Christmas Magnets

Coming up with Christmas crafts for girls ages two and three is not easy, but it can be done. I picked up an ornament set at a craft store (super cheap) and just used magnetic strips I already had. Lots of fun was had and a big mess made! (Also, a little brother enjoyed a snack of marker flavored wood resulting in a blue face for a couple of days!) Ok, so I had a lot of fun, too!

Food for Thought

I just posted a random comment on facebook about the song "Mary Did You Know" and it started quite the conversation. I love making myself think about these things that I believe we'll never know the answers to - at least this side of Heaven. So I thought I'd share and see what your thoughts are.

I just made the comment that since having children, I can not listen to the song without crying or at least tearing up. Here are the lyrics: (Have you ever really listened to them?)

   Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
   Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
   Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
   This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

   Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
   Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
   Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
   When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

   The blind will see.
   The deaf will hear.
   The dead will live again.
   The lame will leap.
   The dumb will speak
   The praises of The Lamb.

   Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
   Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
   Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
   The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

I emphasized the phrases that just knock me off my feet. I have had the blessing of holding three precious babies after delivering them. Each time, I brought them close, kissed them, cradled their face and studied their features like my life depended on it. So overwhelmed by love, in a heartbeat, I meet them and know that I would die for them. I have to assume Mary felt all this, but did she know? Did she know that her precious baby would one day give His life for her? because of her sins? We know from Scripture that Mary knew He was going to be Savior of all. But I have wondered, and came to the conclusion (whether it be right or wrong we will never know) that she did not know of the horrifying death Jesus would suffer. I think (again, clearly speculation) that God would have protected her from such awfulness. I can't imagine it being possible to live day to day life having that burden of information. Anyway, I just find this song so fascinating now that I have gone through the emotional experience of giving birth and falling in love with a newborn baby. If you have thoughts on all this, please share!

Hard Lessons

If you've ever been in a less than ideal situation, you've probably wondered why God just doesn't fix it. This can range from anything to financial struggles to the illness or loss of a loved one. Of course, my head always tells me that He knows what's best and is waiting to give us the best until it's the best time. But sometimes my heart says, no, screams "But you are all powerful, so why can't you just fix it all?". The answer of course, is that He can. So why doesn't He?

I've been going through the Bible study "Missing Pieces" by Jennifer Rothschild. She addressed the above dilemma and answered it this way: "God possesses both ultimate power and ultimate authority. The choice to not exercise power does not mean one is powerless. It means sometimes one who has power chooses to withhold it for a greater purpose." A little later, she addresses her own struggle in accepting God's authority and power regarding her blindness, "I'm fully confident God cares about me and could heal my blindness, but even though He has the power to, He doesn't choose to show it in the way I sometimes hope . . . Does that mean He doesn't care? I think it means He cares enough to allow me to struggle and find a deeper understanding of and connection to His heart. If I plead for His power, then I must accept His authority that comes along with it. His power may be capable of healing my eyes and filling in your missing pieces, but His authority may not deem it best. [We] need to respectfully trust His authority as much as [we] trust His power. For it is the companionship of those two attributes that allows suffering and at the same time disallows punishment for our sin. Unless we take God just as He is in His wholeness, we will never find hope in our own brokenness."

Truth for Today

Clinging to His Word today . . .

"looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

- Hebrews 12:2, 3

Christmas Truth

"And there, in the stable, amongst the chickens and the donkeys and the cows, in the quiet of the night, God gave the world his wonderful gift. The baby that would change the world was born. His baby Son. Mary and Joseph wrapped him up to keep him warm. They made a soft bed of straw and used the animals' feeding trough as his cradle. And they gazed in wonder at God's Great Gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Mary and Joseph named him Jesus, "Emmanuel" - which means "God has come to live with us." Because, of course, he had."

 

- The Jesus Storybook Bible

by Sally Lloyd-Jones

 

I can't say enough about this children's Bible. While not quite simple enough for a two year old, I'm giving it to my three year old for Christmas. It's the only gift I have yet to wrap - I'm having too much fun reading through it myself! While most children's Bibles tell the stories of the Bible, this Bible relates every story to the gospel, the greatest story of all. It is beautifully written, it is captivating. It's simple elegance has moved me to tears many times. For a last minute gift for a child, Amazon has the best price I've found, a fraction of what some bookstores are asking for it. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Whispers/dp/0310708257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355365770&sr=8-1&keywords=jesus+storybook+bible. I also can't thank my dear friend Meredith enough for sharing this book with me! Definitely a favorite!

Free Christmas Printable

Daily migraines on top of exhaustion have been a constant for a few weeks now, and I apologize for the lack of posts. I'm praying the headaches end soon because they are certainly no fun with three children who like to run around the house screaming all day! Anyway, just wanted to share with you a free printable for Christmas. Just follow this link to download and print this great 8x10! I printed mine and already have it framed!

Again, this is not my creation, I just found it at http://adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-scripture-word-tree-printable.html

Charlie Brown's Gingerbread House

We all know about Charlie's Brown's Christmas tree, and I'm pretty sure if he made a gingerbread house, it would look very much like ours. I realized we had graham crackers, icing left over from a birthday, and marshmallows from Lauren's food therapy, so we went to town! The experience was had, a mess was made, and pictures were taken. (The colored rows are completely Megan's doing. I wonder how early you can diagnose OCD . . . )

Christmas Truth

I find it so easy to be discontent during the holidays. I constantly see toys, books, puzzles, and games at great deals. I see gorgeous Christmas decorations, crafts, and all kinds of good stuff. I am in a constant battle with myself to remember that my kids already have quite a few presents each, and that getting them hundreds of toys would harm, rather than help, them. I have to remember that decorations and my crafting abilities - or lack thereof - are not what make my house a home. More importantly I have to remember that even though I say Christ is all that matters at Christmas, my discontentedness tells a different story. Christmas is not about toys, spoiling your children, the size of your tree, or how beautifully your house is decorated. It's about love. It's about our Creator loving us so much that He sent his son to earth to die so that we can live. Can you imagine sending your newborn baby away, knowing that he will suffer a terrible death because you are sending him? Go hold a newborn and imagine. Heart breaking, isn't it? That's love. That's Christmas.

NOEL

As promised, here is my complete "NOEL" Christmas display, complete with "snowy" pinecone trees for my BirchHeart snowmen. (Pinecones were a few from a huge bag that only cost $2 after store sale plus coupons and I already had the paint.) When I asked my husband what he thought - always a mistake - he said he didn't like it. When I finally got a reason out of him, his response was that it looks to "Hobby Lobby-ish". Well, I guess I'll take that as a compliment!

Prayer

Prayer is a powerful thing because we serve a powerful God. That's why I'm asking everyone I know to pray for a friend from college, Amy, and her husband Matt. She was almost 25 weeks pregnant when she found out her baby had passed away and had to deliver his body. We who have not experienced such grief can not imagine how difficult this must be, so the only thing we can do is pray. God answers prayers. You can read his story on Amy's blog, here, and see his announcement as well.

 

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven."

- Psalm 107:28 - 30

Thanksgiving

I've been so busy spending time with family, dealing with daily migraines, and having the hubby home for a week that I haven't been on the computer very much. Tonight is the first evening in over a week that I haven't had a migraine or horrible headache and I am taking advantage of it! I've been wanting to do this all week - my "thankful" list. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that you took the time to thank God for all the blessings you have in your life! I am thankful for . . .

• Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ tops the list. My eternity in Heaven and my daily life would not be possible without Him.
• My husband is next. Over the past four years, I've seen him go to work every day, come home more exhausted than when he left, and still selflessly help take care of the house, kids, and me. I am beyond blessed!
• Our sweet Megan. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter little girl. Every day, her actions remind me that I could be kinder, more gentle, more loving. I love getting all the hugs, kisses, and snuggles she sends my way!
• Lauren girl is my crazy one and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I love her for all her passion and orneriness. She keeps us laughing all day long and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for her.
• Baby Michael. He's the happiest baby you'll ever meet and I am having the most fun with a 10 month old I've ever had. (Don't tell the girls!) He is all boy, needing to explore and get into everything! I love getting kisses from him and he thinks I'm the funniest person in the world.
• Munchkin #4 has already wedged his/her way into my heart. I can already picture a sweet little face, chubby toes and tiny fingers. I think surprise blessings are the best kind!
• My parents, grandparents, and in-laws are all so special to us. We wouldn't be where we are without them. Their love, their urging us in the right direction, and now their love for our children are all things for which I'm extremely grateful.

This list could go on and on including many friends and family members, all who could have their own individual reason listed. But this will have to do. Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Card Pictures

My goal for this week is to take some Christmas-card-worthy photos of the kids, and I've been looking for ideas. I loved finding some good and not so good examples! (Some bad ones really got me laughing - I feel for those moms. Been there, done that, still doing that!)

 

What I would love to have, and what I've tried in the past to achieve:

What I will most likely end up with, based on past experience:

 

Magnetic Nativity

Thanks to good old Pinterest, I have a list of things I want to do with the kids this Christmas. When I saw these free printables, I got very excited and immediately decided I wanted to print them on magnetic sheets and pop them on the refrigerator at Christmas. This link will take you the blog post where I found them. (This lady is a graphic design genius/stay-at-home mom with very different religious opinions than me.) If you scroll down to the very bottom of her post, she provides links to download the PDF's which you can then print and use to your heart's desire. You'll notice the downloads look different than the images she shows in the post and don't contain all the images. I was very confused at first, but the images she shows are much smaller than the images you get in the PDF downloads. If you're stuck on using the extra images, just right click on the image and save it to your computer. That works too! I decided to go with the downloads since they're a better size for toddlers. There are so many things you can do with these: you could make magnets, mod podge them onto wooden blocks, print on cardstock and glue to popsicle sticks, make finger puppets, the ideas are endless! I already ordered some magnetic sheets from Amazon, printed and cut everything! Of course, I had to see how it looked on the frig and I am so very excited to share with my children the most important true story in the world.

FAQ - Gender

I have never been this tired in my life. Never. Ok, maybe back when I had mono in college. Maybe. But it's close. This is by far, the most I've felt the 'exhausted' symptom of pregnancy. I guess having three kids will do that to ya'! By the time the kids are in bed, I have no ability to form a complete thought, let alone a sentence. So I thought I'd share the answer to the most asked question I've been receiving lately: are you hoping for a boy or a girl?

Ultimately, I want a healthy baby, preferably human. After that, for selfish reasons, a girl sounds really nice. Girl clothes are about 1,000 times more cute and fun to put on your baby. However, I'm really hoping for a boy. My Michael could really use a brother! The poor boy chases a pink princess ball and chews on a purple teapot, for crying out loud! Another reason I'm hoping for a boy is the name we have chosen for a boy: Clayton Mitchell. Mitchell is my dad's name, and Clayton was my grandfather's name. Grandpa just passed away at the end of last year. His picture belongs in the dictionary next to the word "Grandpa", for he embodied all that the title is supposed to be. Always smiling, always loving, always willing to give hugs, dance with us, and join in the tea parties. I felt safe in his arms, loved beyond measure in his hugs, and I will never see a Werther's caramel without thinking of him. I would love nothing more than to honor him and his memory by giving his name to a baby boy.

Of course, in the end, it doesn't matter a bit, but that's my answer. :)

Today's Prayer

I hope that at the end of every day, I can earnestly pray the following in regards to my children:

"I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them."

- John 17:26

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: I do not deserve this baby.

Encouraging Truth: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from
          the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
          - James 1:17

Loving Instruction: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace . . . "
          - Hebrews 4:16a

Our Reward: ". . . that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
          - Hebrews 4:16b

 Yesterday and today have been rough ones. All three munchkins and myself have pretty bad colds. Thanks to me being pregnant and nauseated, it has wiped me out completely! Sadly, it doesn't seem to be making the kids want to sleep 24/7 like it does me, so they're just extra whiny, clingy, and cranky. On top of that they've started sleeping 1.5 hours less a night than normal thanks to the time change. Mix all that up and you get one very tired and grumpy Mama. Impatience, frustration, and harsh words have been prominently displayed. I've asked God and my children to forgive me. (My oldest said I hadn't been bad and that she still loved me. God knew I needed to hear that!) But with all that said, every time I felt myself at the breaking point, this discouraging thought kept popping in my head: "If I find out at Thursday's ultrasound that this baby has stopped growing and went home to be with Jesus, I won't be surprised." I'm sure to some (especially men) this sounds absolutely crazy - "ludicrous" is the exact word used by my husband. But crazy or not, that's what my head has been saying all day. I know God doesn't work that way. I know my husband doesn't think I'm a horrible mother. I know that God has a perfect plan, and it's really not about deserving anything. We are but dust, and ultimately, deserve nothing but hell. But we have a loving, truly loving, Heavenly Father who likes to give us gifts and who has washed our sins with His blood. His love never changes. Even my "bad mom days" can't stop my Jesus from loving me.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38 - 39

New Year's Resolutions

Yes, it's weird to be thinking about New Year's resolutions in November. However, we just rented and watched "New Year's Eve". I will warn you - horrible movie! Bad acting, horrible story line, you name it. Anyway, it made me think of what I would put on a resolution list. I really couldn't think of anything - until the kids woke up from their naps. If you've never heard what a house with three under three sounds like, close your eyes and imagine the very definition of 'loud'. Toys being banged against just about anything, one child singing at the top of her lungs, another yelling happily, and most likely the last one screaming bloody murder at something done to him or her by a sibling. So even when it's not unhappy noise, our house is always loud. My resolution would not be to change that. I like our 'loud'. To me, it sounds like fun, family, love, and childhood. What I would change? My volume. I realized that even when I'm not getting after the kids or unhappy at all, I still can get pretty loud. Most of the time the reason I raise my voice is just to be heard. But I'm realizing that's just making me raise my voice, oh, about 90% of the day. Then I realized it's kind of hard to differentiate between a 'voice raised to be heard' and my stern voice. So I am resolving, right now in November, to quiet my voice. Trust me - this house doesn't need any adult voices adding to our wonderful loud. I'm also hoping that if I quiet my voice, my heart, and those of my children, will be quieted when I do have to discipline and use my serious tone. What would you resolve as a Mommy?

Whirlwind Weekend

This past weekend was a crazy one, so please forgive me for not posting. Thursday was our baby's nine month check-up, and we found out he had an ear infection. It seemed that as soon as we knew about the infection, Michael started acting like something was actually bothering him. So a cranky, teething, infected baby didn't make things any better. Friday came and brought our first ultrasound of our newest munchkin. We found out I wasn't as far along as the Dr.'s office had originally calculated. I was kind of planning on this, seeing as this is my fourth time to the ballgame, but just knowing for sure that I have to add two weeks to the due date they originally gave me was disappointing for sure. When you're pretty sick while pregnant and caring for three little hooligans, adding two weeks of pregnancy is just adding two weeks of misery. So there was that. And then my Dr. told me the blood and urine tests from the nurse appointment a few weeks ago came back positive for the Group B Strep. This knocked the wind out of me. I tried not to sob right there in the office. While this may sound silly, I tested positive for my first two babies, and negative for the third. The first time around, the antibiotics they put in your IV to treat for the Group B was worse than childbirth. Seriously. I am not exaggerating. I wasn't aware that you could be positive and then negative for the next one, so I didnt' expect any different with my second. It still was awful, but I only had a four hour labor, so it wasn't as nightmare-ish as the first time. By the third time around, I did research on the whole nasty thing and discovered you could be negative after being positive. So I prayed. Every day until the test at 37 weeks. It was negative and I praised God that I didn't have to have the antibiotics in my IV during childbirth. Since the infection already showed up, I'm not even going to be tested later. I'm getting treated. Period. End of story. When discussing this with my OB, as I said, I wanted to cry. I held it together until I got home and then lost it while talking with my friend who had so graciously watched our munchkins for us. I then lost it again later that day multiple times. I guess I felt robbed. Cheated. I felt my hope had been pulled out from under me. I felt God wasn't even giving me the chance to pray. Of course, I know that is not how God works, that He loves me, and knows what's best. While it is still highly disappointing and frustrating, I am trying to focus on His grace and love, not the circumstances of my little world and the extra pain this childbirth will bring. On Saturday we celebrated our oldest's third birthday with friends and family, which ended up being an all-day affair. Sunday was church and three messed up schedules, Monday was three very cranky, tired, will-not-take-naps children, which ended by a very cold trip to the playground and an impromptu trip to a pumpkin patch. Today was Megan's third birthday. It's been three years! Three years since the best day of my life (even with the stupid antibiotics in the stupid IV - yes I'm still upset - but in a "I know God is good, but I hate this fallen world we live in" kind of upset) when I held my precious baby in my arms, knowing in that instant I would die for her without hesitation. Three years since I truly learned the meaning of unconditional love. I am still floored that God loves me, little insignificant me, just as much and more than I love these babies He's blessed us with. So that's my life, just a whirlwind, but just a vapor.

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

- James 4:14

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: fear of miscarriage

Encouraging Truth: "So it is not the will of my Father who is in Heaven that one of these
          little ones should perish." - Matthew 18:14

Loving Instruction: "I sought the Lord . . . " - Psalm 34:4a

Our Reward: " . . . and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." - Psalm 34:4b

I think every woman who has been, is, and is even wanting, to be pregnant has had this fear. I find it so comforting that God doesn't want our babies to die, to put it bluntly. Of course He doesn't! His love "reaches to the heavens" (Psalm 36:5). Sadly though, we live in a fallen world where, because of sin, there is death. However, we should not worry and fear. When worry and fear enter our hearts, trust of God leaves. And we have to trust. Trust that God is in control; that He created this little baby inside me. Trust that God loves this little baby more than I can imagine, and that God has a perfect plan. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

I'm sure some of you struggling with this right now are thinking exactly what I was thinking last week, especially on my really bad day: 'I know I am supposed to trust and not worry, but I can't stop worrying!'. God knew we were going to have days like that. "He knows our frame; He remembers we are dust." (Psalm 103:14) So He told us how to escape our fears: SEEK HIM. He promises to answer us and deliver us from our fears. How awesome is that?

Truth for Today

"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

- Isaiah 54:10

Hugs from Heaven

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22 - 23

His mercies for me were very new this morning. I awoke feeling so peaceful, and I know that it was God alone. Then what followed was a day full of hugs from Heaven. I got a good squeeze when my boss, whom I only work for a few hours a week, ordered gift cards for all us girls at the office to get our nails done. (I can't wait to get my card and get my nails done!!) I came home from work to a clean house, children who had been bathed sitting at the table happily eating lunch. Then came the bear hug of all bear hugs from Heaven: All three children napped for two hours at the same time, the girls sleeping over three hours! And guess what? I did absolutely nothing during nap time. Nothing. More hugs came in the form of encouraging words from dear friends. Now, I get to be a bum on the couch with my hubby who has the night off, and I'm pretty sure we're just going to sit there eating cookies.

Even in the midst of hormones bouncing off the walls of my insides, baby making me tired and hungry, three munchkins, third shift schedule, and emotions going wild, my God is faithful.

Rough. Day.

As I lean against the kitchen sink sobbing, verbally crying out to God, my brain is telling me to shut up. I know I am being irrational, emotional, irritable, and anxious. Today I've worried about money, our children's schooling, miscarriage, my husband's job, me looking for a job, me screwing up our children for life, and well, this list could go on forever. Seriously. Forever. But nothing is different than last week, when I was completely trusting, completely at peace with what God is allowing, doing, and working in our family. I know my problem is that I've let the world in. When the world's influence comes in, God's goes out. I've let in little comments about a fourth unplanned pregnancy, I've let in people's obvious lack of excitement for us which my mind takes and uses to turn friends and family into arch-enemies. I've let in society's idea of a nice house and comfortable style of living, and I've let in a view of our finances that takes God out of the equation.  But it's also been one of those days in which I know I have a problem, but I can't seem to do anything about it. So I've done the only thing I can: Cry to Jesus. Sob.  Literally. When we have no words, God hears our hearts. He's promised, and I cling to that promise today.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." - Romans 8:26

Other promises I'm claiming tonight:

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" - Psalm 56:4

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." - Psalm 56:8    ~Now that's love!~

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." - I John 4:4

Canvas People

Have you seen the photograph canvases that people are putting on their walls now? Cool, right? Have you checked prices? Not so cool! While there are lots of tutorials online on how to achieve this look for a lot less, I haven't tried them. (I really want to, but there are other things much higher on the financial priority list.) However, I have found a website that will give you a free canvas. Yes, free! Quick sidenote: you will have to pay $15 for shipping, but that's less than the cost of a canvas, 8x10 print, and materials to make your own, which always has the chance to crash and burn anyway. Canvas People is an awesome website who is always offering free 8x10 canvases. Anyone who opens an account with them will get a free canvas, and if you sign up for e-mails or 'like' them on facebook, you will receive codes for a free 8x10 all the time. I discovered them three years ago while searching for a reasonably priced canvas service. I have these three canvases in our bedroom: each of our babies seven days old. {Please ignore the horrid green walls - we rent and therefore aren't going to spend time or money painting!} I've gotten lots of compliments on them (whenever anybody braves their way to the back half of our house), and they are a very good quality. To get your free 8x10 canvas, follow this link. ** I just discovered this link is no longer working - so sorry! As soon as I can find their new link, I'll let you know. But for now, they're offering a $10 8x10 or a $15 11x14!

Big News

Another baby is on the way! Once again, not planned by us, but planned by God. I take great comfort in the fact that God is all-knowing. He knows how many kids under a certain age we can handle, He knows the figures in our checking and saving accounts, and most importantly He knows our hearts. Surprisingly, I was very excited about another baby! We've been debating between three of four, not wanting to take permanent measures if God wanted us to have a fourth. However, God made the decision before we could. It may sound funny, but it relieves me to know we didn't have to make the decision. I love serving a God who knows what is best and gives it to us.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."

- Psalm 127:3

Getting Crafty

I love Christmas. Growing up, it was a big deal. Big. The day after Thanksgiving, the fall decorations came down, and the tree went up. Gingerbread on the fireplace, snowmen on the mantle, garlands dripping from every banister, and the Precious Moments nativity on the piano with the wise men thoughtfully placed on the window sill nearby. All three of my sisters and I have a deep, deep love for Christmas thanks to our mom. We love it just as much as we did when we were little. All that to say, I am already desperately aching to pull out the decorations! I have to force myself to wait, knowing that two girls' birthday parties have to happen first, and I want them to have their own little holiday before we all celebrate Jesus'

birthday as a family. So since I couldn't decorate my house, I thought I'd make something new to put out when I can decorate. (Once again, thank you Pinterest!) I saw this first picture and fell in love with it. The website is in Finnish (I believe) so it really wasn't any help. I also had to do an inexpensive version, preferably with a little more color since the walls here are kind of boring anyway. I collect the Birch Heart Snowmen figurines, which I think will look perfect in front of this "Noel". I wanted to get a picture of the completed display, but lacked the energy to pull out a million boxes to find which figurines I wanted to use. So you'll have to use your imagination to picture my final display, but I promise I'll take pictures this December! One of the figurines I may use on the left, and here's my version of "Noel":

And since I was in such a craft mood, and had left over supplies, I made one for "Fall", too:

(I'll let you in on a secret: the first and last letters are made from diaper boxes. :) First are wrapped in brown paper wrapping paper and the "L"s are wrapped in twine.) Once again, use coupons and shop sales! Projects don't always have to cost tons of moolah!

I love you because . . .

Magnetic pocket picture frame: $3.50
Scrapbook paper: $0.59
Helping our marriage: priceless

Third shift, two toddlers and an infant don't exactly create the perfect combo for a romantic marriage. Some days, we have to work at loving each other.  It may seem cheesy, but we've been enjoying writing down different things. Some things written are sweet and sentimental, others quite humorous. It's always fun to think of something to write down, and the warm fuzzy feeling you get when your hubby writes something sweet is priceless!

Old Navy Socks

As an experienced mom of babies and toddlers in winter, I knew I would be needing socks for all the kids in the near future. Now you'd think a sock is a sock, but I beg to differ. We have hardwood floors which means we need socks with treads and socks that keep toes really warm. A baby that will be learning to walk needs socks that do not budge and twist around on his feet. Toddler girls who think dancing, climbing, and jumping is their job need socks that don't come off even if a tornado were to hit. I've tried TONS of different brands of socks over the last three winters, and I've found these Old Navy socks are the best. They do all of the above, are very durable, and are worth every penny.

I headed out to run errands today, just happened to be near Old Navy, and figured I might as well get the socks before the kids really start to need them. What just happened to be on sale? The very socks I needed! Two packs for the girls were purchased, one pack for baby boy. Total savings: $4.50! I was praising the Lord as I skipped out. It never fails to amaze me that God looks out for us in the smallest ways, even if it is just socks being on sale!

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: Everything was frustrating today, and I reacted wrongly.

Encouraging Truth: "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." - Isaiah 55:6, 7

Loving Instruction: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires." - James 1:19, 20

Today was one of those days. Every little thing was frustrating for me, even toddlers and babies just being, well, toddlers and babies. Taking toys from each other, hitting each other with toys, screaming for no reason, short naps, and random bouts of sobbing are all part of my normal day. But today was over the top. Nonstop. ALL. DAY. Mix hormones doing crazy things to the Mommy's emotions and nerves and you have a very unhappy home. (I have to clarify that it is proven fact that hormones cause mood swings, irritation, etc., but that is NO excuse for bad behavior.) Situations were dealt with in harsh tones, unloving discipline, and much too little patience. I am so glad that our Heavenly Father has unlimitless patience and love towards us, His children. I am so thankful He "abundatly pardons" our failures and unrighteousness if we just ask. Today, there has been A LOT of asking!

Letting Go

I'm learning to let go. I'm letting go of my preconceived notions of beauty. I used to think a beautiful house meant everything in its place, everything clean, a pleasant smell when you walk in the door, and perfectly decorated rooms. Today, my definition of a beautiful house is quite different. My house is covered with toys, dust builds up on bookshelves, and I'm pretty sure my house smells like poop. But I think it's beautiful. Scattered building blocks and dust covered picture frames mean that my children have a Mommy who plays with them and doesn't ignore them to get the house clean. And as far as a perfectly decorated house? Today, beautiful interior decoration is a paper chain. There is great beauty in colored construction paper stapled together. There is beauty because when I look at it, I see little hands covered in marker scribbles, crooked circles which turn into "bapples", and marker tips getting smushed with each pounding. I hear two little girls singing "Winnie the Pooh" with me at the top of their lungs, giggles after making funny faces, and shouting over our marker-sword fight. My paper chain is beautiful. My house is a home.

 

 

Pizza Bites

Here's another family friendly recipe that I'm pretty sure will be a favorite with everyone!
Ingredients:
Pillsbury buttermilk biscuits
jar pizza sauce
package of pepperonis (1 per each pizza bite)
block of Colby cheese
egg
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic powder
Italian seasoning

I know I didn't put quantities for the ingredients, but I've made these a few different times, always changing something and they always turn out just fine. (Also, if you don't want a ton of bites, just use one tube of biscuits, which has 10 biscuits in it.) As far as the sauce, cheese, and seasonings, I think it's really a matter of taste. But here's what I do: Cut the block of cheese into cubes - mine are about 1 cm cubes. Take one biscuit and flatten it into a circle. Place a pepperoni in the middle, put a little sauce on the pepperoni, then add a cube of cheese. Bring up the edges of the biscuit, pinching it shut. Place into a greased 9 x 13 pan (with the smooth part of the biscuit on top). Once biscuits are completed, beat egg and brush over biscuits. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the biscuits to taste. Bake at 425 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes.

Front Door Makeover

We moved into our wonderful little house almost four years ago. This awful wreath was on the door when we moved in and it was still hanging there until last week. I always think of wreaths as being seasonal decoration and because of lack of both money and storage space, I didn't touch it. I mean, let's face it. I have much, much more important things to think about and spend money on. But then I saw a picture. A beautiful, simple picture on Pinterest. (I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest.) The link takes you to a photography site, so I have no clue who to give the credit to. Now, on Pinterest, I pin two types of things: Things I see because they're nice to dream about and I think "Maybe one day . . . " and things I think are worth the cost and effort (recipes to try, money saving tips, organization advice, etc.) to give a try. As soon as I saw this picture, I knew I was going to try it. When you shop sales and use coupons, you can find these materials for a very reasonable price. So here's the after picture. It's amazing what a new wreath and a quick cleaning can do for a door!

Here's the inspiration and my 'comparison' photo. I do not know how they got a heavy wooden letter to stay perfectly in place on a lightweight wreath, but more power to them. I painted floral wire to match my letter and secured that bad boy!

 

Loving Instruction

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - I Thessalonians 5:16 - 18

If you've spent any time on this blog, you know that a big part of our life right now is waiting for God to show us His will regarding job/s, seminary, housing, living location, ministry, children, etc. We are in daily prayer over these matters and sometimes feel we are stuck. Some days, I just want God to write His will for us and the answers to our questions in the sky or an e-mail so I really won't miss it. "What do You want us to do, Lord? What is Your will?" Then I stumbled across this passage. I think it's one of those verses that my brain knows, but my heart needs to know as well. In fact, my heart needs to be reminded daily. He has written down His will for us. Not in an e-mail, but a book. He tells me that His will for me is to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances". So today I will rejoice, pray, and give thanks!

Lord, thank you for the place you have put me today. Help me to rejoice in caring for my husband, children, and housework. Please continue to direct our path and lead us in Your will. Thank you for all You have provided and given us. Thank you for these difficult times - they are drawing us closer to You. Thank you for proving Your love and promises to us every day.

Helpful Hints

Helpful Hints for Life (as heard in the Bowman household recently):

Get your head out of the plastic bag!
Do not lick the stove.
Don't hit your sister in the head with a bear.
Do not play with toilet water.
Don't you dare put that toilet-water-covered hand in your mouth!
If you put a toilet seat on your head, it's going to get stuck.

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: I am under-qualified for this job.

Encouraging Truth: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

Loving Instruction: "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, . . . if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures . . . " - Proverbs 2:1, 3, 4

Our Reward: "then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom . . . Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you." - Proverbs 2:5, 6a, 9-11

So many days I am overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising three little souls for Christ. Overwhelmed that while most parents are shaping their child's behavior, I am (Lord willing) shaping my children's hearts. I worry that I discipline too much or not enough. I worry that I am not the example of Christ's love I should be. I worry my children will be just as impatient, selfish, and prideful as I am. Really, at the end of the day, I'm pretty sure I'm completely ruining my children forever. Unfortunately, there aren't a whole lot of step-by-step instructions for specific child-rearing situations in the Bible (what to say, when to show mercy, etc.) But fortunately for us, we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows the solution to every problem: look to Jesus. In Philippians, God has promised to "supply every need". I have a need for wisdom to raise my children. Therefore, He will supply it. How? Ask for it. "Seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures."

Happiness Is . . .

Pink and Purple Toes

 

Dirty Little Shoes

Oddly enough, lots of pink things make me happy these days. My sweet baby boy is adding lots of blue to the house, and that makes me happy, too!





Truth for Today

"When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Isarel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. . .  that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it." - Isaiah 41:17, 18, 20

God does not promise to provide what we need. He promises to meet our needs and much more. It is so humbling to serve a God who loves me this much even though I fail repeatedly.

Perspective

This passage puts our lives into perspective, and  shows the importance of sharing God's love with our children. My prayer as a mom is that God's love will shine through me, in spite of me.

"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." - Psalm 103:15 - 19

Funfetti Cake Batter Cookies

Looking for something to cure your sweet tooth cravings? Try these cookies! I found the recipe here. This is like a sugar cookie meets a piece of cake. They are light and fluffy, yet rich at the same time. So good! (Also, baking these cookies makes your house smell like a bakery - amazing!) This is her recipe:

Duncan Hines French Vanilla cake mix (18.25 oz. box)
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sprinkles
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix and baking powder. Separately, mix eggs, oil and vanilla. Add to cake mixture. Stir in sprinkles and drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes before removing to cooling rack to completely cool.

My notes: Cut the sprinkles a little bit! 1 cup made the dough crumbly and very hard to scoop - it was also just SO much sugar. The second batch I made only had 3/4 c. sprinkles and it worked perfectly, tasting just as delicious. Make sure to not bake longer than 10 minutes. The cookies don't change color (brown) as they cook, so they don't look "done" even when they are. Lastly, make sure the cookies are completely cooled before digging in. Since they're cake-cookies, they're really soft and crumbly right out of the oven. Then pour yourself an ice cold glass of milk and enjoy!

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: The communication between myself and my husband has been
          strained lately.

Encouraging Truth: "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
          - Proverbs 15:1

Loving Instruction: "Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a
          word before God." - Ecclesiastes 5:2a

Our Reward: "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health
          to the body." - Proverbs 16:24

I don't know if we're both just exhausted or on completely different pages thanks to third shift schedule, but it's been really hard not to get irritated with one another lately. While I was researching this topic, I have to admit, I was taken back by the multiple, yes multiple, references there are in the Bible to a "quarrelsome wife". Now, I try not to nag, irritate, or start arguments with my husband, and I really don't think I am a "quarrelsome wife". However, I need to remember that "It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman." (Proverbs 21:19) And I definitely need to remember to screw tighter the valve to the faucet that is my mouth, slowing down and taking time to think before I speak, making sure my words are gentle and gracious.

Today's Prayer

"O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble." 

- Isaiah 33:2

Truth for Today

"The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance in salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is his treasure."

- Isaiah 33:5, 6

Truth for Today

Did you know God says He gently leads us moms? He does. It's right here in Isaiah 40. Once again, I am brought to tears by the love of our God. This God, who can call each star by name and hold oceans in his hand, loves me personally, holding and gently leading me. God is all-knowing, and included in that is the knowledge that being a mom is hard work. But He hasn't left us alone. He's leading us, gently. I know this verse could also be referring to pastors and others in positions of leadership, but today, I'm claiming this promise for myself as a mom.

"He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." - Isaiah 40:11

June 17, 2012

I wrote the following earlier this year, on Father's Day. I wanted to share just to say you're not alone. We all have bad days. . . .



Today was one of those days. One of those days I didn't think I would live to see the end. One of those days I cried out to Jesus just to make it. And the most frustrating part for me was that I had such great hopes and expectations of the day.

I wanted today to be special for my husband. He is the best father to our children I could have imagined. I wanted him to have a restful, relaxing, fun day with his family.
I wanted today to be special for my baby boy, who was dedicated this morning at church. It was supposed to be his special time.

Instead, we arrived at church late, thinking it better for our very miserable teething and sick little boy to continue his nap (since he was finally actually napping) and just make it for the dedication, scheduled for later in the service. Lauren started sobbing hysterically when we dropped her off with Megan in the toddler room. Right as the dedication service was starting, we were informed that there is no nursery for the service. How do Daddy and Mommy take baby Michael up to the platform to get dedicated if no one is there to watch two toddler girls who are both fussing and crying? Daddy holds a toddler on each arm, Mommy holding baby. I was so busy trying to keep the girls quiet during the prayer, I don't even know what was said. This breaks my heart. My son was dedicated to the Lord, and I don't even know what was prayed for him. Of course, I also wanted a picture to remember the special time; in my mind, a picture of Daddy and Mommy praying over Michael, showing just how special this little boy is to us. No picture was taken at all. Daddy had to leave the service with the girls. After the service, family pictures had to be taken for the church directory. That was a real treat. Forced smiles from Daddy and Mommy, both bouncing a sad baby or two.

At this point, I'm doing all I can do hold it together. "Lord, I need you. Lord, I need you. You promised you wouldn't give me more than I can handle, and I'm NOT handling this. You promised, and I need you." We made it to the van before I started sobbing, and I hear Megan's sweet voice ask from the back of the van, "Mama, you ok?"

Hours and hours pass, lots of temper tantrums are thrown, lots of discipline sessions are administered, lots of tears cried, and lots of silent prayers are thrown at the feet of Jesus. It is now 8:30 pm. The girls are finally sleeping. I am talking to my sweet baby boy, telling him how special he is to me, that I love him with all my heart. He smiles, chubby cheeks spouting those ridiculous dimples of his. He coos, laughs, and shrieks with delight when I kiss his cheeks and touch my nose to his. We made it, just like God promised.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

Today's Prayer

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."

- Psalm 25:4, 5

Murphy's Law for Moms

1. If you wear black, they will have a runny nose.
2. If you wear white, they will have muddy hands.
3. If you change their diaper, they will immediately poop in the new one.
4. If you mop the floor, they will spill something.
5. If you put on fresh socks, you will immediately step in whatever was spilled.
6. If it is perfect, they will fix that for you.
7. If you say it, they will repeat it.
8. If it's important, they will forget it.
9. If you're tired, they will not be.
10. If you love them, you will see the beauty in it all.

                                      - Author Unknown

I absolutely loved the truth in it all. And when I got to the last one, I thought of yesterday's post and smiled. Yes, there is beauty in it all.

Beauty

While most who have never been a stay-at-home mom think being one means sitting on the couch eating bon-bon's all day, we who have been or are in this position know that is just not true. It's a grueling, exhausting, dirty job. Diapers, dishes, laundry, boo-boos, dirt, mud, and crumbs are just part of the daily job description. But we need to see the beauty. Sometimes we have to look for it, and sometimes it smacks us in the face. Here are some of my beautiful moments:

 Megan's first real boo-boo's. They are beautiful to me because, after the pain, Megan loved them. When the scabs healed, she cried and asked me where her "boo-bops" went.

 During coloring time, Megan tried painting her nails with markers.

Truth for Today

"And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heart it, he wrapped his face in his cloak." - I Kings 19:11 - 13a

We're at a tough place right now as far as the 'big picture' goes. We feel God eventually wants us in full time ministry. Mike thinks he needs to go through seminary before that happens. However, with three children, there is no time or money to do that. So we've thought . . . a lot. Should we look for a ministry position with just a bachelor's Bible degree? Should we wait until Mike finishes seminary before looking for a ministry position? Do we move somewhere Mike could get a better non-ministry job? Does Mike start taking one seminary class at a time? These are just a few of the many questions we often ponder. We had made plans, and thought it God's will, to not have kids, pay off my school bills, get Mike through seminary, seek God's will for a ministry, move to said ministry, and then a few years after that, have children. Those were good plans, but they were not God's plans. He tells us to wait for him. "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." (Psalm 27:14) So we're waiting. We're not waiting for a sign in the sky or an audible voice. We're waiting for a whisper.

Our Great God

I was reading in Job and was brought to tears by what God said to Job. The imagery in Chapter 38 is breathtaking. Here are some of my favorites:

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?  . . . when all the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? . . . Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place . . . Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? . . . Have you entered the storehouses of the snow . . . What is the way to the place where the light is distributed, or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth? . . . Who has cleft a way for the thunderbolt . . . Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? . . . Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that a flood of waters may cover you? Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go and say to you, 'Here we are'?"

"Then Job answered the Lord and said: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." - Job 42:1 - 3

Take Heart

This past Sunday was a real eye opener. Our pastor spoke on Matthew 9:1 - 8. I think it's safe to say that the story of men bringing their paralytic friend to Jesus, lowering him through the roof of a house so that he may see Jesus is a familiar one. However, I've never thought of why Jesus first said "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." (v. 2) instead of just making him walk again. Our pastor made the point that it is because our spiritual healing and cleansing is far greater than our physical healing or struggles. Of course, it is not wrong to ask God for physical healing or relief from certain struggles - He healed the paralytic shortly after making the above statement. But the physical should not be our main goal. A closer walk with Christ should be our priority. Instead of praying for just physical healing and an end to financial and emotional struggles, we should first pray that God would strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him during these trials. Not a real epiphany, I know, but it was a great lesson for me and one I truly needed.

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: I care what others think of me.

Encouraging Truth: "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
         - Proverbs 29:25

Loving Instruction: "We must obey God rather than man." - Acts 5:29b

Our Reward: "Whoever will listen to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread
          of disaster." - Proverbs 1:33

Being a parent is hard. Raising children to honor God is even harder. Putting up with people's opinions and judgements is even harder still. I know there are people who think it's ridiculous that Megan is 2 1/2 and isn't potty trained. I also know people who think a child shouldn't be pushed at all to potty train. I know people who think I discipline my children too much. I also know people who think I need to discipline my children more. This list could go on and on. As a human, and especially a woman, it is incredibly hard to not let what others think and/or say dictate what I do or how I behave. We are not put on this earth to please others, but to please God. And we especially need to be careful that "we dare not make the opinion of others the measure of our faithfulness." - John Piper

So this is the conclusion I've come to: Realize that most people are giving advice with good intentions. Consider the criticism/advice and search for truth. If you still believe what you are doing is Biblical, what glorifies Christ, and what is best for the culture of your family, forget about it and don't let it get to you. "Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?" - Isaiah 2:22 (Obviously, if there is truth to what was said, get it right with God and act accordingly.) Carry on with your life, remembering that we are not to please others, but Christ. And don't explain yourself! I think it's very important (especially for me as a prideful person) that I don't immediately defend what I do and why I do it. For me, that is just a tool used to please man. "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10 At the end of the day, remember that if everyone thought you were doing right in all areas of your life, you'd probably be doing something wrong.  "Woe to you when all men speak well of you." - Luke 6:26 Lastly, don't do the same thing to someone else - you now know what it feels like!

Shower Cleaner

I hate cleaning my shower. I don't mind the tub, but the master bath's shower is a tiny, walk-in, tiled nightmare. There is no way to clean it without being in it, inhaling fumes of chemical filled cleaner. However, I saw something on Pinterest that was too good to not try. (This idea is on several different sites, so I don't feel I need to cite a reference.) Pick up one of these handled sponges for a couple bucks at the grocery store and fill it with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of Dawn dish soap. Keep it in your shower so when you are in the shower - actually taking a shower - you can clean for a couple minutes a time and keep your shower sparkling clean! It's amazing on many levels, but the selling points for me are 1) no chemical fumes giving me a headache, and 2) I don't have to make time to clean the shower! Plus, the mixture of dish soap and vinegar works really well! Definitely worth the few dollars I spent!

Make Known His Deeds

We asked. We received.

After writing last night's post, my husband and I both spent time in prayer asking God to show us what we should do about Lauren's medicine. I slept on it while Mike thought and prayed at work, and by this morning, we had both come to the same conclusion: we needed to spend the $297.99 on Lauren's prescription. We asked God for the answer, and we received it. Then came the next part of our asking. At breakfast, Mike prayed that God would somehow provide the money to cover the cost. Before lunch, a gift of $300 was dropped off at our house. Tears well in my eyes thinking about how gracious and loving our Heavenly Father is to us. We asked. We received.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered." - I Chronicles 16:8 - 12

Truth for Today

Discouraging Thought: Money doesn't grow on trees.

Encouraging Truth: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
          how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask
          him!" - Matthew 7:11

Loving Instruction: "Ask . . ." - Matthew 7:7a

Our Reward: ". . . and it will be given to you . . . For everyone who asks receives."
          - Matthew 7:7a, 8a

I know I've already researched this topic, but earlier today I stepped up to the counter at the pharmacy and was told my daughter's prescription would be $297.99. As you may have guessed, insurance doesn't cover it, or even help us. When you're already pinching pennies, 29,799 pennies is a lot! I left the prescription at the counter for today, deciding it a better idea to talk it over with my husband. We still haven't decided what we're going to do, but we do need to pray. We need to ask God to show us what to do and to provide. That's all we have to do: ask. Just ask. And we will receive.

Truth for Today

"As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number."

- Job 5:8, 9

Heritage

I lift my foot off the pedal, pausing the frantic buzzing of the machine to check my stitch. My hand stops mid-air and automatically moves to turn the handwheel as I notice the needle out of the fabric. As I turn the wheel, I hear my mother's voice in my head "Make sure the needle is down if you're stopping a stitch.". I think of my mom every time I sew. She literally taught me everything I know about sewing. She is quite the amazing woman. She is also the one responsible for teaching me how to cook, take care of children, keep a house, sew, knit, and much much more. And she learned it all from her mother.

I think the art of being a wife and mother is being lost in today's society. Girls are growing up not knowing how to cook, clean, or even sew a button on a shirt. Please don't think I'm a doormat or slave to my husband. I'm not. I gladly serve him. Proverbs 31 doesn't describe the excellent wife as a slave. But it does tell us that an excellent wife knows how, and does in fact, sew, cook, clean, care for her children, run a household, and even run a business (sells clothing) she has made. Because of this passage, I think it is necessary for us moms to be passing all this on to our daughters. How do we expect our girls to know how to be a Godly, excellent wife if we aren't modeling this for them and teaching them? I am so very grateful to my mother and grandmother for being Godly, excellent wives and mothers. I'm not saying we all can be perfect at everything (if you know me, you know that I am not the amazing cook my mother is - it just doesn't come easily to me), but Proverbs 31 sets a standard to strive towards. Even if you don't have a Godly heritage, you can start one for your children. I pray that I continue this heritage and can pass along these skills and abilities to my daughters.

This is a picture of my grandmother holding my baby boy. There is something so incredibly special about watching your grandparent hold your child. Also, you'll notice that my grandma has her nails perfectly painted. While editing this picture, I noticed the nail polish and it made my heart smile.