Perfection is Not the Answer!

FTH_1151Hi, my name is Moses. No, not really, but at times I feel like him. I am not eloquent with my words and grammar is my second worse subject (History is my first, I just can’t remember all those dead people and the dates they died!). But even so, I feel God’s call on my life, so strong at times, to speak, write, pray, and encourage others that I can’t silence it.

Exodus chapter 4 tells us about Moses. He was not a confiedent man. He was an insecure human that stuttered, and lacked his self worth.  He questioned and doubted God over and over in this chapter. Finally, the Lord has had enough when he tells him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

God doesn’t need a perfect man or woman to use. He receives no glory for the one that has it all together! He takes us as we are, does the impossible, and then he receives all the praise!

Friend, don’t let your weaknesses handicap you. Stop making excuses. There are people needing to be set free! They are enslaved in this world and the devil has pulled the wool over their eyes. Believe me if God is pulling at your heart strings, He will strengthen you to do the task ahead.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. ~2 Corn. 3: 4-5 
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. ~Phil 4:13 

 

It’s B-A-C-K…

img_0774Well Ladies, it’s that time again! #footballseason

You have two options:

1) Complain and nag to your husband about football games he’ll watch all season… (That’s about 6 to 7 months of wasting your breath!)

OR

2) JOIN HIM!!! Buy the gear (#livelovegameday), plan football parties, and make yummy football food!

*I selected the second option early on in our marriage and I’ve never regretted it!

Women, pick your battles wisely, this one isn’t worth it!

I VOW TO ALWAYS LOVE YOU, EVEN DURING FOOTBALL SEASON ❤

Faith to Move

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Faith is put into practice when you step away from the familiar. 

For almost twenty years we’ve been comfortable in our church. It’s where my husband was saved, where I rededicated my life, it’s also where I met and married my husband, then our kids were dedicated and baptized there too.  We didn’t just attend church, we were the church, we were leaders and volunteers!

Then an opportunity came, a promotion to be exact! It wasn’t a surprise to us, I had been praying about moving for a couple years now. I knew it was coming and I wasn’t happy about it. I’m a family person, I love being around family, and making memories with them! One early morning, on my way home from the gym, I was praying. I spoke the words, “I pray Javi walks in your will….”, and as soon as the words left my tongue peace came over me. I heard God say, “You’ve been praying this over and over, I’ve heard your prayers, do you not think He’s in my will? He’s in my will because you have prayed for it.” At that moment my heart was ready to go wherever God opened the door.

Five or six months later my husband was promoted and we were moving to Georgia! Now we had to have faith for God to sell our house, help us to find a new house in a good location, and a new church!

Again, I faced a time of doubt. I was flat out miserable because I was doubting God. It was like I was in a depression state, a needy loaf, constantly asking my husband for reassurance. Day after day I continued to worry about our house not selling. Then one Sunday morning on the way to church, I heard God speak to my heart. “When you are ready to stop all of this, I’m here,” so out loud I said, “Enough! I’m done worrying and fretting, this is in God’s hands and I’m done trying to be God!” Again, within seconds I felt peace and a calmness that can only come from Him.

I would love to tell you that our house has sold, but it hasn’t! Now ask me how are you doing? Well, I’m doing fabulous, thanks for asking! Yes, I can confidently say I’m doing great because I don’t just know who is in charge, but I believe it!

We have visited four churches, in all different areas of Georgia, since moving up here last month. If our house would have sold a month ago we would be at one of those churches. I believe it wasn’t meant for us to attend there, not because it’s a bad church, but it wasn’t the church for us. I choose to look at our house not selling as God’s hands moving in our favor. When He closes one door, He will open another. We are on an amazing adventure and our faith is growing as we lean fully on His direction and wisdom.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

It’s Time! 


Let me be totally honest… My workout routine has been nonexistent for over two months! 😳 My husband got a promotion (yay🎉) and started working out of town during the week (boo👎🏼). That made my 5am workout time impossible because no one was at the house to stay with our kids. It really stunk, but it was fine. I wasn’t going to stress about it. 
Well, now we are all in Georgia together and things have slowed down, so I planned yesterday to start in the morning💪🏼 

You can guess what happen…I was awaken five different times between my son and our apartment neighbors😡I gave in and turned off my alarm around 4am….once I got up, I had a pep talk with myself 😜 I had to start today! The #1 rule of working out is…NEVER MISS MONDAY! The kids could sit and play on their Kindle while I worked out, we could do this! …and we did😎

Midway Place

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Suspendedlimbointermediatetransitional, or midway place, these words describe my feelings since we announced we’re moving to Georgia. It’s been over six weeks from the time when we made our decision, however we are still in Florida!

My mind is confused…are we staying or leaving?! Sadly, I’m not a very patient person, so this is killing me! Our move will be a challenge and I can feel God stretching us already, but I’m excited to start our new adventure!

Let the countdown begin…12 days!

Great Reminder from Jesus Calling, “You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My Control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways.”

image.jpegNew Flash….homeschool mom’s don’t have it all together, all the time. We have difficult days and even challenging school years. When doubts and frustrations come it’s vital to have someone in your corner to share it with. It’s encouraging to hear another homeschool mom say, “I’ve been there!” If you homeschool or thinking about it, surround yourself with a few seasoned homeschool moms. Trust me, there will be days you feel like pulling your hair out and you’ll need those women to pour into your heart!

#datechallenge

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If I asked you, what is the percentage you wear the wife hat compared to the mother hat, what would your numbers look like?

A mother to a newborn may look something like this 80% (mom) to 20% (wife). A newborn is very needy, so it’s understandable during this time to have your roles skewed.
Okay, you don’t have a newborn, so what are your numbers?

A friendly a reminder:
1. God
2. Spouse
3. Children

If your numbers don’t look closer to this 65% (wife) and 45% (mom), I have a challenge for you.
Take out your calendar and schedule at least two dates a month with your spouse.
#datechallenge

Jump start your marriage!

TAG a friend and encourage them to be apart of the challenge! ❤️

Friend Spa Party

A couple months ago my daughter decided she wanted a small girl party for her birthday. At that moment my wheels started turning. After a few days of brainstorming I came up with a “Spa Party!” It turned out GREAT!!!!

*Party decorations are from Shindigz.

*Pink & Blue Manicure Sets were from Walmart

*I got the Hair Wraps from Marshall’s

*Flip Flop Ribbon Craft (excellent time filler)
-Old Navy Flip Flops
-Ribbon is from Walmart

*Spa Tubes, Pink Mirrors, & Punch Cups are from the Dollar Store

*Party Punch
-Pineapple Juice
-Ginger Ale
-Pineapple Sherbert

Make Time

As I was taking down the Christmas tree the other day, I noticed a picture frame ornament that I had never put a picture in. For a month and half this ornament hung on our tree empty. Yeah, that’s pretty crazy, but the fact is it remained picture-less because it never made it to the top of my priority list. 

“I just don’t have time” or “it’s been so busy lately!” These are common statements I here way to often. 
The truth is we make time for what is important to us. 

What will you make time for this year? 

Here are some given priorities that should not waver:

*spending time in the Word and with God

*spending time with your husband (date nights, etc…)

*quality time with your children

*take time to invest in yourself and your health

If these above items don’t make it on your list you might want to consider reevaluating your priorities. 
 

One Word…

 As we close the door on 2015, I want you to think back on the good and the bad. Reflect on things that stick out that you wish you would have done different. Yes, it’s in the past and we can’t change it, but looking at our history will help us to make a better future.

Now 2016 is knocking and you have the opportunity to make it an exceptional year. Many do this by making a plan. They write down all their new year resolutions, which is great, but I want to change it up a little. 

A few years ago I was asked to choose one word to describe our new homeschool year that was coming. I choose fun! The past years had been challenging with moves and pregnancies, so that year we would learn, but I wanted to have lots of fun with the kids and we did!

I want you to think about all the hats you wear wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, etc. Let’s take it a little deeper and think about just “you”. What does God have for you in 2016? What is the one word that will define this year to come? 

Mine is RELATIONSHIP! 

2 Corn. 6:16 …”I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

God is here, He longs to be in a relationship with us. When you are in a relationship with someone you make them the priority. He will be the priority in 2016!

Divorce doesn’t occur because the couple had a strong relationship. By continuing to invest in my marriage, I’m building a relationship with my husband that won’t be easily broken.

We only have a few years with our children until they are off living their lives. I want to create strong relationships with each of them while I have the chance. 

Last but not least, how can someone trust you if you aren’t in a relationship with them. I want to make sure that I’m establishing relationships with others, so God can use me to encourage them.