First, I want to make very clear that this is NOT a complaint post! In fact, I am so pumped for the next two weeks and I welcome all of the action. This time of year, in my opinion, is about celebrating and sharing. The birth of my Savior is no small event, therefore, every thing I do in this season should be done to the best of my ability and with lots of JOY! After all, He is the giver of my JOY and gave His absolute best for me:)
This Week:
Monday Night: work at church on gathering supplies for Sunday School Gathering
Tuesday Night: possibly go shopping. JC is working killer hours as they are very busy (wonder if they are making wrapping paper from all those chips??) so everything is hit or miss as far as whether or not we get to go. I did some on-line shopping at lunch, but there are a few things I just need to pick up at the store.
Wednesday Night: Church, choir practice and then have the men help me move tables and such for the Sunday School Gathering. I am going to use the after-school hours to buy and organize the fixings for the SS Gathering:)
Thursday Night: The kids have their Christmas program at school at 6:30. I am praying with all my might that Justin does not miss it due to work. But, I guess that is what video cameras are for! Probably some late-night decorating for the SS party
Friday Night: After School, drop kids off and head to church to get everything in order for the SS Gathering. Run home, take shower, back to church to play hostess! Yeppie:) I am SOOOO Excited about this party. I want us to have the BEST time of the year!
WhooooHoooo! What a week. And I will do the whole thing praising God for His indescribable gift! My Savior is Born!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Mary and her Donkey...
I cannot believe that I am saying this, but PLEASE do not tell Sawyer that the donkey from the nativity scene in not ACTUALLY mentioned in scripture. I mean, it would break his little heart as he did not see himself as an invented part of the story, but a definite main character! I am praying that he can use the costume again at Easter when the donkey was most assuredly part of the story. We have an awesome Easter book that ties the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the donkey that "supposedly" carried Mary into Jerusalem; it is an awesome story!
A big thanks is in order! Mrs. Jenny, with the wonderful help of her co-director (and child actor wrangler!) Carla, put together an all-star cast for our annual reading of the Christmas story. It was of special importance to me this year that my kids are reminded that this is NOT just a STORY, but real historical events that took place.
"The Whole Crew"
The Kings from the East
The sheep who came with the shepherds.
They did an awesome job!
Another glimpse at the Royal Family
Then, during fellowship we had a special guest appearance. From Elvis! He did a very special rendition of "Blue Christmas" Justin Tidwell did an awesome job, but I was looking for the jumpsuit!!?? Oh yes and those are his body guards in the background!
Un Venting...
I should have KNOW better than to complain. I must officially Un-Vent because as it turns out, I do NOT have to move my office! Praise God...
Next time I will try harder to...
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing!!
Next time I will try harder to...
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
VENT!!!
I rarely use my blog to vent, HOWEVER...
I just found out that I have to move my office to a new location! Because of new construction, they need my room so therefore I have to FIND a new spot, CLEAN it up, and MOVE my stuff!!!
Lord, grant me patience and one day an office in the "new construction!"
I just found out that I have to move my office to a new location! Because of new construction, they need my room so therefore I have to FIND a new spot, CLEAN it up, and MOVE my stuff!!!
Lord, grant me patience and one day an office in the "new construction!"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
In a nutshell...
This photo says so much to me about my little man. If you know him, you know it is so like him!
Monday, December 7, 2009
SEC Fanfare 2009
Here are a FEW pics from this weekend. WI did not take my big camera with me - wish I had-so all of these are with my phone so ignore the quality. Next time I get a phone, I will pay more attention to the camera. I gotta have my pics!
Justin and Nathan with the Chick-fil-A Cow
Yes, these two ladies are my first cousins. I do not know what happened to make them like this team, but I love them as they are! ~Savannah and Brooke~Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Cottingham Family Tree 2009 Edition
So the day after Thanksgiving we have a family tradition.
FIND A CHRISTMAS TREE!
We are so blessed to live in the "woods" and have access to areas where cedar trees grow. We stopped along the way to admire some long-leaf pine cones. They were beautiful.
FIND A CHRISTMAS TREE!
We are so blessed to live in the "woods" and have access to areas where cedar trees grow. We stopped along the way to admire some long-leaf pine cones. They were beautiful.
I thought I agreed that each kid could bring ONE pine cone home! But they picked up a bunch! its okay because I decided to put them in a nice basket and use them as decor under the tree. At least until we have gifts!
Justin and the kids in the truck.
We found it!! Its coming down!
Its in the truck!
TaDa! You have to remember that you cannot decorate a from-the-woods cedar like you can a bought tree. But the whole process is so great for the kids and for us to experience. And it is great knowing that this tree is straight from nature, another of many gifts from God!
**note to any tree searchers - a) finding a tree that is the right shape, size, and on land that belongs to you (or someone from whom you have permission to cut) is a challange! That is part of the fun. You WILL see about 50 great trees that you can't cut before you find THE ONE! and 2) trees ALWAYS look smaller from the road or through the woods that when you are standing right next to them! Think National Lampoons Christmas tree!!
In Retrospect...
Thanksgiving was a great day. It just makes me so excited for the upcoming Christmas holiday and break. More time with the family is the BEST!
Here, Justin shows off his first Carrot Cake. It was delicious!
Here, Justin shows off his first Carrot Cake. It was delicious!
Carys and Sawyer with "Their" Ashton
Me and JC. Awww, how sweet!
This picture sums up Carys. Just taking it easy, looking at the world from upside down :) Ah, to be a kid again!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Big Girl for Sure!
Okay, I know this is kinda a gross picture (I took it with my phone) But we have big news at the Cottingham Home!
Carys is a baby no more!
She woke up this morning and said that her tooth felt like it was going to fall out. I was sceptical at first, but sure enough, she has her FIRST loose tooth :)
Of course I will let you all know when she does loose it.
Anybody know what the Tooth Fairy brings these days. Please tell me it is still a dollar or something :)
Carys is a baby no more!
She woke up this morning and said that her tooth felt like it was going to fall out. I was sceptical at first, but sure enough, she has her FIRST loose tooth :)
Of course I will let you all know when she does loose it.
Anybody know what the Tooth Fairy brings these days. Please tell me it is still a dollar or something :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
What a Week!
An absolutely wonderful week!
I will give a brief summary of the events. I have LOTS of pictures to share, but no time to upload them.
Monday - I had to work while the kids were out so they stayed home with MawMaw and made Christmas ornaments using glue and cinnamon. I had lots of paperwork to get done before leaving for break. I know that Christmas break is coming fast and furious, leaving me little time to get it all done! I also had CLASS on Monday night. I had a big project due and I think it all went well. I was very nervous turning in my first big project for Grad school. I understand that research is the key, so I sited a lot of sources. It is not a course normally taken first in the graduate rotation. That combined with the fact that it is a Special Education (not gifted) course, left me very nervous that my work would be up to par. We shall see! I only have one more assignemnt and it is on Gifted, so I am feeling good about that! The kids spent the night with their Grammy and Pop (JC's Mom/Dad) and spent the day on Tuesday with them.
Tuesday - I am embarrased to say that our bedroom had become THE place to throw things when picking up the house :( There were piles of clothes, blankets, hunting gear, and MANY things that just needed trashing. So, I took the opportunity with the kids gone to tackle this project. I cleaned out the closet, under the bed, in the desk and so forth. I am so proud that now we can get up to turn the alarm off without stumbling over something. Justin arroved home at 4pm amazed at how large our room is! I had piled all of the trash and dicarded clothing/items on the front porch. Justin loaded it all in his truck for disposal. Then the kids arrived around 5pm and we started supper. Lemon-pepper chicken, rice pilaf and broccli, with extra lemon juice for me! It was yummy after a hard day's work (p.s. I was sore for the remainder of the week!!!)
Wednesday - Was mainly spent recovering from Tuesday's session! I did wash more of the clothes and get them put away. I also played with the kids which was a blast! we did not have church, so we spent the evening cleaning up Sawyer's room. We went to town in the evening and purchased food to prepare for Thanksgiving. Justin baked a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese icing...will show you pictures...which was delicious! The kids played while I guided JC through the baking process. He did great. I was just there for moral support and what else...take pictures!
Thursday - I made chili for our "soup" themed Thanksgiving feast. We ate with the Cottinghams. It was a fun time! After lunch, the kids played on their trampoline, and the guys went through some of Grandaddy Cottingham's things. It was a great time of rememberace as every item brough back memories - many of which were funny times:) We stopped by my moms to see everyone that afternoon, and the evening was spent with leftover chili and planning Iron Bowl Friday!
Friday - Okay, I am not too sure I like this Iron Bowl Friday :( I got up at 3:00 am to head to Wal-Mart. I am not a big Black Friday Shopper because, I am not sure why I'm just not that in to it! But, Walmart was a short drive and had several things that were good deals and that I wanted for the kids. I want list them all now cause that will spoil the Christams suprise! Anyway, I actually got to put all of the stuff I wanted in my buggy and was first in line to check out at 5am. I went back home, JC went duck hunting, and I went back to bed. The kids and I slept in to almost 8! That is extreamly late for us. JC returned about 8:30 with his first duck! I was a beautiful drake wood duck. God's is the BEST craftsman EVER!! Then it began, the hunt for the 2009 Cottingham Christmas Tree! This is a really big deal for us. We love making traditions. So, we started last year going out and finding a tree. This is NO easy task. First, find a location where you have permission to cut one down. Then, you must find one that is the right size and shape! Also, you must understand this tree is not gonna look like a fake tree, or even a real tree that has been pruned to be the perfect demisions. I will get you the story and pictures up later. But we found it, and spent the rest of the day decorating, snacking, and watching Auburn scare the socks off of Alabama. I enjoyed the game. It was the next best thing to a victory!
Saturday -JC left early to duck hunt again. I took the kids to Walmart to see Santa. They got their picture made and Sawyer immeditally said, I think that was just a man in a suit! We talked about how busy the "real" Clause was and how he could only make it to the really big cities. I promided them we would see the real one in Atlanta this weekend! They always have a really good one at Bass Pro Shop @ Discover Mills Mall where we shop. The final room in the house to be cleaned out was Carys'. So, I let the kids play with my mom for an hour or so (mainly so I could throw some stuff away without protest from Miss Priss) and got it all cleaned up. Justin helped his Dad during the day, and returned just in time to kiss us and leave again for the duck woods:) We played around the house until JC returned and we then went to our friends the Tidwells for supper. They just returned from the coast and brought with them all the fixins for a superb shrimp boil! It was fantastic! Then we got some exciting news during the blessings! They are expecting a baby!!! What a shocker! The baby is due in may which means they have been keeping it a secret for 3 months now. They are really good at that. I would blab to everyone! Anyway, A great time was had by all!
Sunday - was pretty laid back Church, Lunch, Nap, Church - complete with hanging of the greens -, Wendy's for supper, and bed...
And here we are, back to Monday! I am glad to be back at work so that I don't have to clean anymore, but sad bacuse I MISS my sweet family!
God Bless!
I will give a brief summary of the events. I have LOTS of pictures to share, but no time to upload them.
Monday - I had to work while the kids were out so they stayed home with MawMaw and made Christmas ornaments using glue and cinnamon. I had lots of paperwork to get done before leaving for break. I know that Christmas break is coming fast and furious, leaving me little time to get it all done! I also had CLASS on Monday night. I had a big project due and I think it all went well. I was very nervous turning in my first big project for Grad school. I understand that research is the key, so I sited a lot of sources. It is not a course normally taken first in the graduate rotation. That combined with the fact that it is a Special Education (not gifted) course, left me very nervous that my work would be up to par. We shall see! I only have one more assignemnt and it is on Gifted, so I am feeling good about that! The kids spent the night with their Grammy and Pop (JC's Mom/Dad) and spent the day on Tuesday with them.
Tuesday - I am embarrased to say that our bedroom had become THE place to throw things when picking up the house :( There were piles of clothes, blankets, hunting gear, and MANY things that just needed trashing. So, I took the opportunity with the kids gone to tackle this project. I cleaned out the closet, under the bed, in the desk and so forth. I am so proud that now we can get up to turn the alarm off without stumbling over something. Justin arroved home at 4pm amazed at how large our room is! I had piled all of the trash and dicarded clothing/items on the front porch. Justin loaded it all in his truck for disposal. Then the kids arrived around 5pm and we started supper. Lemon-pepper chicken, rice pilaf and broccli, with extra lemon juice for me! It was yummy after a hard day's work (p.s. I was sore for the remainder of the week!!!)
Wednesday - Was mainly spent recovering from Tuesday's session! I did wash more of the clothes and get them put away. I also played with the kids which was a blast! we did not have church, so we spent the evening cleaning up Sawyer's room. We went to town in the evening and purchased food to prepare for Thanksgiving. Justin baked a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese icing...will show you pictures...which was delicious! The kids played while I guided JC through the baking process. He did great. I was just there for moral support and what else...take pictures!
Thursday - I made chili for our "soup" themed Thanksgiving feast. We ate with the Cottinghams. It was a fun time! After lunch, the kids played on their trampoline, and the guys went through some of Grandaddy Cottingham's things. It was a great time of rememberace as every item brough back memories - many of which were funny times:) We stopped by my moms to see everyone that afternoon, and the evening was spent with leftover chili and planning Iron Bowl Friday!
Friday - Okay, I am not too sure I like this Iron Bowl Friday :( I got up at 3:00 am to head to Wal-Mart. I am not a big Black Friday Shopper because, I am not sure why I'm just not that in to it! But, Walmart was a short drive and had several things that were good deals and that I wanted for the kids. I want list them all now cause that will spoil the Christams suprise! Anyway, I actually got to put all of the stuff I wanted in my buggy and was first in line to check out at 5am. I went back home, JC went duck hunting, and I went back to bed. The kids and I slept in to almost 8! That is extreamly late for us. JC returned about 8:30 with his first duck! I was a beautiful drake wood duck. God's is the BEST craftsman EVER!! Then it began, the hunt for the 2009 Cottingham Christmas Tree! This is a really big deal for us. We love making traditions. So, we started last year going out and finding a tree. This is NO easy task. First, find a location where you have permission to cut one down. Then, you must find one that is the right size and shape! Also, you must understand this tree is not gonna look like a fake tree, or even a real tree that has been pruned to be the perfect demisions. I will get you the story and pictures up later. But we found it, and spent the rest of the day decorating, snacking, and watching Auburn scare the socks off of Alabama. I enjoyed the game. It was the next best thing to a victory!
Saturday -JC left early to duck hunt again. I took the kids to Walmart to see Santa. They got their picture made and Sawyer immeditally said, I think that was just a man in a suit! We talked about how busy the "real" Clause was and how he could only make it to the really big cities. I promided them we would see the real one in Atlanta this weekend! They always have a really good one at Bass Pro Shop @ Discover Mills Mall where we shop. The final room in the house to be cleaned out was Carys'. So, I let the kids play with my mom for an hour or so (mainly so I could throw some stuff away without protest from Miss Priss) and got it all cleaned up. Justin helped his Dad during the day, and returned just in time to kiss us and leave again for the duck woods:) We played around the house until JC returned and we then went to our friends the Tidwells for supper. They just returned from the coast and brought with them all the fixins for a superb shrimp boil! It was fantastic! Then we got some exciting news during the blessings! They are expecting a baby!!! What a shocker! The baby is due in may which means they have been keeping it a secret for 3 months now. They are really good at that. I would blab to everyone! Anyway, A great time was had by all!
Sunday - was pretty laid back Church, Lunch, Nap, Church - complete with hanging of the greens -, Wendy's for supper, and bed...
And here we are, back to Monday! I am glad to be back at work so that I don't have to clean anymore, but sad bacuse I MISS my sweet family!
God Bless!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thank You Lord...
For Ability
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen
Ability is something I think about on an regular basis. First, my job as a Gifted and Talented teacher is to seek out those who have unique abilities and help them develop those abilities. An a Christian, I recognize that each of these abilities come directly from the Father.
Also, as a wife - help mate to my husband - I am also in constant prayer over the abilities of my husband. We prayed last spring for God to protect the industry in which he works. As someone who works for an hourly wage, each day and hour of work is precious. God answered this prayer and Justin worked many long hours through the summer and fall of this year. Even this week, he has worked long hours to hopefully extend his Thanksgiving break into Friday of this week. He needs the ability to work, and to rest. But he, as any good father, takes his role as Daddy very serious. Therefore, he needs the ability to play and even direct the discipline in our home. Again, my prayer is for ability.
As a mother, I seek out the abilites of my children to help them further develop these talents and direct them toward use in service for God. The abilities they have and will have are very important to me and God.
When I think about the ability God has given me, I am humbled. Do I use these abilities to thier full potential everyday? This is my challange to myself, today.
Thank you Lord for the abilities and talent you bestow upon me. Guide me in using these talents to honor You and benifit Your work.
~Amen~
1 Peter 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen
Ability is something I think about on an regular basis. First, my job as a Gifted and Talented teacher is to seek out those who have unique abilities and help them develop those abilities. An a Christian, I recognize that each of these abilities come directly from the Father.
Also, as a wife - help mate to my husband - I am also in constant prayer over the abilities of my husband. We prayed last spring for God to protect the industry in which he works. As someone who works for an hourly wage, each day and hour of work is precious. God answered this prayer and Justin worked many long hours through the summer and fall of this year. Even this week, he has worked long hours to hopefully extend his Thanksgiving break into Friday of this week. He needs the ability to work, and to rest. But he, as any good father, takes his role as Daddy very serious. Therefore, he needs the ability to play and even direct the discipline in our home. Again, my prayer is for ability.
As a mother, I seek out the abilites of my children to help them further develop these talents and direct them toward use in service for God. The abilities they have and will have are very important to me and God.
When I think about the ability God has given me, I am humbled. Do I use these abilities to thier full potential everyday? This is my challange to myself, today.
Thank you Lord for the abilities and talent you bestow upon me. Guide me in using these talents to honor You and benifit Your work.
~Amen~
Thank You Lord...
For being an active participant in my life!
Psalm 9 (HCSB)
Celebration of God's Justice
1 I will thank the LORD with all my heart;
I will declare all Your wonderful works.
I will declare all Your wonderful works.
2 I will rejoice and boast about You;
I will sing about Your name, Most High.
3 When my enemies retreat,
they stumble and perish before You.
4 For You have upheld my just cause; E)">
You are seated on Your throne as a righteous judge. F)">
5 You have rebuked the nations:
You have destroyed the wicked;
You have erased their name forever and ever. I)">
6 The enemy has come to eternal ruin;
You have uprooted the cities,
and the very memory of them has perished. J)">
7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever; K)">
He has established His throne for judgment. L)">
8 He judges the world with righteousness;
He executes judgment on the peoples with fairness.
9 The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
10 Those who know Your name trust in You
because You have not abandoned
those who seek You, LORD.
11 Sing to the LORD, who dwells in Zion;
proclaim His deeds among the peoples
I remember the first time I read of Deism. You see deists believe God exists, created the world, but now sets back and has no dealing with our daily lives. I have the same feeling now as I did then for these people - great sadness. You see, this school of thought came about as a reaction to the Age of Reason. A time when I believe. God attempted to reveal a bit a knowledge about truth and order to mankind. However, selfish humans took what God intended for good, and made a mess out of it. Deists took God's word and attempted to remove and parts that contained the "mystical" aspects of God the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit's work. Personally, that would mean the entire book as the fact that God IS and CAN BE is in fact supernatural and cannot be explained by human intellect.
So, I am thankful on this Sunday - the LORD's DAY - that God has chosen to make Himself a REAL presence in my life! Today I am thankful...
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
proclaim His deeds among the peoples
I remember the first time I read of Deism. You see deists believe God exists, created the world, but now sets back and has no dealing with our daily lives. I have the same feeling now as I did then for these people - great sadness. You see, this school of thought came about as a reaction to the Age of Reason. A time when I believe. God attempted to reveal a bit a knowledge about truth and order to mankind. However, selfish humans took what God intended for good, and made a mess out of it. Deists took God's word and attempted to remove and parts that contained the "mystical" aspects of God the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit's work. Personally, that would mean the entire book as the fact that God IS and CAN BE is in fact supernatural and cannot be explained by human intellect.
So, I am thankful on this Sunday - the LORD's DAY - that God has chosen to make Himself a REAL presence in my life! Today I am thankful...
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thank You Lord...
For My Husband!
If I have not already told you guys, he is the BEST! I absolutely, positivity adore him! He has worked extra hard this week. I cannot get him off my mind this morning. We are at this wonderful place in our lives in our relationship with each other and with our Heavenly Father. We are blessed beyond compare!
I love the Keith Urban song "Only You Can Love Me This Way." I checked YouTube and there was not an embedded link there so you will have to click to watch it. I love the words of this song.
My other favorite song to describe our relationship is "When God Made You" by NewSong and Natalie Grant. My good friend Nikki and her dad recorded this song for her her wedding. I wish I had their version. It was great!
God's word says in Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" and God told Jeremiah (1:5) "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee..."
When I look at these verses, and combine them with the love God has placed in my heart, I KNOW that God created me for Justin and him for me! That is exciting. This means that our relationship comes not only with great rewards (love, companionship, friendship, intimacy, etc) but also with great responsibility.
I love the Keith Urban song "Only You Can Love Me This Way." I checked YouTube and there was not an embedded link there so you will have to click to watch it. I love the words of this song.
My other favorite song to describe our relationship is "When God Made You" by NewSong and Natalie Grant. My good friend Nikki and her dad recorded this song for her her wedding. I wish I had their version. It was great!
God's word says in Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" and God told Jeremiah (1:5) "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee..."
When I look at these verses, and combine them with the love God has placed in my heart, I KNOW that God created me for Justin and him for me! That is exciting. This means that our relationship comes not only with great rewards (love, companionship, friendship, intimacy, etc) but also with great responsibility.
Justin is a gift from God. Just as I am charged in the Bible to raise my children (another gift from God) I am charged to be the keeper of my husband's heart. I want him to know, through my actions, that his heart is safe with me. Broken hearts are prevalent in our society. Many husbands and wives life in turmoil each day and find it difficult to trust others with their heart because we do not do a very good job (in my opinion) of teaching our children to guard the hearts of their mates.
Marriage is a work, a job, a calling. And we must keep in mind the fact that God, just as in salvation, allows us free-will. He allows us to choose our mates, our attitudes, and our actions. Therefore, we must remain in His Will to find the ONE to love and the WAY to love.
Justin an I have been together since Jan of 1997 (that's almost 13 years!) and as Husband and wife for 7 1/2 of those years! In another year or two, I will have been with him more of my life than I was without him! That is AWESOME! I don't want to give the impression that is has not been work, it has. We, in order to beat the "odds," had to find a way to grow-up together rather than growing apart. We were most defiantly kids when we started our journey. Many did not take it very seriously, but I knew very early on that God had all of this planned.
We are now at the point in our lives where I would describe us as "half-way grown-up!" I would like to share some of the "secrets" to our success!
1) Pray hard, often, and together!
2) Be patience, but remember that if you pray for patience, God will give you something to be patient through!
3) Guard your partner's heart as it is your own, realize that YOU are responsible for providing all the love, attention, and affection the other person needs. Their well being must be more important that your own.
4) Follow God's plan for family. This includes waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy, husbands - lead your family with spiritual fervor, wives - focus on respecting your husband ad fulfilling your role as his help-mate in life, raise children in accordance to God's word, and create a mission of ministry in your family.
5) Talk, don't yell.
6) Listen.
7) Share EVERYTHING - pain, sorrow, joy, happiness - your marriage should be the most fulfilling and rewarding aspect of your life.
8) Tell each other when you do good or when you make each other happy or proud. It makes it much easier to discuss faults when the other person KNOWS how committed you are to their well being and that they are appreciated.
9) Read, discuss, live out God's word TOGETHER.
I just wanted to say that I love you Justin! Today, forever, and always! Thank you for being the Christian husband and father I have always dreamed of! You are the keeper of my heart!
~I Love You~
Marriage is a work, a job, a calling. And we must keep in mind the fact that God, just as in salvation, allows us free-will. He allows us to choose our mates, our attitudes, and our actions. Therefore, we must remain in His Will to find the ONE to love and the WAY to love.
Justin an I have been together since Jan of 1997 (that's almost 13 years!) and as Husband and wife for 7 1/2 of those years! In another year or two, I will have been with him more of my life than I was without him! That is AWESOME! I don't want to give the impression that is has not been work, it has. We, in order to beat the "odds," had to find a way to grow-up together rather than growing apart. We were most defiantly kids when we started our journey. Many did not take it very seriously, but I knew very early on that God had all of this planned.
We are now at the point in our lives where I would describe us as "half-way grown-up!" I would like to share some of the "secrets" to our success!
1) Pray hard, often, and together!
2) Be patience, but remember that if you pray for patience, God will give you something to be patient through!
3) Guard your partner's heart as it is your own, realize that YOU are responsible for providing all the love, attention, and affection the other person needs. Their well being must be more important that your own.
4) Follow God's plan for family. This includes waiting until marriage for sexual intimacy, husbands - lead your family with spiritual fervor, wives - focus on respecting your husband ad fulfilling your role as his help-mate in life, raise children in accordance to God's word, and create a mission of ministry in your family.
5) Talk, don't yell.
6) Listen.
7) Share EVERYTHING - pain, sorrow, joy, happiness - your marriage should be the most fulfilling and rewarding aspect of your life.
8) Tell each other when you do good or when you make each other happy or proud. It makes it much easier to discuss faults when the other person KNOWS how committed you are to their well being and that they are appreciated.
9) Read, discuss, live out God's word TOGETHER.
I just wanted to say that I love you Justin! Today, forever, and always! Thank you for being the Christian husband and father I have always dreamed of! You are the keeper of my heart!
~I Love You~
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Assignemnt
So this is my last time meeting with my classes before Thanksgiving since we are out of school next week! YEPPIE! So, I decided to write a lesson plan centered around Thanksgiving and tried to incorporate on of our problem-solving themes : PERSPECTIVE. It my opinion, it is a great lesson because it works for ALL ages. I changed the end products per the grade level, but the assignment was the same.
I did this lesson for myself (I will show my answers in a moment), and I thought that some of you might could use this tool to take inventory of your "thanks" this time of year.
Perspective: The way you view the people, places, things, or events in your life.
Activating Activity: Quickly, list the top 10 things you are thankful for...
ME: 1) my husband
2) God's grace
3) my children
4) my job
5) my home
6) my church family
7) forgiveness
8) stuff - car, clothes, gadgets
9) DVR
10) God's Word/Holy Spirit
Discussion: There is NO one on earth who lives a life without pain, sorrow, or some type of negative things in their lives. The above list is filled with things that it is easy to be thankful for. There are other things in our lives that we must deal with pain, sorrow, grief, personal growth, sickness, loneliness and many more! However, the way in which we deal with this problems (problem solving) and to what degree these things affect our lives, depends very much on our perspective of these things.
Activity: MARK OUT YOUR TOP TEN LIST. It is easy to be thankful for those things. Lets see how you do being thankful for things that are not so easy...List the top 5 negative things in YOUR life - right now.
ME: 1) Sin
2) messy house
3) busy schedule
4) paperwork
5) Cancer - all things cancer related
Challenge: We are going to practice changing our perspective. For each negative thing you listed above complete the following sentence...
I am thankful for (the negative thing),because (give a reason.)
ME:
1) I am thankful for SIN because it is a reminder of the fact that I MUST depend on God's grace to make it in life - and death:)
2) I am thankful for a MESSY HOUSE because it reminds me that I have three wonderful mess-makers who God has given me to care for!
3) I am thankful for a BUSY SCHEDULE because it reminds me that I have a life FULL of friends and family who love me and want to spend time with me!
4) I am thankful for PAPERWORK even though it is not by favorite part of my job, it reminds me that I do HAVE a job!
5) I am thankful for CANCER because it reminds me that life is short, and that we should enjoy and be thankful for EVERY moment - even the tough ones!
So here you have it! The Thanksgiving Lesson. Hope you like it!
God Bless
I did this lesson for myself (I will show my answers in a moment), and I thought that some of you might could use this tool to take inventory of your "thanks" this time of year.
Perspective: The way you view the people, places, things, or events in your life.
Activating Activity: Quickly, list the top 10 things you are thankful for...
ME: 1) my husband
2) God's grace
3) my children
4) my job
5) my home
6) my church family
7) forgiveness
8) stuff - car, clothes, gadgets
9) DVR
10) God's Word/Holy Spirit
Discussion: There is NO one on earth who lives a life without pain, sorrow, or some type of negative things in their lives. The above list is filled with things that it is easy to be thankful for. There are other things in our lives that we must deal with pain, sorrow, grief, personal growth, sickness, loneliness and many more! However, the way in which we deal with this problems (problem solving) and to what degree these things affect our lives, depends very much on our perspective of these things.
Activity: MARK OUT YOUR TOP TEN LIST. It is easy to be thankful for those things. Lets see how you do being thankful for things that are not so easy...List the top 5 negative things in YOUR life - right now.
ME: 1) Sin
2) messy house
3) busy schedule
4) paperwork
5) Cancer - all things cancer related
Challenge: We are going to practice changing our perspective. For each negative thing you listed above complete the following sentence...
I am thankful for (the negative thing),because (give a reason.)
ME:
1) I am thankful for SIN because it is a reminder of the fact that I MUST depend on God's grace to make it in life - and death:)
2) I am thankful for a MESSY HOUSE because it reminds me that I have three wonderful mess-makers who God has given me to care for!
3) I am thankful for a BUSY SCHEDULE because it reminds me that I have a life FULL of friends and family who love me and want to spend time with me!
4) I am thankful for PAPERWORK even though it is not by favorite part of my job, it reminds me that I do HAVE a job!
5) I am thankful for CANCER because it reminds me that life is short, and that we should enjoy and be thankful for EVERY moment - even the tough ones!
So here you have it! The Thanksgiving Lesson. Hope you like it!
God Bless
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Appalling...to me.
I am almost speechless...which is a rarity.
Did you guys know that the American Cancer society is backing the current healthcare plan before congress???
Read this article from the Tuscaloosa News concerning the need for yearly mammograms for women in their forties...
Mammograms
I hope everyone understand that the phrases "Government Task force" or "Government Panel" take on a whole new meaning IF the government is is total control of the healthcare system! They will no longer be able to look at things in an objective manner, but everything they do will be tanted by the money they will (or will not) spend - at the very least it will be in the back of their minds!
Think of it this way. If you were going to buy a car. Your budget (if you are smart) would have to be on your mind when deciding which model and features you wanted. Does that mean it is the BEST car on the market? NO! You may only be able to afford a clunker. But some of you might be able to buy a Hummer. Should there be a law stating that all car manufactuers bust make clunckers becuase SOME cannot afford the Hummer?? This is how governement reports will work from now on! They will tell us what is "best" but it will really be what they THINK THEY can afford.
When it comes to healthcare, I want the BEST for my family. I work hard, pay my taxes and my insurence premiumes; I think they deserve the BEST.
Sorry to rant and rave...
I hope the ACS did not spend my Relay for Life money on backing this bill!!!!! Soon they are going to tell me that yearly check-ups for Carys are not "really" necessary...think about that! I would have to wait for a symptom to appear before taking her to get a scan!! SCARY STUFF people!!!
Did you guys know that the American Cancer society is backing the current healthcare plan before congress???
Read this article from the Tuscaloosa News concerning the need for yearly mammograms for women in their forties...
Mammograms
I hope everyone understand that the phrases "Government Task force" or "Government Panel" take on a whole new meaning IF the government is is total control of the healthcare system! They will no longer be able to look at things in an objective manner, but everything they do will be tanted by the money they will (or will not) spend - at the very least it will be in the back of their minds!
Think of it this way. If you were going to buy a car. Your budget (if you are smart) would have to be on your mind when deciding which model and features you wanted. Does that mean it is the BEST car on the market? NO! You may only be able to afford a clunker. But some of you might be able to buy a Hummer. Should there be a law stating that all car manufactuers bust make clunckers becuase SOME cannot afford the Hummer?? This is how governement reports will work from now on! They will tell us what is "best" but it will really be what they THINK THEY can afford.
When it comes to healthcare, I want the BEST for my family. I work hard, pay my taxes and my insurence premiumes; I think they deserve the BEST.
Sorry to rant and rave...
I hope the ACS did not spend my Relay for Life money on backing this bill!!!!! Soon they are going to tell me that yearly check-ups for Carys are not "really" necessary...think about that! I would have to wait for a symptom to appear before taking her to get a scan!! SCARY STUFF people!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Weekly Post - Relying on God - not ourselves
This is the scripture today~ At the Well!
Our society as a whole is always in pursuit of more. More stuff. More money. More clothing. More food. More, more, more. When is enough enough? When will we be satisfied with what we have been given? We are going to spend today looking at how God, because He is El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, is all we will ever need.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10:
7) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NKJV
The All-Sufficient One
_____________________________________________________________________
For discussion:
In what areas of your life are you not allowing God to be your Soul Provider, the All-Sufficient One? What problems do you need to hand over to Him? Do you find yourself in a place of weakness right now? Is your soul thirsty?
First, I would like to say that I love this topic. I suppose because God placed cancer in our lives He put is in a position to minister to those who are dealing with life situations that with out the love of Christ, seem dismal. So, I have spent a lot of time (on my on behalf) reading about how God intents for us to rely on Him during all phases of our lives -good and bad.
Perspective - is everything to a Christian. We should be thankful that when God the Father looks upon us He views us through the blood of Jesus. In this same manner, when we look upon life's various phases, we should view everything - every situation - with Him as our Lord (leader.)
In verse 7 above, Paul admits that the affliction he is dealing with has purpose from God's perspective. It was to keep Paul humble. Try and look at life circumstances from God's point of view. Seek to find the purpose is whatever you are dealing with. Where will you find these answers? Prayer and God's Word is where we find the evidenced of God's unchanging character and therefore where we will find purpose. Look in Verse 9 - God answered Paul's cries for help. God clearly revealed the reason for his affliction. "My strength is made perfect in weakness."
God needs us to be willing to step aside - push our plans aside - and let Him take control. If we believe that he in fact has the best plan for our lives, what would stop us from letting Him guide us through these times?
Verse 10 is my favorite ...10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Amen! I believe that finding a way to take pleasure in our infirmities (which can be anything that is weighing us down) that is a mark of spiritual maturity.
People still look at me funny when I talk about what a blessing it has been for our family to go though dealing with childhood cancer - but I is so true. God has worked miracles - true miracles - in front of our eyes. He has taught us to depend solely on Him for our every physical, emotional, and spiritual need.
There are some questions at the top of this post from At the Well... I think they serve as a great measuring stick for us to see to what degree we are allowing God to be El Shaddai - all sufficient. Think about what stresses you? Have you given that up to Him? I believe that if it worries you, you are still holding on to it. Read, Pray, and reflect over this topic today.
~God Bless~
Bibb Makes History
This (number 11) is one of my former students Jaquail Rutledge on a bug run against Anniston Friday night!
And this (7) is our cousin Darren! We are so proud of you, he fought through a hospitalization with the flu to get back to lead the team!
I wanted to be sure that all of our out-of-towns friends new that Friday night the BCHS Choctaw football team made school history. With their win over Anniston, they secured the schools first ever trip to the 3rd round of the State Playoffs. They are still undefeated! This week, they will travel to Jackson, AL for the 3rd round. I am so proud of all of these guys.
I know many of you may not care about HS football, but it is hard not to when you work around it. So many of those guys are student's of mine which makes their accomplishments even more meaningful to me! Click below for the full story from the Tuscaloosa News!
Bibb County Results
Even more exciting that the big win, was reading about a wonderful young man. I have not had the privilege of teaching him, but I have worked with his parents. He also spoke to our entire church early this fall of Youth Sunday. He did a wonderful job then, and he lives out his faith everyday in front of his peer. He would probably hate that I am blogging about him, that is how he is. But he is a star in my mind. Take it from me, not everyone who is faced with difficult circumstances in their lives, can take the kind of stand that the Morton family has taken a let God gain all the glory from their lives. It is an honor to know them all!
Click below to read the COVER STORY from the Sports section!
Even more exciting that the big win, was reading about a wonderful young man. I have not had the privilege of teaching him, but I have worked with his parents. He also spoke to our entire church early this fall of Youth Sunday. He did a wonderful job then, and he lives out his faith everyday in front of his peer. He would probably hate that I am blogging about him, that is how he is. But he is a star in my mind. Take it from me, not everyone who is faced with difficult circumstances in their lives, can take the kind of stand that the Morton family has taken a let God gain all the glory from their lives. It is an honor to know them all!
Click below to read the COVER STORY from the Sports section!
Taylor Morton Story
(P.S.. the author of this piece did a wonderful job! Thanks for promoting such a wonderful story!)
(P.S.. the author of this piece did a wonderful job! Thanks for promoting such a wonderful story!)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Praying Together
It is time for my weekly post in response to a discussion question from my favorite blog At the Well...
The topic for today is Praying as A Couple:Do you pray together?
First my answer to this question: YES!!! But it has not always been that way.
We came into our marriage both as Christians who prayed independently. Surely, as I think back some 12 years ago, we prayed together over many things. However, we did not experience the joy of really praying together, hearts as one, till a few years ago. Certainly God granted us the blessing of Carys's illness to teach us that united together under His power - we can see all sorts of things come to pass.
We are so blessed. Recent events in our family and with our friends have taught us the true blessing it is to have the type of closeness that we share. Not many people these days who claim to become one in marriage, succeed in allowing the Father to transform their hearts to the point they can understand what that type of love he really intended for husbands and wives to share.
The Benifits!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~Unity ~
Justin and I pray over everything. But something special happens when we begin praying over things together. Now, not only can we experience the joy when God reaches down ans directly answers a prayer, but we get to do that together! I think about when our kids were born. We were blessed to be in the same place, at the same time, to experience that joy together. It is the same sort of thing when we pray together. Lets say we are praying for a certain friend to come to know Christ, or simply join us in church for worship. When God sees fit to grant that request we get to reap the fruit of our labor (being prayer) together.
Before, when I prayed completely alone, there were times when I was so excited that God had answered my prayers. But, because I had not shared those request with Justin, and he had not taken those on as his prayers, it was difficult for him to get excited over what God has done - maybe because it was for me. But now, when we discuss our prayers and join one another in those request we have a valued interest in the outcome or results - because now it is for us!
Couples who pray together present a more united front to satan. If Justin and I prayed independently, it would be possible for me to be praying for something to happen while at the same time, he was praying it would not happen! See where that is an open invitation for satan to get right in your business!?! However, if we pray together, we know the truw feelings of one another and can be more united in prayer. A husband and wife on a praying mission is NO match for satan!
-------------------------------------------------------
~Intimacy~
Praying together creates closeness and intimacy between husband and wife. Who are you most honest with. I would like to say Justin, but I know that the truth is that I am most truthful with God beacuse He already knows my thoughts and desires. If I open up myself before Justin in that same way and allow him to expereince my prayers - the truest desires of my heart - how much closer would we be?
It is clear in God's Word that He designed the married couples to expereince things about each other and with each other that did not share with others. (There is one thing you are ALL thinking about!) But I believe that our conversations with God are one of the most personal things about us. Being able to share things in prayer with Justin that no one else even knows exists in me (this could be faults or hopes) is a wonderful thing to share. I also find that I am more honest about how I feel about Justin in my prayers, and he gets to expereince that as well. Things (good or bad) that I might not tell him but would talk to God about, I find myself sharing with him.
Toghter prayer creates an intamicy between us that no one can share in. We could be in public and a topic come up that we have been praying about - he already knows how I feel. Maybe we have been praying for opportunities to witness to others and I have shared a fear that I have. When that opportunity comes, if he is with me he can begin praying without a word from me beacuse he alreay knows what I need. If he is not with me, I can rest assure that he has been praying for me in this exact situation.
When we married, we promised each other that we would walk together no matter what life brings our way, knowing God would guide us. I cannot think of anything in life that I want to experience without Justin. Heartache or joy, we believe that the Bible teaches that He formed us in our mothers' wombs to be as one. However, we have to work to make that happen. Pray- it is just one of many verbs that God gives to work together to become one heart!
The topic for today is Praying as A Couple:Do you pray together?
First my answer to this question: YES!!! But it has not always been that way.
We came into our marriage both as Christians who prayed independently. Surely, as I think back some 12 years ago, we prayed together over many things. However, we did not experience the joy of really praying together, hearts as one, till a few years ago. Certainly God granted us the blessing of Carys's illness to teach us that united together under His power - we can see all sorts of things come to pass.
We are so blessed. Recent events in our family and with our friends have taught us the true blessing it is to have the type of closeness that we share. Not many people these days who claim to become one in marriage, succeed in allowing the Father to transform their hearts to the point they can understand what that type of love he really intended for husbands and wives to share.
The Benifits!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~Unity ~
Justin and I pray over everything. But something special happens when we begin praying over things together. Now, not only can we experience the joy when God reaches down ans directly answers a prayer, but we get to do that together! I think about when our kids were born. We were blessed to be in the same place, at the same time, to experience that joy together. It is the same sort of thing when we pray together. Lets say we are praying for a certain friend to come to know Christ, or simply join us in church for worship. When God sees fit to grant that request we get to reap the fruit of our labor (being prayer) together.
Before, when I prayed completely alone, there were times when I was so excited that God had answered my prayers. But, because I had not shared those request with Justin, and he had not taken those on as his prayers, it was difficult for him to get excited over what God has done - maybe because it was for me. But now, when we discuss our prayers and join one another in those request we have a valued interest in the outcome or results - because now it is for us!
Couples who pray together present a more united front to satan. If Justin and I prayed independently, it would be possible for me to be praying for something to happen while at the same time, he was praying it would not happen! See where that is an open invitation for satan to get right in your business!?! However, if we pray together, we know the truw feelings of one another and can be more united in prayer. A husband and wife on a praying mission is NO match for satan!
-------------------------------------------------------
~Intimacy~
Praying together creates closeness and intimacy between husband and wife. Who are you most honest with. I would like to say Justin, but I know that the truth is that I am most truthful with God beacuse He already knows my thoughts and desires. If I open up myself before Justin in that same way and allow him to expereince my prayers - the truest desires of my heart - how much closer would we be?
It is clear in God's Word that He designed the married couples to expereince things about each other and with each other that did not share with others. (There is one thing you are ALL thinking about!) But I believe that our conversations with God are one of the most personal things about us. Being able to share things in prayer with Justin that no one else even knows exists in me (this could be faults or hopes) is a wonderful thing to share. I also find that I am more honest about how I feel about Justin in my prayers, and he gets to expereince that as well. Things (good or bad) that I might not tell him but would talk to God about, I find myself sharing with him.
Toghter prayer creates an intamicy between us that no one can share in. We could be in public and a topic come up that we have been praying about - he already knows how I feel. Maybe we have been praying for opportunities to witness to others and I have shared a fear that I have. When that opportunity comes, if he is with me he can begin praying without a word from me beacuse he alreay knows what I need. If he is not with me, I can rest assure that he has been praying for me in this exact situation.
When we married, we promised each other that we would walk together no matter what life brings our way, knowing God would guide us. I cannot think of anything in life that I want to experience without Justin. Heartache or joy, we believe that the Bible teaches that He formed us in our mothers' wombs to be as one. However, we have to work to make that happen. Pray- it is just one of many verbs that God gives to work together to become one heart!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Biblical Hospitality
I have become a daily reader of a blog called At the Well - Pursing Titus 2. Its has been a simple step for me that has taken my relationship with my Heavenly Father to a new level. I am learning, through God's Word, how to find the balance in life I have been seeking lately. I feel very confident that am currently in God's Will. So, I knew I could find a solution to the internal problem I faced: "How can I be an effective Christian (1st calling), Wife (2nd calling), Mother (3rd calling), and Teacher (4th Calling) - and do them all at the same time.
I struggled with growing in my own salvation WHILE helping others to grow. I know some of you do not read my blog for this, but I feel a strong calling that this is where I need to begin writing.
Each week the blog At The Well has a discussion section. I am going to start participating with the expectation that God will bless us both~
First, I should say that this IS a Biblical issue. To understand my perspective, you must first understand that I believe the Bible to contain ALL of the wisdom needed to run your daily life, It gives advice on everything!! We must not view having people into our home as a "social" thing and start viewing it as a God or ministry thing. God commands us to SHOW our faith to others. If you have friends who need to see Christ, what better place to do this than in your own home. Despite all of these benefits, we still hold back on entertaining and receiving guest in our home. Why? I am going to list my personal excuses and you can feel free to ad your own.
1) The house is too messy.
2) I have too much to do.
3) The house is too small.
4) I don't have the time.
5) I don't have the money.
6) It might mess up my schedule/routine.
I have been very convicted lately about the state of my home. Yes, I said convicted. I feel that God's Word outlines my duty as one of homemaker - even though God has given me an outside job as well. I should still be the director and one in charge of keeping our home. It is usually clean, but rarely tidy. So, we have been working on a routine and chore rotation that motivates everyone in the family to take part in caring for our home. I, of course, am the director of this program.
I realized that I have let my need to control certain things contol me and that has added presure to - yes, ME! So, I took as step back to see what tasks I might delagate to the kids. Carys usually takes showers by herself. I have taught her to bathe, but I still wash her hair. I do this beacuse I have been too cheep to buy tear-free shampoo and therefore I must help her - time I am waisting. Justin has been working with Sawyer on bathing on his own so that one of use can be getting ready or cleaning in the bathroom with him, therefore saving time! I have also been working with Carys on making the bed, sorting laundry, folding laundry and putting it away. Why did I not do this before??
So, these are some steps I have taken to help eliminate the idea that our home is not tidy for company and make better use of my time. (excuse one, two, and four-gone)
I realized that all of my other excuses have to do with my attitude.
The house is too small - we are takling about enteratining a FEW people in order that they might see God in our home. There are millions of people who do not have a home at all right now. I need to change the attitude of my heart to one of thanksgiving and using what He has blessed me with, to serve others.
I don't have the money - again, I am BLESSED! I just received a new job with a significant increase in pay. But besides that, the money is God's anyway so I should use it for His service. And, this type of entertainment is not to show off my culinary skills with four complete courses! I am trying to show off my GOD to these guest so a good pot of soup will do just fine. I decided to buy extra ingredients for a pot of chili to keep in the cabinet for entertaining purposes only!
It might mess up my schedule/routine - Are you kidding? It is perfectly acceptable to carry on our daily routines with company there. In fact, that might be why God sent them my way. To see my family pray together, read our Bibles, do our chores, love each other, etc. Would you be offended if you were at my home and I asked to be excused to move a load of laundry, help a child with homework, or pray with the kids before bed. No, you might even be blessed by this sight!
So, lets all stop making excuses, lets take action to prepare our homes to be used for God's purpose and begin to pray for help with our attitude problems, and for God to send us someone to minister to!
~Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me Ps 51:10~
I struggled with growing in my own salvation WHILE helping others to grow. I know some of you do not read my blog for this, but I feel a strong calling that this is where I need to begin writing.
Each week the blog At The Well has a discussion section. I am going to start participating with the expectation that God will bless us both~
For discussion:
- What excuses have you used lately to justify not "entertaining" in you home?
First, I should say that this IS a Biblical issue. To understand my perspective, you must first understand that I believe the Bible to contain ALL of the wisdom needed to run your daily life, It gives advice on everything!! We must not view having people into our home as a "social" thing and start viewing it as a God or ministry thing. God commands us to SHOW our faith to others. If you have friends who need to see Christ, what better place to do this than in your own home. Despite all of these benefits, we still hold back on entertaining and receiving guest in our home. Why? I am going to list my personal excuses and you can feel free to ad your own.
1) The house is too messy.
2) I have too much to do.
3) The house is too small.
4) I don't have the time.
5) I don't have the money.
6) It might mess up my schedule/routine.
- What are some steps you can take to prepare your home to have others over?I
I have been very convicted lately about the state of my home. Yes, I said convicted. I feel that God's Word outlines my duty as one of homemaker - even though God has given me an outside job as well. I should still be the director and one in charge of keeping our home. It is usually clean, but rarely tidy. So, we have been working on a routine and chore rotation that motivates everyone in the family to take part in caring for our home. I, of course, am the director of this program.
I realized that I have let my need to control certain things contol me and that has added presure to - yes, ME! So, I took as step back to see what tasks I might delagate to the kids. Carys usually takes showers by herself. I have taught her to bathe, but I still wash her hair. I do this beacuse I have been too cheep to buy tear-free shampoo and therefore I must help her - time I am waisting. Justin has been working with Sawyer on bathing on his own so that one of use can be getting ready or cleaning in the bathroom with him, therefore saving time! I have also been working with Carys on making the bed, sorting laundry, folding laundry and putting it away. Why did I not do this before??
So, these are some steps I have taken to help eliminate the idea that our home is not tidy for company and make better use of my time. (excuse one, two, and four-gone)
- What are some steps you need to take to prepare your heart for an attitude?
I realized that all of my other excuses have to do with my attitude.
The house is too small - we are takling about enteratining a FEW people in order that they might see God in our home. There are millions of people who do not have a home at all right now. I need to change the attitude of my heart to one of thanksgiving and using what He has blessed me with, to serve others.
I don't have the money - again, I am BLESSED! I just received a new job with a significant increase in pay. But besides that, the money is God's anyway so I should use it for His service. And, this type of entertainment is not to show off my culinary skills with four complete courses! I am trying to show off my GOD to these guest so a good pot of soup will do just fine. I decided to buy extra ingredients for a pot of chili to keep in the cabinet for entertaining purposes only!
It might mess up my schedule/routine - Are you kidding? It is perfectly acceptable to carry on our daily routines with company there. In fact, that might be why God sent them my way. To see my family pray together, read our Bibles, do our chores, love each other, etc. Would you be offended if you were at my home and I asked to be excused to move a load of laundry, help a child with homework, or pray with the kids before bed. No, you might even be blessed by this sight!
So, lets all stop making excuses, lets take action to prepare our homes to be used for God's purpose and begin to pray for help with our attitude problems, and for God to send us someone to minister to!
~Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me Ps 51:10~
All Dressed Up
Just for the record, I hate H-ween! I hope next year we can come up with a better alternative or plan that allows the kids to dress up and have fun (which I am not opposed to) without all the fuss. I am not one that does not let the kids do things because they are too much work for me, I think that would be lazy parenting. However, getting them all dressed up- driving miles between each stop, loading them up with candy only to tell them they can only have a few pieces seems insane to me! And I refuse to spend money on a costume when we could "do it ourselves!"At least we got an extra hour sleep Saturday night.
But I must say, they were darling...
Carys the Cheerleader!
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
This is what happens when you ask them to make "Pirate Faces"
Oh, if you hate clowns...sorry If a great-grandma is gonna dress up you gotta put her on the web!
How Funny!
We appreciate everyone who gave us candy and apologize if we did not make it to your house! Grammy was dressed up too but my camera was dead at that point! Sorry that you did not make the blog this post, but I WILL find a picture of you for the world to see! :)
But I must say, they were darling...
Sawyer the Pirate!
Carys the Cheerleader!
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
This is what happens when you ask them to make "Pirate Faces"
Oh, if you hate clowns...sorry If a great-grandma is gonna dress up you gotta put her on the web!
How Funny!
We appreciate everyone who gave us candy and apologize if we did not make it to your house! Grammy was dressed up too but my camera was dead at that point! Sorry that you did not make the blog this post, but I WILL find a picture of you for the world to see! :)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
5 Things I Know For Sure...
I have decided to make this post interactive.
I am going to "Tag" two other bloggers at the end and you are to post about "5 Things You Know For Sure" Copy this section at the top of your post and include a link to the blog of the person who tagged you. Have fun and be creative!
1) God is good all the time!
2) There must be more milk in one gallon than in two halves because we can go through two half gallons in a week, but if I buy a whole gallon - there is always left over!
3) Class held on Saturday in a real drag>especially when its Halloween!
4) I would kiss the guy who invented the BlackBerry - but maybe not on the lips!
5) Time flies when you are having fun (in life!)
I tag Nikki Christian and April Lowery!
I am going to "Tag" two other bloggers at the end and you are to post about "5 Things You Know For Sure" Copy this section at the top of your post and include a link to the blog of the person who tagged you. Have fun and be creative!
1) God is good all the time!
2) There must be more milk in one gallon than in two halves because we can go through two half gallons in a week, but if I buy a whole gallon - there is always left over!
3) Class held on Saturday in a real drag>especially when its Halloween!
4) I would kiss the guy who invented the BlackBerry - but maybe not on the lips!
5) Time flies when you are having fun (in life!)
I tag Nikki Christian and April Lowery!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thank You Lord...
For the Bible!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
One of the results of the recent revival of my soul that I have experience is the renewal of my love and hunger for the Word of God. So, when I looked for a verse for today, this one was perfect!
I had an opportunity this weekend to make some wonderful pictures. I am going to share them with you before I edit them at all. So, be kind! These will be awesome one I get my computer on them!
The Grand Cahaba after a season of floods.
Hanging out at the barn.
Okay he hates pictures but he loves be so maybe he will forgive me :)
I cannot wait to see this is sepia! I take his pic by this shed every fall!
Cheeze!!
Breathtaking Beauty!
Jenna is one of the most animated toddlers I know. ALWAYS thinking!
Sweet Cheeks! McKenna is a doll!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
One of the results of the recent revival of my soul that I have experience is the renewal of my love and hunger for the Word of God. So, when I looked for a verse for today, this one was perfect!
I had an opportunity this weekend to make some wonderful pictures. I am going to share them with you before I edit them at all. So, be kind! These will be awesome one I get my computer on them!
This with a little more saturation will be awesome!
The Grand Cahaba after a season of floods.
Hanging out at the barn.
Okay he hates pictures but he loves be so maybe he will forgive me :)
I cannot wait to see this is sepia! I take his pic by this shed every fall!
Cheeze!!
Breathtaking Beauty!
Jenna is one of the most animated toddlers I know. ALWAYS thinking!
Sweet Cheeks! McKenna is a doll!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
I first reflected on this verse a few months ago when I was reading and working through "Glory Revealed" by David Nasser. When I saw it again on a blog post, I KNEW God was bringing it before me for a reason. This verse packs a powerful punch in just a few short words.
First "The Lord your God is with you," Have you ever had one of those days when you just feel all alone in whatever you are experiencing? I can remember the moment when Carys was diagnosed and it was just me, her, and the doctor in the Ultra Sound Room. When I think of that, I remember the moment that I felt the Holy Spirit come over me and it was like really large, strong arms just gave me a big hug. I, as a child of God can rest in the fact that I am NEVER alone. If I feel that way, it is because I - not God - is distance. Just like I have to accept His free gift of salvation, I also have to make a conceious effort to accept His presence daily in my life.
"He will take great delight in you," WOW! He delights in ME? The only way I know to explain this is that once I accept the blood of Jesus as payment for my sins, God can then view the works I do in His name and delight in them becasue He views them through the blood!
"he will quiet you with his love,"Oh man. Did I need this! I bet if you ask Justin (or my kids or students) they would tell you that my biggest problem is that I am loud! The other day I bought some new lotion. Justin said, "That is kinda loud." I said, "Well, you are always telling me how loud I am!" I recently have discovered that sometimes, this loudness can be a vice. Sometimes, God wants me to speak softly to people or not speak to them at all - just pray. This is a new area of mististry that I need to explore. It is just a big part of my personality to try and talk since into people. I can sometimes see how that is a gift from God, but other times I believe He is calling me to quite prayer. How can I be transformed in to a quiet being? According to The Word - I must let HIM do it with His love!
and finally,
"he will rejoice over you with singing." If there is one thing I really want right now it si to know that God rejoices over me and my strides to serve Him. I realized that this post may be for no one but myself, but thats okay! I think in order for God to rejoice over me, I have to be willing to once again, die to self an let Him do a work in me.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Teaching The Narrow Way
Matthew 7:13-14
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
This is a portion of scripture that the preacher used at our revival last night. This was not his message, but I heard loud and clear what God wanted me to know about this. I guess you could say I received a double-blessing because God sent me Brother Shannon's message and this one!
As you know I take the verse "pray without ceasing"(1 Thessalonians 5:17) to heart particularly in the area of parenthood. I KNOW that my biggest mission field God has given me is my children. When I think about ways to live out scripture in front of them, it is not always easy. However, I can see through God's Word how this path can lead to the greatest blessing. Consider Hannah, she devoted her parenting to God's will as she returned Samuel to the prophet for training as soon as he had stopped nursing. How proud she must have been to be his mother. her devotion to God's will was very rewarding.
So, when I reflect upon this portion of Jesus' sermon: "broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it." - it makes me think. These are the things that you do NOT have to teach kids. Sin nature is born into each of us. Yes, my precious children are sinners. I do not have to teach them how to break the Ten Commandments. They are born knowing how to do that. You do not have to teach the way that leads to destruction - many will go that way on their on.
But, Jesus did not stop there. He then said," Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." This is what I have to teach my kids; the narrow way. And because I am not perfect. I cannot fully teach them this way, but can only lead them to it. I cannot take them "through the gate" that leads to Christ and eternal life - they must find it. But I CAN lead them there by my actions and making choices that please God.
Jesus goes on in Matthew 7 to talk about bearing good fruit. I believe this is the way that I can lead my children to the narrow gate. If they see my joy, happiness, and true excitement about following Jesus they will seek to find - and hopefully enter into - the narrow way.
So, I must set out to bear good fruit in my life and be excited about doing right even when it might not lead to earthly gains - because what are they anyway!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Please pray for this precious girl. Her name is Hannah Grace Harrison.She is undergoing a second MRI today to determine the exact details of an "areas of concern" that showed up on her MRI on Wednesday.
Her parents are Marci and Jarrod. They are WONDERFUL people beacuse the serve a WONDERFUL Savior. Hannah Grace has been through a surgery, chemo, radiation, a stem cell transplant and a 40 day stay in the PICU with complications from the SC transplant.
You can see how great she looks. Please pray for peace, comfort, and guidence and they make decisions concerning her care. I really love these people and my heart is aching for them. Please pray that God provides all the things they need that we cannot provide.
Please visit her site www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgraceharrison and leave a note or prayer.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Bond of Perfection
I am NOT perfect! (I know, BIG shock!)
I recently came across a blog called "At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2" It is a blog by Christian women who write about being godly women, wives, mothers...just women! I got today's scripture and thought from there...
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:14-17
Like I said, I am not perfect. But God's Word says that Love is the bond of perfection. Sometimes I really struggle with all of my "roles" - what a good psychological term! Ya'll know what I mean. All this "stuff" I am supposed to do. I am painfully aware that sometimes the most important stuff - being a follower of Christ, wife and mother - take a back seat to other stuff in my life. Don't get me wrong, I BELIEVE that this path I am pursuing is in God's will for my life. However, He does still give me choices and the free will to prioritize those things that He puts in my path.
Sometimes others don't get this. Justin and I are very busy, but sometimes we just have this overwhelming desire to STAY HOME! Play games, watch movies, make crafts, playoutside (when it is not raining:) just be home! Why? Cause we love our family and our home.
Anyways...One of my biggests struggles is this: "How do I know that I am doing the BEST for my family?" Like I said, I have covered my path in prayer and feel confident that I am pursuing God's Will, but I am still aware that my duties to my family come first! So, after praying over Colossians 3:14-17 I have decided this...
Above everything I do, I must LOVE. This is the most basic premis of God's will for my life. Love of God, my family and others will produce peace in my heart which is a blessing that only God can provide to let me know He is pleased with the love I have shown. I MUST stay in God's word, hiding its truths in my heart while making His Word alive to others through my actions (Faith, Hope and you guessed it LOVE). And whatever I prayfully decided is best for my family, I must do it as though it is my MINISTRY (unto the Lord.) ALL things in my life, whether I am taking them in, or living them out MUST be to God's glory.
These words give me HOPE. Hope that God is there to guide me through my journey. He has provided everything neccesary for me to be successful - which to me means fulfilling the many calls he has placed on my life. He has given His Son, His Word, His Spirit all to help me along this journey.
So moms, do not be discouraged in this busy world we live in! Just take a moment to reflect upon the Word of life and reconnect with God about the priorities in your life. And remember. "put on love, which is the bond of perfection"
God Bless
I recently came across a blog called "At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2" It is a blog by Christian women who write about being godly women, wives, mothers...just women! I got today's scripture and thought from there...
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:14-17
Like I said, I am not perfect. But God's Word says that Love is the bond of perfection. Sometimes I really struggle with all of my "roles" - what a good psychological term! Ya'll know what I mean. All this "stuff" I am supposed to do. I am painfully aware that sometimes the most important stuff - being a follower of Christ, wife and mother - take a back seat to other stuff in my life. Don't get me wrong, I BELIEVE that this path I am pursuing is in God's will for my life. However, He does still give me choices and the free will to prioritize those things that He puts in my path.
Sometimes others don't get this. Justin and I are very busy, but sometimes we just have this overwhelming desire to STAY HOME! Play games, watch movies, make crafts, playoutside (when it is not raining:) just be home! Why? Cause we love our family and our home.
Anyways...One of my biggests struggles is this: "How do I know that I am doing the BEST for my family?" Like I said, I have covered my path in prayer and feel confident that I am pursuing God's Will, but I am still aware that my duties to my family come first! So, after praying over Colossians 3:14-17 I have decided this...
Above everything I do, I must LOVE. This is the most basic premis of God's will for my life. Love of God, my family and others will produce peace in my heart which is a blessing that only God can provide to let me know He is pleased with the love I have shown. I MUST stay in God's word, hiding its truths in my heart while making His Word alive to others through my actions (Faith, Hope and you guessed it LOVE). And whatever I prayfully decided is best for my family, I must do it as though it is my MINISTRY (unto the Lord.) ALL things in my life, whether I am taking them in, or living them out MUST be to God's glory.
These words give me HOPE. Hope that God is there to guide me through my journey. He has provided everything neccesary for me to be successful - which to me means fulfilling the many calls he has placed on my life. He has given His Son, His Word, His Spirit all to help me along this journey.
So moms, do not be discouraged in this busy world we live in! Just take a moment to reflect upon the Word of life and reconnect with God about the priorities in your life. And remember. "put on love, which is the bond of perfection"
God Bless
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sawyer
Okay. so I felt really bad all day that I had posted a "no-Sawyer" post this morning. I could not wait to get out of school so that I could correct that! So here is an ALL Sawyer post :)
He is a MONKEY!
He is a MONKEY!
He is a HUNTER!
He is a FISH!
He's a CLOWN!
He is a LOOKER!
He is SAWYER!
And I LOVE HIM!
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