Well for those of you who read a few blogs ago how I was going to try t-burn... well I tried, but this time around seemed to be different. It made me feel a little edgy, and I just didn't feel good on it, so now I am going to go the heatlhy route. A friend at the gym set me up with a killer workout.... i'm taking a spinning class, and I'm watching my calorie intake. Hopefully those numbers on the scale, or at least my clothing will go down soon!!
My bible study is going really well. This week was about "A heart for your husband" and what it really means to be a christian submissive wife. In today's culture everyone is always talking like "aint no man gonna tell me what to do" etc.... but in the bible God tells us how we are to act, and we are to be our husbands help mate. A quote that really stood out to me from the workbook this week is
"Submitting to another person is an often misunderstood concept. It does not mean becoming a doormat. Christ-at whose name "every knee shall bow in Heaven and on earth and under the earth" -submitted His will to the Father, and we honor Christ by following his example. When we submit to God we become more willing to obey His command to submit to others, that is, to subordinate our rights to theirs. For a wife this means willingly following her husband's leadership in Christ."
Neil S Wilson
Those are hard words to swallow some time, but when we live as Christ wants us to live, there is more peace and more joy!!!
As far as my kids... Joseph and Samuel are doing great in pre-school and learning sooo much. I can't believe how big they are getting, and Jonathan is 6 months old and almost crawling, and almost sitting up... time seems to be flying with him as well.... but it's so exciting to see them learn and then master new skills... I'm so proud of all my children.
Well that's all for now!!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Heartbreaking times........
Something I am learning, is that nothing is sweeter during a difficult time than knowing you can lean on a friend. There are times in our lives when difficult things happen..... a loved one dies..... a close friend hurts you deeply..... a marriage is experiencing a rocky time.... loss of a job..... and during those times of weakness, and hurt, there is someone waiting for us. Our Savior Jesus waits to take us in his arms.... he holds us..... loves us... wipes away our tears.... and tells us that no matter what.... HE loves us... HE will never leave or forsake us.... HE will never hurt us..... what an amazing Father in Heaven we have...to send his son to us..... and I'm so glad that during my darkest hours.... I have a perfect friend, a perfect place to rest my head and have peace! Even when people on this earth hurt us and circumstances happen to us that we can't control.... Jesus is there.... loving us...
And just to add.... that after he has wiped away our tears... and given us the boost we need to get back out there.... sometimes.... he comes through in such a way as to bring that which was lost, into our lives again. I'm so thankful for Jesus and all the friends he has brought into my life. :-)
And just to add.... that after he has wiped away our tears... and given us the boost we need to get back out there.... sometimes.... he comes through in such a way as to bring that which was lost, into our lives again. I'm so thankful for Jesus and all the friends he has brought into my life. :-)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Our First Family Bible Night
For the past few years mike and I have always talked on and off about how we would like to do a family bible night. We do a devotional at meal time, and one before bed with the kids, but we wanted to do something different. Once a week we wanted to make a special time that we would all do a fun activity with a lesson that we could all learn from. Well through the many bible studies we have started together on parenting.... and we finally got to one, that we both really really like. It's called Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp. We bought the parent handbook to go along with it and we are learning so much. We decided last sunday night to do a family bible night and we decided it was going to be on how we use our words.
We started out with Mike asking them questions, about what are harmful words, and what are helpful words.
Then we gave them some clues.... to find their verses. For example Joseph's was (from a barnyard game) "If Ben wanted to meet you at the junkyard how would he get in touch with you" the answer (cell phone) so off he went to find mommy's cell phone and inside of it was his verse. James 1:19 "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." We talked about what this meant, that we should always think before we speak, and not get angry so quickly.
Samuel's clue was taped to the back of mike' shirt... and his clue was "this person loves to wrestle with you and shares his apple with you". So he found daddy and his clue and his verse was Passage James 3:10 "nd so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" We talked about that as well.... how hypocritcal christians can be when we talk about how we are living for God and then curse a brother or sister in Christ.
Michael's clue was on the computer and his read "To use this you must have power, but you are only allowed to stay on for one half hour".... and his verse was Ephesians 4:29 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." We talked about how what comes out of our mouth should always be helpful to the listener. If it isn't helpful that it ought not be said.
Then we borrowed an idea from a book called "Creative Correcton by Lisa Welchel". I remember hearing a story on Focus on the Family one time about how her son was saying mean things to his sister, so she had him go out back and nail several nails into a fence. Then she made him take out the nails.
Well Mike had each boy nail a nail into his workbench in the basement. He had them each take out their nail, and we explained what she explained on the radio show that day. When we use hurtful words it is like we are driving a nail into someone's heart. We may say we are sorry (remove the nail) but the damage has been done, we have left a hole in their heart. We cause damage to those around us when we speak in a way that is not in love. We explained that we used daddy's workbench because they see it every day. We wanted them that when they see those holes, to remember to always think before they speak, and be slow to become angry.
This was a lesson for mike and I as well. As their parents we have to make sure we are also doing this. It's hard, sometimes we think as adults we have the right to do things, that we feel our children shouldn't simply because we are adults, but the truth is we still have to answer to our Heavenly Father for our actions. We don't want to leave holes in people where we have inflicted wounds with our words.
Another great verse that struck me as we were doing this family bible night and in the past week is...
Ephesians 4 verse15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. verse 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all ty...pes of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
My prayer for my family is that we can all learn to speak in love, think and choose our words carefully and grow to be more like Christ. It's a lifelong process and it's hard work sometimes, but the reward is also the greatest I could ever imagine. Can't wait to talk with Mike tonight about what we are going to do for tomorrow's Family Bible Night. (every sunday night :-) )
We started out with Mike asking them questions, about what are harmful words, and what are helpful words.
Then we gave them some clues.... to find their verses. For example Joseph's was (from a barnyard game) "If Ben wanted to meet you at the junkyard how would he get in touch with you" the answer (cell phone) so off he went to find mommy's cell phone and inside of it was his verse. James 1:19 "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." We talked about what this meant, that we should always think before we speak, and not get angry so quickly.
Samuel's clue was taped to the back of mike' shirt... and his clue was "this person loves to wrestle with you and shares his apple with you". So he found daddy and his clue and his verse was Passage James 3:10 "nd so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" We talked about that as well.... how hypocritcal christians can be when we talk about how we are living for God and then curse a brother or sister in Christ.
Michael's clue was on the computer and his read "To use this you must have power, but you are only allowed to stay on for one half hour".... and his verse was Ephesians 4:29 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." We talked about how what comes out of our mouth should always be helpful to the listener. If it isn't helpful that it ought not be said.
Then we borrowed an idea from a book called "Creative Correcton by Lisa Welchel". I remember hearing a story on Focus on the Family one time about how her son was saying mean things to his sister, so she had him go out back and nail several nails into a fence. Then she made him take out the nails.
Well Mike had each boy nail a nail into his workbench in the basement. He had them each take out their nail, and we explained what she explained on the radio show that day. When we use hurtful words it is like we are driving a nail into someone's heart. We may say we are sorry (remove the nail) but the damage has been done, we have left a hole in their heart. We cause damage to those around us when we speak in a way that is not in love. We explained that we used daddy's workbench because they see it every day. We wanted them that when they see those holes, to remember to always think before they speak, and be slow to become angry.
This was a lesson for mike and I as well. As their parents we have to make sure we are also doing this. It's hard, sometimes we think as adults we have the right to do things, that we feel our children shouldn't simply because we are adults, but the truth is we still have to answer to our Heavenly Father for our actions. We don't want to leave holes in people where we have inflicted wounds with our words.
Another great verse that struck me as we were doing this family bible night and in the past week is...
Ephesians 4 verse15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. verse 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all ty...pes of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
My prayer for my family is that we can all learn to speak in love, think and choose our words carefully and grow to be more like Christ. It's a lifelong process and it's hard work sometimes, but the reward is also the greatest I could ever imagine. Can't wait to talk with Mike tonight about what we are going to do for tomorrow's Family Bible Night. (every sunday night :-) )
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What i'm learning in my bible study....
Ok not the "coolest" headline to my blog, but oh well. :-) Tonight's bible study was so incredible. God is so good and has blessed me with a great group of ladies that are joining me on the journey to be "A woman after God's own heart".
Tonight towards the end of our study we were talking about being a postive person, and also the importance of being a positive mom. We talked about those who were not able to have children, those who have lost children and those who are blessed to have children. We talked about how each day we need to feel blessed to be a mom. Sure there are hard times, but instead of complaining about it, and dwelling on those feelings of negativity, to focus on the positive. Each day make a choice to be thankful and to know that those children were given to you as a precious gift from God, and that we don't know how much time we will have with them, or what kind of an impact we are making in their lives, and their future. None of us will ever be perfect, but when we are striving to be A Woman after God's heart, and we are spending the time, praying, reading the bible and working on becoming more christ like, it will be easier to be more positive and thankful. (preaching to myself here too) :-) Sometimes it's easier to complain, then to give it to God, or to make the choice to look at it positively. The bible says in Phillipans 12:13-18
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
I'm learning that this comes into play especially with being a mom. We live in a world of ME ME ME ME.... and we view our children as burdens instead of blessings... we need to be a bright light in this world... and what better way to show that to those around us than being a positive mom... there is so much negativity out there... let's show some joy... some light.....
My challenge to all the mother's out there, including myself... the next time you feel like complaining about your children.... the next time you feel negativity, look to your heavenly father and thank him for your kids... thank him that he allowed you the mercy and grace and entrusted these little lives into your care.... and think about how much God loves you.... and he will give you the strength to make it through whatever your going through... and through that... we can be a positive influence and have a positive affect on those around us..... let's all try it and see what a difference it makes.... as a side note... this will only be possible, if we get into God's word and spend time with him.... through him ALL is possible!!
Tonight when I got home, my increase in patience was amazing.... i'm serious... listening to the other ladies, spending time in God's word.... allowed me to come home and be a more postiive mom... and not only a more positive mom, but a more positive person!!! My prayer is that each day I can accept this challenge in my own life. I know there will be really tough days... please pray for me... that I can be a positive mom... a positive person.... each and every day... no matter what trials come my way.....
Please continue to pray for me as I am on this journey!!! Please know... i hope I am not sounding like I have it all together... because I don't... i'm just learning... and wanting to share... and hopefully be an encouragment to other mom's out there!!!
If you do decide to go on this challenge with me... please leave a comment and let me know if it is making an impact on how you treat and talk about your kids... and how your feelings are.... would love to hear encouragment from other mom's out there!!!
Tonight towards the end of our study we were talking about being a postive person, and also the importance of being a positive mom. We talked about those who were not able to have children, those who have lost children and those who are blessed to have children. We talked about how each day we need to feel blessed to be a mom. Sure there are hard times, but instead of complaining about it, and dwelling on those feelings of negativity, to focus on the positive. Each day make a choice to be thankful and to know that those children were given to you as a precious gift from God, and that we don't know how much time we will have with them, or what kind of an impact we are making in their lives, and their future. None of us will ever be perfect, but when we are striving to be A Woman after God's heart, and we are spending the time, praying, reading the bible and working on becoming more christ like, it will be easier to be more positive and thankful. (preaching to myself here too) :-) Sometimes it's easier to complain, then to give it to God, or to make the choice to look at it positively. The bible says in Phillipans 12:13-18
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
I'm learning that this comes into play especially with being a mom. We live in a world of ME ME ME ME.... and we view our children as burdens instead of blessings... we need to be a bright light in this world... and what better way to show that to those around us than being a positive mom... there is so much negativity out there... let's show some joy... some light.....
My challenge to all the mother's out there, including myself... the next time you feel like complaining about your children.... the next time you feel negativity, look to your heavenly father and thank him for your kids... thank him that he allowed you the mercy and grace and entrusted these little lives into your care.... and think about how much God loves you.... and he will give you the strength to make it through whatever your going through... and through that... we can be a positive influence and have a positive affect on those around us..... let's all try it and see what a difference it makes.... as a side note... this will only be possible, if we get into God's word and spend time with him.... through him ALL is possible!!
Tonight when I got home, my increase in patience was amazing.... i'm serious... listening to the other ladies, spending time in God's word.... allowed me to come home and be a more postiive mom... and not only a more positive mom, but a more positive person!!! My prayer is that each day I can accept this challenge in my own life. I know there will be really tough days... please pray for me... that I can be a positive mom... a positive person.... each and every day... no matter what trials come my way.....
Please continue to pray for me as I am on this journey!!! Please know... i hope I am not sounding like I have it all together... because I don't... i'm just learning... and wanting to share... and hopefully be an encouragment to other mom's out there!!!
If you do decide to go on this challenge with me... please leave a comment and let me know if it is making an impact on how you treat and talk about your kids... and how your feelings are.... would love to hear encouragment from other mom's out there!!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
For my husband......
6 years ago on October 4th, 2003 I married the man of my dreams!!! We had grown up in the same town, and as we started dating, we talked about how we attended the same youth group as children. I even signed his cast when he broke his arm playing football. We lived in the same subdivision, and my sisters used to give him rides home from school. We never really spent any real time with each other however until we were in our 20's. God brought this man into my life, and I knew from the moment I met... well re-met him, that he was the one for me. We both weren't at the same place in our relationship with God at the time, but over the next 2 and 1/2 years we worked towards being on the same page, not only emotionally, but spiritually. He had a wonderful little boy from a previous marriage, and I got to be blessed by knowing him and being a part of his life, first as a friend, and now as a stepmother.
My wedding day was the perfect day. No nerves, just pure excitment and anticipation. I couldn't wait to walk down that aisle and say "I do!". I couldn't have asked God for a more perfect day, from beginning to end.
6 years later, we have added 3 boys into our lives. We have have been through some dark valleys, and some wonderful mountain tops, and God keeps giving us strength and wisdom and we keep growing closer together. I truly feel blessed in my life. The biggest blessing is knowing that God is in control and he has proven that no matter what trials come into a marriage, if you rely on HIM and trust in HIM and take him at HIS word, then you can overcome it. He has also revealed what joy it is to be in a marriage, to share not only love and true intimacy, but true friendship. To share in the parenting of children, and to watch them grow and learn as you both are teaching them and loving them.
To all those out there who have struggled, are struggling, or will struggle in a relationship or a marriage. Take my advice... TRUST IN GOD!!!! Make GOD the #1 priority in your life and marriage, and he can get you through ANYTHING!!!
My wedding day was the perfect day. No nerves, just pure excitment and anticipation. I couldn't wait to walk down that aisle and say "I do!". I couldn't have asked God for a more perfect day, from beginning to end.
6 years later, we have added 3 boys into our lives. We have have been through some dark valleys, and some wonderful mountain tops, and God keeps giving us strength and wisdom and we keep growing closer together. I truly feel blessed in my life. The biggest blessing is knowing that God is in control and he has proven that no matter what trials come into a marriage, if you rely on HIM and trust in HIM and take him at HIS word, then you can overcome it. He has also revealed what joy it is to be in a marriage, to share not only love and true intimacy, but true friendship. To share in the parenting of children, and to watch them grow and learn as you both are teaching them and loving them.
To all those out there who have struggled, are struggling, or will struggle in a relationship or a marriage. Take my advice... TRUST IN GOD!!!! Make GOD the #1 priority in your life and marriage, and he can get you through ANYTHING!!!
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