Work (Together) Wednesdays

This weeks Work (Together) Wednesday project will hopefully be accomplished without complaining or arguing!! Our focus last week was transforming our lives by the renewing of our minds. So we will be transforming the crazy messy garage into a nice neat one... or at least more nice and neat. And Father's Day Bonus - A project that will help out Dad.  Our Garage is crazy messy and I know Daddy will be very pleased to come home to a nice clean garage.  Of course, I will be pitching in to help and guide the project (the kids are way to young to let them do it all themselves).  But they will get plenty of age appropriate jobs. 

I'm almost embarrassed to say, that yes this is our garage neat... we obviously need to have a garage sale! However, everyone was a huge help, and actually had fun and laughs in the process! I love it when hearts are right and everything comes together!

Look at those red faces! They were so hot, but never missed a beat!

What projects are waiting to be finished aroung your home? What projects can your kids work together to bless someone else?  Up next... helping weed the flower beds!

Memory Verse Monday - Philippians 2:14-15

How in the world did this happen… Only one week in on the summer schedule… and I’m already running behind.   Did I bite off more than I can chew? I sure hope not.  Thank you all for being so patient and I hope your memory verses went well last week. My boys loved Memory Verse Monday, and loved getting Transformer toys… They have been asking me for the next verse!  So here it is Tuesday, running one day behind, as usual. 

This week we will be working on a Memory Verse to help remind all of us (me included) about being joyful. 

Philippians 2: 14-15

Do everything without complaining or arguing,

so that you may prove yourself innocent children of God,

in a broken world.

Sample Devotional:

The Bible is full of situations where God’s people complained and argued about the things that were happening in their lives or things they were asked to do. One example is the Israelites.  Do you remember their story?

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. God brought them to freedom and they thanked Him by complaining about their food, the time, the weather… to the point that they decided to make an idol and worship it instead of God. 

How do you think God felt about the way they acted? Were they  acting obedient? Were they joy-filled?

God commands us in Philippians to do EVERYTHING without complaining… did he say, “Unless you don’t want to do it then you can complain? “ No, He didn’t. Did he say, "If you have a good enough reason/argument, then you don't have to obey." No, He didn't.  When we complain about the things that are asked of us, we are not only telling our parents, teachers, and others NO... we are telling God "No, I don’t want to obey you."  Just like the Israelites did.  God loves us even we complain, but we can show Him how much we love him by obeying with a joy-filled heart and not arguing and complaining. 

Can you share a time you complained or argued?  How were you feeling at the time? Was your heart filled with joy or frustration?

Can you share a time you share a time you were obedient? How were you feeling then?  Was your heart filled with joy or frustration?

Sometimes it is very hard to obey without complaining… but remember God commands us to do everything without complaining or arguing… and if we are transforming by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2 ) we can be obedient and grow closer and closer with God as well as be a shining light to the broken world around us.  

Activity:

This week, our activity is to make a sticker chart of attitudes.  The paper will be divided in half and will have the verse written across the top. (We are making this tomorrow, I'll put a pic up on Twitter)  On one half the boys will draw a picture of a time they were obedient with a good attitude.  On the other side they will draw a Picture of a time they had an attitude of grumbling and complaining.  For the rest of the week the boys will earn stickers by being obedient without complaining and arguing (this is going to take a little work on my part…I’m thinking I’ll keep stickers in my pockets) and the stickers will be placed on the second side to cover up the picture of disobedience and bad attitude.   At the end of the week, we will see how everyone did… and some sort of prize will be given for saying the verse.  If you can come up with a clever idea of a prize that relates I am open, oh wait, desperate for ideas!!!

Memory Madness Monday

I was once told of a woman who, as she aged, had lost her eye sight and also her hearing. It was impossible for her to read and near impossible to hear those around her speaking.  On her 90th birthday she was asked what her greatest regret was,  her response was, "That I didn't memorize more scripture, because now I can't read scripture and it is so hard to hear it read to me." Obviously this woman had a heart for God, and was hearing from Him in other ways, but I was convicted when I heard this story to learn more scripture. To "hide God's word in my Heart" so that no matter what situations or ailments come my way, God's word will always be within! 


I recently went through a Bible Study called ONE ON ONE WITH GOD by Jerry and Marilyn Fine. It is a wonderful tool that really helped me to understand my purpose as a daughter of the God Most High; and  also how to practice and live out that purpose. 

Philippians 3:10 AMP
¹⁰ [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [^[a]which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]





One of the tools taught through One on One with God is scripture memorization.
Here are a few tips on scriture meemorization, Jerry and Marilyn share in the book.

1. Read the context of the verse in your Bible. This helps you understand the verse in it's proper setting.
2. Read the verse through several times, thoughtfully and aloud.
3. Write the verse out on an index card. Some people find it helpful to write the verse out several times.
4. Meditate on the verse - Ponder the verse, Picture the verse, and the Pray the verse back to God.
5. Break the passage into natural phrases. Learn the reference and first phrase, then the reference first and second phase, and so on until the entire phrase is memorized.
6. Review the verse immediatley after you have initially memorized it by quoting reference, verse, reference 30 times.
7. Share the verse with others - use it or lose it.
8 Review Review Review! Review the verse everyday for the next two month!

Honestly, the thought of scripture memorization is so overwhelming to me. It doesn't come easy to me, which also means that I have to be so dilligent about making myself study and work on it daily.  I do believe it to be a proven tool in growing a closer relationship with the Lord. So,  I will persevere and we will see what the boys and I can accomplish over the next 8 weeks.  The scriptures I have chosen will have a short activity or reward that will hopefully help the verse come to life and encourage the kids to work on it too! Each week I will post the verse we will be working on that week, along with the activity and/or prize for the week.  Please feel free to join us starting next Monday, June 4th!   Learn the scriptures we learn, or share some of your own.  I'm still looking for a few more to finish out the end of summer ... just saying, suggestions welcome!  What are some of your favorite scriptures?


Image Credit:

Horia Varlan

Grace in the Eyes of a Child

Today, The job to be accomplished was folding my families weight in laundry.  In the midst of feeling swamped with a never ending stream of freshly dried cloths, my dearest three year old boy came in with a "can do" attitude and a glimmer in his eye asking to "help mommy".  At first my heart melted...how sweet, he wanted to help mommy... and then instantly I cringed

as pile,

upon pile,

upon pile, 

of neatly folded clothes where jumped on, tossed aside, and literally strung across the bed, as he grabbed for a single pile of washcloths in the middle of the bed. I wish I could say that I calmly picked up the clothes spoke calmly, and led by example what to do when frustration hits...or rather, not let sweet Brennan know I was frustrated at all and guided him to put the washcloths away and thank him for his help and servants heart.

Unfortunately,that was not the case.  As I yelled, NO! Brennan, Stop! I watched as his face full of innocents, joy, and good intent fell with confusion, and tears welled in his eyes as he turned and ran from my room.  My heart sunk, I had done it again, acted rash in the midst of a frustrating moment. Shown no grace towards a sweet boy.  A moment I would never get back; a feeling I could not take away.

As I picked up the clothes and began to fold them back, I  prayed asking for forgiveness and grace; and headed to Brennan's room to apologize.  Before I could say a thing, I found that grace. Brennan looked up at me with his big blue eyes, shining bright and said, "Mommy, I'm sorry. Can we still do that?  What can I help you with mama? ".

At that moment I was reminded again of the quickness and eagerness in which forgiveness and grace should come. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3



 I scooped him up in my arms, and apologized for yelling and asked for forgiveness, which was instantly given, even before I asked.  Then tried to explained to him why I needed him to be patient and wait for mommy to help him.  He did such a "good" job of putting the towels away so neatly....

I am so loved! I am given so much Grace, from my husband, from my kids, and most of all from my God. Thank you Lord for Forgiveness, Mercy, and Grace, and thank you for showing me your faithfulness through the heart of a child.

Sisters, Does God show you his faithfulness through your children and people around you?  Is He constantly revealing His heart to you through your children's actions? Do you thank Him when He does? Please share your testimony and help encourage those mama's around you!!

Holding Hands

Each day after picking up my oldest son from school, we pull in our driveway unload our many bags, books, and groceries from a day of school,work, and errands; and make our way down the street and around the corner to the mailbox. 
Being  natural competitors,  my older boys usually line up on the sidewalk set for the race. As they dash off, my 3 year old will run up to my side, reach up, and slip his small delicate hand into mine.  As his small body rushes to keep up with my longer strides, I know all he is wanting is the security my grasp offers him as we walk along. I love knowing he is depending on me, and I love knowing he is feeling secure and safe by simply being in my presence. 


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Each day as we stroll , I can't help but think about our Heavenly Father, and the joy it must bring to Him when His children reach up, ask Him to hold us; offering security and safety within His Holy Spirit! What rejoicing there must be to know His children are walking with Him, seeking refuge and comfort, depending on Him to guide them through the paths He has laid before them.
¹⁸ Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹ Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ²⁰ Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, ²¹ so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Do you experience God's word through your children? What truth is He sharing with you this week?

God's Power Made Perfect!

Have you ever been there as a mother... wondering if you are doing a good job? Wondering if you are really doing the best you can? Wondering if God really knew what he was doing when he gave you the responsibility of motherhood?

We try so hard as parents to grow our children in God's word, to discipline them out of love, and hope they learn to depend on God and learn the important moral lessons along the way.... but then they begin to bicker and argue and act with selfish ambition ... and I find myself feeling inadequate and much like a failure. 

But then with just one brief moment, God is always so good to restore my confidence and hope. While the boys were playing video games yesterday(something that usually tends to bring out the most impatient and selfish attitudes), I overheard my oldest guiding his younger brother through the latest virtual level.. "It's OK, Cade. You can do it! I've got your back!" I watched as Cade sat up a little straighter, and focused a little more,  as his confidence was restored. At that moment tears welled in my eyes and God spoke this truth to me.

Audra,

You can do it.  I have provided everything for you!

 I am with you, seek me because...

 I've got your back!

God didn't make a mistake when he blessed our family with 3 boys... He was just reminding me of his power through my weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

For the last several years we have had a Birthday party for Jesus in some form or fashion, sometimes as a church children's party, with a few friends, or just as a family.  This year we decided to invite a few friends over and celebrate in typical birthday fashion, Balloons, Punch and Cake!!

We started by telling the kids, what the Bible says about Jesus's birth. My dearest friend Shannon did an amazing job!!

 The kids each added the character they were given as it came up in the story.

 Mrs. Shannon was talking about how stinky the stable must have been.. Brennan thought that was funny.

 Afterwards we sang, "Happy Birthday to Jesus" and shared some punch and cupcakes! The kids had so much fun and I love the happiness and joy that was shared during these couple of hours. I know Jesus was laughing and smiling along with us!

Afterwards we had some crafting fun and made our party favors!  Check out the How-To on this Hand Print Snowman Ornament.

Families that wanted to were also asked to bring an unwrapped toy to go to a local charity, as Birthday gifts to Jesus!  Tis better to give than to receive!

Does your family have a Birthday Party for Jesus?  How do you celebrate Jesus's Birthday?

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?

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?

Christian Sisters: We are designed to need each other!

Image Credit

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?

Wordful Wednesday Psalm 37:4

Psalms 37:4

Delight yourself in the LORD,
and He will give you the desires of your heart.




old pic, but I just love it!



I have always loved this verse, but last year I was doing a Ladies Bible Study, and something was said that made me stop in my tracks and go, OOOHH (light bulb moment; thanks Paula) 

"If you are walking with the Lord the desires in your heart begin to change and aline with his desires for your life."  I'll pause so you can chew on that for a moment... I know I had to. 



Growing up I had this understanding,  I obey God, he gives me my deepest passions (no matter what they might be; money, relationships, career, you get the point... but in actuality after a bit of wisdom being imparted upon me,  this is what I get from this verse now. 

When I am walking with my Lord, and in tune with the path He is leading me down; my desires may begin to shift away from my selfish desires and more in line with God's desires.  I believe with my whole heart that nothing is coincidence and that God's plan is always best and necessary. 
My desires have not changed greatly over the years.  I have always wanted deep down in my gut to be a wife, a mother, a volunteer, a good friend, a nurturer!  That has not changed.  I can not imagine my life any different; however what has changed, is my motivation.  God's plan is no mistake. I love to share my home, my food, my heart and I do that daily through opportunities that God places in my life.  My desires are the same, but my focus has shifted from a childhood fairytale to a mission field for Christ. 

I pray daily that God will open my eyes to His purpose in my life, and that I will continue to have an open heart and seek Him throughout my life. That I will see His work and embrace being His hands and feet. 

What are your desires?  Have your desires ever shifted even slightly to align more with God's plan? 

The Drought is Over.

As most of you know, Texas has a high pressure area looming over the entire state; keeping drought conditions extreme and leading to multiple wildfires across the state.  I, along with everyone else, have been praying my heart out for rain to come into our area, ceasing the drought and bringing new life into our world. Well, to no avail there has been no precipitation...

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Then it hit me... God has been bringing rain all around me, and I'm not talking a drizzle I'm talking a full out storm.  Everything around me has been changing.  We have moved, we have put William in School,  taken on more responsibilities, had deaths in the family, illnesses, and above all else my parents are going through a divorce after 42 years. Talk about bringing out the baggage and insecurities... but through all the rain, I know God has a plan.  I know that although actual precipitation is not present, God is washing away and making clean several things in my world in order to bring new life, to renew my faith, and call my attention back to Him. I just hate that I'm so stubborn and preoccupied that He has to bring a full out tsunami to get my attention. 

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There is a song that sums it all up pretty nicely, by a little band known as Mercy Me. 

"Bring the Rain"

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

What storms are you facing?  Am I alone here? 


PS:  It actually rained today in Corpus!!! Thank you Lord for answering prayers in every way! So, I say through  it all... Jesus, Bring the Rain!!  If this is what it takes to turn me into the woman I am meant to be; a daughter of Christ who puts  a twinkle in my Heavenly Father's eye; then Lord, Bring the Rain!  I am thankful that God has chosen me, and know He is preparing me and growing my faith through it all.

Experiencing God's Blessings

This morning I was enjoying some cuddle time with my sweet Brennan Bear. And as he settled into his "just right" spot I started thinking about how much he has grown and with his big 3 year old birthday just over (last Wed. ) I go a little sentimental.  Breannan is the typical "baby" of the family.  He is a momma's boy, likes to be the center of attention, and can be as sweetest thing one minute and rotten to the core the next, but either way enjoys every minute of it.

This morning I told him "No More Growing, Ok?"  to which he quickly agreeed, "Ok, Mommy!".  So sweet!  But as much as I want Brennan and all my boys to stay small enough to settle into that "just right" spot, it is so fun to watch them grow and become what God has planned for them to be. I love to see the way they think and process situations.  I love to see them grow as brothers and as young men of God. And will continue to stay focused on that fact! 

Thank you Lord for blessing our lives with these sweet boys! Thank you for allowing us to experience and embrace our rolls as parents to these future warriors.  May they always follow in your ways and grow in stature and favor with you!  Amen

Wordful Wednesday Psalms 143

A little of what I have been reading today... some scriptures that really spoke to me! 

 

Psalm 143 (The Message)

A David Psalm

 ^1-2 Listen to this prayer of mine, God; pay attention to what I'm asking.
   Answer me—you're famous for your answers!
      Do what's right for me.
   But don't, please don't, haul me into court;
      not a person alive would be acquitted there.

 ^3-6 The enemy hunted me down;
      he kicked me and stomped me within an inch of my life.
   He put me in a black hole,
      buried me like a corpse in that dungeon.
   I sat there in despair, my spirit draining away,
      my heart heavy, like lead.
   I remembered the old days,
      went over all you've done, pondered the ways you've worked,
   Stretched out my hands to you,
      as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.

 ^7-10 Hurry with your answer, God!
      I'm nearly at the end of my rope.
   Don't turn away; don't ignore me!
      That would be certain death.
   If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice,
      I'll go to sleep each night trusting in you.
   Point out the road I must travel;
      I'm all ears, all eyes before you.
   Save me from my enemies, God—
      you're my only hope!
   Teach me how to live to please you,
      because you're my God.
   Lead me by your blessed Spirit
      into cleared and level pastureland.

 ^11-12 Keep up your reputation, God—give me life!
      In your justice, get me out of this trouble!
   In your great love, vanquish my enemies;
      make a clean sweep of those who harass me.
   And why? Because I'm your servant.

Disaster Averted!

Yesterday, William decided he wanted to make everyone breakfast, toast with Nutella. I love that he likes to do these little tasks, and gets great joy by serving others.
As I walked into the kitchen this morning this was the conversation....
William: "Mom, can you open the Nutella for me?"
Seeing everything out, toaster, stack of bread, knife, and nutella... I said, "William, I thought you were going to toast the bread."
William: "I am, I just need to get the nutella open."
At that moment I realized exactly what William was asking me to do... Open the Nutella, so he could put it on the soft fresh bread, and then stick it in the toaster... YIKES!
William's how-to was a bit different than mine; I quickly thanked the Lord that I caught this, and redirected William to use the toaster first and the Nutella second. Such a small choice that would have had a much different outcome. A messy & broken outcome, which would have left William feeling disappointed.

As I was thinking about this a little later, I started to realize how truthful this fact is. Order is so important, but so many times,  we try to rush ahead and do things on our own timetable. Fortunately, We have a Heavenly Father who knows we will mess up, and even allows us to mess up, and learn from our mistakes.  However, we also have a heavenly father that gives us instruction so we don't have to experience those disappointments.
I am glad William chose to listen to my guidance that morning and follow a more direct, safe choice to have breakfast.  Unfortunately, too often I find myself at the crossroads of a decision, and not heeding the warning I force myself to learn the hard way, through frustration and disappointment. Thankfully we have a God that also extends his hand of Grace and Mercy to us through out own selfishness and ignorance.
Proverbs 1: 8-9
^8-9 Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you;
   never forget what you learned at your mother's knee.
Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair,
   like rings on your fingers.


Thank you Father for your Guidance, Love, and Protection.  Thank you for helping us avert disasters as we walk through life as your children,

Wordful Wednesday

<sup>Romans 15:1-6 (msg)

1-2</sup> Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
 ^3-6That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!

Why Cup of Daisies?

Why Cup of Daisies you ask?

  A poem in the book titled, "Cup Of Daisies: Poetry and Paintings" by Kenneth Wyatt; took my breath, and at once I knew this was to be the basis of my heart and outpouring in my blog.  Please enjoy.

Cup of Daisies

by:Kenneth Wyatt

Today on the street in the old part of town.

I spied an ol' beggar with head hung down.

Gloom was his partner - it was plain to be seen.

And the clothes that he wore would never be clean.

Holes in the elbows, the knees, and the seat,

There were two kinds of shoes that misfit his feet.

The frown was frozen on the face that was lined,

Plus a long clack rag round his eyes that were blind.

No glimmer of hope 'bout the man could I see,

Not even in the hand he reached out to me.

The old tin cup caught the sun on its rim;

Its emptiness showed that pickins were slim.

Into that cup I dripped a coin or two,

Catching a mumble of a grumpy "thank you."

That would have been all of the story that time

'Bout me and a beggar and a nickel and dime,

But fate stepped up with his bag full of tricks,

For up the street a lady strolled a lady of six.

With face all aglow, blue eyes shining bright,

Dressed all starched and ironed just right,

Ribbons reached down in circles and swirls,

A crown of daisies entwined in her curls.

Happiness abounded - in life not a care-

Her eye then touched on the beggar out there.

Young hearts melt fast, and then, so to do,

From her hair she pulled a white daisy or two.

Softly she placed them in the battered tim cup;

Instantly the old beggar's head lifted up.

Though blind in darknes, I knew he could see

That child standing there in full sympathy.

She patted the gnarled hand, not making a sound.

From the faded black rag, a tear splashed down.

They parted then - now their hearts were as one-

But the truth was clear with what had been done.

The cup rattled louder; it had a new sound.

I walked away with something I'd found.

Let me say it so you'll recall it sometime,

"The love that she gave...beat a nickel and dime."

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love.  Galatians 5:13

"But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  Luke 18:16


Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5