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!    

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?

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.

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,

My Husband Rocks Friday!

Dear Michael. 
It's been a while since I have done a Friday blog devoted to you, my sweet hubby. You know it's not because you are not all that and a bag of chips; because you know you are. It just because.... well I just haven't! But, as I was thinking of you today I just wanted to share the top 10 reasons why I think you are so great. 

1. You are tall, dark, and handsome.
2. You make a mean fried egg... and I don't even like fried eggs.
3. The unexpected things you say, crack me up... it is so much fun to laugh with you.
4. When you really and I mean really laugh, it is a laugh like no other! It touches a wellspring of joy inside me.
5. You kisses melt my heart!
6. You are an amazing father/leader to our sweet boys!
7. You are always able to keep your calm, even when everything around you (including me) is crumbling.
8. You embrace our marriage and work so hard at bettering yourself and our family.
9. You share wisdom beyond your years, and keep me logical!
10. You are truly devoted to our Lord and walking by Faith!

Thank you so much for sharing life with me. I love you!

Being a Patient Mother

Lately I have been learning alot about God.   With the move, trying to make a new house a home, a growing Thirty-One  business, and trying my hand at some free lance writing, I have found myself in unexplored territory.  I am pulled in many different direction, and still trying to find a good balance.

Unfortunately, in the midst of turmoil, I have lost my focus and my patients.  I absolutely despise bad attitudes, but unfortunately it is something I struggle with. I have been going through survival mode, and putting up a very strong front... The Lord has continually used my children to show me  the meaning of Grace, and gives me opportunity to practice patients and self control everyday! 

While looking for some encouragement and guidance the other day I came across these scriptures. If this is something you struggle with I pray they will bring you as much peace as they have me.

A Patient Mother --

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

The Message (MSG)

 ^7-8"But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
   the woman who sticks with God.
They're like trees replanted in Eden,
   putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
   never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
   bearing fresh fruit every season.

Romans 15:5

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

Galatians 5:22

The Message (MSG)

 ^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Philippians 4:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

James 1:3

The Message (MSG)

 ^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Always Remembering a Faithful GOD!

I don't know how many of you actually know this or not, but we are in the process of selling our home. We have lived in this house for 4.5 years, that is the longest Michael and I have lived in any home since we got married.  Yes we have been married almost 9 years and have moved 5 times!!!  Thank goodness this time I'm not pregnant and I don't have a newborn, like several of the other moves. Anyways, back to the house selling...
It all started about 4 months ago.  For several months Michael and I have  felt a calling for a change in our lives and we have tried to be obedient and follow the path God is leading us down. The biggest challenge for obedience our current situation was selling our current home.
We put our house on the market, a market mind you, that does not favor a seller.  And in a miraculous 60 days we had a contract and now at 90 days we are 4 days away from closing. Through a series of events, delays, and mishaps; several things have remained "up in the air" as they say.  One of those thing being where we would be going once we sold our home. If you would have asked me that two days ago, I would have answered, "I don't know, but we can't stay, we have to go somewhere!"  That's right, we had no where to to and I'm pretty sure it terrified everyone around us. But of course I could totally relate;  About day 75 into the selling process I hit a wall! A big, fat, double enforced concrete wall, figuratively of course.I had gone from excited about the transitions that were coming to complete worry.  I was picking fights with Michael, getting quickly angered by my children, I couldn't concentrate on anything... finally Michael made me talk.  As a series of irrational thought and comments came tumbling out accompanied by sobbing.  I saw a calm come over him, which I have to admit frustrated me!  He looked at me and said, "Babe, why are you worried.  It's just stuff! It's just a house!  Hasn't God been faithful to us so far, why would he stop now?"
While at church a few Sundays ago I was blessed to hear Pastor Joe McArthur speak on remembering the blessings God has reigned into our lives. He spoke about Abraham and his encounters with God.  As soon as he left God's presence,he built an altar so that he could always remember what God has done.

 When in the midst of my worry, I had lost all concept of where God was and what he had and was doing in our lives.  I am so thankful for Michael, a man of faith.  He is always able to help me refocus, when I lose my way!

Well I am glad to say, moving day is here. God has provided us with a great home, and I am so excited about the journey that is ahead.

I know this blog post is a little long and wordy, but  I am sharing this blog post as an Altar of remembrance for our family.  To remember that our God is a faithful God, who always provides!