Do you have those freak out moments when you wish that life could rewind and you could take back the incident that just occurred? Well, I recently had one of those moments... and it was a pretty awful one.
After a long day of attempting to homeschool my kids I felt beat down and to say the least- not worthy. My oldest had pushed my buttons until they were permanently stuck and my patience had become non-existent. Then instead of things getting better after Daddy arrived home- they just escalated to the next level. She added one more smart-mouthed comment and I came unglued! What ensued next left her with a small red handprint close to her rear and me the feeling that she needed to be taken to the closest public school and enrolled before I strangled her. Okay so not literally but I had to go to my room and close the door to get away from it all. Once in there I realized that the bathtub still had cleaner in it from earlier in the day... thankfully cleaning calms me down and helps me think- so I started scrubbing, which led to sobbing, and eventually praying.
Do I tell this because I am proud of it? NO, actually quite the opposite... I am appalled at my reaction! However, since that moment I have been spending time in prayer and the bible trying to figure out the root cause of my explosion moment. God is also hard at work trying to help me... every place I turn seems to be a slap in the face of the bad choice I made at that moment. So when I found out that the ladies group at church would be covering the book "Unglued" by Lysa Terkeurst I knew God had something in store for me within that group and in the pages of this book.
Today we had our first meeting to discuss chapters 1 and 2.. can I just say- this is going to be a great book! When you can find yourself in the first chapter of a book it's usually a good indicator of something you will be able to learn from. This book addresses those "raw" emotions that all of us deal with... especially as women. So for the next 8 weeks I am opening myself up to the lesson(s) God has in store for me with this study. Along with this study I have devoted myself to an in depth study of Colossians with another group of wonderful ladies. Yes, I am ready for a detox and some deep growth.
Please join me (if you would like) and learn what it is that really triggers your raw emotions and how God intends for you to truly handle them.
I'm excited and ready for the improved mother and wife that will come from the knowledge I gain.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
too BUSY for what
Remember that busy signal that we use to all hear when we would call a friend's house... well those days are pretty much gone. With all the new technology that continuously comes out on the market; I doubt we will ever hear that dreaded sound again. Yet, in my house and in all the houses of people I know, we are busier than ever!
Or maybe we aren't... think of all the things that we don't do now that people used to:
Or maybe we aren't... think of all the things that we don't do now that people used to:
- sewing our clothing
- cooking everything from scratch
- gardening
- raising our own meats
- canning our vegetables
- making our jellies/jams
etc, etc... the list could go on and on! Now some of you may very well do each and every one of these things listed above (kuddos to you- you lead a much desired simple life), but for those that do not your list may look like this:
- music practice at 5:30 (Tues. & Thurs.)
- dance at 7 (Mon., Wed., and Fri.)
- ball games Saturday morning
- church on sunday and wednesday
- pick up dry-cleaning after work on Thursday
- homework for 2 hours after getting home
- bath routines/bedtime stories
- clean, cook, etc.
I agree... most of us are very busy!!!
In our household we really are not all that busy...
I cook and clean, make foods from scratch when wanted/necessary, sew/craft on occasion, have kids that play sports, spend time with friends, exercise, read, shop, homeschool, go to church, etc, etc.
However, it is all done in moderation and with limits. We do have an occasional crazy stressful day or week or maybe even month, but it always passes as we know it will.
We try to remember that God created us in his image... with that in mind- Jesus was busy during his time on earth, but he also stopped and took the time to SLOW down and notice others. We want to do that and to teach our children to do that. We don't always get it right and I'm sure on more occasion than one have missed a great opportunity to show God's great LOVE to someone.
So here are my questions for you:
- take a look at your life... how busy are you?
- are the things that keep you busy honoring God?
- is there something you need to prune back or completely weed out?
- are you busy because you have trouble saying NO to others?
- if you like being busy, why? is it to avoid something or someone?
- what do you miss out on by being so busy?
Now that spring is around the corner and you can feel the freshness in the air... please take a time out... go on a walk and smell the blooms, go camping and listen to nature, plan a picnic to the park, something/anything... and really think about it.
If God took the time out for us- he deserves for us to take the time out for him!
You're too busy for what?
I may use my time for something that someone else can't understand, but I pray I'm never too busy to share God's great LOVE! And I pray the same for you!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Finding the ME in MOMMY
When you are expecting and thinking about the day you will become a MOM your mind is usually far from wondering about all the little things that make you who you are. Some of you are working women, others are crafters, some may be sports enthusiasts, or possibly travelers. And even though you know that this wonderful bundle is about to change your world; noone can quite explain how much.
In the beginning you seem to go through the motions and before you know it your baby is crawling; then walking. All this while you have either stopped working because, "how could you begin to send that sweet baby off to childcare" or you are worrying while you work because, "you are missing everything".
Suddenly all of those things that were priorities have shifted and now this sweet baby is at the forefront. That morning run will wait until tomorrow because you need that extra hour of sleep, your new book can wait because who can read when you can't sit down for more than a minute, and date night, what's that?
Congratulations you are a MOM!
For some that little bit of information will be like birth control and for others it will ease their mind because someone else understands.
I won't lie... being a MOM is tough sometimes... but is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!
Here are a few things I have learned about being a MOM:
1) Finding time to yourself when your kids are little is not easy- TRUST your husband and leave the kid(s) with him long enough to take a sanity break. Some nights this may be nothing more than a hot bath all alone,a walk on a quiet road, or a coffee date with a friend. Remember that just because he doesn't do things the same way doesn't mean it's wrong.
2) Sometimes no matter what your baby will not be happy- babies CRY and need to do so at times to relieve stress. Trying to always carry them and coddle them does not make them happier- it makes you feel like you are doing something, but also exhaust you more.
3) Preparing dinner will be a chore- hot stoves, opening refrigerators, and sharp utensils don't exactly scream "child friendly". Realizing that it's okay if you don't have a fabulous meal each night will make it easier... follow the K.I.S.S. rule (keep it simple stupid). cereal for breakfast thrills a little kid.
4) Along with dinner... you are not a short order cook- do not fall prey to the poor pitiful starving kid at your table who will not eat his peas, trust me with a little perseverance on your part and a couple nights of going to bed still a little hungry... he will begin to be less picky about what goes in his mouth. You will also become more aware of the healthy foods that he eats well and learn to camoflauge others.
5) Even though you are a mom your husband still needs to be your number one- MEN are needy and that need has to be met or you will face new and other challenging problems in your life. Remember GOD created us from man because he needed a companion!
6) kids don't need everything- a want is not need and the earlier your kids learn that the better they will be... we are not good at saying no as a society. Your POCKETBOOK will thank you for saying no and so will your spouse.
7) Let's talk house- it doesn't have to be perfect! Trying to keep it perfect will stress you out and make you miss out on many joys. Now I am not promoting a dirty house here... your house still needs to be clean- just realize that the little imperfections (scuff on floor, pencil marks, dirty dishes, toys in Living Room) come with the territory of having childen. One day they will no longer be little and you can return to your perfectly clean house; especially if you teach them from the beginning how to help you accomplish certain area of it. Remember every kid will one day have their own home that they have to know how to care for- teach them.
8) You have to make time for GOD- I can't put it more plainly than to say that everything above is harder when GOD is not in your life. Start today making him a priority...start with 10-15 minutes each day and see what a difference it makes.
I PROMISE... in a few short years you will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel and will realize that you are the ME at the end of MOM! When that time comes your kids may still be a top priority but you will know better how to include the others as well.
In the beginning you seem to go through the motions and before you know it your baby is crawling; then walking. All this while you have either stopped working because, "how could you begin to send that sweet baby off to childcare" or you are worrying while you work because, "you are missing everything".
Suddenly all of those things that were priorities have shifted and now this sweet baby is at the forefront. That morning run will wait until tomorrow because you need that extra hour of sleep, your new book can wait because who can read when you can't sit down for more than a minute, and date night, what's that?
Congratulations you are a MOM!
For some that little bit of information will be like birth control and for others it will ease their mind because someone else understands.
I won't lie... being a MOM is tough sometimes... but is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!
Here are a few things I have learned about being a MOM:
1) Finding time to yourself when your kids are little is not easy- TRUST your husband and leave the kid(s) with him long enough to take a sanity break. Some nights this may be nothing more than a hot bath all alone,a walk on a quiet road, or a coffee date with a friend. Remember that just because he doesn't do things the same way doesn't mean it's wrong.
2) Sometimes no matter what your baby will not be happy- babies CRY and need to do so at times to relieve stress. Trying to always carry them and coddle them does not make them happier- it makes you feel like you are doing something, but also exhaust you more.
3) Preparing dinner will be a chore- hot stoves, opening refrigerators, and sharp utensils don't exactly scream "child friendly". Realizing that it's okay if you don't have a fabulous meal each night will make it easier... follow the K.I.S.S. rule (keep it simple stupid). cereal for breakfast thrills a little kid.
4) Along with dinner... you are not a short order cook- do not fall prey to the poor pitiful starving kid at your table who will not eat his peas, trust me with a little perseverance on your part and a couple nights of going to bed still a little hungry... he will begin to be less picky about what goes in his mouth. You will also become more aware of the healthy foods that he eats well and learn to camoflauge others.
5) Even though you are a mom your husband still needs to be your number one- MEN are needy and that need has to be met or you will face new and other challenging problems in your life. Remember GOD created us from man because he needed a companion!
6) kids don't need everything- a want is not need and the earlier your kids learn that the better they will be... we are not good at saying no as a society. Your POCKETBOOK will thank you for saying no and so will your spouse.
7) Let's talk house- it doesn't have to be perfect! Trying to keep it perfect will stress you out and make you miss out on many joys. Now I am not promoting a dirty house here... your house still needs to be clean- just realize that the little imperfections (scuff on floor, pencil marks, dirty dishes, toys in Living Room) come with the territory of having childen. One day they will no longer be little and you can return to your perfectly clean house; especially if you teach them from the beginning how to help you accomplish certain area of it. Remember every kid will one day have their own home that they have to know how to care for- teach them.
8) You have to make time for GOD- I can't put it more plainly than to say that everything above is harder when GOD is not in your life. Start today making him a priority...start with 10-15 minutes each day and see what a difference it makes.
I PROMISE... in a few short years you will begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel and will realize that you are the ME at the end of MOM! When that time comes your kids may still be a top priority but you will know better how to include the others as well.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
2012 Goals
Wow, it's hard to believe that a new year is already here. I think the saying is true that the days pass faster when you are older (if middle age counts). With that in mind I plan to make the most of 2012 that I possibly can. Like most people I am tired of looking back at past years, months, and days and feeling like I didn't use my time in the best possible way.
So to make it short and sweet... here are a few of my Goals for 2012:
SPIRITUAL-
So to make it short and sweet... here are a few of my Goals for 2012:
SPIRITUAL-
- do a chronological study of my Bible. I will be using blueletterbible.org to help me accomplish this.
- devote each morning to the Lord- I will be waking up early to make sure I get in some much needed time with him each day.
- pray for the Lord to place a mentor in my life- I feel this is something we all need- someone to keep us accountable to what the Lord is calling us to do.
- Read books to help me keep my focus on the Lord, my husband, and my kids
- Pray for the Lord to lead me to an area of ministry where I can actively serve others.
- plan one family activity each month outside of the normal routine (visit a museum, go to movie,take a field trip, etc.)
- set down as a family for short devotionals 5 times each week.
- schedule a date night once a month for the Hubby and I
- plan individual kid dates each month (out for ice cream,bike ride, etc)
- take a vacation
- invite another family over once a month to just hangout and fellowship
- eat homemade, unprocessed foods no less than 75% of the time. hopefully more!
- use cash for purchases
- pay off debt (just a little to go)
- begin saving 3-6 months of expenses
- fund 401k at max
- put $ aside for christmas 2012
- pay the kids allowances for chores and teach them how to use it wisely
- read 2 or more books each month
- complete the JOY Dare
- walk 3 miles- at least 3 times each week
- limit TV time
- limit internet time
- get involved in Church or Small group activities
- send cards to people more (birthdays, encouragement, etc.)
- cut down caffeine intake
- get Healthy (yes I have some weight I would like to drop, but more importantly I want to be fit and active- we already eat a healthier diet)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
My 2012 Reading Goals
I have spent quite a bit of time over the past few weeks looking back at 2011 and goal setting for 2012. I am not much of a New Years resolution setter because I feel most are never achieved, but I feel God intends for us to always set goals to stay on the correct path he has set before us.(Phillipians 3:13-16)
As a homeschooling mom; I am constantly looking for ways to encourage my kids to read. I myself am an avid reader and love books (lots of them)! However, to this very day my girls detest reading. I tease my husband that the genetic passed from him because he is not a reader (as in his eyes close before the page turns). My son is just now learning to read and so I pray constantly for him to enjoy books.
Each day as part of our school assignment I read various stories from history to the kids. On top of that the My Fathers World Curriculum gives a suggested book. Some last days; others go on for weeks. I have enjoyed each book recommended and as the year has gone by the kids have come to love this time as well. We are currently finishing up our reading of "Farmer Boy" and just started "On the Banks of Plum Creek". Both are Little House Books and the kids anxiously listen to hear the next adventure in Laura's or Almanzo's life. I've read the entire series of Little House Books before and love them more with each reading.
Outside of the reading I do with my kids I have several books going at one time. Sometimes I read to become a better disciple, wife, or mother. Other times I read for shear enjoyment.
This year I decided to share my list of books with you. These are the books I am going to strive to read over 2012. I may add a few over the year, but this is a great starting point. I hope you see a few books you recognize, some that you are wanting to read your self, and others you've never heard of before. Please join me in making 2012 the "reading year" for your family!
January
June
August
September
October
November
As a homeschooling mom; I am constantly looking for ways to encourage my kids to read. I myself am an avid reader and love books (lots of them)! However, to this very day my girls detest reading. I tease my husband that the genetic passed from him because he is not a reader (as in his eyes close before the page turns). My son is just now learning to read and so I pray constantly for him to enjoy books.
Each day as part of our school assignment I read various stories from history to the kids. On top of that the My Fathers World Curriculum gives a suggested book. Some last days; others go on for weeks. I have enjoyed each book recommended and as the year has gone by the kids have come to love this time as well. We are currently finishing up our reading of "Farmer Boy" and just started "On the Banks of Plum Creek". Both are Little House Books and the kids anxiously listen to hear the next adventure in Laura's or Almanzo's life. I've read the entire series of Little House Books before and love them more with each reading.
Outside of the reading I do with my kids I have several books going at one time. Sometimes I read to become a better disciple, wife, or mother. Other times I read for shear enjoyment.
This year I decided to share my list of books with you. These are the books I am going to strive to read over 2012. I may add a few over the year, but this is a great starting point. I hope you see a few books you recognize, some that you are wanting to read your self, and others you've never heard of before. Please join me in making 2012 the "reading year" for your family!
January
- Honey for a Child's Heart- if you have children ( or are planning to) this should be the first book you read this year
- The Love Dare: day by day- this is a 365 day devotional
- Financial Peace Revisited- Dave Ramsey
- One Thousand Gifts-
- Grace for the Good Girl- Letting Go of the Try Hard Life
- Grace Based Parenting-
- Season's of a Mother's Heart-
- 168 hours- a book on time management because we all get the same # of hours
- What Every Wife Wants Her Husband to Know- don't be fooled by the title of this one
- Dancing with My Father-How God leads Us into a life of Grace and Joy
- A Mother's Heart
June
- What Women Fear- walking in faith that transforms
- David: 90 Days With a Heart Like His- Beth Moore
August
September
October
November
- Total Money Makeover- Dave Ramsey
- Large Family Logistics-
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Joy of Memories
Merry Christmas everyone!
The last few days have been a whirlwind of activities: making sure all the gifts were secured, planning for family that will be here tomorrow, and then playing secret Santa for our kids last night. I'm sure you can relate- only probably with other family activities thrown in.
So as the night was winding down we started to prepare for our Santa arrival: the kids sat out cookies and milk, wrote letters to Santa, we picked up the house for the hundredth time, and plugged the camcorder in to charge (we always record Christmas morning). My husband took a sneak peak at the last recording and decided we all needed to enjoy a little of what he saw. What a joyous way to spend Christmas Eve!
As our little family intently watched some home video the night seemed to wind down peacefully. The kids stopped asking every few minutes when Santa would be here. The hubby and I got a good belly laugh and even witnessed a few humbling moments. We continued to watch well into the night after the kids were in bed. I even finished a 2 hour tape.
Christmas is a great time for making memories and we always want to pull out the camcorder to capture those moments... but how often do we go back and watch those precious memories? My guess is not often enough.
So in our house I think a new tradition at Christmas will not be to just make memories, but to remember past ones as well.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of activities: making sure all the gifts were secured, planning for family that will be here tomorrow, and then playing secret Santa for our kids last night. I'm sure you can relate- only probably with other family activities thrown in.
So as the night was winding down we started to prepare for our Santa arrival: the kids sat out cookies and milk, wrote letters to Santa, we picked up the house for the hundredth time, and plugged the camcorder in to charge (we always record Christmas morning). My husband took a sneak peak at the last recording and decided we all needed to enjoy a little of what he saw. What a joyous way to spend Christmas Eve!
As our little family intently watched some home video the night seemed to wind down peacefully. The kids stopped asking every few minutes when Santa would be here. The hubby and I got a good belly laugh and even witnessed a few humbling moments. We continued to watch well into the night after the kids were in bed. I even finished a 2 hour tape.
Christmas is a great time for making memories and we always want to pull out the camcorder to capture those moments... but how often do we go back and watch those precious memories? My guess is not often enough.
So in our house I think a new tradition at Christmas will not be to just make memories, but to remember past ones as well.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The benefits of FATS and free Coconut Oil
In the last several years I have learned alot about the benefits of different foods in my diet... one of these is good FATS. Yes, you heard me right... our bodies were intended to consume FAT. I know years of lowfat, no-fat, and fat free marketing has messed with our heads. However, when we consume the right fats our bodies process them correctly and we actually benefit from them. It's simple "Real Fats are Good" and Industrial Fats are Bad"! Below is a breakdown for you:
Real Fats (Traditional)
Check it out for your self... you might be surprised at what you can have that you have been depriving yourself of for years!
Tropical Traditions is a great resource for Coconut oil and Palm oil/shortening. Until Christmas Day they are offering a FREE 32 oz. container of coconut oil with a $16 minimum purchase as a gift to each customer. This is a fantastic deal... for those that buy coconut oil we have all watched it sky rocket in the last year. This would normally cost you $40! As of today the free shipping code (261112) was still working also!
Real Fats (Traditional)
- coconut oil
- butter or ghee (from grass fed cows)
- extra virgin olive oil
- palm oil or shortening
- tallow and lard (rendered animal fats) from pastured animals
- some cold pressed oil like flax (in small doses)
- margarine or other non-butter spreads or sprays
- processed oils (likely any at the grocery store) ex: canola, sunflower, etc
- products made with oils like cool whip or creamer
- trans fats, hydrogenated fats, or partially hydrogenated fats (all found in foods)
Check it out for your self... you might be surprised at what you can have that you have been depriving yourself of for years!
Tropical Traditions is a great resource for Coconut oil and Palm oil/shortening. Until Christmas Day they are offering a FREE 32 oz. container of coconut oil with a $16 minimum purchase as a gift to each customer. This is a fantastic deal... for those that buy coconut oil we have all watched it sky rocket in the last year. This would normally cost you $40! As of today the free shipping code (261112) was still working also!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
