Giving Through God's Grace

I wanted to share with everyone the letter I wrote for our new church home, Freedom Christian Church, about a special gifting that we are planning for Christmas. One of the reasons I wanted to post this was because this applies not only just for Christmas, but at ALL times through the year. Gifting and caring for others is something we should be doing daily! Please enjoy, and if you feel inspired, please give to these organizations. They have websites and do accept donations through PayPal and other various means.

Greetings friends,

As you are very aware, Christmas is fast approaching. This has been a very difficult year for many, financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Thankfully we have the promises of God that He will always provide and care for our needs, no matter how things appear through our natural eyes!

One of things we should consider is “the reason for the season”. God gave us the gift of freedom and eternal life in the form of Jesus Christ. It was through the crucifixion that Jesus committed the selfless act of becoming sin so that we may be forgiven and no longer separated from God, that we could come to His throne of Grace boldly. As Christians, we may be the only example of Christ that some people may ever experience. How can we, as sons and daughters to the King, be that example to others? Let us look to the Word and examine one area of giving during this time:

Deuteronomy 15: 7-11 states: When you happen on someone who’s in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that GOD, your God, is giving you, don’t look the other way pretending you don’t see him. Don’t keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don’t count the cost. Don’t listen to that selfish voice saying, “It’s almost the seventh year, the year of All-Debts-Are-Canceled,” and turn aside and leave your needy neighbor in the lurch, refusing to help him. He’ll call God’s attention to you and your blatant sin. Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. (The Message)

And James 2:14-17 states: Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup-where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? (The Message)

God knows that we have all had our financial struggles during this season. With the struggles our economy has suffered and the loss of jobs all over the place, people are often afraid to give. We see our checkbooks and we wonder where the next dollar is going to come from or how we are going to pay bills. The Bible plainly states that there is no fear in the Lord. There is an overflow that comes from gifting to others, and God does provide for a means of giving. He fills our cups to overflowing so that we may bless others according to how He has blessed us. We are not expected to give what we can’t but rather to give from what God has given us.

2 Corinthians 9:11-15 states: This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the BARE needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, His gift. No language can praise it enough! (The Message)

If you look even further, you can see the overflow of giving and how it can work in your own life. The Macedonian churches in New Testament times are a prime example of this. The Christians there were deeply poor, lacking in many areas and at times barely having the basic necessities. Here the word clearly shows how if YOU give out of the abundance right where you are into another’s life, how YOU and THEM can be abundantly blessed.

2 Corinthians 8:2: Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. (The Message)

There are three areas I would like to see Freedom Christian Church give into this Christmas season. Locally there is the Hope Pregnancy Center based here in Killeen. They provide services to women who think they are pregnant, or those who are pregnant and unsure of where to turn. They try to fully educate women on their choices once these women have discovered an unplanned pregnancy, they provide ultrasounds to these women, encouragement right where these women are, prayer for these women to make good solid choices, and so much more – all free of charge to those who use their services. The Killeen location is right next door to the abortion clinic and often Hope is left to council women that have been traumatized by the abortion procedures. WWW.HOPEPC.COM

Regionally, I would like to see our church gift into Soldiers Hospitality House located on Fort Hood. The Soldiers Hospitality House, SHH, is a Fort Hood ministry that provides a place for military personnel who are far from home, family, and friends to feel the warmth of a "home away from home." The Soldiers Hospitality House is a soldiers ministry sponsored by Cadence International, a mission organization dedicated to ministering to those in the military. The Wootens, directors of the Hospitality House, offer Bible studies, home-cooked meals, and off-duty activities as well as a close family environment. The Fort Hood military community, with over 100,000 people, including 46,000 soldiers, is the largest military installation in the world. Approximately 16,000 are single soldiers. Currently, the SHH is also helping to provide services to the wounded from the Fort Hood tragedy and their families. Their web address is: WWW.SOLDIERSHOSPITALITYHOUSE.ORG

Internationally our church should continue and strengthen our support of our World Vision child. His name is Hector and he is 8 years old. Located in central Mexico, he lives with his parents, brother, and 2 sisters. His father is an agricultural worker and tries to support his family. Most people living in this particular area live in one room only homes and eat things like beans and corn tortillas with occasionally being able to add chicken or beef into their diet. Our support of this community provides things like school supplies, immunizations, well checkups, dental exams, clean water, improved nutrition and education to help with training to improve the standard of living for the area. Most importantly, our support through World Vision brings the Gospel to people like Hector and his family, allowing them to hear about the Salvation of Jesus Christ.

I pray that you seek God’s face over the next few weeks in regards to giving. On our Sunday service, December 20th, we will be collecting a special love offering during our message specifically for these three organizations that we have chosen to support. Seek God’s will; see where He wants you to give and where you can give.
Remember, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (Psalms 24:1 NLT) Do not have fear about gifting. God always provides and blesses us according to His riches and glories. Whatever way we are able to give, God will bless. He commands us to think of the less fortunate, and Jesus compares our giving as if we were giving to Him; “Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me- you did it to me”. (Matthew 25:40, The Message)

Thank you for considering this, and be blessed in Christ!

Under Siege...

While yes, my health has still been under siege, things are improving.

I did want to hop in here and give a quick update, and to say thank you for the prayers.

I'm not giving the enemy any ground on this one, so please be patient. When the battle is over (at least this one) I will be posting the victory!

Praise God, I know He is with me!

Please continue to pray as you feel led, and I am going to keep going forward, for He is a light for my path!

It's been awhile....

I've had some things going on medically, but thankfully I am doing much better. I won't go into those now, I don't think that putting it all out there would be a good idea. Whenever you are going through something, you don't want to share ALL parts of it because the amount of negative things that can be spoken over the situation....and if you know someone going through something and you know details about it, please only speak LIFE over that person. Your words ARE spiritual containers that WILL come to be!

Thank you G, for continuous prayer for me, it has provided strength. I wanted you to know that.


On another note, I've started homeschooling Alex and that is going AMAZINGLY! I should have already done it. But you know what, that is ok, because we are here now and he and I are really enjoying it. We also get the baby involved, so Blythe is certainly not left out.

Thank you everyone who has been praying for our family.

God is good.

Something Special for JeniFriend!

Hello! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I know being a Bride-to be is so very exciting, filled with so many hopes and dreams, promises of what is to come! And so wonderful that you should be where you are! What a abundant blessing!

I know that G's theme for you today is foodie stuff, but I want to take a little different approach - and please forgive me Gin for "hijacking" your event!

I want to share with you some very special things....

Today is my 9th wedding anniversary to my husband, who has become the man of my dreams and the keeper of my heart! Honestly, we weren't always where we are right now in our marriage, but I am soo glad we got here! Check out Song of Solomon 8:6-7 from The Message, I think it describes it perfectly:

Hang my locket around your neck,
wear my ring on your finger.
Love is invincible facing danger and death.
Passion laughs at the terrors of hell.
The fire of love stops at nothing—
it sweeps everything before it.
Flood waters can't drown love,
torrents of rain can't put it out.
Love can't be bought, love can't be sold—
it's not to be found in the marketplace.


I have thought and thought deeply, and put much time in prayer as to what I could give you for your journey as a married woman, and here is what I have for you, my personal little nuggets for you to take!

1. Keep Christ the priority and focus of your life and home! Really, Darryl and I didn't start out that way, it made life harder for us, and I can tell the difference in our marriage since we began to put Jesus first, everything else second. We still endure many things, but we have such a greater outlook and I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to know that you are loved and carried no matter what.

2. Uphold each other as partners. I spent many years fighting against my husband, just trying to get things to go my way. You wanna know what I've learned? He's smarter than I've given him credit for and if I respect him as a person and the man I married, well, let's just say that we don't "disagree" (translate into throwing the bowls across the living room at each others' heads) and we can talk things out in a manner that we can actually hear each other.

3. Remember to talk to each other. I don't mean the short convos that we end up falling into after some time passes. Sit down and have actual conversations with each other. You guys fell in love for a reason! ;)

4. Love changes. It grows, it changes. I don't get all giggly when my husband walks through the door anymore. But you know what a do have? A deep understanding that the man that has given his life to me would give his life for me and would not have one second thought about that. I understand that above all, he is my beloved and I am his. I have faith that when he leaves for work, he will come home. I know that our family is his priority and that he won't be swayed from us. And there is something very amazing about the level that love runs once it has been cultivated for awhile.

5. Don't sweat the small stuff. It really isn't a big deal if he drops his shorts on the floor at night instead of folding them up neatly and placing them on the dresser. We do just as much annoying stuff to them! Life itself will have many things you will have to face without wanting to choke each other over toothpaste caps (although if he leaves the potty lid up then he is fair game! I don't like falling in myself! LOL).

6. Set realist goals for yourselves as a family. Yep, you guys are your own family now. Talk about where you would like to be in a few years, set some goals for that. It keeps you focused if you have a goal, and aren't just "surviving"!

7. In-laws have advice. And lots of it. They mean well, and you have to keep that in mind. I have a great mother-in-law, I feel very blessed that she is as respectful of our marriage as she is. However, even she has her advice for us. I love her for it, I know that her main goal is to see us both happy and doing well. So if you get bad advice, just remember the heart behind it is one that truly loves her son and wants his happiness! This outlook helps when things get a little awkward with the family....and yes, he inherits your family and you inherit his. More people to love! :D

8. Sometimes it's better to wait awhile than to fix the issue RIGHT NOW. The first few years are the most interesting, you are still learning so much about each other! And truthfully, you are with each other 24/7 (to a degree) so you are bound to grate on nerves. Take a time out. Seriously, that has saved my husband and I many arguments because either he or I have realized how silly we were being. It would have been great had we learned this one early on, but that was something that came with time for us. *insert BIG grin here*

9. Men are pretty straightforward. Hahaha, it took me FOREVER to understand that when he would say "nothing is wrong" or "nothing is on my mind" or "I'm just tired" (especially that one) that is truly what he means. There is no hidden emotions there, there is none of him being upset and just needing to talk it out (which is for some reason what I always thought)...men are pretty blunt. And yes, that simple. Maybe that is why I couldn't wrap my brain around that, too simple for me!

but most importantly:

10. Keep your marriage between YOU, your HUSBAND, and GOD. Yes, there are going to be times you get mad. There will be times that he dissappoints you or hurts your feelings, there are going to be times where you are just totally floored by his lack of understanding on something. There are going to be times of great joy and God given peace. There are going to be times that you want to celebrate, and times you want to shout your love from the rooftops! Honey, by all means, put that wonderful stuff out there! But what I can say is this, the times where it is bumpy, get in your shower or your closet and pour your heart out to God. God is the only one that can direct you guys in the way that is right for you, and He is the only one who can "fix" the problem. The less people involved, the less complicated things are. Friends and family have good intentions, they mean well, but HE is your mate, HE is your confidant, HE is the person you lay next to at night. Spreading those hurts or wounds out there just gives the enemy firepower.


I hope this helps you some, and hope you've had a few laughs while reading. If there is any way I can help encourage you, let me know. I will share my story with you one day, or you are more than welcome to ask Ginger, she'll shed light on where Darryl and I have been. If there is one thing I know, I know this....God sanctifies marriages, He protects them, and if you lean on Him first, you can make it through ANYTHING. I know, I've been there!

Congratulations again!

Bloggy 2

I have something in the works for here...just going to take a little bit of time.

Meantime, I've updated Alex's blog.

http://beckonedtoourknees.blogspot.com


thank ya!

8 Things....

I'm up late babysitting tonight and while I'm really sitting here not doing a thing in the world but killing time, I thought I would post this...

My Sis-in-law, Ginger (http://www.heresmycuplord.com) tagged me on this:

8 Things..

• 8 Things I look forward to:

1. Spending the day with my hubby and children to celebrate Father's Day, the first day of summer, and his birthday!
2. My Dunkin' Donuts coffee every morning, made courtesy of my loving husband.
3. Getting PCS'd back to Georgia in about 1 year and 1/2.
4. Homeschooling Alex
5. Taking Alex to the developmental pediatrician (praises be to GOD for the wisdom they will have and the answers we will receive Amen and Amen!)
6. Seeing my family in Georgia on our roadtrip that is coming up soon
7. Learning even more about the giftings God has blessed me with
8. Having a closer and more mature relationship with Christ!

• 8 Things I did Yesterday:

1. Shared coffee with the hubby!
2. Studied scripture
3. Created a diagram that was related to me study and hung it up on the baby's wall for quick reference!
4. Change LOTS of diapers!
5. Snuggled with Blythe
6. Cooked dinner - and we make that a family affair!
7. Prayed and prayed more!
8. Spend time with God w/the worship music blasting on the radio!

• 8 Things I wish I could Do....

1. Go and buy a brand new van WITH CASH right now!
2. Stop smoking without going to see the doctor over it.
3. Have my dental work magically done in my sleep overnight and never have to deal with it again.
4. Deliver some people that are very close to me from the torment that they have been under (and this one makes me very sad....)
5. Lay new sod in my yard....my baby is allergic to the grass that is out there now!
6. Change the Army's mind about sending my hubby to Iraq.
7. Be so much more like Jesus than where I am now (but I'm getting there Hallelujah!)
8. Protect my children FOREVER.

• 8 Shows I Watch.....

1. House (when it's in season)
2. Hell's Kitchen (Gordon Ramsey is frightful!)
3. American Idol (and that has only been a recent thing for me)
4. Lie To Me (I find this show amazingly fascinating!)
5. (uh oh, I'm running out so here are the ones I BARELY watch)Extreme Makeover Home Edition
6. Wife Swap on ABC
   
7. Dog Whisperer
8. Animal Cops Houston
   

Hey, wow, I just realized just how little I actually watch tv.

And just so you know, I have been contemplating turning off the cable. I'll let you know how that goes.

:D

Money Monday (on a Tuesday Night LOL)

I realize that this is a late post, but please extend grace...My household gets very hectic sometimes and well, to be honest yesterday was a "day of days" in which Mommy decided it was time for some housecleaning....so the kitchen was redone and scrubbed down, the living room was completely changed - including moving the furniture around. Kids LOVE all the space and so do I. I moved my chaise lounge out from in front of the television for peace! I never watch it anyway, so I'm not missing much!

So onward with the task at hand!

I read somewhere about your personal money tree. You know, the kind that our parents you to refer to when they would say, "What, do you see a money tree in the back yard?" Actually, we all have a "money tree". It's called our paychecks. And really, how you "water" your tree will not only determine the tree's vitality, but also the fruit of that tree.

For example, if you save your money, invest wisely, then you are "watering" your tree with good water, and it will produce good fruit. However, if you water your tree with more and more debt, well needless to say your tree will eventually shrivel up and die.

We were there. We had soo much debt it was unreal. We had the kind of debt that we could not even buy groceries for our household for all the bills we had to pay. We chose to buy groceries, of course, but then we ran into the problem of not being able to pay bills. A bankruptcy and several several collections accounts later we are still struggling to recover from those poor choices. We don't have that massive amount of debt any longer, but we most certainly have to deal with the consequences of unwise choices and money MISmanagement!

The method we chose to get out of debt is the "tier method" or "pyramid method". It worked for us. Most people will tell you to pay off what is costing you the most interest, and while that advice works for alot of people, for a good majority of others it is not something feasable.

We looked at all of our bills. We took the one we owed the LEAST on, and paid it off first. Then we got the next one. We would pay our normal payment on the account, PLUS what we used to pay of the first account. That can take time, but it is much easier to handle if you are at the place where you are struggling to even put milk on the table.

Another trick you can utilize is with your federal withholdings. You CAN for A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, claim as many exemptions as allowed by law. That will allow you to get in your max amount of money to help your get your head out of the water and put you at a place where you are not drowning. However, REMEMBER that is something that can only be done for 4-6 months (depending on your exemption claim). After that, you are going to end up paying the IRS ALOT of money so make sure you change it back.

For example, we claimed married w/6 on his pay. That freed up a lot of his income. We actually did it for the whole year. The reason we were able to do that is simply that is our current exemptions and when we file at the end of the year that is what we claim. Now don't get me wrong, I think we only got back like $3k that year, but during the year that extra money was a HUGE blessing for us.

Hopefully this will give you even more ideas when you are looking at your own financial situation. I really pray that each and every person that reads this, examines what God is speaking to them about their finances, and just commits to being a good steward with money and really gets ahead!

Blessings inward are blessings that you can pour outward!

Happy Birthday Haley!

14 years ago today, at 3:28pm, God blessed me with a beautiful 6lb 90z baby girl. I named her Haley Leann.

She was a shining light into my life! Absolutely beautiful, happy, and a very loving baby. She was most certainly, a snuggle bug!


One thing is for sure, she certainly touched many lives during her time here on this world. She brought joy to many of us who felt that joy was gone, she brought a second chance to those who desperately needed it, and she brought laughter to us who needed. There is not a person who she came in contact with that was not affected by her presence, or her beautiful smile.








Yes, we miss her. Yes, we think of her every single day. I often think of how she would be today. What would her interests be? How would she do in school? What would she look like? How would her voice sound? What struggles would we have? What would be our triumphs? I try to share with her other brothers and sisters who she was - I try to impart a sense of knowing to them. She is part of our family, she is part of our history.

And yes, I mourn for the child that I cannot wrap my arms around.







However....

I still celebrate! I celebrate the life of a child that I have known, a life that I was given the opportunity to know intimately. I know that she is wrapped in the arms of Jesus, that God called her home so that she would suffer no more and from that satan was defeated on his attack on her body. Hallelujah and Praise God for knowing what I did not, and for protecting this beautiful angel!

And there I want to leave, knowing that she is perfect in her heavenly home, and today I can celebrate with the kids the birthday of their beloved sister!




Haley Leann McIntyre
June 10, 1995 - February 27, 1998

Money Modays!!! Budgets...

Oh yes, today I am approaching the dreaded "budgets". Really, why do our stomachs roll over whenever that word is mentioned? I truly believe it is because the word budget signifies restraint, accountability, and responsibility. We'll give so much over, but man oh man, when it comes to money, that is ONE area that seems to be the hardest to give to God. Could it be that we are so frightened of losing control that we are willing to hord something that does not even belong to us?

Okay. So here is the deal. The most awfulest (is that even a word lol) lamest excuse for not having a budget that I have ever heard was "I don't make enough money for a budget!" Really? Well, the LESS money you make the MORE important a budget is!

Truly budgets are important no matter what the amount is that you bring in. Again, it is one area that we must hold consistency, responsibility, and accountability. That is where we really can show that we really are "grown ups".

How you do your budget is up to you. The good thing about a budget is that you can tailor it to meet you right where you are and help you attain goals. Everyone's budget is going to be different from each other, because each household is different, each need is different. What works for one may not work for another. However, the basics of a budget are the same.

Our family lives on a budget. There are 6 of us in our household, and 1 income provider. We have to budget. And yes, I occasionally fall off of the budget. When I do, I know it. It becomes very evident very quickly. I'm not perfect about it, so please don't think that I am approaching this subject as someone who is dead on it. I make my mistakes too, but you know what? God's grace and mercy is sufficient in ALL things (and that includes my mistakes)!

1. Set a goal.

What do you want to see accomplished? It can be a long term goal (like ours is to be able to build a home for us when my hubby retires from the Army and pretty much completely pay for it out right) or it can be a short term goal (like saving for a trip in a few months). Or, you can combine goals. Like our house, we have our long term goal, but we also have a short term goal of visiting family next month so we have that added in. The point is, once you have a goal, you have a starting point.

2. Make a priority list.

This should be which bills HAVE to be paid, in order of importance. For us, it goes like this: house, utilities (power/water), car insurance. Our cable bill however, is at the bottom of the list, BEHIND groceries!

3. Stick to it!

This seems to be the hardest part. Getting everything down on paper always looks good, but sticking to it seems to be the issue. Apparently we ALL have problems with self-restraint and self-control. I'm there with you, trust me. I spent where I shouldn't have last month and we are now in a recovery phase again. The great thing about it, it gets easier for self control the more we do it!

I just really want to encourage everyone to get on a budget. You will see a marked difference in where you are financially if you do!

Next Monday I am going to blog about our money trees. Hope to see you there!

Sunday Thoughts

Check out our blog for our son, http://beckonedtoourknees.blogspot.com


I have to apologize for the lack of updates. It's been very busy here in our household, and just one of those few weeks that I haven't had time to think, much less type.

First I want to get into a book that I recently read. It's called The Shack, and it is a very good work of fiction! If you are looking for something intense (capturing your attention, holding it, and doing something amazing with your heart), this is the book. I can see how some people would not know how to swallow some of the concepts behind the book, but I still recommend reading it. It will challenge you in one way or another. One of the places it got me was the view of the man's heart in this book. It made me stop and really think about mine, what my garden may appear to be. It also struck me how in this particular situation, the Holy Spirit uprooted many of the deep roots in his heart, but there were times He left roots that He had loosened for the man to pull up himself. How true is that of us! God works to release us, but we still have to face those things, walk through our temptations and our hurts, but God has redeemed us through Jesus Christ! The story also made me examine my relationship with God. How do I talk to Him? How do I view Him? How much of my life does He really have? It left me with a strong desire to have a better relationship with my Creator.

The next thing I want to address is a prayer request. Darryl's exwife has lived a very interesting lifestyle for many years, but in the recent months has given her heart completely over to God. That alone was an amazing thing, to see her go from just talk to actually taking action. Praise God! However, since taking those steps, she has been hit from all angles. Some being attacks of discouragement and some being consequences of her lifestyle choices. Please help lift her and her family up in prayer! She is now losing the home she has had for almost 8 years now and has been wracked with emotional chaos from it. We have prayed with her and for her, to remind her of the love of God and that no matter what to put her trust into Him.

I know that no matter where we are personally, sometimes we see other's situations and can be truely reminded of the blessings that we have. And I also know that Christ always reached out to others who had less (and those that had more) than He himself had on this earth. Let's all stop for a moment and consider where our brothers and sisters are and lift them up in prayer! There is so much freedom in the sacrifice of praise!

Make-Up on Money Mondays!

I realize that I am a bit late this evening, but it's going to be okay. I know that everyone was just waiting in anticipation to find out what interesting post I'm gonna have on here today, right? I *heart* all of my fans! :D

So let us approach the subject of money again, after all, it is Monday! I am going to keep in line with last weeks post on wasting away our money, but today I am going to approach it a little differently. Today is going to be about getting quality for our dollar. Quality means that you don't waste your money replacing what wasn't good enough to start off with. Yes, you might save a little money in the immediate, but in the long run you tend to spend WAY more than you meant to.

For example, you go out and you buy a $40 pot/pan set. Granted, your funds are limited, but you really need another set of pots and pans (like I seriously do at the moment) so you head out to the local W*lmart store and purchase the least expensive set. Well, about 3 months goes by, and you have to buy new ones because those have started tearing up (they rust and do this wierd bubble thing on the inside of the bottom - yes, I've actually done this). Again, funds are limited so you buy ANOTHER set....you end up in this cycle...every 3 months having to purchase new pots and pans, and by one year you could have bought a very nice, durable set for most likely LESS than what you have already put out on those cheaper ones (about 160 give or take).

So, I am going to share with you some things that I have found to be valuable to the dollar that God has blessed our family with.

1. Physician's Formula Make-up

I sooooo totally absolutely love this stuff!!

I pay more for it, yes, but it is really good makeup. I can use this, it looks totally and completely natural, and it doesn't break my face out. It doesn't even feel like I have makeup on. That is a bonus in my book. Look, I have this thing, where when I use base it causes these horrible knots to come up under the muscle in my face...no matter what brand I use. But with this stuff, it doesn't happen. I don't even have to use the base, all I use is the POWDER. It is made for many different skin types, and well worth every dime you spend on it. And, it's mineral makeup, which is more natural than the other stuffs out there. You can use the eyeshadows wet or dry, they are easy to apply, and the makeup lasts. Check it out next time you are thinking about going and buying more makeup. With this, I have only had to purchase 4 things....1 eyeshadow, 1 blush, 1 mascara, and 1 powder. So in the long run, I've saved a decent amount of money. Without this, I would still be spending a KILLER on makeup and cleaner to try to control the damage to my face.

2. Carter's baby clothes


You can get these at Sears for a decent price, they are always on sale. My likes for this one? Well, simple. They are priced reasonably, they last, they look great on my baby, they have an AWESOME selection for boys, and the material is super! I love how soft they feel, but he doesn't get overheated in them. Well worth our money. They look really nice and have endured everything the baby has put them through! Easy to take care of, stains come out quick (yay for spot treatment!), and they are made nicely. Don't get me wrong, I've bought things for him from Wally world, but really? These fit better and are better made. Besides, having a boy makes the choices at places like Wally world very slim. I like the fact that I can go into Sears, pick these up for him, and really have a great selection to chose from.

3. Sears Toughskins Childrens Clothing


OH, let me tell you about this little gem I have found. You go into Sears, you look for the "ToughSkins" label. These are AMAZING. There is a reasonable selection here, keep this in mind. You spend the $10 to join the Sears kids club thing. Here is the deal, as long as your child wears that particular size (my older son is currently in a 6) if the clothes wear out, then Sears will REPLACE that size AT NO COST TO YOU and AT ANY TIME, as long as you need that size. It doesn't matter if the new clothes are no longer on sale, they are still replaced at no cost. Yes, you read that correctly. You know how boys (and sometimes girls) are on clothes. My kids tend to wear the knees down quickly on their pants. This particular brand has reinforced knees - but unlike other brands, you cannot even tell they are reinforced. Not only that, but my kids have not managed to wear these out yet. Unlike the other pants I've bought - those pants are already worn out. Waste of money. Spent about $20 a pair on their school uniform pants at another store, where when I found out about the brand at Sears, they were only $10 a piece! And have lasted longer to boot!



My advice for today, sit down. Really think about what you are buying. Are you having to replace it often? Is it wearing down quickly? Wouldn't it make sense just to purchase a higher quality item and get more value for your dollar?

I really believe that at the present time we are in, we all could use a re-evaluation on our finances, whether it be by how we are paying our bills to how we are spending even our pennies. It adds up! And today, more than ever, it is so very important to be wise with our financial habits!

Have a blessed evening!

Money Mondays - Wasting It All Away

I'm gonna be posting on Mondays the new "Money Mondays". I, by no means, have a financial degree. I do however, feel led to share where our family has been and where we currently are, in the hopes that others may be inspired or blessed - and please feel free to comment with your own ideas to add!

My theme for today is "Wasting It All Away", something we are all guilty of. The Bible meantions money over 800 times! Seems like finances must be pretty important huh? God is very specific when it comes to our finances...Matthew 24:25 "Who then is the faithful, thoughtful, and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household to give to the others the food and supplies at the proper time?" and Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys."

We all know the importance of being financially responsible. You don't even have to identify yourself as a Christian to know that, especially with the economy being in the shape it is in and the struggles that pretty much every single family is experiencing right now.

I'm not going to get into all that today, but I am going to point out one very hidden way that our money gets wasted away...and it's in the form of:

"I'll get this for now and we'll do (insert whatever here) later".

My husband and I found out the dangers of that statement the hard way. We are a large family - there is 6 of us in the home and a couple of kids that are older, and on their own. Saving money and being financially responsible is very important to us. Not only are we an above average-sized family, but we are a one income family. Yes, you read that correctly, my husband is the sole income provider for our household. And has been for the past 11 years.

Look at it this way....you spend $100 on a cheapy entertainment center (guilty) for your $300 TV to sit on...."I just need it to get by for now" we all reason with ourselves...but do you realize that you just threw away $100???? If you are going to replace it with something you want/need/like quickly, why waste that money?

We have wasted probably thousands over the years. With temporary furniture, to temporary household goods as small as towels. And if you look at it, with all the money we've wasted added up, it can become a significant amount.

My advice, if you are only going to use it for temporary use, then look around for a garage sale item, go to the Goodwill - don't spend any more than is absolutely needed on something that is only supposed to be in your home temporarily. I understand there are times you have to do a temp. item (like us with the entertainment center), but it is simplier to spend less.

God loves you and wants to bless you today!

Happy Mother's Day; early!

Proverbs 23:25 "Make your parents proud, especially your mother." (CEV)

Isaiah 66:13 "As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." (NKJ)

God has a lot to say about mothers, and I believe that God holds mothers in high esteem, especially when you look at Isaiah 66:13. He is basically telling us that He will comfort us as our mothers comfort us. Wow, what an awesome thing to be a mother!

So while I know it is a bit early, I wanted to share my thoughts on motherhood. I think you will find this to be a very unique perspective, and I really hope that this blog blesses you. I want to speak to you from the depths of my heart, in all earnesty, and pray that you gain something special from this today.

My mother died September 7, 2007. She had only been 50 years old for just over 3 months. My husband was set to leave for OCS on the 11th, and we had decided that the kids and I would move in with her while he was in school. Little known secret on Army life - when you first leave, you don't get paid for like 45 days. Given that, we chose to stay with her.

I had a lot of things to get done that day. I still had to finish taking things out of the house, had to get it cleaned, had to get the kids withdrawn from their schools....and I had already turned the keys to the house over. Now, if you don't know me, let me explain why that was a big deal. We had 3 kids at the time, 3 cats, 2 dogs....and my mother lived just over an hour from our house.

Our middle daughter was sick that day. I took her to my mother's house that morning - I dropped off a load at her house and asked her if Dayna could stay there while I got things done; I couldn't deal with a sick child and get everything done that I needed to....now, let me share the last conversation I ever had with her. I walked in the door and she was in her room in the bed (which is typical for her) and I told her hello and asked her if Dayna could hang out. She says, "Of course she can, what's wrong with her?" (Oh, I'm quoting, I remember this word for word trust me) I explain that she is running a temp, nothing else, and I had all this other stuff to do. Mom says, "Not a problem." But let me tell you, she looked funny. I asked her what was wrong and she said that she was having "what feels like a really bad panic attack, I just can't seem to catch my breath!" So I help her turn on her oxygen, meet the guy at the door with mom's medicine, write the check out for her, and go back in her room and hug her, tell her that I love her....ask her if she's sure it's okay to leave Dayna (and of course she says yes, what grandmother is going to say no?), hug her again and tell her I'll see her later.

I walked out the door.

Honestly, I had the feeling I should stay.

But I had too much to do.

Finally that night we get everything done and we head out to my mom's house....I remember riding in the van with Alex asleep in the passenger seat and thinking about how one day I am going to wake up in the morning and have to explain to my children that their grandmother had passed away. My mom had been sick for awhile and nowhere near took care of herself like she should and I was soo deeply afraid of how that would affect Dayna (who loved my mother like she was the absolute best thing there ever was).

I pull in the driveway and notice there are no lights on. No big deal, right? It's about 11pm so Dayna is probably asleep and Ray (my mom's partner) too. Go in the house, and the first thing I see is Dayna in the recliner.

????

That doesn't happen.

I set the fishbowl down on the table and turn to go to my mom's room...there are no lights on in the house and I am totally confused as to why my kid in is the living room...the only light there is comes from the reflection of the tv on in my mom's room...suddenly Ray is in her doorway, flips her lightswitch on quickly, and disappears. I knew something was very wrong.

At this point I want you to understand that I am not writing this out of guilt, or shame. I do not carry that on my shoulders at all, but in order to give you the understanding I have, I want you to know EXACTLY what my experience was like and why I see what I do. This is very hard, even to this day I still grieve, so bear with me as I go through this process.

I go into her room and immediately try to get Ray out of the way so I can help her. She is laying on the bed, limp, not breathing....I get there, check her - I don't feel a pulse, so I stick my head to her chest and get an extremely faint heartbeat. Her eyes are begining to dialate, and there is yuck on her face (like she had gotten a very bad runny nose), so I wipe off her face, throw the phone to Ray for him to call 911, and literally fall apart.

All I could do is cry and say to her....Mom what has happened???

I couldn't even do CPR. I couldn't remember it. Darryl had to do it.

I said goodbye to my mother that night. I climbed in her bed and held her lifeless body in my arms, just held her, whispering how much I love her, how I didn't want her to go....caressing her arm to try to permanately put the feeling of her skin on my brain....





I miss my mother. I miss being able to pick up the phone and just call her. Just to tell her some funny thing that the baby (that she was never able to meet) has done, or some great thing that Dayna accomplished at school....I cannot call her and ask her what advice she has for me with the situation with Alex, I cannot ask her what to do when I am having a bad day with my "tweenie". I cannot give her another hug and I cannot buy her another gift. There are countless times I have been in a store and caught myself picking something up for her and having to put it back. The countless times I've had my cellphone in hand and realizing that I cannot dial that number...

Here's the thing....I had to go through all of my mother's things. You know, she was my MOM. Everyone of us knows what "Mom" is, we are one, we have one. But boy oh boy, heh...I missed the part that she was a WOMAN. And that we could have been very good friends. I would have liked the woman that my mother was.

If you get nothing else, get appreciation for the fact that your mother is a woman, with hopes, dreams, fears, concerns....ask her what her favorite things are. Take her to have coffee just like you would your best friend. Go see a girly movie together. Get to know your mother as her name (my mom was Glenda) not 'Mom'. You know Mom. That is the lady that carried you for 9 months, gave you bandaides, gave you hugs when you had your first heartbreak, stood with you at your wedding, held your hand as you gave birth to your first child.

Become friends with her. And tell her that you love her. And mean it. Don't get so caught up in being busy.

You know what else I would like to recommend?

Become a woman to your daughter. You can be mom and still share your dreams, you can still show her that you are a person too.

I thank God that I was given my mother and I thank God that she is in His kingdom and I thank God for the road He has for me.

That old saying that goes something to the effect of "God doesn't promise there won't be pain, just that He'll be there"? Well, He's been there for me and He carries me.

Make this Mother's Day and every day a day that you honor your mother.

Good Sleepy Time Morning!

This morning had another fabulous start! The kiddos were met with scrambled cheesy eggs, toast, and maple sausage links...followed by me walking them out to the buses and giving them lots of snuggly love this morning to begin their day with. I didn't quite manage to get into my Bible this morning, Blythe decided that he wanted to get up at 4:30 with me, so I didn't have any "quiet" time at all. Darryl came rolling out of the bed at 5, so I just decided to start out my day with getting some things done. So dishes are done, floors are mopped, laundry is done, bed is made...and it's not even 8:30 yet! All I can say is wow!



Listen, God is amazing. I made it through the whole day yesterday without even getting tired. That is some Holy Spirit "caffeine" let me tell you! Never in my wildest of thoughts did I imagine myself doing (and ENJOYING) what I have been able to do the past 2 days!



Another thing, God provides. He knows what my morning has been like already, so he's provided me with some thoughts to ponder throughout my day. This morning I've received a random email from somewhere that I suppose I've signed up for somewhere. It goes with my thinking this morning.



I really feel like there should be more focus on the home and family. Mark 3:25 reads "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." Okay, so here I could put in ALOT of scripture that really speaks to having a whole house, one that is spiritually and emotionally and physically stable, but I'm not going to do that this morning. Most of us are familiar with those, so here I am just going to put my thoughts out there and let you mule over them.

1. I firmly believe that you cannot have a fully functioning house if the husband and wife do not have a correct relationship. The Godly order of things should be: God, husband, wife, children - in that order. Now, if you are like me, you were raised that your children come first, nothing comes over your children. While that is true to a degree, I don't believe that needs to be the basis of your family life. While yes, it is our job to protect our children from the varying degrees of abuse that is out there - including abuse from the spouse - it is important to instill love for God in your children and respect for your spouse (providing there is not a dangerous situation in the home). Your children will mimic the relationship you have with your spouse in their spouses. If that is not frightening enough, get this one - your children will gain their view of God from their feelings about their own father. If dad is aloof and unforgiving, then they will see God in that way unless they are taught differently! And if you are the husband, well how you treat your wife will show your sons how to value women and your daughters what their worth is. If you are the wife, your example will show your sons either compassion or coldness and teach your daughter what it really means to be a woman....talk about a responsibility! But notice, their spiritual examples come directly from your married partnership. Here are some things to think about:

a.) As a married couple, shoot for the maximum in making each other happy instead of just going through the motions and doing the basic requirements for your spouse!

-See just how many times a day you can kiss each other. Try substituting the little pecks for passionate kisses in the kitchen that last for 3 minutes or longer.

-Use a timer when making love some times. Set a goal to go for 30, 40 or more minutes. Use the maximum amount of foreplay. (Or more specifically, put more effort forth and really ENJOY your intimacy together!)

-Make love twice as often as you typically do for 4 weeks straight. It will have a dramatic impact on the both of you. Schedule it if necessary to achieve this goal.

-Most couples spend about 5 to 10 minutes in real conversation each day. Aim to devote one or more hours each day to good conversation. That probably means turning off the television.

-Grow the spiritual (and most important) part of your relationship by praying together, worshiping with others and giving to churches/charities as much as you can. This is the area that rewards you most for shooting for the maximum.


Are you uncomfortable? That probably means that you should at least try some of the above! If we all put in even 1/3 of the effort into our marriages as we do other things (playing on the pc, watching tv, fishing, whatever your vice is), we would be amazed at the results.

Remember, God gave us the partner we have for a reason, and they should be a pivotal part of our happiness!

Returning To Love

So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice,and always depend on him.

Hosea 12:6 (NLT)


I had been given the idea for a blog like this one recently, and because of a post on my sister-in-laws website, I decided to drop the 4 letter work (complacency) and actually do it. Last night in prayer, I was given the title of my blog.

This is my journey. My personal journey with Christ. This blog will be the scripture and study I am given, even in my young walk with God. Thankfully, I have the Holy Spirit as my guide and God is my love!


So on with it:

The other day I read a bloggy on my sister-in-law's site about the Proverbs 31 woman. Wow, what a reminder! I felt really spoken to, a reminder about the hopes and dreams I had not too long ago as a wife and mother, and a Child of the Living God. How gently He reminds us at times to look for Him! And how sweet it is to be able to come back into His arms at the blink of an eye! It would take me a long time to go into how far I had gone off from the path, but in all honesty it doesn't even matter. What is important is that I am here now, and that God's graces and mercies are renewed every single day and that our God is the God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow - never changing and never failing!

He has called me to do many things, of the most important is to follow Him. But in regards of being that Proverbs 31 woman, well it begins with starting my day between 4 and 5 am...cooking breakfast for my husband and children, seeing them off to school.

Now for those who know me will say that action is the most UNCHARACTERIST of all things for me to be doing. I happen to love my sleep thank you very much. And cooking? Hahahaha, I'll cook dinner, but to be up and making breakfast is a good joke. And as far as walking Dayna to the bus, well that has not happened since we moved to our current duty station.

I did it though, I did it. I had my Dunkin' Dougnuts coffee (No Starbucks for this chica) ready, and breakfast made this morning. I think my kiddos were reeling in shock when I got them out of bed, greeting them with pancakes and bacon. Ha! And to have their clothes ready, walking the little ones to their seperate buses, then having my house completely clean before noon - that my friend, is God and God alone.

My daughter looks at me this morning and says, "uh, Mommy? Are you going to make breakfast for us more often?" I could only smile; if I could even begin to convey to them how much God has wrapped me in His arms right now then they would have understanding!

Thank you Jesus, thank you so very much for loving me and for just being a patient and loving and just Lord!