5 things 3/30/19

1. Weekends.
2. Family.
3. Girls nights.
4. Chocolate chip cookies.
5. Singing

5 things for 3-28-19

1. Music.

2. Pianos. They are beautiful.

3. Colored socks. So much more fun than regular, and yes, I wear them mismatched! It's easier than matching socks regularly.

4. Our old sofa. I'm sure I'll have to get a new one eventually, but this sofa has seen many times of bedrest and stories.

5. Tutus. I still am amazed to look at my little girl! What a blessing! I sometimes still pinch myself that it's real, for I fully remember when we just had the two boys and I was happy and loved it, but my husband and I would talk about a girl. SO much fun to have that become a reality... especially after my first baby was born prematurely! I remember the days when I didn't know if I could have a baby, and now I have three to hold.

Thank you, Lord.

How about you? What five things are you thankful for?

5 things 3/27

Hellooooo!

Loving spring! How about you?

Today's five things.

1. Proverbs 3:5-6

I love this verse. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Everything. All of it. He will take care of you.

2. Sweets

Ahhh, I know, I know... I'm working on keeping my sugar cravings under control!

3. The Bible

It's a road map. Encouragement for each day!

4. Parks

Today I got to go to a park and just sit and let all my kids play! So nice after years of following them around to keep an eye on them! My youngest (1.5 yrs) is adventurous and loved walking/climbing/going down slides on her own. It was fantastic!

5. The Internet

I know this is a two-edged sword, but today I am thankful for all the research that can be done in a few clicks! And yes, double check your clicks since you can't believe everything on the Internet!


That's all for today... how about you?

today's 5 things

Things I'm grateful for today....

1. Being outside and talking to people in not freezing weather!
2. Kids running around outside, getting fresh air and wearing themselves out before bed!
3. Fun adventures in trying international food! This week we tried chicken souvlaki and baklava from Greece!
4. The time after kids go to bed. It's wonderful and refreshing to take a moment to catch up on things and/or have a moment to just be me. Love it!
5. Erik - he does all these woodworking projects around the house and outside and lets the kids do it with him and learn. Great learning opportunity for them.

What are you thankful for?

God helps in daily life

There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger
    and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
    Or know when we play the fool?
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!
    Keep me from stupid sins,
    from thinking I can take over your work;
Then I can start this day sun-washed,
    scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.
These are the words in my mouth;
    these are what I chew on and pray.
Accept them when I place them
    on the morning altar,
O God, my Altar-Rock,
    God, Priest-of-My-Altar.

Psalm 19:11-14 Msg.



I was just listening to a retelling of the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, and this phrase describes what they did perfectly as well as what we often do: "Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work;"

Sarah thought she could help God finish His plans by having Abraham hook up with her slave Hagar. But the promise was for Sarah & Abraham, not Hagar.

When God has a promise for you, wait for Him to fulfill. Be obedient and patient in the process, and He will fulfill it for you - not your attempt at a plan, but His fulfillment of your plan.

my first missed day! **

So Sunday I missed blogging! (First time since starting it daily in 2019)

I usually catch up in the afternoon ... But I had the best time prepping for the babysitter coming over. My hubby and I had a delayed celebration for our ten year anniversary. A night of sushi and a movie and memories made.

I loved it.

I didn't finish up work for the day. I lost track of blogging. I focused on the moment and it was lovely.

It refreshed my mind and heart and our marriage.

It was lovely. Off to bed.

**EDIT: Oh, I just saw that blogger's time zone must be different than my time zone, for it looks like I didn't miss a day. I posted after midnight my time, but it captured it as a Sunday post. Yay!

five things!

Today I'm thankful for...

1. Friends
2. Sunshine
3. Outdoor parks
4. Spring!! (I love the symbolism of rebirth and fresh start!)
5. Steak cooked by my hubby over the fire!!

How about you?

God is unlike any other

"How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you." -2 Samuel 7:22 NLT

God is unique. No other God can compare to who He is. 

He is beautiful. 

He makes beautiful things. 

He tells beautiful stories. 

He is big, powerful, and unmatched. 

He is love. 

He is joy. 

He is peace. 

He is patient. (so important - I need Him to be so patient with me when I mess up in my life and when I'm impatient with others!)

And I love what my son said: He is welcome. 

He is welcome in my life. He wants to be invited into our lives. So big and powerful. And not only does He want to be welcome, but He willingly comes in and brings all these good things with Him. 

Whoa. 

Is He welcome in your life today? 

We welcome You, Lord! You are amazing.

Psalm 23

This is a favorite verse of mine. I turned it into a song for the boys (and eventually Brielle!) to learn. Well worth memorizing, in whatever translation you want. It encourages me that God is leading and helping me through life!

Psalm 23 NKJV

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

prayer works

"The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with." -James 5:16 Msg.

I think we too often forget that our prayers matter. We pray about everything and then if we don't see results, we stop praying.

That shouldn't be!

Our prayers should continue whether or not we see what we think we should... because our prayers are powerful.

Keep bringing your prayers to God in faith! He is working on your behalf!

"Tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer." -same verse, Passion Translation

take your choices to the streets!

Hebrews 13:16 talks about doing good to others. There's something in particular from the Message translation that stands out to me.

"God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship - a different kind of 'sacrifice' - that takes place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets."

God doesn't want our Christianity to be stuck in our homes or in our heads. He wants us to live it out in our daily lives. He wants us to choose wisely and choose kindness and love in our relationships. The best way to do this is to be aware that He is with us throughout each day. He can help us center on His kindness and grace and ability to choose love, even in difficult times.

And we don't have to do this on our own. As my son just reminded me when he saw the word "grace"...

This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That you would take our place
That you would bear our cross.
You lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me

(This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham)

today I'm thankful for...

...it's so close to spring! I love spring. Such a beautiful time of year where we see the rebirth of a cold season where everything is closed away.

It's a time filled with mud and the beginning of bugs, so that's not as fun... but then again, I have kids, so mud (for them) is awesome!

It's a time filled with puddles and wet dogs, which often equals a beautiful wet mess.

There's something wonderful about watching kids see puddles and just feel the need to jump! Yesterday, Brielle (1.5 yrs) put on her rain boots and went to a puddle and jumped. She just knows puddles are awesome fun!

So nice to be able to head outside in the melting of snow and ice and have fun!

five things for 3/19

Five things I'm thankful for today:

1. NASCAR ... I grew up watching golf on Sunday afternoons with my dad. My kiddos are growing up watching NASCAR on Sunday afternoons with dad. I enjoy it too. A fun relaxing family activity.

2. My husband's creativity and quick abilities ... today my hubby heard someone was thinking about starting a woodworking project With a few questions and an offer to help, the project is now at our house, almost completed, ready to be given to the person who wants it tomorrow.

3. Friendships ... I'm learning to value the advice and input of people and their experiences from all ages.

4. Worship ... Erik and I got to lead worship at an out-of-town church this morning that we hadn't been to before. It was fun. Loved being a part of the body of Christ I hadn't yet met, but somehow, they feel like family because we all have the same Heavenly Father.

5. Stairs ... They are a great way to enable us to build floors of our homes on top of each other and expand our houses in unique ways! :-)

What are you thankful for today?

love God!

"Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!" -Deuteronomy 6:5 Msg.

God is worthy of our love. I'm so grateful of all that God has done for me. He provides me with purpose and security. He is my friend who I turn to. I try to turn to Him in need and in plenty... when I'm frustrated and when I'm thrilled. He can truly be that to you.

Have you ever asked Him to join your life? It's one of the best decisions you can make.

responding to tragedy

Last night, evil touched New Zealand through a shooting at two mosques.

What do we do about these tragedies?

For me, they need immediate prayer to help resolve what they are facing. First responders and leaders need to know what to do to best help the people harmed in this situation. Our prayers do make a difference, so lift them up to the Lord.

Next, the people who have lost someone need God's love to surround them today and going forward in the future. They need comfort and peace. I can't necessarily touch them directly, but I can pray that God will impact their lives and show Himself on their behalf.

Lastly, leaders need to know if there is a need for response. Most often a call for gun resolution follows, but is that truly the best path? Our leaders need wisdom to know if that is the best course of action. What can happen that will truly help curb crime?

For me, the answer lies not in legislation, but in turning back to the morals of the Bible.




"Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up." Psalm 94:19 Msg.

grateful

You know, a lot of junk goes on in life. A lot of things that make you wonder and question what you believe.

And then you have moments like this this that steal your heart and make it worth it.

Have a wonderful day!

finally ... and five things

So sometimes the days tick by pretty quickly and you don't take a moment for yourself until late at night.

Apparently today was that day for me!

I had gotten out of the habit of starting with my blog the past couple days, and then the day just gets off running. It probably didn't "help" that we woke up later than normal (which is wonderful!). I'm rejoicing any time the kiddos and pups don't wake me up too early!

So what are you thankful for today?

I missed my five things on Sunday... so it's a great time to look back on today and say thanks. I'm grateful for:

1. Cheese. It's yummy.

2. Keto supplements. Yep, I did something I don't ever do and I jumped in and got some Keto supplements to help me jumpstart the diet for a short time to hopefully get rid of some of the baby weight (+) that has stuck around for a while. I've been on it fairly well (I think!) for a week, and I'm back to the weight I was last spring when I was doing well at exercising regularly. To be honest, I don't know what I started at, but I am sure I've lost a few pounds, so I'm grateful for that too.

3. Scales. Yeah, this is kinda grateful, kinda not, since they tell the truth (lol!), but I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to step on that scale and get an idea of how I'm doing. Do I have wiggle room for a treat or do I need to be super controlled to stay the same weight? I don't have to be controlled by it, but it can guide me. P.S. I learned this from my Grandma! Mom says she did it every day and that's how she stayed trim! I bet I can follow her lead. :-)

4. Blogs. It's a unique format to share your thoughts with others, and I've learned a lot from reading other people's blogs! Glad for an opportunity to have my own. I am considering what mine will look like going forward. Should I stick with a daily Scripture and a few thoughts? Should I jump into homeschooling/mom-ing thoughts? Should I do five things I'm thankful for every day? Considering if I should be specific or do a mix. We'll see as it evolves over time!

5. Aldi. Yep, I like their food and their prices and their random assortment of things you can buy throughout the year that keeps changing.

There you go! Happy Wednesday night to you!

be flexible!

So today we were planning on heading to a play date at a friend's house... and then as I was coughing while getting ready, I realized I shouldn't pass on my germs to their home.

Thankfully, she was flexible and had another idea for a get together!

I appreciate her grace. She was willing to go out of her way to make new plans, and I am grateful. I want to learn to extend that grace to others.

Sometimes it's harder to extend grace to the people close to us, but they are the most important to give grace to. So always remember... Give grace! Be flexible! It helps you and others!

you can handle it!

"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it." -1 Corinthians 10:13 Msg.

I love this verse! 

Some people interpret this verse differently as to what exactly is the test or temptation God will bring you through... but I think the basic point of this verse is important. God's got your back! He will help you through what seems to be your hardest days. Rely on Him for strength, grace, and the patience you need. If you work to be aware of Him throughout the day, you can become aware of the ideas He supplies to you as well! He'll supply you with ideas that will help you be patient and filled with love and kindness. 

I'm grateful for His help! 

act on the Word

"Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like." -James 1:22-24 Msg.

The Bible has been written for our encouragement and for wisdom for living. When we read the Bible, we should listen to it as though a best friend is giving us encouragement in how to live.

Live with integrity? Yes
Live with wisdom and care for others? Yes
Put a premium on love? Yes

That's a pathway to successful living!

a holy life

"He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time," -2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

God's purpose is that we are holy... but it's not because He wants us to live boring or without any fun... it's because a holy life is the best life you can live! It is the most fulfilling life. Now, we get tricked into thinking the things of the world are better and more fulfilling because we can't see past our current way of thinking... but if we can just get an image of the potential fulfillment in holiness, it can help propel us forward!

God's way is best and more fulfilling than anything else we can encounter!

when life is hard

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." -Psalm 42:5

Read through the Bible and you'll find that life was both hard and hard to understand for many, including David. How he handled it is a good example for us. He'd talk about his troubles, and then he would encourage himself in the Lord and remind himself that his hope belonged in God.

I like that there are two things Paul did in Psalm 42:5. First, he put his hope in God. To me, this means he deliberately moved his thoughts to hope. He chose to think about God's goodness and the possibilities that He provides, rather than the problems he faced.

Secondly, David praised Him. He lifted Him up in his own mind and imagination. He let praise remind Him of His power and glory.

So if you're stuck in a difficult time today, don't get stuck in the land of questions. Put your hope in God and praise him. He is your Savior.

God loves you!

This morning, all three of my kiddos were up early and at least 3/4ths of us have a sore throat/cough. So cough drops and lots of water for us and whatever else I can find that will help the germs move thru us quickly! 

So before I started my morning projects, we read Psalm 139 so they could each here how special they are to God! 

"For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 ""I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

""Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 "How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,  they would outnumber the grains of sand...."

What a wonderful reminder of how much God cares!

why we should avoid sin

Joel 2 (Msg.) says, "Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a keep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe."

God's patience amazes me. Right about that time I get super frustrated with someone else, I remember, God is patient with me as I struggle to change. Why can't I be patient with them? It's a fascinating topic... and one we probably will never be able to wrap our heads around. We are prone to point fingers and blame, but God wants us to learn from His patience and give people the time they need to change.

Change takes time for all of us... just keep going. Keep coming back to God. Keep moving toward personal change... and if you mess up, start again, for God is patient with us. He doesn't control us and He doesn't hold a whip over our heads ready to punish when we do wrong. He's patient and kind and so eager for us to change, not to lord it over us, but because He knows how much of a blessing it will be when we do change.

free will

Okay. The very mention of the phrase "free will" could launch people into an hours-long discussion about what exactly it means, if we have it or does God ordain all our choices.

However...

Let me just say I believe that we have free will.

Because I believe that, I am grateful for it.

God is a gentleman. He does not force Himself on anyone, although I think we wish He did sometimes! He is gracious and patient, waiting for the day we invite Him into our lives and choices.

That is very respectful and honors our choice.

Revelation 3:20 says, "Look at me, I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you."

God wants to be wanted.

That is amazing that Almighty God wants to be our friend and have a daily conversation with us and interest in our lives! He cares about us!

worship enhances your life

God is worthy. He is glorious, worthy of praise. I picture Him as a massive being up in heaven, who sits on a throne. My boys and I were reading recently how all of heaven is lit with the light of His presence.

Wow.

He is a glorious, all-powerful being. He raised Jesus from the dead - breathed new life into Jesus'
lungs after He had been beaten and hung. He changes dead circumstances into living opportunities. He is worthy of all praise!

I just needed to praise Him today... for it readjusts my vision and reminds me who I am serving! He is my friend, but He is my Lord and King. Awesome God.

Amen.

five things - 3/3/19

Happy Sunday!

It's time for five things I'm thankful for.... what are you thankful for?

1. Fruit! I love fruit. My kids love fruit. Fruit is amazing! Berries of all kinds are probably my favorite. I do love places where you can get them for cheap (aldi!!!) and then freeze them. I eat them in my cereal. And plain. What fruit do you love?

2. Cucumbers. Probably my favorite veggie and my kids love them too (of course!). We go through them quite quickly. I finally started buying 5-8 (when they are a good price) at a time.

3. Cribs. Just last night I realized that Brielle (my 1YO) is slowly outgrowing her crib! Another year or two and we'll be done with cribs for good. Wow!!!! But I do love them... keeps them contained so well! 😏

4. Smiles. I love how everyone's smiles make them look beautiful/handsome.

5. Psalm 23 - there are certain Scriptures I have gone back to again and again and again and this is one of them! I like the Message translation, because of the variety in thinking about it... but I love just the regular KJV translation.


"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." -Psalm 23

we have been forgiven

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight." -Romans 4:7 NLT

Making mistakes and foolish choices is part of life... but I'm so grateful God doesn't keep track of them. When we ask for forgiveness and make a point to move toward positive change, He doesn't think about our sins anymore.

Now this challenges me to extend that same grace to other people... and it's hard to do!! Crazy hard, but if God can have patience with our foolishness, can't we do the same for others?

"And I command you today: Love God, your God. Walk in his ways. Keep his commandments, regulations, and rules so that you will live, really live, live exuberantly, blessed by God, your God, in the land you are about to enter and possess." -Deuteronomy 30:16 Msg.

Christianity is about a relationship... that can sound like a cheesy overused phrase if we're not careful. But it's a good description. God wants to be in a relationship with us where we talk and He listens and then He talks and we listen. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother and provides the support we need. On the other hand, we can support Him through prayer and worship. He certainly doesn't "need" us like we need Him, but He is pleased when we follow His ways.

So that's how I look at it: God is my friend. He is an awesome Being in authority, Creator of the world, but I can love Him and talk to Him as my friend.