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

Summer Break Activities and Fun

Hey Mamas!!
 I hope you are having a fantastic week! I can't believe that the school year is over and summer break is here!  WOWZA!!
Because this is our first year of public school, this is all our first summer break from public school. Although, have had a little anticipations from all the stories I have heard of bored kids, that argue, complain, and sit around watching TV all summer; while I'm sure we will have plenty of that to go around, I really want to spend this summer focusing on two things, the word of God and growing the bond of brotherhood and family.

I am so excited to share with all of you some fun activities, lessons, and crafts that I have up my sleeve. Make sure you grab the Cup of Daisies Button and subscribe so you don't miss a thing this summer! 


There will be plenty going on around here, but here are a few that will be on our weekly schedule!  I'll share my ideas and make sure you link up with your too!  This will help us all stay intentional, and busy this summer.  

Memory Madness Mondays:

I will be posting a list of the weekly verses the boys and I will be memorizing, (who knows maybe Dad will get in on the fun too.) There will be prizes involved!

Work (Together) Wednesdays:

Team Work is the key here. The boys will have a  project or a game to complete each week. Some of them will be fun... some will not. It will however, be an activity that each brother will have to do his part and depend on each other to complete the project. Our first project will be making a summer work chart, and a seperate summer activity chart. This will help keep the whole family accountable for our time and responsibilities.

Fun Mom Fridays:

Friday's around our house this summer will be deemed to be Fun Mom Fridays!  Make sure you visit each Friday for your Fun Mom Friday Craft/Activity to take and share with your family! Nobody wants to be that mom who is overwhelmed and grumps around (I am that way sometimes), so this summer I will be proactive and intentional about being fun, but more importantly present with my kids. 

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

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?

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!

Easter Breakfast! Resurection Buns

Easter, like Christmas, is a very meaningful and important time for our family! We love and take part in the fun traditions like egg hunts, and Easter baskets stuffed with goodies, but are always looking for fun ways to keep our family focused on the actual reason we celebrate Easter. This recipe has become a fun project we feel accomplished just that. 

Resurrection Buns

*a can of Grand biscuits
*large marshmallows
*sugar
*cinnamon
*butter

1. Preheat oven according to the directions on the biscuits.
2. Flatten the biscuit out until it's about 5 inches across.
3. The marshmallow represents Jesus.Explain that it is white because it stands for His purity and His sinless life.
4. Roll the Marshmallow in melted butter sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Explain how they anointed Jesus body with oil, and spices. 
5. Place the marshmallow in the center of the biscuit, then fold the sides around it forming a "tomb". Pinch the sides of the tomb closed. Explain how Jesus tomb was sealed with a large stone.
6. Place it crease side down on a baking sheet so they will not open while cooking. 
7. Bake the buns. Follow package directions.
8. Allow time to cool, the marshmallow will be very hot!

EAT UP!

• When the children bite into their buns they will be surprised to find the center empty. The marshmallow has melted. As each child discovers the empty tomb, we repeat : He is not here for He is risen.
• As you eat the biscuits,  talk about the sweetness of the biscuits and how sweet a gift Jesus gave us when he died for our sins, and then rose 3 days later proving He is our Savior and the Son of God!

I love this project.  It is a great way for my kids to remember what Easter really means, and for us to have a little fun while we do it.  Hope you enjoy!!