Word Filled Wednesday Ephesians 6:10-18

The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-18

 ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

I love watching the intesity in my boys eyes,  as they walk through life.  Boys are such natural warriors, but even as they dress up as the latest and greatest comic book hero, I will forever see my boys as God's warriors. I remind them of that fact daily.

 "God has placed a spirit of bravery and fiercness into each of us, and given each of us the tools to go to battle. We are here to do Great things for God's kingdom... take up the Armor and get ready for the battle, because as you  follow God's plan and share God's word with others , the Devil will not lay idle."

Wordful Wednesday

1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Today marks a special day for me and my sweet! 9 years ago today,  God brought Michael and I together in Holy Matrimony... to share our lives together as one!  I am so blessed to have a husband that Loves me where I am and for who I strive to be, and who himself, strives for so much more. 

Michael,

Thank you for your patience with me, for loving me even with my oh so many faults and baggage.  Thank you for sharing life with me, for the fun and laughter and also for the not so fun, pull me out of the pits times.  Thank you for being such a dedicated father and husband.  Thank you for loving God, and for sharing that with me and the boys.  I guess what I'm trying to say is.... I LOVE YOU!    

My Homemaking Mission Statement

Recently, I was reading an article at OrgJunkie.com about creating a weekly cleaning schedule.  I have somewhat done this automatically, and because cleaning is something I kinda enjoy... a weekly schedule is a little over kill for me; at least when it comes to house cleaning.  However, I do struggle with feeling a little unappreciated from time to time, and find myself  hinting for compliments from my husband and kids. But as read Laura's article I couldn't help read one section over and over.  She wrote a House Keeping Mission Statement! WHAT!! Talk about over kill, right... but as I read a peacefulness came over me.  There is definitely something to be said about being reminded of your purpose.  It brought me back to why I am a stay at home mom, and why I love it so much.  It is a my purpose, my service to my family and to obedience to my God.  So I decided I needed a mission statement of my own.  So here it is...

My Homemaking Mission Statement
I will live purposefully, continuing to allow God to prune me and discipline me as I strive to listen to the spurring of the Holy Spirit and obey His commands. I will maintain an inviting and peaceful environment, for my family and anyone that may come into our life/home.   I will set the example of commitment, joy, and orderliness daily, by doing myself or delegating the tasks needed to create a home sanctuary that is above all else pleasing to God. 


Whatever you do, Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men... Colossians 3:23


I printed it out, framed it and  placed it in the kitchen, beside the coffee pot, (The first place I go in the morning!) I love the encouragement it provides and the reminder of what my goals and purposes are during this season in my life. What would your mission statement say?

HoneyCrisp Apples! Have you tried one?

They are finally here!! Every fall I look forward to the day I walk into the grocery store to find a huge display of gigantic, shiny, juicy, beautiful Honey Crisp Apples! If you havn't tried one.... You SHOULD!  They usually cost a little more, but are so worth the spurge!! 

A Honey Crisp apple, developed in Minesota, is a hybrid between well.. they arn't really sure, but man they are so good!  Their firm, sweet-tart, juciness is unbeatable with any other apple that I have tasted!   The perfect compliment to any fall meal or just for a delicious nutritious snack! And did I mention they are gorgeous!

Wordful Wednesday

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
Psalm 119:110-112

In My Father's Shadow -- Psalms 36:6-8

My boys and I were at a waterpark today, when my attention was caught by one of the sweetest twoish year old little girl I have ever seen. As she and her parents walked up and sat at the table next to us I could tell she was very apprehensive to jump right in to the puddles and sprays of water all around her, but she was so intrigued.  She would take a step toward the water, and get startled and run right back to her father.  After a few failed attempts of trying to coax her into the fountains alone, her daddy finally decided that he needed to join her.  She would slowly approach the nearest watergun, or fountain, and just before she was about to get there she would freeze and look back to her father,  begging him with her precious eyes to come with her.

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 Of course, he did what every good father would do and came nearer to her to give her a boost of confidence.  As he neared her on the sunny day, the tall man cast quite a shadow over the small little girl, and as soon as that shadow came over her, Her entire attitude was changed.  She was safe in the shadow of her father, confident to try something new, and obviouly something a little intimidating.  As the shadow came over her, a smile came over her face, a sence of courage and happiness.  She was no longet captive to her fears, but set free by the protection of her own father. 

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I couldn't help but put myself in that little girls shoes.  How many times have I started to walk into a situation, a friendship, or a position that I felt completely inept to handle.  I have felt that aloneness, that overwhelming fear, and selfconciencness.  However, I have also felt all those fears and feelings be filter out by the shadow of my heavenly father.  I love the confidence that I have knowing that no matter where I'm at or what I'm doing that my Heavenly Fathers shadow is present, giving me confidence, power, and holding my hand as I walk up to the next challenge in life. 


Psalm 36: 6-8
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.


Have you asked God to be your refuge?  What area of your life makes you run under God's shadow?

Fun Fall Adventures in South Texas

Did someone say it was fall?  Oh yeah, that was me like everyday since the first day of fall... I forget this is what fall looks like in South Texas...  Here are a few pics from our first week of autumn.

@Texas State Aquarium

Happy Fall Y'all!!  

Christian Sisters: We are designed to need each other!

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Yesterday I was watching a TV reality show and the comment was made, "I can't mess up, everyone is just watching, hoping, and waiting for me to fail.  No one likes a success story!"

It broke my heart and instantly resonated with me.  How many times have we been in a group, shared a victory in our life to only be doubted and shot down, or one upped by a so called friend?  I know it has happened to me on numerous occasions. Sometimes by complete strangers and unfortunately sometimes by those very close to me.  I have to admit I've been on both ends of this situation, and it stinks either way! And it stinks so bad, because that is not how we are designed, it's not what we are here for, we are not here to be in competition, but to encourage and support each other. 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us now give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching"  Hebrews 10:24-25

There is a resounding message and movement among the Christian community right now that screams biblical truth about the relationship that women are designed to have.  Here are a few that have resonated with me...

 ***There are some times that we will not succeed and will not be at our best. However, this is not a time to jump ahead of our sisters and leave them behind, instead this is a time to reach down and lift one another up in our Precious Lord's name! --" Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:1-4 

***Older must teach the younger!  This is a great responsibility for both sides. Older women must seek out younger women with a heart of Christ,  being willing to be honest, loving, and truly wanting more for their young counterpart. Which also means that younger women must have an open heart to accept the wisdom and sometimes hard truths that we all need to hear; knowing that the information is coming from a place of love and meant to help in our success and influence as Christian women. --Titus 2:3-5 (below)

***Lead by example!  From body image talk, to calm (NON DRAMATIC) reactions, to truly celebrating in an other's successes.  We are representing our families, our churches, and most of all Our Heavenly Father! --^"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."  Titus 2:3-5

While writing this post situations and people from my past keep popping up in my mind. There are so many things that I have handled with horrible scowls, and little to no mercy or grace.  So many times l dialogue turned selfish and jealous of a fellow sister in Christ.  But I  do try hand to keep myself in check and keep Christ as the center of my thoughts. I am so thankful for the grace and mercy in which my Savior embraces me; especially during those times of weakness and worldliness.  

Do you struggle with similar situations?  What do you do to keep yourself focused on Christ purpose in your life as a Christian woman?

Kid's Crafts: Glass Pumpkins!

I can't believe it is already October!!!   I thought this would be a great way to kick off the month! I saw this idea at a girlfriends house last week and couldn't wait to get home and try my hand at crafting. Great craft for kids of all ages!  FYI: I'm not much of a crafter, but these were really easy and the whole family had fun! 

Supplies:
Glass Jars of any shape and size you choose
Orange tissue paper cut into 1 inch squares
Paint brushes 1/2 to 1 inch wide
Washable School Glue
Complimentary Ribbon or Raffia
Black Marker
 Tea Lights (we used LED)

1. On a clean jar, use your paint brush to spread school glue over portions of the jar about a 3"x3" area.
2. Press single squares of tissue paper onto the glue, slightly overlapping conjoining squares.
3. Repeat until the entire jar has been covered.
4. Use your paint brush to put a thin layer of school glue on all tissue paper, paying special attention to any loose corners or edges.
5. Allow jars to dry for about 4 hours
6. Use a black marker to draw your jack-o-lantern face and tie a ribbion around the neck of the jar.
7. Place a tea light inside, and *VIOLA*  you have a cute craft for all to enjoy!

Bonus:  After Halloween simply spin the jars around and you have a gorgeous glowing pumpkin for the rest of the fall season! Have Fun!

Host your own Creative Kids week Party!!! Great ideas and tips here!!