Tiffany Noth

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

Though the husband and I have never been the types to celebrate Valentine's Day much, it is a neat day to take time to remember the love you have for each other. I prefer celebrations of anniversaries that mean something to our marriage. The month we met, the day we became engage, the day we were married, etc... those are times of the year that hold a special place in my heart.

Regardless of how you celebrate {or don't} Have a fantastic day!

Here is a look into one of the possible origins of Valentine's Day.

The Legend of St. Valentine

The history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint--is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Taken from History.com

Cravings: Desiring God in the Midst of Motherhood

2012-02-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

I received the most adorable devotional series ever about a week ago, thank you to Carey Bailey! It is so adorable that my kids even got involved in switching the cards daily.

Cravings {The Devotional} is a convenient and realistic tool to help mothers develop their relationship with God in the midst of motherhood.

This set of 40 devotional flashcards will make God time easier. Not less meaningful, just easier! Each flashcard contains a scripture for the day, a “thoughtlet”, and an action idea. The cards are packaged in a convenient and adorable {if I do say so myself} cupcake holder.

Join me in walking in and out of each day satisfied because the Bible, not cupcakes, has filled you up.

Cravings was created by Carey Bailey, a mother and the Family Life Director at Radiant Church in Surprise, Arizona.

Cravings is an absolutely cute element to add to your desk and a thoughtful way to add a devotional to your day.

What Matters Most to You?

2012-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

"Your jobs and hobbies have no eternal value"
Courageous

Though it is never far from my mind, the movie Courageous has me contemplating every move throughout my day. Questioning whether or not I am doing something of value, something that matters. Sometimes it is easier for us to glance into the lives of others and determine what may be a waste of time or what is not getting enough attention. Examining our own interests and time-wasters proves more difficult.

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.

For what is your life: It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

James 4:14

We plan, we work, we schedule and we plot. I'm a list-lover. I have lists about lists I need to make. Maybe I plan and schedule my days away. I'm sure I've poured more time over the layouts of blogs or cleanliness of corners in my home than necessary. It's easy to be distracted by things that truly seem important.

I'm slowly {very slowly} learning that the floors do not need to be void of crumbs or stains at all times. I'm understanding more each day how my children need to hear calmness, patience and love in my voice at all times. {Husbands need to hear that too!}

I'm not quite sure if it is age, wisdom or sheer lack of energy, but the longer I live the better I am at choosing my battles more wisely.

Photo Credit: 123RF.com

It can be frustrating as a mother when objects are broken, ripped, torn, etc... by children who are playing and having a good time. It's lovely to have things and to enjoy showcasing them in your home. However, what eternal value does that object have? {I keep reminding myself of that!} Having the best of everything is nice and certainly a blessing. Who wouldn't enjoy a new this... or a new that?

However, my best memories are not of possessions, but of people and time we spent together. I'm sure at the end of the road... those are what will remain. Not my vehicle, or my home. Titles and awards will not go with me.

There are things that matter on this earth. Such as my relationship with my husband and children. Those matter. What matters to you?

How to Be Still

2012-02-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

"Be still and know that I am God..."
~ Psalm 46:10a

So many times over the past few years, I have felt the gentle nudge from God to "be still". I am a Type-A personality, for the most part. I want to have things planned. I want to be going and moving. I want to have my day, week, month and year in-order. I make lists and get things done.

Waiting isn't something that comes naturally to me. If something needs to be accomplished, I will find the way.

Social media and keeping up with other bloggers, writers and change-makers can have us on a tireless effort to measure up.

In my effort to please the planning side and the ever increasing nudges to be still... here is a list!

~ Be still and enjoy the beautiful world in which our creator has given us.

~ Be still at the end of the day and listen to my husband talk about his day.

~ Be still and watch my children play.

~ Be still and listen to stories and wisdom from my elders.

~ Be still and listen to friends who are needing a shoulder.

~ Be still and take time in prayer.

~ Be still and know that He provides for the birds, and He will take care of me.

~ Be still and hold my children.

~ Be still and read scripture.

~ Be still and spend time in devotion.

~ Be still and allow God to take carry my burdens and hurt.

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Changing Your Heart

2012-02-08T15:48:00.001-08:00

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Marriage and Social Media

2012-02-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Within the past week, I have come across a couple blog posts and a few friends discussing an ex showing up in their social media life.

{If you happen to know which blog posts I'm talking about, please post it in the comments section! I can't remember where I've seen them.}

The blog posts were reminding everyone how easy it can be to fall into inappropriate conversations with a former boyfriend/girlfriend... and reminding you that they are only portraying their 'good' side, probably. While you are living with your spouse and get to see every side of them.

Social media is such a fast and effortless way of connecting with people. Sometimes much too fast and much too easy. We may quickly connect with someone online that we wouldn't approach in our day to day life. We may say things or behave in social media in a way that is opposite to our normal behavior.

As in any other situation, your marriage must be safe guarded in social media.

Complaining about your spouse and putting them down via Twitter, Facebook, your blog, etc... is an invitation to {anyone really} your ex to step into an inappropriate role in your life.

When I first created a Facebook account, I noticed a few couples had joint accounts. The couples I saw doing this had some known issues, and I disliked the distrust it seemed to portray by having a joint account.

Gaining a better perspective on the issue, it actually seems like a good idea. I'm not suggesting every couple merge into one social media account. I will also not be combining my account with that of my husband's... though we know each others passwords and could access if ever needed. However it's not a bad idea, if you want to add an extra safe-guard to your marriage.

Today, a friend updated her status on Facebook -- talking about an ex who had just tried to friend her. His friend request came with a lot of flattery and inappropriate comments. She reportedly blocked him immediately.

Sometimes that may not be so easily accomplished. Maybe we are in the middle of a fight with our spouse. Maybe we have been going through a rough time in our marriage and feel hurt and neglected. A message like that may seem very flattering. However, when the sender knows your marital status... and sends the messages anyway, they are looking to make themselves feel good and not you. It's best to walk away.

A previous post of mine on A Bloggy Mom about marriage and social media:

Social Media and Your Blast from the Past

{Be Still} Retreat at Bloggy Conference

2012-02-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

We are proud to introduce a new element to Bloggy Conference.

All attendees are invited to take a moment to reflect, encourage one another and grow at

Be Still - a special retreat style session the evening of

September 28, 2012 with speaker Cyndi Spivey.

In the fast paced world of social media, it is important to take a moment of stillness and reflection.

Join us for an evening of inspiration and just plain relaxation.

Cyndi is a pastor’s wife and loves encouraging and teaching women to grow in their relationships with Jesus. She has facilitated women’s Bible studies, spoken at women’s conferences, and led numerous marriage retreats. She especially loves teaching her young women’s Sunday school class each week.

Cyndi began blogging in 2009 as a hobby. After a couple of years, she realized she could mix her passions for Jesus and for fashion. She now blogs at Walking in Grace and Beauty, where she shares tips on fashion, make-up, and beauty, as well as reminders that true beauty begins on the inside with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Cyndi is also a contributing writer for Sisters in Bloom, a site that encourages women in their walks with Christ.

Cyndi graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in dental hygiene and has worked as a dental hygienist for over 20 years. She is married to Wayne and they have two grown children, a son-in-law, and (most importantly!) a grand baby who has stolen their hearts.

You can find Cyndi on twitter @cyndispivey or at Walking in Grace and Beauty.

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Praying for Your Husband

2012-02-02T04:31:00.000-08:00

Do you have about 5 minutes a day to spend praying for your spouse? Did you know that doing so each day over the course of 31 days can improve your marriage?!?

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse helps you to access the power of prayer to build up your spouse and change your marriage for the glory of God!

Building a better spouse isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work. And a lot of faith.

And, honestly, you can’t do it.

Only through the work of the Holy Spirit in your spouse’s life will he change. But, just because you can’t force change doesn’t mean that you can’t play a role in that change. You have the ability to build up your spouse through the power of prayer.

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges we have as believers. Having the ability to access the throne of grace with confidence whenever we have a need or want to offer up praise – what an incredible blessing we have!

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. {Hebrews 4.16} ESV

Prayer is the means through which we are changed in our own lives, and it is the means through which we see change in the lives of others. It is through prayer that you can have the power to change your spouse. But, beware – through prayer, you too, will experience change!

Won’t you join hundreds of others who have prayed through the 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse ebook and watch God use the power of prayer to change your marriage for His glory?!?

{Written by: Ashley Pichea}

Ashley Pichea invites her blog readers to join her in “doing LIFE together – living intentionally by faith everyday” at LIFE by Ashley Pichea where she shares faith, family, and the adventures of homeschooling. Ashley invites you to connect with her on Twitter {@apichea} and Facebook {fb.com/ashleypichea}.

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Starting Your Day Off Right

2012-02-01T04:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever woken up and had to break up an argument between your children before breakfast even started? Have you had to deal with meltdowns over what your child was going to wear to school? These types of issues can often derail not only a morning, but an entire day.

The morning routine in a home often set the tone and flow for the next 18 hours, whether good or bad. Although there is no prescription for how to have the perfect morning, there are easy steps that we, as mothers, can take to help things run smoother for our families. Having a great morning actually begins with preparation the night before.

Here are some easy tips to help start your day off right:

The Night Before

1) Pull out outfits for the following day and set them aside. You may need to check the weather forecast to do so, but it will save valuable time in the morning. My six year old son used to have “clothing issues” almost daily, and we found that choosing outfits the night before eliminated those struggles about 90% of the time.

2) Have an idea of what will go into lunches, and also think about dinner the following day. Have you ever started packing your child’s lunch, only to find you had no food in the house? Taking a few minutes the night before to plan ahead may save you a panicked last-minute trip to the grocery store in the morning. This is also a great time to see if there is anything you need to pull out of the freezer for dinner the next night.

3) Place homework in backpacks, collect any necessary school gear or jackets, and set by the door.

4) Get a good night's sleep. It is hard to have a good morning if you wake up tired and cranky, Remember that how you feel in the morning often will affect how your kids feel as well. This goes the same for your children - make sure they have a regular, set bedtime (before 9pm) that will help them wake up on their own. Although this seems like a simple step, I often hear of parents who let their children stay up until 10 or 11pm and then have overtired kids in the morning.

In the Morning

1) Get up before your children. Many moms report that waking even 30 minutes before the kids allows for planning, devotional time, or just some alone time before the morning craziness begins. I am not a morning person, so this is extremely hard for me since my children wake up at 6:30am. Yet on the mornings I wake up even 10 minutes before them, I find that I am much more ready to deal with anything that may come my way.

2) Start your morning with a short devotion (or longer if you have time). During that short time you have alone before your children wake up, there is nothing more important you can do than get on your knees and pray, asking God to give you strength and wisdom for the day ahead. A great, short devotional you may want to use for these mornings alone is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

Credit: iStockphoto

3) Wake the kids. Have a fun way to wake up your kids if they struggle getting up in the morning. If your kids wake up at the crack of dawn (like mine do) have an activity set out that they can do when they wake up. For instance, if your kids tend to argue in the morning, try setting out some activity to do to "surprise" them with when they wake up, and see if that helps.

4) Have a regular morning routine. In our house, we have a list of things to do in the morning, and the kids can check off each item as they complete it. They earn points (or minutes) for video game play or fun activities on the weekend. This keeps them motivated and excited. Our morning routine includes: eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing teeth, brushing hair, and putting on socks and shoes. The kids get 1 minute per item completed, up to 5 minutes per day. Although this seems like an obvious step, I have found that there are many people who do not have a set routine every morning, and struggle to get out the door. Set a goal for these things to be completed at least 1/2 hour before you leave. A goal for a morning routine should be about 1 hour or less for all of these things to be completed.

5) Connect with your kids. Whether it is through early morning snuggles in bed, or praying before you leave the house, or all eating breakfast together, find a way you can connect with each child before sending them off for the day. Even if your kids are home with you all day, this will serve as a point of connection for them, helping to start the day off right.

While some of these may seem obvious, it is amazing how overlooking even one of these items can set an entire morning off. Try them today and see if it makes a difference. What steps have you found helpful in starting your day off right?

{Written by: Jaimie Bowman}

Jaimie Bowman is a speaker, writer, and pastor's wife and has been ministering to women for over 15 years. She blogs regularly about her adventures raising 2 boys at www.wonderyearsof2.blogspot.com. Jaimie's guilty pleasures are coffee and chocolate, watching reruns of "Lost," and playing Angry Birds. Visit her website at www.jaimiebowman.com, and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jmebowman.

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Healing Broken Friendships

2012-01-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

When a friendship becomes sour and our friend transforms into a perceived enemy, it hurts. It is increasingly easy to blame them for any mistakes made along way and to go out of our way to avoid or even hurt them in return.

Over the course of a few months, I noticed a friend seemingly going out of her way to avoid bringing her daughters to my Sunday school class. I was able to brush it off for a while, as she was continuing to take them to the younger class. Maybe she wasn't ready for them to do "big kid things" just yet. Maybe she wanted them to be "little", longer.

Then she completely skipped over my class and took them to the next class. The only time they were ever present in the age-appropriate class is when there were no other options. The other teachers were absent and my class was the only one available to her.

This hurt. It hurt a lot. This continued for an entire year.

At the dismissal of class one Sunday Morning, a little boy in my class asked to leave. If his sister was in the Junior Church service being held in the next room, he preferred to sit with her and not be in my room which became the nursery after Sunday School was over. Though he wasn't quite old enough, he behaved himself and was able to sit with his older sister.

My friend met us at the doorway and questioned why he would be allowed, because he wasn't the appropriate age. I took a deep breath, but couldn't hide the anger on my face.

An entire year she avoided bringing her daughters to my class.

Nearly every Sunday, this boy had been allowed to sit with his sister in Junior Church.

I calmly pointed him toward his sister and turned back to the nursery.

She knew I was upset. I assumed she knew why.

She followed after me and tried to speak to me, I refused to acknowledge she was even talking.

I absolutely did the wrong thing. We never spoke again at church... and a few months later my family and I began attending a different church.

In truth, I never knew why she didn't bring her girls to my class. It may never have been because of me. Her girls knew the other teachers much longer than me and had even been babysat by them several times. Maybe they were just more comfortable in familiar settings.

A few months ago as I sat at a child's birthday party, she walked through the door with her children. My heart sank. I still wanted nothing to do with the situation. The hurt and confusion was still lingering.

She approached me and kindly asked how I was doing.

I let it go.

The hurt, I mean.

I let it go.

We hugged and talked. We spent the rest of the party talking almost as if we were the only two there.

It didn't matter why she never brought her girls to my class. It actually wasn't even my business where she placed her children each Sunday. I had actually been the one to fail the friendship. I never brought what I perceived to be a problem to her. I piled all the what-ifs on my shoulders and became more and more angry with her for the load I carried.

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
~ John 15 : 12

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
~ Matthew 5 : 23 - 24

Thoughtfullness in the Home

2012-01-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Many marriages are failing because love is absent from the relationship and the home. As our daily lives and schedules become busier, it is easy to forget how deep our love is and how far it can take us. Deadlines and To-Do Lists get in the way of sharing the love that husbands and wives need. After a while, we can easily forget the strength of the love we share with our spouse. As I became busier with children and schedules... it was easier to lose sight of where it all began, and the love from where our children came.

I Corinithians 13

1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, speeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6. Rejoiceth not in inquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Through these verses, we see that love can go far and endure much. We need to always work at building our home and marriage with love. Though we 'fall in love', it's something that still requires effort. Love is active as the following words from the verses in I Corinthians 13 show...

verse 4: "suffereth long", "is kind", "envieth not", "vaunteth not itself", "not puffed up"

verse 5: "not behave itself unseemly", "seeketh not her own", "not easily provoked", "thinketh no evil"

verse 6: "rejoiceth"

verse 7: "beareth all things", "believeth", "hopeth", "endureth"

verse 8: "never faileth"

Ideas for keeping and growing love in your home and marriage:

{a} Fill your home with compassion, joy and respect.

{b} Strive to keep things out of your life that would affect your home and marriage.

{c} Make time for each other. You can not grow with each other, if you are not with each other.

{d} Take care of situations/problems as they arise. Don't live in the "what ifs" or in the past.

{e} Tell your husband you love him. Part/Greet with a kiss.

{I also love to send hand written love notes in my husbands lunch from time to time... I've noticed that he saves them!}

It takes thoughtfulness from both the wife and husband to keep a marriage happy and running smoothly. Determine within yourself to work at your marriage everyday through your actions, your words and your thoughts.

"Charity never faileth..."
I Corinthians 13:8

Bible in a Year!

2012-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

This year, I will try to read my Bible through again. I've read it a total of two times through. I have been more focused on studies within the Bible the past year and haven't tried to make it through the entire book.

Here is a schedule if you would like to print it out and keep record of your progress. I like this simple sheet as I can fold it and keep it inside of the Bible and mark my place with it.

Good luck!

Download Bible in a Year PDF!

New Year - New Beginnings

2011-12-29T06:16:00.000-08:00

Looking back through 2011, I see many things I wish I had done differently. It seems this is true even more so at the end of each year now that I am a mother.

In high school I would look back and plan to achieve better grades in the new year. In college, I may have done the same thing... though I looked forward to better laying plans at finally getting my degree and heading into the work force.

This year has been so much different than any year before it. I have had more stumbling blocks and trials than I have previously experienced. I have not breezed by them either. They have been difficult and at times I felt very alone. I had moments of feeling abandoned by friends and the Lord. Though sometimes, we are the ones making it difficult to received blessings from above by our own actions... and He in truth has never left us.

I have also been busier this year, with more pressures and expectations than I have ever carried in the past. Coupled with health issues... I can't say that I have been anything but blessed.

This coming year, I look forward to not only becoming a better wife and mother... but also a stronger Christian walk. Though each year my faith and walk grow deeper, I look back on my moments of doubt this year. My doubt that He wanted to take care of me and provide what I needed. The mornings when I would cry out to him in fear and anger because yet another clump of hair was in my comb. The moments I was so sick that I felt if I closed my eyes, I would surely open them in His presence. Moments that brought me back to a repeated message through the past few years...

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

~ Psalms 46:10

Answers and healing have come, in His perfect time. I look back on the worry and stress that I may not have grieved myself with if I had truly learned to rely on Him. Maybe this year I will be able to walk beside Him, instead of in His arms because I am too weak.

If you're curious, it was allergies and vitamin deficiencies that seemed to be taking my life away... which they really can. So simple, yet so elusive for so long.

Readings for the new year...

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
~ I Peter 1:3

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord,

thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

~ Jeremiah 29:11

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

~ Psalms 51:10

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

~ Philippians 3:13-14

"Res in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."

~ Psalms 37:7

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

~Isaiah 40:31

I Heard the Bells

2011-12-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head

'There is no peace on earth,' I said,

'For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.'

Till ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Christmas Eve Traditions and The Reason

2011-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

When I was a young girl, we spent Christmas Eve at my Great Grandparents house. It was my grandfather's {my mom's dad} side of the family. Family members in the area would gather at their house, bring side dishes and presents to enjoy an evening of catching up with each other. It was a small house given that most family members from all 12 {I believe} children would come with their children... and their children's children.

As much fun as it was... I never could wait to leave. Leaving meant that Christmas Morning was even closer! When we would arrive home, mom and dad would light a lot of the candles in the house and turn out all of the lights... except for the lights of the Christmas tree. I, my sister and brother would sit on the floor as our father read to us the story of the birth of Christ... in reminder of why we were really celebrating Christmas. A reminder that Jesus is the reason why we were celebrating the season.

The lights and festivities make great memories.... but for us, as Christians, there was no other reason we were celebrating this holiday. He is the reason we sing songs like "O Holy Night" and "Away in a Manger".

I understand that for some, He isn't the reason. I understand that He isn't the reason why everyone celebrates during this month or celebrates this holiday. Yet, He is the reason for my season of celebration.

Tonight, when we return from my celebrating with my in-laws... I'm hoping the children are finally old enough to not have already fallen asleep. I hope we can gather as a family and listen to my husband read the Christmas story in reminder of why we have chosen to celebrate this month.

The Candy Cane Story

2011-12-23T02:00:00.000-08:00

I am not sure on the origin of this story nor it's accuracy, but I think it's lovely.

A candy maker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would be a witness,
so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols
for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of
pure white, hard candy: white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless
nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the Foundation of the
Church and firmness of the promises of God.

The candy maker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious
name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the
staff of the Good Shepherd with which He reaches down into the ditches of the
world to lift out the fallen lambs who like all sheep have gone astray. Thinking
that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it with red stripes.
He used three small stripes for the blood shed by Christ on the cross. So that
we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as the Candy Cane. It became a
meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But meaning is still there for
all those who "Have eyes to see and ears to hear." We pray that this symbol will
again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and His great love that came
down at Christmas.

Candy Cane Poem

Look at the candy cane

What do you see?

Stripes that are red

Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior

Who's sinless and pure

"J" is for Jesus My Lord, that's for sure

Turn it around

And a staff you will see

Jesus my shepherd

Was born for Me

Staying in Your Lane

2011-12-20T04:54:00.000-08:00

You may not end up where you thought you'd be,

but you will always end up where you're meant to be... right where God intended you

I found a slightly different version of this quote on a friend's Facebook wall yesterday, and it spoke to a topic I've had on my mind for a while. Staying in our own lane...

This can have application in our every day life. I see parents caught up in enrolling their child{ren} in every activity they see other children participating in. Consider that what is fun and enjoyable for other children, may not have the same outcome or pleasure for your children.

I see mother's spending all of their energy trying to be everything to everyone. I fall to this one easily.

This should also be applied to your social media experience. It is very easy to get caught up in "what everyone else is doing". When in truth, what they're doing compared to you... doesn't matter. We each have our own road we need to focus on.

Glancing into the lane/life of someone else can be very misleading. Their life and/or blog is most likely not as perfect or glamorous as what you perceive. When we focus in on the lane of someone else, we make it more difficult to navigate our own lane.

Looking back at the beginnings of my social media/blogging experience back in 1996, I never imagined it would be so popular and sought after now. In fact, it was quite made fun of. A few years ago, I couldn't see beyond blogging under an anonymous name and account. I am in a very different lane than I ever thought I would be.

Early Morning Walk...

2011-12-18T04:50:00.000-08:00

I love the early morning hours. The peace. Stillness. I spend a lot of time throughout my day walking with the Lord and speaking to Him, praying to Him... at times even pleading to Him for requests I feel are unanswered. Yet the morning hours spent in devotion and prayer are cherished.

I enjoy having time spent in devotion with my family during the evenings and right before we tuck the children into bed. I reserve mornings for my daily walk. In the solitude of our living room, I can quietly take in the beginnings of a new day. It is the time of day I feel less stress and less pressure. Emails aren't flooding my inbox quite yet and the children aren't needing my attention.

Sipping on coffee, I pour over God's word. I seek out scripture that speaks to current situations, emotions or trials I feel I am being made to bear. It is this time of day where I truly gain my strength and energy for a new day and all the challenges that it may hold.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning,

O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Psalms 5:3

Prayer Journal

2011-12-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I challenged the ladies of my church to begin a prayer journal. Only a few months before that did I even begin to keep one. The hand of the Lord had been moving so swiftly through my life. I was truly overwhelmed with the answers to my prayers. Shamefully, I should say I was amazed. Though I'm not sure why I was amazed. I had seen wonderful answers to prayer before... and I have faith the He will be faithful to our prayers.

I began collecting our families prayers within this journal. I recorded the things which we needed as well as the things that we desired. After the entry, I record the date and pray faithfully. On the days where I begin to feel isolated and forgotten, it helps me to return to my prayer journal and remember that I am not. Needs have been supplied as well as the simple desires of my heart.

My children and I also use this each morning before we begin our home school day. We read through answered prayers and add new entries to the journal. I love having the opportunity to share this with them. Allowing them to see and remind them that He is faithful.

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
~ Matthew 21:22

Casting Judgement and Stones

2011-11-29T04:04:00.000-08:00

Having been raised in a Christian home and spending a lot of my time around other Christians, I have seen and heard a lot. Unfortunately, I'm talking about a more painful side of Christian life... and not pain that comes from those outside of Christianity. I've experienced far too much of it.

We all have something in our life that shouldn't be there. Maybe possessions mean far more to us than they should... maybe we're hiding a secret we consider darker. Maybe we're lashing out at others for their blatant wrong doings, when in reality... if they only knew what lied beneath the surface of our own righteous facade.

"...He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." ~ John 8:7b

"Judge not, that ye be not judge" ~ Matthew 7:1

This thought reminds me of a devotional I heard recently, where a church was compared to a hospital. Shouldn't it be where we go to find healing... shouldn't it be where we go to help others. If in need, I would much rather seek the guidance and counsel of someone shining like a light in the storm...

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16

Renewal & Forgiveness

2011-11-28T04:51:00.000-08:00

With the exception of yesterday, the past few days had felt more like Spring than late Fall. The weather has been a bit warm for November, for that I am thankful. I had to take a moment to stand amongst the trees and take in the warmth and the sounds of nature.

When Spring finally makes its way through the bitter cold, snow and ice... and the warm breezes sweep in a new season... I am always renewed. The new life found on the trees, in the flowers... it is always a reminder to me of Gods grace and forgiveness in our lives. We are never left desolate, out in the cold. He is there and will renew and will forgive. No matter the storms, trials or temptations we have fallen under... there is an opportunity for a complete renewal of ourselves and His compassion and His forgiveness.

Here are a few of my favorite verses that give me hope and comfort...

"Create in me a clean heart, O god; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit." ~ Psalm 51: 10-12

"For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land; The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." ~ Song of Solomon 2:11-13

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." ~ I Corinthians 10:13

"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he hath committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." ~ James 5:15

Daddy Don't Go by Brittany Mundhenk

2011-11-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

This beautiful song was written by a young lady at my church. Her father was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

She has an amazing voice and is very talented. I would love it if you gave her a moment of your time by listening to her beautiful words... it will be a blessing to you.

Daddy Don't Go by Brittany Mundhenk

When Traditions Collide

2011-11-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was the first time my daughter recognized a difference in the religious traditions and practices of our family and her extended family.

We are bringing our children up in the Christian faith. Our beliefs are different than that of my husband's family. This means that their way of doing things is a little different than ours.

While saying grace for Thanksgiving dinner, my daughter noticed the prayer was different than ours. Now this was not the first time my daughter had been in the presence of that... yet this is the first time she has noticed.

So, this weekend there have been questions. Without going into more detail than a six year old can handle, I have explained to her that there is a difference between what we believe and what her grandmother believes. I explained that she should sit politely when someone else prayed. If they do not pray or worship as you, you are always able to bow your head and pray quietly with yourself when in someone's home.

How do you teach your children to behave around family who believe differently than you are raising them?

Three Trees

2011-11-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see my beauty.”

Then the second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.”

Finally the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.”

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, the trees were discovered by a group of woodsmen. When one came to the first tree he said, “This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter”... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, “I don’t need anything special from my tree so I’ll take this one,” and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all the answer to his prayers. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. The woman gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said “Peace” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible because Jesus Christ had been crucified on it.

When things don’t seem to go our way, we can know that God has a plan for us. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Growing up, my parents owned a record which told this story. I loved sitting in our family room and staring up at the record player as the story was told over the sound of static. I would imagine what God had in store for my life... all the time imagining we had the same plans. Nearly three decades later, I can better understand the true meaning.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord."
~ Isaiah 54:10

Just a Mom

2011-11-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

A lady at church recently lent me a copy of A Mother's Touch by Elise Arndt.

Chapter three is titled "Just a Mom". The beginning paragraphs relate a story where Elise is at a conference with other moms who are business professionals.

After her experience around the other women at the conference, Elise - a stay at home mother - decides her chosen profession isn't "good enough". She eventually realizes her error in doubting her choice to be at home and makes this statement.

When a mother is content in her calling of motherhood and at peace with God, she reflects these attitudes to her family.

I'll be very honest. When I was in high school and everyone was being encouraged to decide on a college and a career... I looked down on the girls who desired to get married and have a family. Sure I wanted that some day. Yet, the girls who only wanted that... I felt there was something lacking from their life and their ambitions. I had an arrogant pitty on their lack of planning and 'desire', as I saw it.

I look back at my younger self with so much shame for thinking this way about them. It was drilled into me through magazines, television, etc... that I as a female owed it to myself to be and do everything. Every career imaginable for women was glamorized on film... everything except motherhood.

Just because we {women} can be and do anything, doesn't mean we have to do everything.

I use to work outside the home. We had the rigorous morning routine of getting everyone fed, dressed and out the door early enough to get the kids to the babysitter and each of us to our offices in time to start the day. I had to make sure arrangements were made for the kids to be picked up from the babysitter and babysat once more until either my husband or I could pick them up in the evening. After that, we rushed home, fixed dinner, sent everyone to bed... just to begin it all again after a few hours of sleep.

I didn't enjoy that. I know some people do. I absolutely loathed being away from my children for such prolonged hours. I despised the fact that most of my time spent near my children were spent sleeping. All of us sleeping.

I am currently blessed to be at home with my children where I am also getting to be their teacher. I know this isn't for everyone. That chapter just hit me hard. "Just a Mom". No mother is "just a mom", no matter what her profession. As a mother, you are everything to the little ones who call you mom.

I know I have mentioned several times in various posts that I was over joyed, yet scared, when I lost my job in November 2008 and became a stay at home mother. It was what I had dreamed of doing since becoming pregnant with our oldest. I become more content with my decision to be a stay at home mother each day. We have rough days, everyone doesn't obey or pick up their toys... but I hope my children see in me the joy that I have for being their mother and being with them each day.

Turning the Other Cheek

2011-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

Even without trying to take a Christian view point, it can be very difficult to deal with mean or difficult people. We may instinctively want to return any hurt given us. We may want to crawl into bed and cry.

Both are what I felt yesterday. It was generally not a "good" day. Things didn't go as they should, and it seemed as if most people who needed to say something to me... needed to say it in a snide way. One person in particular has been sending snide comments my way for a few days now. I honestly have no idea why. So of course it bothers me. It hurts me.

I tend to be quite sarcastic and snarky myself... and I've been working on controlling that part of my being. Many times yesterday I imagined what I would say to this person to put them in their place. Imagined giving back to them what they have been serving me.

I never did spill those mean and hateful thoughts back at them. I still have no idea why I'm being approached the way I am by this person. I would ask, but from my experience in watching other issues play out with that person... they would rather walk away and never discuss anything. Yet, they would leave a trail of more ripping remarks.

So, what is the Christian thing to do?

The most immediate response most Christian might give: Turn the other cheek.

Yes, we're told to do that.

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:
but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
~ Matthew 5:39

We're also given other examples of how bullies or hard situations were handled.

King David for example:

As a boy, he defeated Goliath. A giant who taunted those he was to fight. He was essentially a bully.

Yes, the story of David and Goliath is much different than my current situations. However, David was shown standing up to something. Just as David did, I think we need to wisely discern when it's time to stand up.

However, David also spent much time fleeing another tormenter, King Saul... who sought to kill him. When presented with the opportunity to take Saul's life, David did not. I think this is an example of knowing when to turn the other cheek.

I love a phrase my mother repeated several times throughout my childhood.

"Being a Christian doesn't mean you're a doormat."

There is a time to stand up just as there is a time to turn the other cheek.

Give Thanks, Always.

2011-11-16T05:42:00.000-08:00

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

~ I Thessalonians 5:18

I love this verse, because it reminds me to give thanks in all things. Not give thanks for all things, but in all things. No matter where I am or what I am going through... I am to give thanks for it.

I have written a lot recently about the health struggles I have gone through this year. As a lot of others, we have also had financial struggles in this economic slump. However, I'm not bitter. I'm not angry. We are truly blessed. We have each other. We have a home. We have food and clothing. We have wonderful family and friends. Simply said... we are not in need of anything.

Situations can always become worse, and even if they do... we are to give thanks. Sometimes it's very hard to peer through the dust an event may stir up and thank God for where we are. I have struggled with that myself.

I have been through many valleys that seemed hopeless and as if God had forsaken me. My bouts with postpartum depression being my darkest and deepest valley. Yet there was a reason for my having experienced it. I can look back and understand how others struggling through it are feeling, what thoughts they have and how hopeless it all seems. Through that valley I now have a shoulder for others.

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Thankful

2011-11-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for all the beauty that surrounds me.

"And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good..."
~ Genesis 1:31

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour,
Of the day and of the night;
Hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
Sun and moon, and stars of light;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835–1917

Putting Out a Fleece

2011-10-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I have been struggling with direction. I feel my path is moving yet I don't know if it is expanding or splitting. In short, I just don't know what to do!

So, I put out a fleece.

If you are unsure of what I mean by this, let me explain.

In Judges 6, we find Gideon putting out a fleece in order to get an answer on God's will.

Judges 6:37
"Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said."

When Gideon awakes, the fleece is wet with dew and the ground is dry.

Gideon goes on to reverse his request... that the fleece be dry and all the ground around it be wet. God also does this.

I've heard it said that "putting out a fleece" is showing a complete lack of faith in what God wants us to do or asks of us. I think it's a good way of differentiating between the desires of our heart and the desires of God.

Several weeks ago, I "put out a fleece". Gideon had a time frame of one night for each fleece. I asked that I have an answer before the end of this month. At first I was unsure if that was the right thing to do. Pouring over the verses it is clear to see that Gideon had a time frame on his as well. It needed to happen in just one night.

Gideon asked for things that wouldn't naturally happen. It wouldn't be natural for the fleece to be the only thing wet, or the only thing dry. So, I've requested something that just wouldn't be natural. It wouldn't normally happen.... but through the hand of God it could. And if it did happen... His hand is surely in it and I would know which path He was directing me down.

My time spent in prayer has rapidly increased over the years and ever more so this month. It's amazing the peace you begin to feel as you allow Him to lead.

Appreciate

2011-09-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Appreciate those who have hurt you,
because they strengthen your heart.

Appreciate those who deceive you,
because they improve your wisdom.

Appreciate those who slander against you,
because they improve your personality.

Appreciate those who whip you,
because they arouse your will to fight.

Appreciate those who abandon you,
because they teach you independence.

Appreciate those who make you stumble,
because they strengthen your legs.

Appreciate those who denounce you,
because they remind you of your shortcomings.

Appreciate those who give you strength.

Marriage, Wifehood, Respect

2011-09-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 5:33b ~ "and the wife see that she reverence her husband."

In all relationships, from family to business, so much relies on respect. A lack of respect will damage and eventually destroy these relationships.

As husbands and wives we are told to love each other. How can we truly love each other if we don't even have respect for our spouse?

As a product of a very self-indulged and "it's all about me" generation, the thought of respecting my husband was foreign. You know, "girls rule, boys drool".

I only found {or paid any attention to} the above verse when looking for scripture where the husband is commanded to love his wife.

I happened upon that verse in June 2010. So, I've been mulling it around for quite some time and only writing about it now.

What an odd thought! Respecting my husband!

He is a person, with feelings... just like me. I'm sure he wants respect from those he is over at work... why would he not desire respect from his wife?

I teach our children to respect him, just as he instructs them to respect me. So, yes. It does make sense. Respect your husband. How could the children possibly respect their father if I wasn't showing him respect as well.

I'm fortunate to have married someone worthy of respect. He's a hard worker. He's a loving father. He finds importance in taking his children to church. He prays with his family. He calls his mother, I love that.

He shows me respect.

We aren't perfect and the perfect marriage does not exist in our home.

We've had to learn some things the hard way, but without respect for each other... I'm sure it would have been much harder lessons learned.

Counting My Blessings {Thankful Thursday}

2011-09-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have found it easier to be bitter about situations.

This is not a pleasant attitude for a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to have.

I know from where it all stems. Myself. I am the cause of it and I am what causes it to fester and grow.

Proverbs 13:12 begins with "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:".

Other than being human, this is my problem. My life has not turned out as I had hoped. Motherhood is not what I imagined. Neither is wifehood. I am not accusing my children or my husband for making it less than what I had imagined.

I have not been traveling down life's road as I had imagined. This is largely due to my health. I was not able to enjoy pregnancies and have fought depression, fatigue and numerous other issues since carrying my first baby.

Growing up, my mother had a phrase which began to irritate me as of late. "Happiness is a choice". I've wanted to cram those words into the trash and send them off never to be heard from again.

However, I've been in the situation from postpartum depression where it was clearly not a choice. There are just times when it is not.

That's not where I am today. I am choosing to be grumpy. I am choosing to spend my days worrying about what I don't have or what I may not be able to get for my children.

I've done all of that instead of seeing what I do have and what we do provide for the kids and what we have been able to do for them.

I will instead choose to give thanks for what has been given us from above.

I may not have boundless energy as I once did, but I do accomplish a lot. I may not have everything I want, but I definitely have everything I need and more.

Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

{1} The home that keeps us warm in the Winter, dry during the rain and shelter on hot Summer days.

{2} A closet full of clothes that I enjoy

{3) A husband who has put up with quite a lot from me

{4} Children who are the most precious gift I've ever been given

{5} My children's health

{6} My husband's health

{7} A hard working husband

{8} A Christian husband

{9} Food on our table

{10} A wealth of friends and family

When I say, “I am a Christian”

2010-10-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek His name

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

Cooking with Bible foods

2010-03-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

Have a cooking contest where participants can only use ingredients that were often used in Biblical times. You can have the singles compete against the married couples or older ladies against the younger ladies.

Some of the historic Biblical foods you can cook with include:

~ wheat (bread)
~ barley
~ lentils
~ olive oil
~ wine
~ figs
~ grapes
~ fish

The judges can role play Biblical characters and the prize can be a gift card to a Christian bookstore in your area.

Silver & Gold

2010-02-12T04:47:00.000-08:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about our possessions, finances, wants and needs. Not being employed for the first time since I was a teenager is odd for me, so the lack of income is on my mind a lot. Trying to clean through our house and get rid of clutter has me pondering possessions. Cleaning through drawers and closets and cupboards has me noting needs and separating out the wants.

It's easy to get caught up in what you don't have and would like. Desiring what others have, begging God for it and even going into debt to get it.

I'm not without my needs, God has made sure of that. Are there things I would like and don't have, sure. Grumbling to myself as I try and fix up our home and clean it out and make my list a song came to mind.

Now I don't get my wisdom/knowledge or purpose from songs. I do however like the lyrics to Dolly Parton's song Silver and Gold. If you haven't heard it, it's worth the time to listen. Though you can get the same message through reading the Bible.

To put it shortly, none of our materials possessions we strive for here on earth will last. So, while I am obsessing over the gravy boat I don't have or the china cabinet to put it in I need to remind myself. It doesn't really matter and it never really will.

Dare to be a Daisy

2010-02-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

What happens when we allow weeds to start taking over a flowerbed or garden? The weeds eventually choke out the plants an destroy what was or would have been. You end up with an unattractive flowerbed or a garden yielding little or no fruit.

A weed is any undesired, uncultivated plant that grows in profusion so as to crowd out a desired crop. For our purpose, weeds refer to sin in our world today.

Just as weeds in a flowerbed slow or stop the intended results, when we allow sin into our lives, soon we are not fruitful for the Lord as we should be.

We aren't able to stand tall if we allow the weeds of sin to creep into our lives. The weeds of sin will creep in one by one and choke up our testimony and our light.

Just like weeds in a flowerbed, sins will creep in one by one until they're out of control. It's a lot easier to pull the first weed instead of waiting till you have a whole bed or garden full of them.

Dare to be a Daisy in a world of weeds:
________________________________________

Desires

In order for us to be a daisy in a world of weeds, our desires should be centered in Christ, and not on the world.

Desire God's Word:

I Peter 2:2 "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:"

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Desire Wisdom:

Proverbs 8:11 "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired
are not to be compared to it."

Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever."

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walked not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Desire to see souls saved:

We should have a burden to see souls saved. If you are saved, you have a testimony to share. Share with others how Jesus came into your life.

Give a tract as you go through the grocery line. Just ask the cashier, "May I give you something to read when you get an opportunity?"

Our desires should be centered around Christ. They shouldn't be plunged into keeping up with the world or our neighbor who has a new car or the lady at church who has a new outfit every Sunday. Our desire should be to be in the Word of God. We should desire to serve the Lord with the gift(s) He has given us.
________________________________________

Attitude

To survive the weeds, we must have a right attitude. A positive attitude. Instead of being caught up in the latest gossip, we should make an effort to speak kind and encouraging words.

We should adorn ourselves with the right spirit: mild tempered, gentle, not easily provoked and not proud.

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Philippians 2:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
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Integrity

To keep the weeds out of our life, we must have integrity. We should treat people fairly and honestly in our day to day lives and let this be a testimony to others.

Titus 2:7 "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity."

Psalm 25:21 "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee."

To be a lady of integrity: we should have purity in our thoughts, motives and actions. The overall way in which we carry ourselves should show integrity.

Proverbs 3:29 "Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee."

Psalm 101:5 "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that hath a high look and a proud heart will not I suffer."
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Spirit

To be a Christian means we should strive to be Christ-like. The world should see Jesus Christ through us.

Jesus said that the world would know us, not by our worldly possessions, but by our fruit. Just as you can identify an apple tree by the apples it produces, so should the world know we are Christians by Christ that shows through us.

John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
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Yielded

In order for us to be a daisy in a world full of weeds, we must yield ourselves to the Lord.

Colossians 3:3 "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now life in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me."
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Desires should be Christ centered.
Attitudes should reflect Christ in us.
Integrity should be a light to others.
Spirit should bear witness.
Yield our lives to Christ.

Let’s be bright and blooming daisies for the Lord.

Bless Those Who Give

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Bless those who give of their time
I think of a lady who never fails to give of her time when others have run out.
Bless those who give of their heart
I think of a lady at my church who so lovingly and consistently gives of her heart to those who are hurting.
Bless those who give of their wisdom
I think of a lady who always has a verse on her lips for those who are lost and needing direction.
Bless those who give of their talents
I think of a young lady at my church who willingly and gracefully lends her voice.
Bless those who give of their earnings
I think of the widow who pledges limited income to church needs.
Bless those who give of their possessions
I think of a lady at church who never fails to give all she has.

II Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Have You Been Considered?

2010-01-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Job 1:8
"And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?"

This verse has been on my mind frequently in recent months. I have seen many Christians suffering through various hardships and trials. When I see this, I ask myself "Have they been considered?" Were they counted enough by our Lord to be put through trials? Is the work you are or would be doing for the cause of Christ important enough for you to be considered?

I also see many Christians who seemingly aren't suffering hardships. At least none they share or are apparent. Some of the Christians even attack other Christians who are suffering. I often wonder if they take into account that maybe they haven't been considered.

Christian Inspirational Quotes

2005-02-26T04:15:00.000-08:00

A continuing collection of quotes that have touched me.

"God sweetens outward pain with inward peace."
Thomas Watson

Be Still {Button}

2000-02-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

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