Enjoying the Little Years

Reading is such a favorite pastime of mine!

I can get lost in the pages of a good book for hours! {well, that was pre-kids!}

I have books upon books filling two bookshelves in our computer room! {and yes, I have read almost half of them!}

The library and used bookstores are some of my favorite places to go. I especially love going by myself to simply just browse! {not something that I have done...by myself...in a long time!}

One of my favorite "smells" is the crisp, clean, pages of a brand, new, book when you open it for the first time! {strange? maybe!}
Lately, though, it just seems like it is getting harder and harder to fit some time into my day to just sit and read a few pages of a good book. {other than my Bible, that is}

Motherhood pretty much runs you until you have nothing left to give at the end of the day and then runs you some more!



It is the toughest job in the world, but has the greatest rewards!

Usually, by the time I do get "time" to myself, I am exhausted and fall asleep!

But, I know that when the day gets too stressful, I need to just take a deep breath and remember to call upon the LORD for strength to get me through.

I will enjoy whatever "quiet" time I get to myself in the day...whether it be 5 minutes or an hour!

For, I know, one day, far too soon, my children are going to be older, doing their own thing!

They won't want me to read them a story or color outside with sidewalk chalk.

No more messy kitchens after My Busy Bee helps me make Oatmeal Cookies.

No more cries from My Little Man to just simply be cuddled!

It will all be gone! Just like that!

Then, I will have all the time in the world to myself. {and most likely hate it!}

I will enjoy them while they are young! Every hug, kiss, cry, or laugh! It is all so precious and so few, as their childhood days are numbered!

Dear Gracious Father, thank you for my blessings! Help me to take the time each day to really appreciate my children and all that they bring to my life! Let me not get to stressed and too rushed to enjoy them, while they are young! In Jesus' precious name, Amen!

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. ~ Proverbs 31:28

Love and Forgiveness

"Go home mama!"

Those were the words I heard from My Busy Bee as we were getting ready to leave my parents house the other night!

"This is my home! I live here!"

That was what her response was when I asked her why she wanted me to go home without her. She wanted to stay at her Grandma and Grandpa's house and did not want to come home with me!

I'll admit it; I cried the majority of the way home after giving in and letting her stay the night. {probably wasn't the best decision since she was being disrespectful, but since I was already feeling like the worst mama on earth, I decided to let her stay and try to "redeem" myself in her eyes!}

Words hurt!

They can make you feel ugly, not good enough, or insignificant!

It doesn't matter if the hurtful words are coming from a 3 year old or an 83 year old! If the words are said with enough hurt thought into them, it can really have an affect on the person they are directed at!

Her chosen words that night hurt far more than I ever would have thought. They made me feel like I wasn't doing the best job at being her mama!

Her words got me thinking: "Maybe I don't play with her enough?", "Maybe I don't take her to the park or museums or library enough?", "Maybe I am just not doing enough?"

Her words left me in a sour mood the rest of the evening. My husband told me not to look so far into it, but it's hard when your child, the one you pour all your energy into day in and day out, says things that hurt.

I know she is only three years old and most likely had no idea what exactly she was saying and how much it was going to hurt, but it still left me thinking awful things about my role as her mama the rest of the evening.

When I went to pick her up the next morning, she, of course, was happy to see me and gave me a huge hug, oblivious to the fact that she had hurt me so much the night before. {and, of course, as soon as her little arms wrapped around my neck, all was forgiven!}

That is how it is with our Heavenly Father! No matter how awful we may be, whether with our words, or actions, HE forgives us as soon as we may ask, or simply just come into HIS presence! We are HIS children and HE loves us unconditionally...far more than we can even imagine! More than we love our own children!{and that's a lot!}

HE loves us so much, HE sent HIS one and only SON, JESUS CHRIST, to DIE! For US!

WOW! Sit and think on that for just a second!
{could you send your only child to die for the sins of another? I know I couldn't!}

I am blessed beyond words for the love and forgiveness of my LORD and SAVIOUR, Jesus Christ!

I do realize that I am doing the best that I can at being a mama to my two little blessings. And, I realize, that as they get older, they may do and say things that hurt me. But, through it all, I will always forgive them and always love them, just like my Father in Heaven will always love and forgive me! {ooh...I just got chills!} What an awesome God we serve!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16


Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. ~ Matthew 15:11

In His Time

Everything will come in the LORDS perfect time!

All we need is patience and faith!

And to learn to wait; and listen; to HIM!

 HE promises us a rainbow after every storm!

HE sees everything and it is all under HIS control!

I am comforted in that alone!

How Awesome is our GOD!!

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“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” ~ 1Timothy 2:8

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Learning to Appreciate the Little "Things"

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ~ Romans 12:2

I love learning about the Amish!

Their lifestyle amazes me!

I have read books by Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Cindy Woodsmall {grant it, they are all Amish Fiction, but the lives portrayed are based on truth from the Amish lifestyle!} and have learned a lot!

I have been to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania! {one of my favorite places!}

I seriously can't get enough sometimes! {my husbands says I should have been born Amish!}

How they can go without any modern convenience is truly mind boggling!

They have no electricty!

They have no phone!

They get around by horse and buggy!

They make all their own clothes!

I'm not sure I could live like that, but it is nice to at least think that I could try!

I do wonder sometimes; who is living the better life? Them or us?

They simply do not need "things" to make them happy!

They believe in hard work!

They believe in family!

And, most importantly, they believe in GOD!

They spend all day on Sunday in church! Fellowshipping and praising GOD! Now, be honest! How many of us look at our watches on Sunday mornings when the Pastor goes over 5 minutes and start to grumble??!! {guilty!}

The Amish are truly living out the words of Romans 12:2!

I would love to strive to be more like the Amish!

By learning to not need "things" to make me happy; by trying harder to"not be conformed to this world!"

But learning to be more thankful and realizing just how blessed I am that I am a Child of GOD and am living in HIS glory each and everyday! { makes me happy!}

HIS forgiveness is enough to make anyone happy!

By learning to appreciate the little things my children do each and every moment of the day. From the big, toothless, grins, to the 100th "Mama, I love you", that I recieve on a regular basis! {makes me happy!}

These are the "things" that truly make a person happy!

The world tries to push it into our heads that we need more and more "things" to be happy!

Let me let you in on a little secret; We don't need them!

We can be happier without all those extra "things" and can learn to be more thankful and more appreciative of our freedom through Jesus Christ and the"things" HE has already blessed us with!  

All we truly need in life is a Strong Faith, a Loving Family, Good Friends, and Good Food!

We can learn a lot from the Amish lifestyle!

It's the littlest "things" in life that truly make a person happy!

{I wanted to leave you with a few "Amish Proverbs" that I find quite interesting!}

"You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lip."

"Children need models more than they need critics"

"Bend the tree while it is young; when it is old it is too late."

"One lie brings the next one with it"

"Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms his child."

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."  ~ Psalm 107:1

Keeping Up With the Challenge(s)!

{If you are stopping by for the Completing Him Challenge, you will see that post below!}

Today is the 4th week of the Bible in 90 Days Challenge!

I have to be completely honest here...I slacked off a bit while on vacation last week.

I hate to admit it!

I truly thought I would have been able to make time each day to stay on track and read my 12 pages!

But I didn't!

I failed!

I was upset with myself!

I shared my frustrations with my husband and he tried, very hard, to cheer me up by letting me know how proud he was of me to have taken on this challenge to begin with; But, despite his kindness, it didn't help! I was still very upset!

I thought to myself  "How can I make time for everything else in my day, but not make time to spend with Jesus?"

I made time each day to swim, to walk/jog, to sight-see, to sit around the campfire! But I was unable to make time to spend with my Heavenly Father!

That is what made me the most upset!

Not the fact that I was behind on my reading! The fact that I was putting HIM last!

I prayed about it...asking GOD to help me find peace and determination to sit and read HIS Word and take in all that HE wanted me to learn! To just listen!

I am very proud and extremely happy to say that I did find that peace and am now caught up in my reading!

I loved reading the stories of Samson, Ruth, and David!

Our God is an Awesome God!

I will continue to press on toward the goal!

Not only the goal of reading my Bible in 90 Days, but also spending time daily in HIS presence!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

This Challenge is being hosted by Amy at Mom's Toolbox!

Today marks Week #7 for Courtney's Completing Him Challenge!

I am really glad I took this challenge on!

I am not only learning a lot about myself and my role as a wife, but I am also learning a lot about my husband! Things I am surprised that I haven't already known!

Todays challenge, from Courtney's blog, is as follows: Support his vision. Discuss his vision for your family. Where does he see your family in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Share with us how you let your husband lead.

This is something that I have struggled with in our marriage...letting my husband lead!

I like being in charge! I like things done a certain way.  I guess you can say I am a little OCD!!

But, in the past few months, I have really been trying to reverse my role and live more according to God's standards as a wife!

My husband just recently took the finances back over and I have to say I am relieved!!

What a stress they were! Just knowing that he has them under control is so comforting to me!

My husband and I discuss our future with each other, a lot!

We live in a very tiny house...with only 2 bedrooms and 1 closet!! Yes, I said 1 closet! LOL!

With 2 small children, the bedroom situation is ok, for now. But, as they grow, we know we are going to definately need more rooms...and more space!

So, our 1-5 year goal would be to move into a bigger house! We are praying for this goal to be reached, actually, in the next 1.5-2 years.

My hubby is praying to be debt free by his 30th birthday, which is March 20th!

The only debt he is praying we have is our mortgage and car payment. Student loans and credit card debt he is hoping to have eliminated! He has a plan already taking place and I believe this is something that will be accomplished!

Thankfully, our debt is small...under $10,000!

We want to start being wiser when it comes to our finances and use them in ways more pleasing to God!

These are the big things we would love to see accomplished within the next 5 years! Past that, we both have honestly no idea! I guess we will just wait and see where God leads and what He places on our hearts to do!

After all, ”A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” ~ Proverbs 16:9

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall. ~ 2 Peter 1:10

A Week Away

Today, my family and I, as well as my parents and my inlaws, are packing up and heading to Gettysburg, PA to do a little camping!

I am very excited for a little R&R!

No TV. No Phone. No Internet. No Schedules!

Just us!

The Family!

Together!

We will be spending our days swimming, reading, walking, talking, and just plain, ol', relaxing!

Our evenings will be spent around the campfire, with our marshmallows in hand, ready to be toasted, all while being surrounded by lots of laughter!

I am looking forward to the wonderful memories that will be made this week!

Praying that each and everyone of you has a blessed week!

"See" you all next week!


There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.  ~ Hebrews 4:9-11

Praise His Name

I have been in a worship mood all week! This is an amazing worship song that I want to share with all of you!

My Busy Bee loves this song as well. In fact, just this afternoon, while we were driving, I had this on in the car and she was "jammin'" to it!

Love hearing praise coming from the lips of a three year old!

May you be blessed by this song! Praise His Name!


I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. ~ Psalm 7:17

Sing of His Praises ~ WFW

Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Psalm 66:1-2

This has always been a favorite scripture of mine!

Our Heavenly Father deserves our praise!

He is worthy of that and so much more!

He has done so much for me in my life, that I have been so undeserving of, and I will be forever grateful!

I need to praise Him more and more each day.

I don't thank Him enough for the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Thank you, Father, for the precious gift of your only son, Jesus Christ! Without Him, I am nothing; but by his blood-saving grace, I am everything! In your precious name I pray, Amen!

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 Say to God,“How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship YouAnd sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” ~ Psalm 66:3-4

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One Step Closer to the Goal

{If you are stopping by for the Completeing Him Challenge, you will see that post below!}

Today marks one week.

A one week anniversary, of sorts.

A celebration.

What am I celebrating, you may ask?

Making it one whole week in my Bible In 90 Days challenge!

Some of you may think "So, what's the big deal?"

Well, for me, this is huge!

I honestly did not think I would be able to keep up.

I truly thought I would get behind in my first week and get discouraged and stressed and poentially give up and quit!

But I didn't!

I am doing this!

God is seeing me through!

And, boy, have I learned a lot!

God is faithful! God is powerful! God loves us!

A promise made is a promise kept...especially when that promise is coming from the Lord!

Thank you, Amy, at Mom's Toolbox for your encouragement and dedication to seeing us succeed in this journey!

If you are stopping by from the Bible in 90 Days Challenge, I would love for you to leave me a comment letting me know you stopped by to say "hi"!

The details of this weeks challenge, as well as all the challenges, can be found here: Women Living Well

Getting my priorities in line! Wow! Is this something that I struggle with, big time!

I always get frustrated when the day comes to an end and there are still a ton of things I have yet to get done, or want to do!

There are simply just not enough hours in the day!

I never truly thought about how my priorities, and my effectiveness at getting them done, were of any importance to my husband, but they are!

So, Courtney's Challenge for today is something that I needed to open my eyes to what my husband feels is important for me to achieve on a more regular basis!

He was shocked when I said, "Honey, in what order of importance would you put my priorities?"

He replied, "You really care what I think?" Talk about a shock.

I said, "Yes I care. This is our home and our life and I want it to run the way you would like."

Here is what he said:

*My Daily Devotional Time: This is something that is very important to the both of us and he works just as hard as I do to make sure that I get my time in the presence of my Heavenly Father on a daily basis!

* Intimacy: This is very imporant to him. He understands I have the house and the kids to take care of, but he wants me to make our time together higher up on my list of priorities!

* Diet/Exercise: I have to admit, I am not at all the type of person to love this idea and be willing to add it to "my list", but this is something that is very important, not only to my hubby, but to my health and lifestyle in general! My husband is really big into fitness and eating right. So, this should be, and will be, a more important priority. In fact, I have been jogging at least twice a week for the past 4 weeks! {yay me!}

* Housework: Making sure things are organized, cleaned, and smelling/looking good, on a regular basis. I don't do that bad in this area, but there are a few things I could do differently.

* Keeping a clean car: What?? He cares about my car? I have to admit, it is a mess. Between kids and dogs, my car is definately in some serious need of a little TLC!   I need to take more of an initiative to clean it out on a more regular basis.

I pray that I will be able to be more effective at achieving my hubby's top priorities. He is, after all, the head of my household. If things run smoothly for him, in return, they will run smoothly for me!

"But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. " 1 Cor 11:3

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

A Sister Who Loves

His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Exodus 2:4

While reading Moses' story in Exodus, as part of my Bible in 90 Days Challenge, I came upon this verse and it stuck with me.

I, being a mom and all, immediately thought of my children. How, at the young age of three, my daugher already looks after her younger brother. Her love for him already shows...and it is amazing!

A brother/sister relationship is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us. We have a built-in best friend!

When we are younger, we always have someone to play with...whether we like each other that day or not!

Through our teen years, we have someone to tell our secrets to and  blab about who we love this week!

As we become adults, we have someone to experience marriage and parenthood with. We go on this life journey together as siblings!

I am blessed with having a sister and I am so thankful that my children are blessed with each other as well!

Moses's sister loved him. The story goes on to say how she asked Pharaoh's daughter if she wanted her to "go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?" Ex.2:7 That Hebrew women was her mother...Moses' mother!

Isn't God amazing at how he works? He has a plan for each and everyone of us. He will never leave us nor forsake us! Hebrews 13:5   

Just like the short story of Moses' sister and her love for him, we see God's plan. God's plan for Moses was far greater than Pharaoh's law. And with the love of Moses' sister, that plan came to be! A pure example of that agape love!

This is one of my favorite pictures of my kids! It was taken about a year ago. I love the look of love on my daughters face as she looks upon her little brother! This is one of those "priceless" photos!

P.S. What do you think of the new blog design? It is still a "work in progress" but not looking too bad!

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

Summer Smiles

This summer has been filled with tons of "smiles" and "laughter". God has been so good to us!

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Blessed to have my family share in the happiness of my little sisters wedding!

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Watching my children enjoying their summer puts a huge smile on my face and in my heart!

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28

Do I even need an explanation as to why they make me smile?!

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. Job 8:21

And lastly, the number one reason why I am smiling this summer:

Reading through God's word and meeting so many amazing, strong, people, while doing it!

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

My life would be nothing like it is today without the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ! That in itself is reason enough to smile! 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2

Building Our Foundation on the Mountain

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." ~ Genesis 22:14

When I read this verse I immediately thought of that song I sang as a child, "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock."

Where is our foundation being built? Are we building up a strong foundation on Jesus Christ? Or, are we putting our hopes, dreams, goals, and desires on something less sturdy?

I struggle a lot with keeping my faith grounded on Jesus Christ.  But, it has been something I have been working very hard at strengthening! I want my children to see through me that if they "build" their faith and trust on "the mountain" that is Jesus Christ, they will never be without anything they need or desire.  God has taken care of it all!  All He asks is for a little faith, a little of our time, and a lot of our

 Love! (that last part should come easy, since our Heavenly Father is so easy to love!)

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11

Admiring the One I Love!

Todays Challenge is to Admire Your Husband. If you are a blogger write a post all about your husband and what you admire in him and then show it to him! He will smile!

I can honestly say this is an easy challenge for me for I admire a lot about my husband!

*I admire that he is an extremely hard worker and a wonderful provider. I never hear him complain about how hard he works...both outside and inside the home!

*I admire how he loves...and how much he loves

*I admire his caring ways

*I admire how honest and trustworthy he is

*I admire his humor and wit...this is something that first attracted me to him

*I admire his passion for exercise and being healthy. Being fit and in shape is something that is very important to him

*I admire his faithfulness and love for our children 

*I admire how much he cares for others and how willing he is to help

*I admire his ability to learn...and learn quickly.  He is so smart!

*I admire the fact that he chose me for his wife and that he loves me even after knowing who I really am!

God truly made him for me and I am truly blessed and grateful! He created him and molded him to become the mate I needed and deserved!  How awesome is our God!!

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything. ~ Ephesians 5: 22-24

Blogging Through the Bible in 90 Days: Day 1

Today began my journey through the Bible in 90 Days Challenge! I was anxious and so excited to get started!

When I signed up through Amy's site, I immediately started praying about it and preparing myself for this challenge! I knew it was going to take a lot of prayer, a lot of dedication, and a lot of support from my family, for me to be able to complete this challenge.  My husband is on board to help out in any way he can...thank you Jesus for my wonderful husband! I know this is not going to be easy and there are going to be days I may struggle with it, but with God's help and my fellow B90'ers prayers and support, I will do this! "Anything that is worhwhile, doesn't come easy."

Let me share a little background with you. I have been saved since I was 9 years old.  I asked Jesus Christ into my heart when I was in the 2nd Grade.  (I had attended a private school).  I remember my teacher, during Bible Class, talking about Jesus and being "born again".  She had asked those of us who wanted to ask Jesus to live in our hearts to form a circle in the back of the room.  I remember being excited and knowing that this is something I wanted to do.  I loved Jesus and I knew I wanted Him to live in me. 

I immediately got up and went to sit in the circle.  My teacher then joined us in the circle and we all repeated after her the sinners prayer. I remember that moment like it was yesterday!  What a wonderful feeling that was! 

Since then, I have re-dedicated my life to Christ.  I, unfortunately, made some mistakes and got off the path of righteousness during my "teen" years.  But, I serve a loving, forgiving, God and, Hallelujah, He didn't let me get too far!  He grabbed a hold of me and brought me right back!  My husband and I were water baptized in November of 2007 and my relationship with Jesus Christ has only gotten stronger since then!

I have read the Bible before...as in a scripture or two here and there...but have never read through the entire Bible.  I have also been struggling with finding the time, dedication, and motivation, to have a regular, daily, quiet time with my Heavenly Father.  I know it is very important for my walk with Christ and it is something that I need and want to do!  I am praying that this Challenge will help me to achieve both.  I pray I will complete with great success and that through this daily challenge, my life will become accustomed to spending time in God's word daily!  I need to feed my soul!!

Today's reading was Genesis Ch. 1-16.  I have heard these stories many times before, but it was like I was reading it and hearing it all for the very first time!  I know I am meant to do this challenge and that my heart and mind are in the right place and are prepared and ready for whatever God has in store for me!

If you haven't already joined in on this challenge, would you please consider signing up?  It is not to late! Just click on either of these sites to read more about the challenge and to sign up!

Bible in 90 Days

Mom's Toolbox

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers. ~ Psalm 1:1-3