Category Archives: Inspirational

Failure isn’t Final

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Three weeks ago, I applied for a reviewer position for a christian publisher. I was really excited about having the opportunity to receive free books for my children to read, review, and then giveaway to others. After waiting awhile, I received an email from the company letting me know my application was not accepted. To be honest, I was disappointed…I had gotten my hopes up, thinking what a great program this would be for the kids.

At this moment I could accept failure, allow negative thoughts fill my mind or I could work harder and reapply next year.

DSC_0684Believe it or not, there are many positive things that can come out of failure, if you change your mindset. Failure brings about a drive that no one can stop. Failure brings to light your weaknesses. Failure also builds character and makes you stronger.

Have you failed recently? Don’t give up. Push through and watch your failure turn into a testimony of success.

“and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire.  You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the LORD God.” -Psalm 40:2-3 

“Even if good people fall seven times, they will get back up. But when trouble strikes the wicked, that’s the end of them.” -Proverbs 24:16

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

“No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!” -Romans 8:37

One Project Done!

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Are the house projects adding up, leaving you to feel hopeless and discouraged? Then it’s time to put all your DYI and Organize My House Pins, from Pinterest, to use!

Sit down and make a list of all the projects you would like to accomplish this year. Projects as small as cleaning out a linen closet, to big projects like renovating the kitchen. Now take a calendar and plan as many projects as possible. For example, Pantry on Monday, book shelf on Tuesday, Master Closet on Thursday, and Garage on Saturday. Make sure to give yourself enough time to complete the project. Some projects may require an hour, while others two or three days. After finishing the project, mark it off your Master List. By visually seeing each task being marked off as completed, it will enable you to keep moving forward.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Set a daily goal and you will achieve your yearly goals!
CouponingLast night’s project…clip all coupons and organize them in a folder. (DONE)

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty…” 
Proverbs 21:5

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7

Planning for Today

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“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty” Proverbs 21:5

Each day is special and unique, but do we view it that way? Probably not, we are guilty of being sucked into the hustle and bustle of life. In this new year, I desire to make the most out of each day…for no one is promised tomorrow. So, how do we cherish each day in itself? We have to plan intentionally for that day.

Preparing a successful day takes preparation, right before you shut your eyes for the night, plan out the next day. Take your journal, planner, or I personally use my iPad. First, schedule your quiet/devotion time with God. Second, write your husband’s name and list his needs (make his lunch, iron clothes, pick up dry cleaning, etc.). Then, write down your children’s names and the things you need to do for them (pack lunches, sign papers, schedule doctor appointments, etc.). Next, write down house, list the things that need to be cleaned that day or taken care of. Last, write down your personal “to do” list, which could consist of ministry, personal growth, fitness, etc. Make sure your list is prioritized: God first, husband second, children third, house next, and all other activities follow. Now, for the fun part, think of ways you can make that day special, lunch at the park, Mickey mouse pancakes, a little note in their lunch box, the list is endless.

By scheduling out your day the night before bed, you are able to get the things of tomorrow off your mind. You are able to write them down and let them worry about themselves, as you drift off into a peaceful sleep, so when morning comes, you are set up for success. Look over your list again, make sure you wrote down everything you wanted from the night before and then enjoy your day to the fullest!

Remember “this is the day” not tomorrow, not next week, but today, “which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I hope you all have an amazing TODAY, every day!

“…who gives us richly all things to enjoy” 1 Timothy 6:17

You Are Special

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You Are SpecialOne of the ways we are counting down the days until Christmas, is with a book reading each night. Tonight was Alayna’s turn to choose a book that was wrapped under the tree. She picked one of my favorite books, “You Are Special” by Max Lucado.

This books gives a beautiful parallel story of how God views us. It begins with a village of wooden people called, the Wemmicks. All of the wooden people were carved by a woodworker name, Eli. The Wemmicks would give out stickers all day to one another, to the talented ones they would give stars and to the not so talented ones they would give gray dots. All day long they would walk around handing out these stars and dots. In this same village lives a Wemmick named, Punchinello, he doesn’t jump very high like the others, his wood is scratched and faded, so he would get lots of gray dots from all the other Wemmicks. He got so many that he doesn’t want to leave his house. Then one day he meets a Wemmick with no stickers at, Lucia. Lucia explains that she goes to see Eli, the woodcarver, everyday. She recommends Punchinello to go see him, so  Punchinello goes the next day. This is where I choke up every time. As Eli and Punchinello begin their conversation, Punchinello starts defending himself. When Eli says, “you don’t have to defend yourself to me, child. I don’t care what the other Wemmicks think. Who are they to give stars or dots? They’re Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn’t matter. All that matters is what I think. And I think you are pretty special.” Eli continues to speak to him, but I want  you to get the book and read the rest for yourself.

Lucia didn’t have any stickers because she went to visit Eli everyday. There are voices in your mind telling you, “you can’t do that, you don’t fit in here, and you will never make it.” The only way to drown out those opinions is to spend time with the only voice that matters, the only opinion that matters, your Maker.

Let me encourage you today, don’t let the world label you. Don’t let your friend or even your family discourage you. They don’t have the right to do so. They are just like you. Go to your Heavenly Father daily and allow him to speak into your heart. He loves you, He made you special, and you are valuable!

Just Don’t Do It….

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Our Tree '13Galatians 6:4 “…Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,”

For eight years, we have put up our Christmas tree with old miscellaneous ornaments. We loved our tree, it told the story of our life. This year I decided to do a themed tree in our living-room, in front of the window, therefore moving most of the other ornaments to our 2nd tree, in the family room. After browsing online pictures, I had a vision of what I wanted our tree to look like. I then went out and bought ornaments for 70% off at Michael’s, Joann, Hobby Lobby, and even some from T.J. Maxx. I was so proud of our tree, but when my husband got home, I found myself saying, “I know it’s not like such and such’s tree, but don’t you like it?” Of course he loved it, why wouldn’t he? Five minutes before he walked through the door I was so proud of my work, but as soon as I showed him, doubt and comparison came into my mind.

blog5Comparing is one of the deadliest things to do. There is nothing good that comes out of comparing yourself with someone else. Most people compare themselves and will end up feeling inadequate, other times people compare themselves with friends and family and end up feeling greater than they should. Either way, wrongful thoughts come out of comparing.

Ornament-Hobby LobbyThis time of year, you will see lots of Christmas decorations on trees, houses, yards, mailboxes, etc. Let me encourage you to not compare. God has given each of us a beautiful creative spirit. Be proud of your designs and art pieces you come with it. Stop all thoughts of comparison, which can lead to jealous and low self-esteem. You are unique, handcrafted by our Heavenly Father. Put your heart into your work and do your best, then take pride and let no one take that from you, including yourself!

Ornament-T.J.Maxx

Are You Annoying?

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“And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?”  Luke 18:7

In the Parable of the Persistent Widow, you find a woman desperate…day after day she pleas her case to the unjust judge. Day after day, she returns stating her petition, until finally the judge says, “I will see that you get justice, so that you won’t eventually wear me out with your coming!” Ha, can you imagine being so persistent with your appeal that a person waves a white flag and basically says, “okay, okay, just leave me alone, you’re annoying me!”

The judge doesn’t grant her justice because he was a christian. The Bible tells us, he did not fear God. The judge also didn’t grant her justice because he felt sorry for her, in Luke it states he did not care about men. No, the judge granted her justice because she was persistent in her prayers.

Jesus gives this parable to his disciples to show them that they should always pray and not give up. In verse 8 of Luke chapter 18, it says, the only time we should stop praying for something is Christ’s return…“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” The demonstration of that faith is persistent prayer. When you stop believing a prayer will be answered, you stop praying. You have given up hope.

What if I were to tell you that your answer is only a prayer away? What if I were to say your healing is around the corner? What if I were to say peace is just a breath away? Let me encourage you friend to not give up! Be persistent and faithful in your prayers.

Persistent prayer is the demonstration of faith in God who, while at times may delay His answers, will always act decisively and justly with respect to His people.

Like a father or mother wants their children to come to them, even more so does our Heavenly Father.

Just Go to Bed!

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I have often heard moms say they can’t wait for their kids to go to bed…I have never understood what they meant by this. I don’t just love my kids, I enjoy them…I like to be with them 24/7 and more…they are my pride and joy. Then it happened! Last night I had a revelation…the kids must go to bed, early!

Josiah had been diagnosed with a virus on Tuesday that showed up in his throat with blistering red ulcers and 103.7 fever. On top of it, his molars are coming in, so he was extremely fussy and if that’s not enough, he wants to nurse 3 times a night again! Then Thursday morning Kayla looked like she had pink eye, come to find out she’s positive for strep. Are you kidding me?! All three of the girls just had viral gastroenteritis three weeks ago…can’t my kids just be healthy?

This Mama was tired and weary and these babies needed to go to bed. Better yet, I needed to go to bed early! That’s actually the best thing we can do after praying. When we push and push ourselves daily we can run out of fuel, out of patience, out of mercy.

Friday morning I woke up with my batteries recharged and ready to take care of my sick babies.

Thank you God for your strength daily, thank you for giving me wisdom yesterday to know when to say enough. Your presence gives me comfort and assurance that I’m not alone. I pray you will continue to give me wisdom as I raise women and men of God. Amen

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.” For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. Mark 6:31

But I’m Scared!

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walk

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

It was bedtime and we were going through the night-time routine and I had just finished bathing the girls. Alayna and Victoria (my older two), went to their rooms and got their jammies on. Victoria came out first, she was dressed and ready for me to brush her hair, a few minutes later Alayna sat down for her turn. As I was brushing Alayna’s hair I noticed Kayla, my youngest daughter, still standing in the hallway with just her towel. I looked at Kayla and I told her to go get her clothes on and she said, “I’m scared”. “Scared”, I questioned. I was sitting right in front of her bedroom door. I asked her, “why are you scared, I’m sitting right here beside you!”

That’s when a small voice spoke to me. Have you ever felt called to speak at church, maybe teach a Sunday school class, or even give a presentation at work? For most people fear comes over them, but why? Our heavenly Father is with us at all times. He will never make us go alone, He will never make you stand by yourself. He is always with us, giving us the strength and courage to do what he has purposed us to do.

Kayla was scared because her room was dark and she felt alone, but what she didn’t realize, is I was right there with her. Take comfort in knowing you aren’t walking into a dark place by yourself, God is right there beside you and He loves you.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

The Armor of God- Shield of Faith and Shoes, which brings the Gospel of Peace

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Shield of Faith

This week we are working on the Armor of God for the girls JBQ (Junior Bible Quizzing) questions. 

This afternoon we are talking about the Shield of Faith and Shoes that our worn on our feet, which brings the Gospel of Peace.

Questions: 

What protects the Roman solider from arrows and blows from a sword? A Shield! 

The shield protected the Roman solider from the enemies weapons. Our spiritual enemies are constantly throwing arrows and thrusting swords towards us. The best way to deflect these blows is with the shield of faith. When we hold on to our shield, when we hold firm to our faith in Jesus, we can go forth boldly.

Activity:

I had the girls make paper balls. Then they took turns throwing them at each other. Of course they were hit with the balls because they were vulnerable, with nothing to protect themselves. Then I had them hold up their shields, nothing could get to them as long as their shield was in place! 

What purpose do shoes serve?  Protection, Freedom, Readiness

Imagine a fully armed soldier. He has his sword, his shield, his helmet, his breastplate and his belt…but his feet are completely bare. The picture probably seems strange, and it should! Just by thinking about it, we can tell something is missing. Without shoes the solider has to worry about where his is stepping or running and this is the last thing that should be on his mind in a battle!

Fun Fact: The shoes of Roman soldiers were made of bronze or brass and included a part to cover the shins. The bottoms of the shoes were covered with spikes so they would help the soldier stand firm-or those sharp spikes could be used as weapons.

What does Readiness mean? “Readiness” is “the state or quality of being ready; preparation; promptness; aptitude; willingness”.

What does the gospel of peace have to do with shoes?

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15

God’s Church is sent to preach the good news, which will spread His way of peace around the whole world. By having our shoes on, we are ready to move!

Remember each piece of God’s armor is important. Make sure to wear your armor everyday all day and the schemes of Satan will not prevail. 

The Full Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

 

The Armor of God-Belt of Truth & The Sword of the Spirit

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Belt & Sword

This week we are working on the Armor of God for the girls JBQ (Junior Bible Quizzing) questions. 

Sorry we missed yesterday. Life happens and I had a little one with strep throat but today we are back to it.

This afternoon we are talking about the Belt of Truth and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  In Ephesians 6:14, it tells us to “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” and Ephesians 6:17 says, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Questions: 

What piece of armor holds a very crucial weapon for the Roman solider? A Belt! If the solider didn’t have his belt on, he most likely didn’t have his sword with him. 

Buckling truth around you everyday means not conforming to this world, like Romans 12:2 states. It means having your sword with you, which is the word of God. The Bible is God’s Holy Word.  Everything that is written in that book is true. There are no lies in the Bible. By having these two pieces of armor, you are able to stand firm against Satan and his lies.

What could be some lies that Satan wants us to believe?

It’s alright to lie, cheat, steal, hurt someone, be selfish, be mean to others, not obey and respect our parents.

What helps us to know what is true and what are lies? The word of God!

A sword is sharp and strong.  That’s exactly why God’s word is called a sword, because it is strong to defeat the lies of Satan and it is sharp enough to teach our hearts what we need to learn.

“God’s words give us strength, they help us to make good decisions, they help us get closer to God, and they help us know how to treat others.  They can encourage us and even be like food to us because they give us strength.”

Belt Craft:

Again we are using construction paper. (Construction paper is cheap and you can do anything with it 🙂 )I had the kids pick out the color they wanted their belt to be and then fold the construction paper into columns,  next they cut down the folded crease. We then stapled the strips together around their waist. We also printed out a letter T and colored it, to remind us what the belt stands for. 

Sword Craft:

Right after construction paper, cardboard is my next item I like to use for crafts (Simple is better for the ages I’m working with).

For our swords I used a diaper box. I traced out a sword then cut it out with a box cutter. We wrote the words, Word of God, then had the kids color them (my girls love to color). 

I hope you join us tomorrow as we work on the Shield of Faith and Readiness that comes from the gospel of peace worn on our feet.