Unexpected Smiles

My life has been crazy and hectic over the last month, I have to reflect on the great things that have happened. The Lord has done amazing things and answered prayer in so many ways and simply has made me smile on more than one ocassion. I have taken a new job, relocated to a new state, packed and unpacked an entire household, registered kids for school, shopped for Christmas presents, sent Christmas cards, forwarded mail, changed my address with everyone known to man, taken kids to the dentist, and so much more all within a one month period. Yep, I'm not kidding. When life gets so crazy you feel like you're spinning, there's always a peace and stillness that can be found in Christ. When life comes with big changes, we can find His rest amidst the winds of change. Despite all of this upheaval I still am smiling at the many answered prayers, the excitement in my family's eyes, the adventure of new surroundings and the anticipation of what God has in store in this new chapter of my family's life. Whatever you face, whether it's big changes like mine or smaller changes, you can find God's peace in the center of His will. Hold fast to His promises and pray always. You too will have a rest in the midst of chaos; I promise.

LORD, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you. Isaiah 26:12

Listening to the Breeze

Have you ever just sat and listened to the wind, it's smooth, subtle and rythmic style? You can't hear it unless you purpose to, unless you're still enough and focused on it. The same is true with us. We are not able to hear the Lord's still small voice unless we are still enough and focused on Him. His voice is always speaking just like the wind is always blowing, but unless we are still and listening it will just pass us by. Hearing Him speak is breath to our lungs, without it we won't know what direction to take or which way to go. Hearing Him through reading His word or in a still small voice, it is the sustenance we need for life. If we get too busy with our daily routines and agendas we will miss it. Just as we need water we need His leading. As you enjoy this busy season with your family and whatever this month holds for you, be sure to take time to sit and listen (really this is a reminder for myself). That breeze might be exactly what you need to make your next big decision.

John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Building Thankful Memories

Today my girls and I are preparing to serve a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner for our family. As a mom, I love including my girls in the beauty of serving others and using their gifts and abilities to do so. Yesterday, one of them made a pumpkin pie and the other made an amazing cookie dessert. Today as we set the table, one of them created beautiful place cards and the other crafted origami turkeys as I prepared the turkey and stuffing. This day will forever be stamped into their memories, getting to help mom make something beautiful. Take advantage of willing hearts and hands and train up your young ladies to be lovers of their family by allowing them to serve along side you. You won't regret it.

I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with Thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30

Ship Me A Bargain

I don't know about you, but lately I've been bombarded with oodles of store promotions. Each day I receive endless offers of "free shipping" or percentages off at my favorite retailers; really all of them are quite enticing. This luring stream of discounts has caused me to take advantage of my budgeted resources. For those of you who don't know me, I've been the annual Black Friday shopper; however with these great bargains I may be passing it up this year. I've found that most of these great deals are more time saving, more cost effective and save me from standing in line for hours. I'll raise my hand in victory as a winner not only of time but of money. Yes it sounds a bit crazy, but I am so excited about saving two valuable commodities I had to share it with you. Check out your favorite stores or vendors and get their email promos coming to you. You'll be a winner too!

Where Is Your Rome?

While reading through the book of Acts, it occured to me that Paul had a longing desire to go to Rome. In his own words he says,"I must also see Rome"(Acts 19:21). Do you have a longing desire, a dream or a passion to do something? Where or what is your Rome? What is it that you've been waiting for the opportunity to do? Take advantage of the time, gifts, and talents God has given you. We all unfortunately, have things that will distract us and hold us back from those things, but if we purpose to do them in His strength they are possible. Although Paul waited for a time, God eventually opened the door to his desire. When we dedicate our "Rome" to prayer, purpose to practice or hone our skills and talents, and clearly surrender our desires to God, He will open the door. So what are you waiting for? What or where is your Rome? Start praying about it today!

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Trials Still Shall Come

We recently came out of a near two year trial. Unbeknownst to us we would be hit with something from left field, something we'd least expect as a trial we would experience. Aren't most trials that way? We often think of trials as an annoyance, and often times they are. BUT GOD rich in His mercy and grace always looks for opportunities to grow our faith. Unfortunately trials typically are His catalyst to show us just how faithful He is. When we experience the bigger more difficult trials in life we are given a mirror to see just how strong our faith really is. Will we trust Him completely surrendering our emotions to His leading with much prayer or will we stress out and allow our fleshly tendencies to come crawling out?

Needless to say, although I would not have opted for a legal battle as was the trial in this case, I can see how God used our family. He utilized the behavior of our three children and our story in an elite conference room for nearly six hours to shine His light on four attorneys and a mediator, whom by the end of the day nearly all gave us hugs. God can use you as He did us to shine His light on people you might never get the chance to meet or influence had you not been in the midst of a trial.

Matthew 5:16
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Have you ever wondered why we were given two eyes? Of course to see better, right? It recently dawned on me, that we are able to see better those people around us that are hurting or maybe need some love if we simply open our eyes. Really they're all around us; they could be a neighbor, co-worker or even a family member. When we ask the Lord to show us those in our sphere of influence that are hurting or need a little love, He's always willing to open our eyes. He wants nothing more than for us to extend His touch of love.

Lord, open our eyes to see those around us that need your love, encouragement or simply just a hug. Once we see them, give us the courage to love them.

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Teach Them Well...Tithe and Save

Taking every opportunity to share the importance of money management with your children is never a discussion to miss. Teaching kids the importance of handling money well with a biblical perspective will instill a great foundation early in life. One way we started teaching our kids was by giving them opportunities to work hard and make money. The bigger the project the more we paid them. Not only does this instill good work ethic, but it also helps them to get started in handling money. When they first earned a little cash, we taught them to have envelopes for tithe, savings and spending (The spending cash of course typically goes right into their wallets). Teaching them that no matter what amount they earn, tithing is always first, saving is second and spending is last. It has worked well for us. But, however you choose to teach your kids God's principals on money management, just remember they are never to young to learn that our money belongs to God and we're merely stewards of it.

Here's a fun tip: Give your kids white envelopes to decorate with stickers, markers and paper. Then have them label them what they are for (ie: tithe, savings, spending). This might get them excited and may open the door for you to start sharing the importance of money management.

It's Time For Some Fun!

Yikes, can you believe we're already half way through summer? It's amazing how quickly time passes. Although my life has been hectic and even wearisome I try to always plan some fun. Juggling family, summer fun and regular mom-duties is a bit of a circus act, but finding fun creative things to do with your family will always make memories. What about you; what do you do for fun? One thing I really enjoy doing is going on family walks. It gives us time to laugh, be silly and just hang out together while taking in God's creation, not to mention it's good for your health. What about creating a project together? My girls and I have been spending our fun time scouring second hand stores in efforts of creating unique journals. Whatever you think is fun try doing it with your family, children, best-friend or neighbor. Find something you enjoy and get to it! If you don't plan for it, time will pass you by.   Ephesians 5:16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

A Meaningful Godcidence

Okay for all you gals who are as busy as I am, always on the run and hardly taking time to breathe. I want to share a great Godcidence that happened to me, that can only clearly be God's hand in my life.

After church one Sunday my family and I were enjoying lunch at a local sandwhich shop when, at a glance, I noticed a family walk through the door that caught my attention. For some crazy reason I had this strong desire to meet the mom. I've never had an incident like this occur. Well, despite the urgency I felt inside, I did not have the courage to go up to her and just introduce myself. As we walked out I told my daughter and husband, I should have met her. I really should have met her. Within that moment, my husband encouraged me saying that if I was supposed to meet her God would cross our paths again. I spent the rest of the day regretting my decision and rested on his advice. As you can imagine over a month later, we were at the same local sandwhich shop and who came walking through the door? Yes, you guessed right. I did not let the opportunity slip by this time. Truly God had setup up this divine appointment. I am confident the Lord put this new friend in my life for numerous reasons. She too loves Jesus and is likeminded in many ways. I share all of this with you so that you might be encouraged, despite your fast pace or busy schedule don't ignore those promptings the Lord puts in your heart. You never know who or what God might have for you.

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;

Catch a Deal

If you're the avid bargainer, these days might be the best time to catch a deal. Shopping the clearance at your favorites stores is a sure bet bargain catcher. However, I recently found myself in a thrift store where I scored big! I found some italian leather red boots (new) for $2! Yes, that is by far my best deal catcher. But, I was also able to get my daughter some BCBG jeans for only $1! You can't beat deals like that. I know when the budget is tight, we need to be creative. Finding your best deal might be in a place you'd least expect.

Washed Up

Wow, have you ever felt like you've been in the midst of a washer's spin cycle? Maybe you feel that way right now, I know I have lately. Being sloshed around, feeling wrung up and even almost drowning are not what I call comfortable times. But I recently realized that when we are in the midst of purification although it is always uncomfortable, we can rest assured we always come out brighter than when we went in. God's work in our lives is always to get rid of those things that aren't so beautiful, those stains that seem to show for all to see. Sometimes our stains are on the inside of our collars, where only we know about them. What stain are you hiding or holding on to? Regardless of whether your stains are pride, discontentment or jealousy, whatever your stain(s), God wants to remove them from your beautiful fabric. Those stains need to go, they need to be washed away in the cleansing of God's word and in the refining of His ever loving hand. The trials of the washing machine are for our better. As I encourage myself, be encouraged that God is doing a work in your life. He's doing a work in my life. The twisting and wringing you might feel is for a greater good; it is so that you might come out of that washing machine changed, transformed, and even more beautiful than when you went in. Let go of your stains and dirt, and let God do a new work.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Be Still and Listen

Today I find myself with a few moments to rest and reflect. Although life can be very busy and things a bit hectic, it is imperative that we sometimes take a few moments to be still before the Lord. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us to be still and know that He is God.

I recently was reminded in my bible study that busyness does not produce wholeness. Sometimes we get so busy with our life that we don't allow the Lord to work in the deepest parts of our hearts. Sometimes we need to back away and say "no" to the things we must commonly say "yes" to and spend time at the foot of the cross. There we can, by being still and listening, hear His still small voice. He desires to guide and direct us in our current circumstances and concerns. When we're tired, overwhelmed and too busy we don't allow ourselves the opportunity to hear God's soft voice.

Being still for a Martha like me is very challenging. But I must do it. I must sit in silence and listen. Lord, speak I am listening.

Join me at the foot of the cross.

Spring Fling

Okay for all you ladies who need inspiration to get your home in order. Spring is soon approaching. It's time to get in and clean out, or as we'll call it Spring Fling. For many this may seem like a daunting task, but for some the readiness to be organized and orderly makes you happy just thinking about it. You know who you are. With the change of season and the longer days soon approaching, why not take time to clean out those bogged down closets and drawers, clean under those sofas, and wash those coverlets? Here's some easy steps to getting this accomplished without being overwhelmed. First, make a list of most important to least important. As you find yourself with snippets of time, knock one out. You'll be surprised in just a few months how orderly and organized you'll feel. Having a checklist will make it seem much more feasible to get done. Second, make the Spring Fling a fun family project. Inspire your kids to spring into their closets and fling out those old unused toys, shoes and clothes. Let them sell or donate their no longer wanted items. Let them experience the blessing of being orderly and sharing.

Our God is a God of order, we should follow in His steps.

I Corinthians 14: 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Prayer Power!

As we attempt to parent our kiddos towards the things of God, it is crucial for us as parents to model the importance of prayer, not simply at mealtime only. Starting each day together in prayer and ending each day in prayer brings a unique and special bond within the family. You've heard it said, "the family that prays together stays together." Prayer is an opportunity for your kids, as well as yourself, to see God move in a personal way. Recently, I had two of my kiddos come to me so excited to see God answer their prayers. Yes, their prayers to us may seem so simple asking God for their lost toy or a friend. But to God they are huge and to them they are huge. As parents we have an amazing teachable moment, affirming God's interest in their lives and His answer to their prayers. What kid doesn't want to know that God cares about their concerns? I encourage you to spend time with your kids in prayer. Initially you will have to be the one prompting them or making them aware of the prayers that are being answered, but in time your kids too will be excited when they recognize God's answer to prayer on their own. It's powerful, try it!

Trust Comes with Promise

For many Proverbs 3:5-6 is a well-memorized verse. Although we struggle from time to time with the circumstances we face it is imperative, really necessary, to cling to God's word. These verses give us hope, promises we can apply and savor in our lives. If we simply trust in the Lord, He promises to direct us. Lighting the way of where we should go, do, etc. is critical to our spiritual and physical success. It's as critical as walking through the woods in a dark cloud covered sky. We are simply unable to see where we are going if we don't have light. The light we need comes only from Him and in these verses, if we simply apply our part of trusting in God, He promises to direct our path. Are you trusting Him with that big problem or hurdle you're facing? Am I? Trusting only comes from past difficulties and experience with God. We cannot trust someone or something we have not known something about. Each passing difficulty or hardship brings with it a history of experience. The experience we gain in seeing God's faithfulness shows us He is trustworthy. Think of this challenge you face as a stepping stone to deeper faith and trust in Him. I'm speaking to myself here too. No matter what we face, if we simply trust Him, He promises to guide the way. Let's trust Him and see where He takes us.

Team Players

As a usual routine, my family designates a night of the week as our "family" night. We use this as an opportunity to have a family meeting discussing any current family issues or upcoming events. We also take advantage of the time to read through scripture as a family discussing just a few verses at a time. Interacting together and discussing what God's word means as a family team, allows us the opportunity to answer questions our kids might have. We do a prayer request time and take turns praying for each other. During this time we try to have dessert to make it a little more exciting. Then we top the night off with a game, movie or something fun! Don't get me wrong, this does not take the place of our daily devotion or prayer time with our kids, this is just a fun night that we gather together purposefully. We always try to reinforce to our kids that we are a team. We work together and have the same goals in mind. Building that camaraderie gives them a sense of safety and togetherness. So however you can designate time together in your family's schedule, purpose to do it. Play as a team!

Off and Away

Away goes 2010 like a blur! I can hardly believe we're ready for a new calendar. Well, if time passes fast for you too, I'm sure you can relate to my frantic observation. January 1st has already come and gone, and I have not pondered my new goals for this year. Really I haven't sat down to ponder much. With undecorating and packing up the Christmas goods, I'm just exhausted. So...here we are a new year. I honestly should be bubbling with excitement at the thought of a new start, new year, etc. I usually am. Not this year. For me 2010 came with so many challenges, difficulties and trials I'm tired just telling you about them. Despite that I am reminded that those who wait on the Lord will have renewed strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. Boy, I could use that strength! How about you? I must consider all the good the Lord has done in 2010 and walk confidently into this new year, not with anxiety but with encouragement knowing that He will give me the strength to face all that comes my way, if I simply wait and trust in Him.

Challenge: Sit and ponder what the Lord would have you do and accomplish this year.

Isaiah 40:31 "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."