In His Word Wednesday

Philippians 3:13-17 " Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."

When something good happens to us, we tend to think how happy we are and try to think how we can continue to make this "happiness" happen.

But in Paul's words, DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE MADE IT ON YOUR OWN ! The only way these great things have happened in our lives is through Christ! If we press through life with God pulsing through every vein and all marrow in our bodies, we WILL always have God's love.

Does that mean only good things will happen to us? NO! Bad things happen also! And will happen even with Christ in our lives. He actually allows bad things to happen. Because He loves to see us suffer? NO! There is a song, and forgive me I can't think of the singer, but she sings (and I am probably paraphrasing), "If we never saw Midnight, we wouldn't appreciate the morning". Meaning, if nothing bad ever happened in our lives, would we still fall down on our knees in front of Him? Would we still see the awesomeness of all that He has done, and praise Him for it?

To be honest, if nothing bad ever happened in MY life, I might almost think that I didn't NEED God. Wouldn't you?

Paul knew that very well also. Not only did he have some good things in his life, but he mostly had bad! His life on this earth was filled with tribulation, and it probably hardly ever happened the way he thought it should!

So, let's take his words and imitate him as he imitated Christ. Let's take the good AND the bad, and just roll with it. Because we know how the story ends! We know Christ will win, and if we trust Him and strive to be like Him, we will be standing beside Christ when He celebrates the victory!

To see more encouragement and prayers, go here, for more In His Word Wednesday.

God's Word

Mat 26:7-13 " While Jesus was sitting there, a woman went to him with a bottle of very expensive perfume and poured it on his head. The disciples were irritated when they saw this. They asked, "Why did she waste it like this? It could have been sold for a high price, and the money could have been given to the poor."

Since Jesus knew what was going on, he said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me. You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me with you.

She poured this perfume on my body before it is placed in a tomb. I can guarantee this truth: Wherever this Good News is spoken in the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her."

What are we doing with the things that God has given us? Are we using those things to glorify Him? Or are we keeping them to ourselves, or wasting them on something that is not eternal?

Worry

Every have one of those days. Weeks. Months???

I'm a worrier. I was born with the gene, I think. So, as much as I fight it, it keeps coming back.

But these verses are a comfort and a reminder.

Matthew 6:25-34 "So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothes?

"Look at the birds. They don't plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? "Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?

"And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers. That's the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it's alive, and tomorrow it's thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith?

"Don't ever worry and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.

But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. "So don't ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ''

Wow. I AM being a little selfish when I worry. If I would instead focus on the Kingdom of God, God would worry about us! What a comfort!

Gossip

I'd like try to say that I hate gossip. Because I DO.

BUT....

Deep down, we listen. Taking it in. Wondering, Is it TRUE?


Proverbs 26:20-22 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, quarreling stops. Charcoal keeps the embers glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive. Gossip is so tasty! How we love to swallow it!


Proverbs 16:27-28 Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil. Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.

As tasty as Gossip can be, we have to remember not to spread the word! Because as verse 28 says above: Gossip is spread by wicked people. Are you a wicked person? DO you want our Lord and Savior to call you a wicked person? Are you trying to harm others with your words, because if you spread any evil words, TRUE or NOT, you are gossiping, and you are spreading evil.


Pro 4:20-24 My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words.

Our lives are shaped by our thoughts... Do you want your life based on the temporary or the ETERNAL?


Proverbs 16:20-21 Whoever gives attention to the LORD'S word prospers, and blessed is the person who trusts the LORD. The person who is truly wise is called understanding, and speaking sweetly helps others learn.

Listen only to God's Word, drinking IT in like honey. It will not make you sick, it will prosper your life and bring blessing to you. Wise words will promote health (Prov. 12:18), and make the people around you glad (Prov. 12:25)!

Remember the words that are coming from your mouth today...

One Week Later...

Ok, I went ahead and made some resolutions this year (HERE), so I thought I should probably review those and see how I was doing.

I have actually had people over about 2 evenings in this last week, and Friday and Sunday we are having family over for a birthday party. So, I guess I can give myself an 'A' for Hospitality, because I am definitely trying to work on this. And it has been so much fun. I love spending that more "quality" time with good friends and family!

I have also had some study time, in my Bible. As far as a "set time" like I would like, I have been failing. And I am going to link this one up to reading my Bible, which, has not been going as well either. I want DAILY reading and studying... And I have not been doing that so far. This is actually my first morning at home with nothing scheduled. The last 5 days, I have had things to get ready for first thing in the morning... Not a good excuse, I know. So, on this one, I am going to give myself a 'D'. Although this morning, a 'D', a nothing planned will give me some good time in the Word!!!

God first, hubby #2, kids #3, others, then me... I have been doing good on this so far... I love my relationship with the Lord. I am blessed that He is so faithful, and listens to me... (You too!) And I have been trying to keep hubby in #2 place. Which is difficult sometimes, to be honest. Hubby and kids run neck-neck sometimes, and I have to let hubby be first! So, for this one I have to say a 'B'. I still have make this a part of my life that comes naturally...

Using my talents... well, I have been. This last week, I have probably spent one day doing stuff that use my talents... And this one will be an easy one for me, I just need to make time for it! So, on this too I will give myself a 'B'. I still want to get items on Etsy, and other projects I would like to do...

Scheduling my day... It has been pretty scheduled so far, because we have had so much planned. I want this to be more in the area of home too. Like today is a dusting and sweeping day. On top of other things to get done in prep for a birthday party tomorrow! This I will say 'C' because I haven't really got to apply it to it's full extent. Today is the day... =)

Eating better... mmmm. Well, right now is horrible. It is "that time" for me, and chocolate is a necessity. But, it is dark chocolate, so that includes antioxidants and is there for REALLY good for me! I went tot he grocery yesterday, and hopefully will will continue on the right track this week... So far, I'd say I get a 'C'. Needs more work.

Take more pictures... Oh, this one has NOT been good. I need to download some pictures and make room on my camera for more.... I will do this today. But for now, I get a 'D' on this. =(

Have a garden... of course winter is no time to plant a garden in Indiana, but I have been planning and getting some ideas from one of my favorite magazines, Countryside. Countryside is a lot of info on being self-sufficient, or being able to live "off-the-grid". Which I never plan on being totally self-sufficient, BUT I would like, in case we ever got into a depression or something, that we could still eat and survive with no major issues. This magazine also gives some great ideas on how to plant your garden, how much to plant, etc. There are loads of great ideas... On this, so far I am going to say 'A'...

Going on more vacations.... I think I will be giving myself an 'A' on this so far also, BECAUSE I have a "vacation fund" where we will be saving money for going on short camping trips, our yearly vacation with hubby's family, maybe a vacation at Spring Break, and a Florida trip in the next year or so???? That is the great thing about saving... if I have money set aside, we don't have to worry about wanting to go camping again but not having money set aside. Hopefully this will continue to work out...

How has your first week in the New Year been going? I hope your goals for this year have been going well!

New Years Resolutions

I have not made any New Year's Resolutions for a long time. They seemed like a waste of time, and I never really worked toward anything on the list anyways.

I remember how silly my lists used to be, like when I was young, like Elementary or middle school. Get more muscles (I was a bean pole). Get a boyfriend (boys don't look twice at bean poles). Clean my room (that may have happened once, but then there was a mysterious explosion...). You know, all very silly stuff that had no purpose.

But today, and for the last several days, I have debated on making a list for myself. A list with purpose. A list of things that would serve an eternal purpose.

So, I think I am going to make one. And you can hold me accountable. Because these should be THAT important. I encourage you to make a list also.

Here is mine:

1. Read my Bible daily. I am hit and miss on this. As a general rule, I have set a goal of reading 2 chapters, each time I read. Sometimes this is a lot, sometimes it isn't as much. And on subjects that really catch my attention, I read a lot more. I am going to set this goal for myself, once again. Read at least 2 chapters everyday.
2. Set aside a time to spend time in the word. This goes along with my first one, but since my husband has changed hours (about 2 months ago!), I have been bad about setting that time aside. I am going to try to do this in the morning, after the boys are off to school. I can pop in a movie for Caden, and Koen will most likely still be sleeping. So I need to use that short time wisely!
3. Be more hospitable! I have a home that is set-up great for entertaining, but our time is another story. We just aren't used to the weekends my husband has off now, and haven't had many people over. Well, we are starting out well, I suppose. We (last minute) invited people over for New Year's Eve. I would like to keep this up all year round. At least 2 times a month, have people over.
4. Use my talents to make a better wife and mother. I always look to the Proverbs 31 woman, and how the model of her life compares to mine. She worked with her hands (vs. 13, 17 -19, 22, 24). I have the ability and the tools to make things with my hands. I made robes for my kids for Christmas. I also made "oatmeal" pants for them (flannel pajama pants). These 2 things they were THRILLED with. It also makes a very nice gift, without spending as much money as it looks like you have spent. I am also looking into using Etsy more. If you've never browsed Etsy, HERE is my site. I made several things for Christmas for people that I think I would like to put on my site, and try to make a little income for my family. God has given me a talent for a reason! I need to use it!
5. God first. Husband second. Children third. Others fourth. Then myself. I need to always analyze what I am doing and do a little check to make sure I am not doing it for selfish reasons. I also have to admit, I don't check to make sure God is first in all daily decisions that I make. It may sound silly to some, but before housework or make lunch, I don't check to make sure this is the path that God wants me on at that time. And I want to be doing what He wants me to be doing! I need to check the list in THAT order!
6. Make a schedule for my day. I am a scheduler. I thrive on a schedule. I need to make sure my days are mapped out for me, so I know what needs done, and things don't get put off to the last minute, or I don't forget something important! (Which happens more then I would like to admit!) I like to have laundry on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and then the other days- no laundry! I like to sweep the house once a week, and then be done. I like (or don't LIKE) to dust the house once a week, and then don't worry about it! If I have it all mapped out, then I know I don't have to worry about sweeping my house until Thursday. I love having a schedule!
7. Eating better! Of course this one made it on. It makes it on EVERYONE'S list, right. But, I do have 4 little boys that need to know the importance of nutrition. They need to have good foods that will keep them from getting sick. This winter, we have fallen into the junk food pit, and I am trying to climb out! I tend to skip the fruit and veggie aisle, because everything this time of year is expensive, but the money that I save on other groceries, should be spent on the good food for my family. Especially coming into the flu season. I recently bought my family oranges. I knew my husband like them, but was pleasantly surprised to find my boys wanting to eat them too. Especially since they found out that oranges contain vitamin C, which will help fight off colds and sickness. They were excited about that. That is why my son, Deklyn, eats broccoli now. I told him green veggies are very good for him, and help with your thinking. He wants to eat the broccoli first!
8. Take more pictures. I would love to have a video camera right now, especially with a baby, BUT I don't. =( So I want to make sure I photograph EVERYTHING. I don't want to miss any specially moments in my boys growing up. And I want picture for my boys and their families in the future!
9. Have a garden. This is a little ways off, since there is snow on the ground and it is not yet the first of January. But I want to make sure that is a priority this year. My boys LOVE the produce and I love eating a free meal! A stir-fry from the garden is delicious and it can also be free! I loved sitting outside this summer enjoying the weather and eating food that we grew. Plus, it is on it way to being organic! And all of the scraps go to our animals, which find that to be a real treat! I really need to get serious about this! Maybe I will start planning now...
10. Go on more vacations. No we are not rich by any means, but camping does not take much money, and that is what we like to do. We need to take that time out as a family and just enjoy each other. A year and a half ago, we didn't do much for getting out end enjoying each other. We worked. And the boys weren't happy. WE weren't happy. Last year we got out more, but this year, We plan on being out even more.

So, that is all I can think of right now. But, those 10 things are going to take a lot of effort.

Are you making any resolutions? What are they?

Who is in Control?

Who is in control of YOUR life?

Daily things happen. Laundry. Dishes. Phone calls. Running Errands. Jobs. Kid's homework. Sick kids. Bills in the mail. Spouse is late coming home. You forgot to buy something at the store that you needed YESTERDAY. Not as much income coming in. The list goes on and on...

You have piled things too high on that plate of yours and now, it's all coming down around you. Stress sneaks in and we allow fear to take over.

As one thing after another thing happens, as we continue to get hit from all directions, what do we do? Keep putting out fires? Hunker down and wait for it all to blow over?


Psa 57:1 To the Chief Musician. Do not destroy. A secret treasure of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me; for my soul trusts in You; yea, in the shadow of Your wings I will make my hiding-place, until these great troubles pass by. 2 I will cry to God most high, to God who does all things for me. 3 He shall send from Heaven, and save me from the scorn of him who would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. 4 My soul is among lions; I lie among those on fire, the sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be praised above the heavens, O God; let Your glory be above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; they have dug a pit before me, they have fallen into it. Selah. 7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise. 8 Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. 9 I will praise You, O Jehovah, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations. 10 For Your mercy is great to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds. 11 Be exalted above the heavens, O God; let Your glory be above all the earth.

Lets remember, as days pass and stresses come in and out of our lives, who is in control. We choose- Who will you have in control of YOUR life? Will you choose to take the leade? Or will you choose to hide under the wings of the One who is ALWAYS in control. If you are choosing God today to be in control, Praise Him. Not just behind the doors in your home, not just in your church. Praise Him in front of EVERYONE! Praise Him to all nations! May the Lord's glory be shown in our lives!

In those times of trouble call on His name, but do not forget to be praising Him ALWAYS.

Her Value

This study is taken from Elizabeth George's Book, "Beautiful in God's Eyes". I suggest that you purchase this book! Her books really challenge you as a woman!

This is an in depth study on the Proverbs 31 Woman. We have already discussed "Her Character". To catch-up on our study, please go HERE.

"Her price is much higher than jewels" Proverbs 31:10

A jewel is something invaluable, it's something very rare. The King's mother was trying to get across to him what a treasure a woman is, who truly counts God as number 1! Being a jewel to her husband means that "she brought the love, the color, the joy, the life and energy into the home." We are to supply the beauty in our homes, for our husband, for our children. We need to paint a pretty picture, even if times aren't so great. EG says, "Just as gems increase in value as time passes, we who are God's beautiful women- His jewels- should, too. " So, here are somethings that we should work on to help make those people's life around us, better:

• Grow in practical skills- like homemaking (ability cook, clean etc... and then USE the skill, put it to practice!), money management (we need to at least know how-to do these items, if not take care of these), time management (Begin planning & scheduling your day. And then Follow The Plan!).


• Grow in Emotional Stability- Master your tolerance (or endurance. We need to gain control of our emotions. In times of emotional strain, we need to pull from our strength in Jesus Christ (phil.4:13) and pray through things! He will be our strength!), Master your Temper (We could go so many ways on this one. Look to your Bible for these verses- Prov. 14:30, Prov 19:2, Prov. 19:11, Prov. 25:28. Start making a list of undesirable traits that you want to get rid of!), Master your Tongue (James 3:10, Prov. 12:18. We need to : Prov 10:19, Prov. 15:28, Prov. 16:21, 24 & Prov. 31:26. Speak thoughtfully, with a soft tongue!)

As a woman, I have to be completely honest. As women, we do tend to let our emotions run most of what we do. We get WAY too emotional. We tend to "freak out" if things don't happen as planned. Or if someone is being SUPER SLOW in the grocery line, or if someone cuts us off while we are driving... And then, do we try to do everything we can at home? Do we clean, do we cook, do we make our homes outwardly beautiful, warm & full of love? Is our home a place where our families can come home to rest, and enjoy each other? Do we try hard enough? I can say I try hard, but can I try harder?

I hope this is challenging you as much as it's challenging me... and I know we are being challenged in different ways! Like we said at the beginning of today, a jewel becomes more priceless as time goes by. Let's make ourselves more priceless also.

Lord- We come to you again today, and pray that we would be beautiful to you! That is our hearts desire. We want to be a priceless jewel! We want our families to reap the harvest of what we have sewn. And we want all of the glory and honor to go to You, God. We love you, please let all we say and all we do today on forth, bring people to You. Help us not to be discouraged about these words we've read today, but help it bring encouragement and a challenge to our lives, to better serve our families, or friends, our church, but most importantly, YOU. Again, we love You, Lord. Help us to do these things in Your name. ~Amen

Proverbs 31 Study

I hold the Proverbs 31 Woman, as a woman who's standard's, we, as women, need to follow. Or STRIVE to follow.

She has many qualities, that are very desirable to us, but more desirable to the Lord.

I encourage you to read Proverbs 31.

You will find that this woman has many traits. Elizabeth George wrote "Beautiful in God's Eyes". In her book, she outlines the different characteristics that each of us should strive for. They are as follows:

• Her Character
• Her Value
• Her Loyalty
• Her Contribution
• Her Mission
• Her Heart
• Her Provision
• Her Discipline
• Her Vision
• Her Work
• Her Confidence
• Her diligence
• Her Mercy
• Her Preparation
• Her Handiwork
• Her Husband
• Her Industry
• Her Clothing
• Her Words
• Her Management
• Her Family
• Her Praise
• Her Faith
• Her Reward

Wow. So many qualities.... Are we good in each of these??? Would each of these areas in our lives be pleasing to God??? Ouch. I can personally say, I have a long way to go. A LONG way.

Starting today, I want to cover each of these qualities, as outlined in Elizabeth's George's Book. If you have this book, get it out, and follow along! If you don't, I encourage you to get it. You can go to her site HERE and check it out. She has some very decent prices.

So, my first question for you is, which qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman, do you want to improve on? Which verse convicts you the most?

I hope you join me everyday, as we review these qualities, and strive for God's understanding in who HE wants us to be.

Making Your Home a Haven- Day 5, Inviting & Giving

GO here to see the challenge for today...

Today's challenge is to make our homes Inviting and Giving. Inviting in that we should have more people over. And giving ... we should give to people just because!

Today, is going to be a busy day for me. But I wanted to post some ideas and things for you to think about.

I am really horrible at having people over. We moved into our home about 2 1/2 years ago, and have remodeled it ourselves. Well, there are still somethings that need finished... And we have designed it with an open living space that is wonderful for entertaining. And there is plenty of room for people! I am going to challenge myself, and I am also going to challenge YOU- to make at LEAST 2 days a month, to have a family or 2 over. For dinner or for just a cake or brownies & coffee. The point isn't a meal, it's fellowship. I am challenging myself for at least 2 days, because SURELY I can find 2 weekend days to have people over!

Also, the holiday season is coming up. I am going to have the women in my family over for a Girls Get Together. On this night, I am going to show a movie (Sleepless in Seattle or It's a Wonderful Life...). We will also be drinking something warm... coffee or cocoa (mmm..). And enjoying some desserts. Just getting together and enjoying the other's company is the point!

I also have been thinking over what a lady at our church does for her husband, to open her home, serve her husband and other people. On Opening day of Shot-gun Season (this Saturday), she told her husband she would wake up early every Saturday morning and make food for people to enjoy the morning of going to hunting. She makes pancakes, sausage, etc. for whoever decides to come over. What a wonderful way to not only welcome people into YOUR home, but to also say you value your husband and what he enjoys! That has challenged me! She has done this for many years now. Oh, and her requirement for waking early the whole season??? He takes her shopping! =) I think that is a nice trade-off!

So, even if you aren't inviting people over this weekend, I want to challenge you to make some plans! Invite people over at least 2 times this month. Also challenge yourself NOT to count Thanksgiving or Christmas!!!

So, what are YOUR plans???

Making Our Home a Haven- Day 4, Fun

If you haven't been keeping up, you can scroll down to find my other entries for the week and you can also go to the "motivator" on her blog, Monica.

Today, our focus is fun. Making memories, making coming home an atmosphere, not of tension or worry. But when the kids come home, or hubby comes home, they know they can look forward to being there.

One thing I do to make it more fun for boys and daddy when they all get home, is I get all of the work done before they come home! I try to have all work done. Or at least appear to have everything done, so that the tension of an out-of-control house, is not an issue.

Next, for the bigger boys, we do the dirty work first. We get that dreaded homework done. After homework is done, they love to make books, draw & play dress-up (you know dress-up for boys... policemen, firemen, cowboys...)

Today, here is my goal:

-Wake-up at 7am, boys up
-fed, dressed, practice those spelling words one more time!
-hubby off to work
-boys off to school
-computer time for mama, before baby wakes!
-Off to the barn ( I forget to list this, but we get our eggs, and feed chickens & cats)
-Laundry (Didn't get it finished yesterday!)
-Start of "Thanks & Giving" (see below for details)
-Sewing
-Work on Drawing Project for our Women's Ministry Tonight!
(while I do that, Caden will probably be coloring!)
-Boys home, hubby home!
-work on our "Thanks & Giving" with all boys
-Dinner: Talapia w/ Hawaiian Marinade (Mmmm!), cut potatoes (from the garden) & either sweet muffins from last week, or Pumpkin Rolls that I made last night...
-Then I am off to day 2 of our Women's Ministry Classes... And day 2 of our drawing projects! We will be finishing our Christmas Cards. I am very excited!
-Home, boys will probably be in bed, thanks to hubby
-Relax at home, Bed! (Yayyy!!!)

So, there is the day. Not everything is going to be fun, but a prep time so we can have fun.

But, one project I saw and wanted to do was called "Thanks & Giving" Trees. (The original idea is here, but I have revised it a little.) You start with a skeleton of a tree. Make another one. On one, label "Thanks", on the other label "Giving". Then make a bunch of leaves out of colored paper, or find some on the internet. Cut these leaves out.

Second stage of this project, will be the explanation and doing it! These will be for my boys... Everyday, the boys need to write one thing on a leaf that they are thankful for, and paste it on the Thanks Tree. And then write one thing they did that day, where they Gave something, like helping someone out with something, making someone smile, drew someone a picture, etc., then put that on a leaf and paste it to the Giving Tree. I think this idea can be a real good challenge for children. I want my boys to remember that they should not only be receiving things (which they are Thankful for), but they should also be doing things FOR OTHERS. This is an area of struggle... especially for most kids. I hope this is a challenge that they will remember, and continue to try to improve on.

And the thing that makes my boys the happiest when they come home, is to play with each other. I have 2 boys in school, a 2nd grader & a 1st grader. Then, I have a (almost)4 year old at home, and a 7 1/2 mo old. So the older 3 really miss each other, and they run off and play.

The thing that makes my husband the happiest when he comes home, is no dishes in the sink, and no laundry to be put away... I can USUALLY accomplish this. The laundry is the hardest, because there is SO MUCH of it!

So what are YOU doing today that is FUN???

Making Your Home a Haven- Day 3, Cared For

To see this weeks challenges go to Monica's blog HeRE.

Today, we are going a step further than cleaning, and actually "CARING FOR" things in our home. We are going a step further, to make things last, to make it look as new as possible, for as long as possible. Take our organization to the next level. We need to do those little projects that just keep getting put off...

Do you have anything that needs some special attention? Do you have some mending that needs done? Do you need to organize you winter clothes, and put away those summer clothes?

You guessed it... I need to put summer stuff away! I will be doing that for all of us (6 of us). I will also be doing some laundry, and I do have a few things to mend, and some other things that I need to sew.

Here is my day:

Woke up at 7 AM.

Boys up, dressed, fed

Boys off to school! =)

Hubby off to work =(

A movie for Caden, baby still sleeping

Mommy computer time, and study (ahhh...)

Laundry started for the day

Sewing started, polishing furniture

Sorting winter/Summer clothes

1:45- boys off school early

Homework, reading

Put clothes away

Dinner (Tater Tot Casserole)

Hubby home

Church

home & to bed!

What does your day look like???

Making Your Home a Haven- Day 2 Clean!

My day got off track a bit (I will have some pics in a little while to show why!), but if you'd like to keep up this week with making your Home a Haven, go here. Today, is a day on cleaning! I will be getting this done, shortly. Have a great day!!!

Making My House a Haven

UPDATED!!! SEE BEFORE AND AFTER< BELOW!!!

I found this blog, and it is going right along with what I talked about last week, and wanting to do a thorough clean of my kitchen! Of course, last week was a little busy and so is this week. But only my evenings are busy, so hopefully participating in "Making Your House a Haven", I will be able to make my home ready for the activities of the evening!



Today, on her site, she is discussing "Tidy". She has challenged herself to tidy up spots that may have become a little unruly. Like my cupboards! I have got a great accumulation of groceries lately, and my old places for things, no longer "fit" into my current load. So the challenge of "Tidy" today. I am going to tidy my kitchen.




I will include before and after pics! ***shudder***



I am taking this pictures in the morning after the rush of the boys leaving the house. I had a busy day yesterday, and our evening was a come home. Finish some projects, and go to bed. So everything else, like the kitchen, go neglected!




So here are the before pics:

Here is the catch all spot in our house, the island. It isn't too bad, but it need to be cleaned up! There is also my calendar, which I have good intentions of keeping track of the boys schoolwork.



I NEED to figure out something different with the refrigerator, All of the school papers & Pictures...

Here is my pantry, it's not a huge mess, but there are a few disorganized areas...



This trash closet has been an overflow for extras... I need to get a better plan!

Today, I have got the boys around for school, spent some time in the Word, been SO encouraged in the verses that the Lord gave me today, and now I am blogging... My plan for this day, is to get laundry going, type up some things for my hubby, work on my kitchen, make some notes on a baby shower for a wonderful gal at church (the beginning!), sewing some shirts. By this time, the boys will be home, and homework will need to be done! Then Hubby will get home. I will be preparing for dinner, Eat. Clean-up. Then boys are off to a "Den Meeting" with the boy scouts, and at the same time Hubby is supposed to be at a Church Meeting. He will be splitting himself into 2 at this time... At that time, I hope to continue in anything I hadn't got done earlier in the day. And that evening, I will work on my couponing so hopefully I can go shopping tomorrow. Then, I will probably end my day in the Word. My favorite! Then Bed. Ahhh... It sounds good already!

I am going to encourage you to visit the blog above, and also challenge yourself today to "tidy up" some neglected areas. And as soon as I am finished, I will include pics of my finished project! Stay tuned! =)

Alright, I worked literally 4 hours on my kitchen... wiping down everything, reorganizing, throwing out... So here is the after pics:

Here is the pantry, I organized things a little better, and moved some stuff out, hopefully you can tell a difference. I can!

Here is my trash closet aka over flow closet... I moved some stuff around in here also. Moved some in, some out...

Here is the overall kitchen. My fridge is cleaned off, my island is cleaned off, counters have been cleared & wiped down. I feel much better about my more organized kitchen!!!

Have you decided to "tidy" anything today???

Fruits of My Prep Day

OK, so I am a human, right? Not really a question... more of a statement, in case you hadn't figured it out. So, I had my big plans. And I did pretty well. Although, I think my oven has an attitude??? It has happened on about 4 different occasions... I am making something on the stove or in the oven. Something I have made many, many times. Then it happens. There is the burning smell, and sometimes even the smoke detector. This is not due to human error. I mean there have been plenty of human error situations, but these are not the times. I put my first batch of muffins in yesterday, for the right temp, if the time says bake for 15-20 minute, I always have to bake it for the 15, 20 would be too long. So I followed all the instructions. And the about 9 minutes left on the timer, I smelled burning. Bummer. I opened the oven to golden brown muffins. I pulled them out and looked at the bottoms. BU. MMER. Blackness. So I salvaged what I could, and thankfully the ingredients are not very expensive, so I quickly made another double batch. Oh yeah, first, I turned off the oven then turned it back on again. Then... SWEET MUFFINS. Literally. Sweet Muffins are what they are called. So I didn't get AS MUCH accomplished as I wanted, but I'm a roll with the punches kind of gal, and I think everything worked pretty well!

Here are the fruits (and breads) of my Prep Day:

Frozen bananas from Monday, 4 doz. sweet muffins, some crock pot applesauce (some already frozen) and some granola ( I mixed it with Cheerios, because on it's own it is SO FILLING!). This should be good for 2 weeks or so! Well, I am going to make more applesauce, but I am very happy!

Prep Day & Groceries

Monday was partly a day of Prep for future meals, and partly a "shopping" day. In the morning. I made applesauce & granola , which was delicious, by the way. For a granola recipe , go here. The applesauce I made in the crock pot for baby. So I just cut-up the apples, and let it cook for 4 hours on high. In the end I found it to be really chunky, so I used a mixer to get rid of the chunks. Baby LOVES it, BTW!

Then, I went with my sister to pick up some supplies for their new house that they are remodeling. While we were there, we went to Aldi's. They had their bananas 1/2 off that day. Their bananas are normally $.49/lb. And I got 3 large bunches for $1.80! I cut up 2 of the bunches and froze them, for Baby food. The other bunch is just about gone!

Today, was originally my shopping day. So I hit CVS, Kroger, Walgreen's & Meijer. At Meijer the last 2 weeks I have been able to get milk that was marked down to $1.27 a gal. for 1/2%. I know half percent is nearly water, but my boys drink so much milk they get plenty of the good stuff. I also got some Vitamin D milk that was marked down in a half gallon to $.78, that will work great for making Yogurt. I was able to get a good diaper deal, 7 1/2 gallons of milk, 4 half gallons of soy milk, an impulse buy of Egg Nog, 2 containers of coffee & flavoring, plus all of the regular groceries and toiletries this week for $76. Pretty good, I thought. That is under my goal of $80. a week. If you want to know where to find some good deals, go here. We are in Northeastern Indiana, so deals may vary depending on your location.

Tomorrow, I am planning on lots of laundry (boo), making muffins (Pumpkin & Sweet Muffins), maybe some more granola, more applesauce, and the start of the Yogurt (hopefully). I also want to do a thorough cleaning in my kitchen. I haven't done one since we moved here 2 years ago. By thorough, I mean everything off of counters, organizing shelves, wiping everything down, clean out fridge, rid out anything unused from the cupboards, etc. I don't know, this may have to wait until next week. I have worship practice and church tomorrow night, and I am teaching a drawing class for our Women's Ministry on Thursday night, Friday night we set up for a craft bazaar, and Saturday is the craft bazaar. I better stop listing everything I need to accomplish this week. It seems very overwelming when I start typing everything out!

I also need to weed out baby clothes, because my little man is already growing our of things and they need to get put away! We are also going to move around my sewing things and move my boy's rooms around. Didn't I say I was going to stop listing things??? I don't listen very well...

I love getting so much accomplished in a day though. I really feel like I am a little closer to the Proverbs 31 woman! Especially by making a "Prep Day" for myself, where I can get some baking and making done for the next few weeks. I will put extra muffins in the freezer. I will have very healthy granola, yogurt and applesauce on hand. And I also have bananas ready for baby! Do you do something like a "Prep Day" or have you ever thought of doing it? Do you have any suggestions for those of us doing this for the first time?

Is there Enough Evidence Against You?

I have a sign in my house that says, "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?". This was given to us by my mom-in-law, many years ago. It's scary and motivating at the same time.



I was reminded of the sign again the other night when I was reading through Daniel. I got to Daniel 6. And starting in verse 4 it says, " Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God." Then these presidents and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, "O King Darius, live forever! All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked." Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction. "



So Daniel was a man without fault. He followed the rules and laws of the land. Just like we are supposed to do. We are to be law abiding people. If the speed limit sign says 55, that is what it means! I have known professing believers who raced in their cars on a highway, speeds that would have got them thrown in jail if caught. And how funny this was to them! I say, how disrespectful! They are CHRISTIANS, and what kind of witness are they being if they cannot follow rules that are set for safety on the roads? Can we as Christians just make our OWN rules? NO! Jesus even followed the laws of the land.



The only time that we should not follow one of the laws of the land is if it is in opposition to what GOD wants from us. Like here in Daniel. They had to make a signed law against what Daniel was doing because there was no other way they were going to a able to get rid of him. And Daniel was not going to stop talking to God.



I have been driving and seen people with Jesus Fish and Christian bumper stickers, driving fast of weaving in and out of traffic. I have seen people who "claim" to be people of Christ, provoking anger in others by NOT following rules that are set for everyone!



So, I ask you, please be a good witness to God's good name. Follow the laws and rules. Do not just do something because you can get away with it. Don't think that it won't matter. It does, because to the One who can see it, it matters big time.



Back to my sign. So there might be enough evidence to convict you against the laws of the land, but is there enough evidence to convict you against being a Christian? Someday those may coincide. But right now, is there enough evidence? Do we pray as much as we should? Are we in constant communion with Jesus? Do we live every minute of our day, shining the light of God? Lets build that evidence against ourselves for being Christ lovers, not law breakers. Both of which will point to the cross.

House or Home?

Home. What does the word "Home" mean to you?

I looked up the word home in my E-Sword concordance. I went through each verse, reading each one that included the word "home". There was kind of a common theme in all of them. Some were about someone being released to go home, so were going to go home, some fled from their home.

Then I stopped on this one: "Psa 68:6 God settles the solitary in a home..." Home in this verse means "family". Very interesting.

How about this:

Psa 84:2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Psa 84:3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
Psa 84:4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

Or this:

Psa 113:9 He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD!

This is saying He has given this woman, who was barren, a family! Or as this puts it, a HOME!

So a home is not a roof, and some walls. It is not our paint choices or our expensive living room furniture. It is our family. It is the place we run to in times of trouble. It is our safe haven, where we go to get comforted.

Are we making our homes a place that our family can come home to get comforted? Or is it a hectic mess? Is it a place of stress?

Let's make our homes a place of refuge; a place to weather the storms of life, together with our family, the ones who love us unconditionally.

Lord- May my home always be a place where my family can come to and find rest and peace. May it always be a place where You reside and rule. Please protect our home, cover us with Your blood. Keep us safe. We love you. ~ Amen

Starting our Week

Right now, I am sitting at my computer (as I do MOST mornings) and 2 of my boys are watching a movie. It is also what seems like a gloomy day, it's rainy, actually it is starting to sleet. I think it is even supposed to snow. Depressing, right?

Mmmm, not exactly. While I am not a 'fan' of cold weather, by ANY means, I am very excited at the changes going on around us and in our lives.

This is our second week of my husband's new position, and things seem to be going really well. The boys absolutely LOVE that their daddy is home soon after they get home from school. I have to admit, it's pretty nice to hear him breathing beside me as I drift off to sleep. And as far as adjusting to doing my chores during the day instead of at night, I think THAT is going well also. I actually feel more "normal" doing things this way. Plus, I love to have my home cleaned, supper preparing, boys all "abuzz" about school, and I can actually get showered before he gets home. I am liking this!

We are also going through the process of hiring on a new pastor. Our pastor now, Mike, is stepping into associate pastor and in charge or the Youth Ministry, because his heart has always been in this position. And we are looking to hire a new pastor, his name is Lance. Over the past 2 months, my husband and I have gotten the privilege of getting to know he and his wife, and their daughter. I can just "feel" the excitement over this whole situation. Our church has healed from some "activity" a year ago, thanks to the leading of our pastor Mike. And now, we are ready to step into a new phase of growth. Our doors are bulging most weeks as we continue to bring the word of God to people in our community. The Lord has blessed and will continue to bless, especially under the leading of our new possible Pastor Lance. Lance's vision is so right on with what our church needs next, the Lord has given him a vision for the people here and how he can help to minister, and teach the congregation. It's all such a blessing!

I am also part of the Women's Ministry and we are starting some new things, that I am VERY excited about. I can't wait to see how these new things encourage and help the women of our church grow! Churches that do not have a ministry for women, is doing a huge injustice to it's congregation. Women are managers of their homes, and then also managers of the children. So in order for our homes to be glorifying to God, the woman need to have growth and encouragement also. I am thrilled to be a part of this.

I am also looking forward to spend more time as a family this week. Today was a full day of school, tomorrow is a full day and then the next 2 are half days. Friday they have off. Thursday we are going to actually keep the boys home, because we do not celebrate Halloween and their half day will be filled with Halloween activities. So we are just going to have some family time!

I am very excited to see what else this week brings.

Thank you God for blessing this week. Help us make this week bless YOU more than anything!

Spending Time with the Lord

OK- so, I have greatly improved in this area , BUT- I have far to go. I would LOVE to spend AT LEAST 3-5 hours reading, looking up things, daily... but it is impossible at this point in our lives! I have a baby, and 3 other boys. 2 to get ready for school, and 1 to do Preschool with (when we have time). Hubby is also home during the days, so that makes it hard to spend "TRUE quiet time" with the Lord.

So, I have made my time with the Lord before I go to bed. That has worked the best with our schedules. Boys are sleeping, hubby is working. I get my housework finished then also, and the aaahhhhh.... quiet!

Now, my husband just found out he got a new promotion in a day shift and our schedule will be turned upside down! He has been working evenings for at least 8-9 years now. So, as a married couple, that is all we've known. But now, we have to learn a new way of life! I have been anticipating the promotion for a while, and tried to figure how to make this a LESS BUMPY change. This will be a great change because the boys will be able to see more of their daddy, but now I have to adjust my whole daytime routine.

So, I will probably have to move my time with the Lord to the day. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO FLEXIBLE, GOD! Because, usually when my hubby is HOME in the evenings, I get nothing done!

During my time with God, I read my Bible. Usually 2-5 chapters. I love having encouraging books to read also. I just read Elizabeth George's "Beautiful in God's Eyes". Very Good Book! I also spend time on E-Sword, a downloadable for your computer. This is like a dictionary, a concordance, bible, commentary, note taker, etc, etc all in one. I love it. I have a pink highlighter for verses I find relating to ME as a wife, a mother, a woman... and I will underline anything else. I usually also spend 1/2 hour to an hour and 1/2. Just reading. And prayer time, I guess I have never watched the clock. Spending time on this blog, researching, isn't counted in my "God time" but could be. I pray about what I need to write for the day. The days you don't hear from me, are the days I have too much on my plate to focus on the blog time.

So, what do you do? When do you spend time with God? What do you DO in that time? How would you improve if you could? And do have any good advise for others?