my family is it. I am beginning to feel really well now! I can think clearly enough to write, though finding the time to do so is another story.

I started feeling well again last week, and am enjoying all my favorite fall activities. We have been canning and freezing up a storm. I even made a bunch of pie crusts for the freezer, and whipped up our first apple pie of the season. I keep dreaming of having a pie fest with friends!

We have also worked ourselves into a nice school schedule as well. Things are falling back into order, though I keep thinking how nice it would be to get my sewing room in order as I feel like sewing again!

We just celebrated two birthdays, two Sundays in a row here. My little boys are turning into big boys. My oldest son is now almost as tall as me. The advice from all those lovely women years ago, "Your babies will grow up so fast." has truly come to pass. It is a delight, though, to see my two oldest boys (though still so young) growing up in so many ways! In two weeks we celebrate our oldest daughter's sixteen years!! It seems like just yesterday when she stepped off of that plane and became a permanent part of our lives. It has been 6 years. Time keeps moving on.

My dear husband and I just celebrated 13 years of marriage. He blessed me with a new wedding ring (far from an expensive diamond, but SO special and beautiful to me!). He knows how much I love silver, and it has crosses etched on the band around the diamond. I am so blessed to have him in my life! I was watching him tonight, and was so thankful to realize how seriously he takes being a father. His babies never get old to him. He still takes the time to stop, get down on the floor, and kiss the littlest one where he is at. Sometimes I forget to stop and really notice those things. I need to do so more often.

I had been working on posting things for a prayer journal here. I will try to get back to that, but cannot promise anything. I work on a dial up connection, and it is incredibly frustrating trying to work on the internet. I rarely ever try to do so because it rarely ever works!

Until next time, which will hopefully be sooner than the time between this post and the last, be blessed!

A look at The Lord's Prayer~Prayer Part 3

Here is part 3. I am sorry it took so long...I have my reasons, REALLY! :)

The Lord’s Prayer

WORSHIP OF THE FATHER:

Our Father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed by Thy name.

ALLEGIANCE TO GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY:

Thy Kingdom come.

SUBMISSION TO HIS WILL:

Thy will be done on earth
As it is in Heaven.

PETITION AND INTERCESSION:

Give us this day our daily bread.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS:

And forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.

WATCHFULNESS AND DELIVERANCE:

And do not lead us into temptation
But deliver us from evil.

WORSHIP:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power
And the glory, Forever.

Amen.

Mighty Names of the Lord Jesus Christ~Prayer Part 2

"O Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." Psalm 34:3

THE MIGHTY NAME OF LORD JESUS CHRIST
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee..." Psalm 9:10

You are the....
Author and Finisher of my Faith
The Alpha and Omega
The Anointed Son of God
The Advocate with the Father
The Anchor of my soul.

Bread of life.
The Bright and Morning Star
The Beginning and the End
The Beloved of the Father
The Bridegroom of the Church
The Bishop of my Soul.

Creator of Heavens and Earth.
The Chief Shepherd
The Cornerstone of the Church
The Captain of my Salvation
The Comforter of My Soul.

Door of Salvation.
The Desire of all Nations
The Dayspring from on High
The Diadem of Beauty
The Deliverer from Evil
The Defender of my Soul.

Ensign for all Nations.
The Exceeding Great Reward for Believers
The Everlasting Light
The Eternal Life of my Soul.

You are....
Fountain of Life
The Firstborn of Many Brethren
The Friend that Sticketh Closer Than a Brother
The Faithful and True Witness
The Fortress of my Soul.

Good Shepherd
That Giveth His Life for His Sheep
The Great High Priest
The Governor Among the Nations
The God of Righteousness and
The Gaurdian of my Soul

Head Over All Principalities and Powers
The Holy Son of God
The Helper of the Fatherless
The Head of the Church and
The Healer of My Soul.

Image of
The Invisible God
The I Am of the Ages
The Immanuel
The Immortal God and
The Inheritance of my Soul.

Judge of ALL the Earth
The Justifier of all who Trust You
The Just One

King of Kingss
The King of Glory
The King Eternal
The Key of Knowledge and
The Kind Shepherd of My Soul

Lord of Lords
The Lamb of God
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
The Lily of the Valley and
The Light of My Soul

Mediator of the New Covenant
The Man of Sorrows
The Messiah
The Merciful Savior and
The Maker of my Soul

Name above Every Name
The New and Living Way to God
The Nazarene and
The Never failin Guide of My Soul

Only Begotten of the Father
The Only Mediator between God and Man
The Only Wise God and
The Offering of My Soul.

Price of Peace.
The Priest of the Most High God
The Pearl of Great Price and
The Physician of My Soul.

Quickening Spirit in the Believer.
The Quiet Place to Those Who Seek Your Face
The Qualified Opener of Books and
The Quest of My Soul.

Resurrection and the Life.
The Rock of my Salvation
The Redeemer
The Rose of Sharon and
The Refuge of My Soul.

Stone Which Builders Rejected.
The Sure Foundation
The Son of the Living God
The Shield of our Salvation and
The Strength of my Soul.

Tower of Salvation.
The Truth, the Tree of Life
The True Bread from Heaven
The True Light of the World and
The Teacher of My Soul.

Undefiled Son of God
The Uncorruptible One From Heaven
The Unchangable Friend and
The Upholder of My Soul.

Vine of all the Branches
The Very Present Help in Time of Need
The Veil of My Soul.

You are the Way
The Wisdom of God
The Word of God
The Wonderful Counselor
The Worthy Lamb and
The Well-Beloved of My Soul

X-Bearer For My Sin
Yasha the Savior of All Mankind
Zealous Fulfiller of Righteousness

Attributes of God~Prayer Journal Series Part 1

I found an old prayer journal of mine, from many years ago. It brings back good memories for me, because I created it with the ladies in my church. It was my very first outing to meet the ladies from the church my husband and I had chosen to attend.

I have long prayed for direction for my blog. I have gone back and forth with my thoughts...should I delete it? should I leave it up, and give up the idea of ever being able to write in it again? The Lord answered me tonight with the idea to ease back into writing by sharing this prayer journal. I am not sure if I even have readers any more :), but at least it will be out there for Him to use as He sees fit. SO, here is Part 1~Attributes of God:

• Almighty
• Caring
• Compassionate
• Creator
• Defense
• Deliverer
• Eternal
• Exalted
• Faithful
• Forgiving
• Fortress
• Giver of Every Good Gift
• Giver of Wisdom
• Good
• Great
• Healer
• Helper
• Holy
• Jealous
• Judge
• Just
• Keeper
• King of Kings
• Lawgiver
• Life
• Light
• Longsuffering
• Lord of Lords
• Love
• Merciful
• Near
• Pitiful
• Provider
• Refuge
• Rewarder
• Righteous
• Rock
• Salvation
• Shepherd
• Slow to Anger
• Strength
• Stronghold
• Truth
• Unchanging
• Upright
• The Way
• Wise
• Worthy

A glance ahead:

Tomorrow....Part 2~The Might Names of the Lord Jesus Christ & a look at the Lord's Prayer.

Part 3~A Wise Woman Builds Her House/Intercession for your Husband

Part 4~Myself As a Parent

Part 5~What God Wants For My Child

Part 6~What God Does Not Want For My Child

Part 7~Daily Prayer For Our Children

Part 8~Praying For Missionaries

I feel SO blessed!

1am Tuesday morning I awoke extremely ill. I knew what the cause was, for I had experienced it exactly this time last year, only I could tell it was of a worse nature this time. Gall bladder attack. I wasn't able to have surgery last year, because I was 7 weeks pregnant at that time. The Lord took care of me, and I didn't have a single attack the rest of my pregnancy, or the 5 months post partum...until the wee hours of Tuesday morning. I was vomiting relentlessly and in agony. My husband took me to ER, where I was admitted to the hospital to have surgery. Today I struggled with low blood pressure, low heart rate and low oxygen levels. I was finally released to go home this evening, and was blessed to come home to my precious children again!

During my hospital stay, however, the Lord blessed me with a sweet time of fellowship with Him. I spent that time reading His word, and praying. I was able to refocus, and though left the hospital in pain physically, I felt spiritually renewed! I wanted to share the ways He blessed me so richly through this time. I want to publicly say thank you....

To my faithful, loving husband. Your love for me brings me closer to the Lord. Thank you for the bouquet of carnations, you know they are my favorite! Thank you for being everything for everyone these past couple of days.

To our dear friend and precious young lady from our church, for coming over and helping care for the children. The little ones excitedly shared that you took a walk with them. What a blessing to know they were cared for!

To my dear mother in law, who also gave of her time to be with the children. You are priceless.

To my dear mother, who agonized over not being able to be here physically. Wasn't it wonderful to be able to talk on the phone as much as we did? What a gift your prayers over the phone with me were! And then you brightened up my room with a basket of daisies! (pictured above)

To my pastor's wife, and dear friend, for taking the time to visit me and sit with me a while. As another very busy mother of many children, I know how extra time is just not a reality, so your time was a gift to me. Thank you, as well, for brightening my room with a pot of flowers(pictured above), and wholesome books from your own library shelves. The book of scriptures was wonderful to have by my bedside through this all!

To the nurse who gave so much to me on her twelve hour shift. Your time and care for me as a person meant the world to me!

To the Lord, for EVERYTHING, but especially for restoring a strained friendship for me today. A dear, precious friend came to visit, and we were able to talk and heal. She brightened my day with her presence and with a beautiful miniature rose bush (pictured above)! And a lovely devotional called "Jesus Calling". I simply did not want to see you leave!

To my friend, Becki (BUSY mother of 5 precious little girls) for emailing to let me know you care, and for letting me know some meals would be coming to our home this weekend.

To my Aunt Jo, for calling and praying with me over the phone. Even though you couldn't be there in body, hearing you on the other line calmed me so.

To my Aunt Kathy, who called and tried to visit only to find I had already gone in to OR. You are so thoughtful!

To everyone who prayed for me! Thank yoU!!!!!!!!!!!

More than anything, the truest source of my feeling blessed this night, are my husband and my children. When I slowly moved up our sidewalk, I noticed our kitty cat with balloons by her side on my favorite porch chair. (she did not stick around for the picture :))

Then a sweet sign prepared by my 10year old son. He knows I love dandelions, especially droopy ones. I have been given many droopy dandelion bouquets over the years by my precious sons. He stapled these ones to his sign.
" We love you Mama! Welcome!"

Our house was fresh and clean. The children flooded me with their love and kisses. I smelled something yummy in the kitchen and was quickly informed that our pastor's wife had blessed us again by making a scrumptious, hearty crock of soup, and some lovely loaves of quick bread!

As I listened to the stories from the past two days, I realized that my husband (who was torn between caring for me, and being there for the children) had kept the love, laughter and joy going while I was away.

My little ones quickly worked at finding ways to fit onto my lap for some snuggles. It hurt, and was a bit tricky, but how could I not allow it? I ached for it.

After kissing all the boys good night, the girls and I stayed up a bit extra. As I laid on the couch, they crocheted, and we talked. What a treasure to have friendship in my sweet daughters!

I realized, once again, what a treasure it is to tuck them into bed at night. What a gift it is to hear their sweet good nights, and then to peak in just one more time to see their precious eyes closed in peaceful slumber. I feel so blessed.

Yes, So very blessed.

Simple Joys & A Simple Update

I have come to the extremely sad conclusion that I am a negligent blogger. I am always thinking of things I would love to share with the world, but it is usually when I am changing a diaper, preparing a meal for 10, kissing an owie, rocking a baby, doing laundry….well, you get the idea. We have been having our trials, but you know I am realizing even more how fulfilling this life is. I was just thinking today, while nursing my sweet baby, that I find so much joy in the simplest things of life.

My husband made me a new clothes line outside this spring. I hung clothes on it for the first time yesterday. When I took the first load off of the line, once it had dried, I buried my face in it and breathed deep. I am not sure why, but the smell of clothes coming straight off of the line lightens my spirit! Okay, I know it sounds strange. In fact, when I came inside with an arm full of laundry and a big smile, my girls had to know the what for. I said, “smell, just smell! Drink in that spring air!” My teenager smiled an understanding smile, probably just to make me feel good. My 9 year old wasn’t shy in telling me she didn’t particularly like the smell.  But I do. Maybe it sparks a good feeling from a joyful time in my childhood, I don’t know, but the simple smell of line dried clothing brings me joy.

I shared that little bit for my own sake, really. I have struggled much these past weeks to keep my head above the water and to swim in the joys the Lord has for me. I need to take these smallest moments and make them things worth celebrating!

I am not sure what happened, but the crochet needles have been flying here! I pulled out my yarn and hook when we had a snow storm. When the children saw me they pulled theirs out too. Since then my girls have been making doilies like crazy! I now have several new doilies gracing the underside of our candles throughout the house.

We have been doing a lot to become even more self sufficient here. I just cannot wait to get my hands in the dirt and plant our garden once the danger of frost is over. I am hoping and praying we did not lose our peach and apple harvest in our area, due to a late winter storm. We are preparing to get 20 chickens here in a couple of weeks, and then will be building facilities for a couple of dairy goats. The children are VERY excited about this adventure. My husband finally agreed to the goats under the condition that HE is in charge of building the fencing so it will be impossible to escape . We have talked about raising bees as well, but have not really made any decisions there. One thing at a time, as my husband would say.

We are learning how to make candles and soap for a fun activity together. I made my first small batch of soap tonight. It is setting up in the freezer now. I also made 5 gallons of power packed granola. I always feel so good knowing my family is getting a nice healthy breakfast to start off their day.

My parents are coming for Easter, so that is the highlight of our upcoming week! We will be busy preparing our home for such an occasion!

I suppose I ought to close for now, before I go off on anymore rabbit trails . I really should be sleeping while my baby sleeps!

Many blessings!

The Kreativ Blogger Award

Thank you Georgiann for awarding me the Kreativ Blogger Award. I am honored to have been among one of those you have chosen.

Now it is my turn to pass it on. Being the busy mother I am, I do not have much time to read online. There have been, however, others who have uplifted me in the last months, some even years, by their written words. I know I have missed some that I have found encouraging, but these are what comes to my tired mind tonight. They may, or may not wish to pick it up, and that is fine, but I want to share who they are just the same.

I pass along the Kreativ Blogger Award to:

On The Write Narrow Path ~ This is my mother's blog, and she is one of the most creative, inspiring people I have ever known!

Large Family Mothering ~ Such an inspiring blog written by a mother of 14 children (and counting)! I hope she writes a book someday!

In a Shoe ~ I have found that if I need a smile, to come visit this blog. I enjoy every inch of this blog!

Vaughnshire Farm ~ I have often found so many of my own thoughts mirrored here. I love reading the thoughts of another mother who values her babies as I do. I also love reading what another busy, farm loving mama is up to!

Fruitful Vines and Olive Shoots ~ Another mother who cherishes being a mother and homemaker. She is one I have been encouraged by for a couple of years now, and her blog is goregous!

The Simple Woman ~ I have always been blessed by Peggy. She knows how to make life simple and lovely. I am inspired greatly by her heart for the beauty of simplicity!

Solace In Simplicity ~ I love reading Amity's blog. She is real, and is a real encouragement! I just love the heading of her blog. Just looking at it, and reading it, makes me want to keep on keeping in simple.....better yet, keeping on working to make it even simpler!

Simply Blessed and Fruitful ~ Sweetness radiates from this blog. Another mother trying to keep it simple, and just enjoy the blessedness of homekeeping, and being a mother.

Feminine for Him ~ I know her personally. :) She is a sweetie, and was a big help to me when I was expecting our newest baby. I sometimes enjoy reading blogs written by godly single young ladies.

Starry Sky Ranch ~ I have found her site so helpful in the managing of my home. Her last post was so meaningful to me. In light of it, I do not expect her to pick up this award, for worthy reasons.

To claim your award, you need to:

Thank the person who gave the award to you.
Post the award on your blog or on a post.
Nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude/gratitude.
Link to the people you chose on your post.
Then comment on their blogs to tell them about the award!
Don't forget to save the image in this post to your computer, so you can display your award in a sidebar. :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Click above to read more entries on The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Thank you Peggy , for the opportunity to share!

FOR TODAY Febuary 2, 2009...

Outside My Window...

A beautiful winter moon chasing away the darkness.

I am thinking...

about my health, and about my responsibility to be sure it is the best it can be for my Lord, my husband and my children. I am going to make it my focus in preparation for Easter.

I am thankful for...

another year of celebrating my husband's birthday. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

From the learning rooms...

We are enjoying researching on the civil war, since our church is having a civil war night soon!

From the kitchen...

the smell of freshly baked bread still lingers, even after all have gone to bed. The aroma causes the sights and sounds from just a few hours ago to come alive again.

I am wearing...

comfy blue and white pj's and barefeet.

I am creating...

a meal plan for our week.

I am going...

to join my husband in peaceful slumber soon.

I am reading...something very thought provoking at the Starry Sky Ranch blog. Quote ....instead of visiting or gossiping with the women of the neighborhood, she remained at home, never leaving it except to pay a visit to her aging parents or go to Mass or Vespers... She paid much attention to the comfort (of her husband) and took zealous care that his clothes were always scrupulously neat. The management of her household was wise and prudent, and she taught with example what she advocated with words.... For Rita knew well that all the beauty of the King's daughter is within. She was kind and affable (to all in her care) and studied to make them happy and contented....She saw that they attended their religious duties, taught them good and polite manners, and molded them into models of obedience, neatness and propriety. End Quote...

I am hoping...

to grow more than ever in my walk with Christ in these coming months. To live my life in a way that draws others nearer to His cross, and to His heart.

I am hearing...the sleeping breaths of my newborn son.

One of my favorite things...

these quiet moments after the whole house has settled down. I can think, pray and plan for another day...and ask for strength to make it one that is glorifying to my God.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

The children and I are busy planning for some birthdays. My second youngest turns two, and the love of my life turns 35! I am also thinkin on plans to make Valentine's Day special for my children. My Mama always made Valentine's Day so special for my sister and I, celebrating her love for us.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

My soon to be 2 year old LOVES the Bible. When he sees someone sitting down to read, he snuggles up close with his thumb in his mouth.

The Princess Adelina

Recently I bought my daughters a “just because” gift. You may have heard of it, or even read it by now. The Princess Adelina. Once my girls had it in hand, I was not going to get by with putting off reading it to them. We snuggled up and read the first chapter. The boys started off within ear shot, but were gathered around me on the floor into the first few pages. Even my husband put down his farm magazine to listen. Yes, it was that good!

We spent the next week reading a whole chapter before bedtime. We had great family discussions, and often found ourselves up way past bedtimes. The children often begged for “another chapter please!?”, but were told they had to wait patiently until the next reading. We couldn’t read it during our school day, because daddy didn’t want to miss it either. However, he was caught doing the unthinkable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He offered to rock the baby when he got home one evening, and look at what else he took along with him to the chair! He is looking mighty thoughtful, isn't he!?This story really is a story for the whole family. Once we were finished reading it (and my husband says he benefited listening to it even after he had finished reading it himself :)), we were inspired to memorize an old 8th century Irish folk hymn called “Be Thou My Vision”. We now have it memorized, and imagine that perhaps those like Adelina were singing this hymn during their time of persecution. We sing it every night and still get chills when we get to the ‘High King of Heaven my victory won! May I see Heaven’s joys Oh bright Heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall! Still be my vision, o ruler of all!”

I am sure you know the hymn. I encourage you to memorize it. Sing it out with your loved ones during these uncertain times.

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom and thou my true Word;
I ever with thee and thou with me Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,
Thou in my dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever may befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Finding A Balance For a Well Ordered Life

Confession #1
I am a perfectionist. I love order, and have difficulty keeping stress at bay when things are disorganized.

Confession #2
I struggle greatly with keeping order. I was not born “naturally organized”. I have to work REALLY hard at it.

With a newborn baby, order can go out the door REAL QUICK for someone who struggles with it as I do. God is gently guiding me, and teaching me once again. I cannot blame my struggles on the fact that I have eight children, for I was like this before I had any. And no mom, it is not your doing either (ha, I can read your thoughts, can I not?). So here is what the Lord is showing me.

First off:
Be okay with mess when there just needs to be a mess. The perfectionist side of me cringes at this, but I know I have to let that go. I asked the Lord to show me where I can practice with this, and he gave me opportunity tonight. I had the four littlest ones, ages 4, 3, 2 and 8 weeks all by myself from about 3 ‘til 8pm tonight. I REALLY wanted to get some things done, but that just isn’t happening with so many little ones, who are smart enough to realize that mommy is all theirs for the night! So, I popped some popcorn (knowing full well it would not go from bowl to mouth without getting all over the floor), and we snuggled up to watch a movie together. Yep, popcorn was once again all over the floor, but do you know how easy it was to vacuum up!? So worth it! In the years to come it is the evening full of snuggles I will surely remember, not the mess on the floor, and projects I had hoped to accomplish left undone!

Secondly:
Where can I simplify and bring order to my life in a way that will be glorifying to the Lord? I have really been pondering this, trying to find a healthy balance in my life. I finally found a sense of peace in taking 15 minutes a day (sometimes I am allowed more time) to work on things that really need attention. My husband loves order. He, too, is a perfectionist. I am trying to tackle the things, little by little, that I know he would like to have done. That, to me, is going to glorify the Lord.

SO, I thought I would share some of my baby steps here on my blog. When one is simplifying, there does seem to be a great sense of disorder for some time. I am finally beginning to feel like order is becoming a part of my life again. J A few days ago I tackled a job that really was calling my name every time I walked by it. My husband had added the top two shelves, which were a great motivation for me to get in and organize!

BEFORE

AFTER

I scrubbed the nursery down after moving our two year old out, and readied it for our newest baby. I moved 2 years worth of school books, papers and supplies out of my kitchen and down to the basement where they belong. (My husband had commented that it would be nice to use kitchen space for kitchen things. Imagine that!) Now we actually have EXTRA space around these well stocked cabinets!! He and the four oldest children came home with a month's worth of groceries and it was so wonderful having an organized kitchen to put things away in!

Look at all that extra room!Below: I call this cabinet in our basement laundry room the peanut butter and jelly cabinet. :) My hubby insists on getting these items every montly grocery trip, even though we do not go through them very quickly. He says, "Well, just think, if we ever run into hard times, we will still have pb & jelly :)."
Tomorrow I need to work on getting a pile of clothes the children have outgrown put away, and work on reorganizing my youngest daughters’ bedroom. I will update on my progress!

Snuggle the ones that are more precious than anything, and then see if God would have you simplify your life in some way. Blessings and joy as you do both!

"This World Can Never Satisfy Me"

Today was just not a good day. I was running on empty from the very beginning, and burdened by the things of life, yet had to push through. I was determined, however, to not give in to my emotional, physical fatigue and to pass joy on to the children.

I had to take our 9 year old daughter to a physical therapy appointment today. Afterwards we ran errands. As we were shopping in walmart I was highly distracted, but my little girl was in tune to a still small voice inside of her. I am ashamed to say I was too busy, too wrapped up in my chaotic day to quiet my heart enough to hear that same voice. Suddenly she said, “Mama?” “Yes sweetie?” I reply. She says in return, “This world can never satisfy me.” Wow. I was truly stunned. There we were. Walmart. I saw aisles upon aisles of goods. She saw faces of hurting people. I longed for peace from my own difficulties, she noticed the difficulties of the world (and anyone who knows her personally, knows that her road has been difficult). She had a revelation in her life. This world could never satisfy her. The Lord used my little girl today to turn my heart heart to Him once again. I was running through a day full of trials on my own….on empty. There was nothing here that could satisfy my hurts, my longings, my questions but HIM. Big, deep, cleansing sigh. The world can never satisfy me. Nor can it you. He is the only way to peace.

My Grab 'Em Button!

I need to go through my blog layout and do some updating, so I thought I would work on that tonight before turning in to bed. I got sidetracked and ended up doing this instead! I did it more just to see if I could actually figure it out, and I did! So, feel free to use it, if you wish to! :) Many Blessings!

<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/BlessedMamaForever/?action=view¤t=stepheavmed.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a154/BlessedMamaForever/stepheavmed.png" /></a>

Once Lovely USA

My mother wrote a heart felt poem and has posted it on her blog, The Write Narrow Path. It is well worth the time to stop and read! Be sure to leave a comment and let her know you stopped by to read it.
Blessings!

Her Lamp Does Not Go Out At Night

The following is a piece of a post I wrote in '06. My nights are pretty full these days :), and I thought I would find this post for my own sake. I decided to repost it this morning.....

Buy This Print
.........but I just couldn't sleep, so I went to making a breakfast of cinnamon rolls for my family. I lit the candles all around the house, thinking it would be a lovely welcome to the day for my children.

As the candle light danced across the darkened walls, it got me thinking on the scripture, "And her lamp does not go out by night."Proverbs 31:18b The girls and I have been discussing Proverbs 31 alot lately. My oldest had asked when the Proverbs 31 woman ever got to sleep if her lamp never goes out. I came to the conclusion that she is always on call, lamp lit, ready to be there at any moment she is needed by her loved ones. Whether it be a nursing baby, a teething toddler, a fearful five year old, a sighing husband.....she is always ready to be a servant to those gifted to her.

This is a challenging thought for me, as I know that my lamp has not always been lit, especially within. I am sad to say, that sometimes I have but that lamp out at night and selfishly prayed I could receive some sleep for a change and then when wakened, went about the task begrudgingly. I am finding, that those times when I lay down completely exhausted at night, that there is a certain strength in simply praying for the Lord to give me what I need throughout the night. And then, if I awake, realizing I have slept a night through, I thank Him right away. Why not thank Him when my sleep is little? Thank Him for the wonderful reasons why I had a sleepless night!

I wanted to share a bit of what the Lord is working on in my life. I am longing to be the kind of woman, the Proverbs 31 woman, who has her lamp going in her home AND in her heart. A woman who finds delight, even in the wee hours of the night, at the opportunities to love, nurture and care for her family. I am so thankful the Lord gave us such wonderful examples in the Bible to follow. I feel picking apart Proverbs 31 will keep me busy for life! *SMILE*

In Love ALL Over Again!

"Mothers of children, even if they have a thousand, carry each and every one fixed in their hearts, and because of the strength of their love they do not forget any of them. In fact, it seems that the more children they have the more their love and care for each one is increased." St. Angela Merici

4 weeks old cuddled up in the quilt I made for him.


Now HE was worth everything! I am in awe of the amount of love I feel, once again, for a child that has been gifted to me. While he slept today, I dived into some projects I have been wanting to get done. He awakened earlier than I had expected him to, much earlier, but somehow I welcomed the "interruption". I sat with him and just marveled at the beauty of life, and that the Lord used me to bring it forth. It doesn't matter how many children I have, I always find myself in love ALL over again!

6 weeks old

My Thoughts Exactly

I have neglected my blog, and I am thankful for those of you who keep checking in, and for those who bless me with your emails and comments. I would have given up on my blog quite some time ago, so I thank you!

I do not have time to write, what’s new? I did, however, come across a post that reflects my thoughts exactly! I am at the 6 (almost 7) week mark with our new baby, and I am finding the time with him too precious to let slip through my fingers. I am soaking him in! Please take the time to read Beth’s thoughts, and you will know where I am right now.

Many Blessings!
Tina