Tuesdays Tip

Posted on August 13, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

Tuesdays Tip: Bring the Right Tools

Today I’m going to build a bird feeder. We could hang it outside in our backyard. I know the kids will enjoy watching the birds go inside the little house eating until their hearts are content. So, right away I gather the things I will need. I have a couple pieces of wood, some screws, and a Philips screw driver. I start measuring and placing the boards together. I take my first screw and try to screw it in…it’s taking forever. I try pushing the screw down as I turn the screw driver, but it’s barely moving. As I evaluate the situation, I realize I have the wrong tool for the job…I need a flat head screwdriver.

The same thing can happen when we are teaching our children. We buy the curriculum, we read how to use it and then we began pushing our lesson plan on them. We can teach until we are blue in the face without much progress. Why is this? Is our child dumb? Are we bad teachers? No, our child is not dumb and we aren’t bad teachers! The problem is the tools we put on the table are the wrong ones. If your child is struggling with reading make sure you have given them the right tools to accomplish the job. It might mean going to the hardware store and buying a different tool or just taking a different approach to the way you are delivering your material. Be aware of how your children are acting. If they are continually getting frustrated, emotional or disinterested, go back to the drawing board…try some other tools you have in your box. Could I have made my bird feeder with the Philips head screwdriver, yes, but it would have taken a lot longer and it wouldn’t have been as fun to make it.

Make learning enjoyable and bring the right tools!

Six Letter Word…

Posted on August 12, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

Last Monday I wrote about respect, today I want to talk about a six letter word…one of the most dreaded words by females. Many women ignore this word, rebuke this word, and down right hate this word! So, what is this six letter word that has caused so much controversy…submit. Yes, I said it, submit. Before you start burning bras and yelling at the top of your lungs, “equality!”…hear me out.

There are many different things I could say about submitting, but for time sake let me hit on just a few. The first thing I would like to say is, God does not value the husband more than wife. In Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34 it tells us, “For God does not show favoritism.” Also in Galatians 3:28 it says, “nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Now that you know God does not see your husband as his favorite child lets move on.

I want to take a look at Philippians 2:5-8, the word says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Wow, even though Christ is equal to God, he did not go against Him. Instead, Jesus subordinated Himself to the will of the Father in order to carry out the plan of redemption. As we, the wife, should also submit ourselves to our husband so that God’s plan for the family can be carried out. Just imagine the chaos and arguing in the household of a family where the wife is constantly going against her husband. God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33).

We each have a role. The wife’s role is not inferior, but her role is different. The Lord God says, in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.” God knew that our husband would need help. We were created for the man’s sake not the other way around.

To be a Proverbs 31 wife, you will need to add this six letter word to your life and then you can walk in complete joy knowing you are honoring God’s command.

Dear Lord, help each wife to see submission through the eyes of Christ and not through the opinions of the world. I pray every negative thought that we may have on submission is replaced with Your words of truth. In Jesus Name Amen

Tuesday’s Homeschooling Tip

Posted on August 6, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

Tuesday’s Homeschooling Tip: Write it Down!

It’s the start of a new school year and maybe even your first year of homeschooling. My tip today is to write down why you are homeschooling, your vision for the year and your vision for each of your children.

Just like a runner trains for a race we prepare for our school year. We read and research and read some more, then choose the “perfect curriculum”, then we clip our coupons and go out on tax free weekend to buy all the school supplies we could ever need. Our emotions are high…it’s a new school year and we can’t wait to get started. The gun is fired and we are off, but half way through the year, or maybe half way through the first week, you want to quit! Thoughts like, “what was I thinking?” and “I will never be able to teach my kid to read?” flood your mind. Athlete’s also hear their body tell them they can’t go on, their legs become tired and their arms become weak, this is when they can choose to give up or visualize the reason why they started the race in the first place. As they picture the purpose (the prize) of the race they get their second wind and press through.

Homeschooling is not easy, it’s sometimes stressful and very demanding, but it’s worth it! When negative thoughts and fatigue come in, pull out your paper that has your vision and your purpose for homeschooling, then press through…at the end of the year you’ll be happy you didn’t give up!

1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Where is the Respect?

Posted on August 5, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly] Ephesians 5:33 (The Amplified Bible)

It’s easier to find money on the side of the road than it is to find respect. But we are called and commanded by God to respect our husbands, so why don’t we do it?

For starters, I believe some people are simply not taught how to respect our husband. We might have never seen our mom respecting our dad, so what would make us think we needed to do so when we got married. Society can also play a role in how we treat our husband, just watch a couple of tv shows…you will most likely hear the wife putting down the husband, talking down to her husband and then making fun of her husband behind his back. We have gotten so far away from what the word has told us to do that we think these shows are normal and to respect your husband is humiliating. Wow, have we got it backwards.

Like it or not, husbands have been given authority over their families by God. 1 Corinthians 11:3 says, “…the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” I know this is not a popular scripture, even among Christians (which is sad), but never the less, it is truth.

Have you ever watched a man who’s married to a woman that stands beside him, encourages him daily, supports and respects his decisions? If you look closely, you will see a man that walks with pride and confidence. Now watch the man who is belittled by his wife multiple times a day and inappropriately contradicted in front of others…this man walks insecure and will even question his decision making.

Below are some questions to self examine yourself and your level of respect for your husband. If there is any question, ask your husband what he thinks.

1. Do you speak to your husband in a condescending, “put down” manner?
“What’s the matter with you?”
“What you said is ridiculous.”
“You’re too slow, I’ll do it myself.”
2. Do you treat your husband in private as respectfully as you do your pastor, your neighbor, or your friends in public?
3. Does your countenance show your disrespect by angry looks, looks of disgust, crossed arms, etc?
4. Do you bring up his shortcomings to others?
5. Do you compare him unfavorably with other men?

Remember your husband shouldn’t have to earn your respect, it’s something you choose to show him…regardless of your circumstance and in spite of your feelings.

God help us to respect the man you have put over our household. Help us to see we can empower our husband with our words and how we can also cripple him with our disrespect. Give us wisdom to know when to speak and patience for the times we should hold our tongue. May we set the right example for our children in the way we respect their father, so others can say our husband is truly blessed. In Jesus Name Amen

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
Proverbs 12:4A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12

Tuesday’s Homeschooling Tip

Posted on July 30, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

Tuesday’s Homeschooling Tip: Find what works for you and your family!

Mary might tell you Math U See is the best math curriculum and it worked for her Tommy. Then Jessica tells you Horizon is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now what do you do? You research it and maybe try to get your hands on some of the books, but don’t think because Mary or Jessica told you it’s the best, that it will be the best for your kids. Every child and every family is unique.

Some families have school rooms some don’t. Some families start their new school year in September while others go all year round. Some homeschoolers have four days of school while others might only have three.
If I can again, let me state my point…find what works for YOU, YOUR kids and YOUR family as a whole. If you get stressed or something is just not working, switch it up! That’s one of the reasons we homeschool, flexibility.

Lord as this new school year approaches, help us to see the big picture, help us to see the real value in homeschooling. Let us not dwell on the perfect curriculum or if our children should wear their pjs all day, but let our focus return to You and help us to point our children’s focus back to you because at the end of the day, You are the only thing that truly matters. In Jesus Name Amen

Lack of Communication and Hurt Feelings

Posted on July 29, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

It was Thursday afternoon and my hubby was coming home! He had only been away for a couple of nights, but I missed him and couldn’t wait to see him. His flight was to land around 6:15pm, just around dinner time, and I know he doesn’t like to eat late. I also knew he would want to stop by the house we are building to check on the progress, so I started cooking dinner and planned to bring it with me…this way he could eat a hot cooked meal in the car while I drove. I was so excited that I had figured this all out, I just knew he would be thankful.
It was 6:20pm and I was pulling in to the airport to pick up my husband. Everyone was excited to see Daddy. Once the kids settled down l looked over at him and said, “I have your dinner for you,” with a great big smile! Then he informed me he had already eaten!
At the moment I could have been very crushed and taken it personal, but thankfully I wasn’t. It was my fault for not asking if he had planned to eat before he boarded the plane.
Communication is so important in marriage. We often get our feelings hurt because we didn’t communicate to our spouse our plans, instead we just assume which can cause an unnecessary argument.
No, my husband didn’t eat the dinner that I brought him that night, but he did notice that I was thinking of him and his needs. And that was good enough for me!

Value in a Meal

Posted on July 24, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:7

Making dinner together as a family can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you have little ones that can’t reach the counter. That’s when we get a step stool and their hands go to work! It’s not only fun to cook with your kids, but I think it’s important to teach them early on how to value the meal you are preparing for the family.

Growing up I remember having big breakfasts together as a family every weekend and every night we would come together again for dinner. This was a time to talk about the day, to share the good and the bad. Our parents were our counselors, they would give us advice, encouragement, and even jokes to blow off the things that weren’t worth stressing over.

Food brings people together, it brings our family together. Our schedules can get busy and electronics suck us in, but when Mama says it’s dinner time, everyone stops and is ready to eat. I enjoy teaching our children that it’s more than cooking a dish of Lasagna or Picadillo and placing it on the table. That dish is like a glue that connects the family and keeps them close together.

God helps us to see value in cooking for our family. Bless the hands that prepare the meals and give wisdom to the parents as they pour into their children’s hearts around the dinner table and we ask you continue to strengthen and protect our families. In Jesus Name Amen

Proverbs 6:20-23 (The Message Bible)
Good friend, follow your father’s good advice;
don’t wander off from your mother’s teachings.
Wrap yourself in them from head to foot;
wear them like a scarf around your neck.
Wherever you walk, they’ll guide you;
whenever you rest, they’ll guard you;
when you wake up, they’ll tell you what’s next.
For sound advice is a beacon,
good teaching is a light,
moral discipline is a life path.

Below are 10 Benefits of Family Dinners from Webmd.
Toting up all the benefits of frequent family dinners:
-Everyone eats healthier meals.
-Kids are less likely to become overweight or obese.
-Kids more likely to stay away from cigarettes.
-They’re less likely to drink alcohol.
-They won’t likely try marijuana.
-They’re less likely to use illicit drugs.
-Friends won’t likely abuse prescription drugs.
-School grades will be better.
-You and your kids will talk more.
-You’ll be more likely to hear about a serious problem.
-Kids will feel like you’re proud of them.
-There will be less stress and tension at home.

Fresh Berry Goodness Smoothie

Posted on July 19, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

Need a quick morning breakfast or cool refreshing treat? Try this Fresh Berry Goodness Smoothie.

I couldn’t decide what I wanted for breakfast yesterday and I didn’t have time to waste so, I threw these items together and feel in love.

Fresh Berry Goodness Smoothie
-6 oz container of Vanilla Yogurt (I used Yoplait)
-one hand full of fresh Blueberries
-one hand full of fresh Raspberries
-a good squeeze of honey
-1/3 cup of milk
-1/4 cup of crushed ice
(you can also add some fresh strawberries)

Praying for Your Husband

Posted on July 16, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
~Proverbs 31:12

As I iron my husband’s work clothes this morning I say a prayer over him. It is crucial we pray for our spouse everyday. Our husband carries a weight we will never know and the devil is ready at anytime to bring him down (Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Peter 5:8). For he knows if he can take down the husband he can take down the family!

When I pray for my husband I like to start where the biggest battles are fought, their mind. Some of the things I pray for are pure thoughts, discernment and wisdom. I continue down his body and pray for his ears to hear the voice of God in his daily walk with Him. I pray his mouth would be used to encourage and strengthen others. I pray that his shoulders would not carry heavy burdens, but that he would place them in his Father’s hands. When I get to his hands I pray over his job, the company and the role he plays. The heart can also be a place of battle, during this time I pray for our marriage and God’s protection over it. Then I continue on and pray that his legs stay strong so, that his body can continue doing the work God has called for him. Last, but not least, I pray that God guides his feet daily. These are just a few examples of things I pray when talking to the Lord about my husband.

Your prayer doesn’t need to be the same, just praying over your spouse is the key.

As a teacher leads a class, a sergeant leads men into battle, and a pastor leads a church, so our husbands lead our family.

God help me to continue to be a praying wife. Help us to see the importance of praying for our spouse daily. For as we pray for them, we are praying for ourselves…for we are one. Let us also remember to be thankful for our spouse and their relationship, in your mighty name. Amen.

Just Go to Bed!

Posted on June 28, 2013 by fromthecommittedheart

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