Monday, February 28, 2011

My life as an iMom

Cell Phones, Computers, Mobile Internet...yep, I have fallen prey to the technology age. I am a self-proclaimed tech-idiot, however, I have to say -- I'm learning, slowly, but surely.

The thing about technology is the more you learn & get into it, the more it can consume your life. From Email & Blogging to Facebook...I am a sucker to it all, especially since becoming a stay-at-home Mom. Even though technology has provided Mom's like me an outlet to the world, in a sometimes boxed in life - it has also proved to be a hazard in our professional life. (Yes, I see Motherhood as a Professional Life!) How easy is it to let what started out as a quick status update - to turn into an hour long peruse through the news feed. It doesn't just hold up the laundry & dishes....but it can also cut into that important time with our children.

As Mom's we need to stay connected with our family, friends, even seeking out the learning opportunities that exist through the internet, it's equally important to make sure that we are scheduling this around the needs of our family. When the family is happy, the Momma is happy too :)

Are you an iMom? How do you schedule & keep in balance your internet time?

Menu Planner...February 28-March 6

Monday...Vegetable Beef Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Cupcakes
Tuesday...Spaghetti, Garlic Bread & Salad
Wednesday...Beef & Noodles, Coconut Cream Pie
Thursday...Hamburgers, French Fries, Mac & Cheese & Applesauce, Milkshakes
Friday...Homemade Pizza, Blonde Brownies
Saturday...Eat Out :)
Sunday...Leftovers

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Financial Blessings

This is a bold post for me. An "expose my soul to the world" post. But, I feel like I have to do - if nothing more, than to give Praise to God for the protection & blessings he pours down on us..sometimes before we even know we need them.

Tuesday I went to get Cole off the bus, and, as always grabbed the mail from the box at the same time. It's always a little hectic when we get inside -- he wants to tell me about his day, I need to get his lunch, he's excited to see Jacob..so I usually don't have time to even look at the mail for at least an hour. When I finally sat down at the desk to look at the mail there was a stack of envelopes. Envelope #1 - junk. Envelope #2..well, that's where the story begins to unfold.

Inside this envelope was an EOB from our insurance company showing a LARGE sum of money we owe the hospital where Cole had his Dental Surgery at. I held my breath as I looked at that paper. I didn't understand. We had dealt with the Dentist - we had paid the bill in advance, they didn't tell us to be expecting another bill, a HUGE bill. But as I sat and looked at it, it made sense - of course the hospital, anesthesia would bill separately. Why hadn't I thought of that? I used to work in insurance for petes sake. Ugh, now I had to call my Husband and we had to figure out how we were going to pay this bill. We are single income family now, and, no where in the budget was there allowance for this.

So, I made the call. He of course was surprised and shocked too. He sat in all the financial meetings with me when we planned for this. We both just felt a little foolish for not asking the right questions (but also a little taken back because in extensive discussion - no one ever said anything about this separate bill). Regardless we knew that we would have to take care of it, likely in small monthly payments that would stretch for a year or more :( Not ideal, but, we would make it work.

After I thanked God for the fact that it wasn't more than what it was, I sat down to continue through the mail. Envelope #3 - from an insurance company. I recognize this company from a policy I had taken out 5 years ago, but, I knew that it wasn't active anymore. Normally I would throw this envelope away & think nothing more of it - but, this time I decided to call them & let them know that they can remove me from their list. 20 minutes later the man is still trying to convince me that the policy is still active and I'm actually eligible for a claim rebate. Well...the rebate is for almost the exact amount that the bill was for :)

So you have goose bumps now right? Well hang on...
A short while later we got a call from the hospital where the surgery took place. Apparently they had looked into our bill, and, we qualified for 100% financial assistance on anything our insurance didn't pay. (there are benefits to being a one income family/poor I guess!ha) So...this money from the insurance company could now be used to help family members who needed it. There is no way to think that this was anything OTHER than a Blessing from God. He knew our need & the need of others AND provided for it before we even knew we had these needs.

God is so Good :)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Lights Out .. literally...

Last night we experienced another power outage at home. 3 hours this time. It was actually as long as the outage in "The Great Blizzard of 2011" (of course I say that with loads of sarcasm).

It interrupted my entire episode of American Idol. Seriously...the nerve...

Poor Cole, he gets completely anxiety ridden when the power goes out. In the summer we have multiple storms a year that throws our power out. In the Winter, usually 1-2 a year we loose it for a few hours. This year has been especially hard.

Last spring, when I was terribly sick with my pregnancy, we had a fast moving tornado move through that knocked power out & sent us all rushing to shelter. Because I had been so sick, Cole was at Jason's parents house, not home with me. That was a traumatic experience to go through that and not be with his Mama.

Then, when Jason & I were in the hospital having Baby Jacob, Cole was staying at our house with my Parents...well the power went out again for several house. Again, without Mom or Dad. Two days later when he came to the hospital to visit Jason & I, the power went out at the hospital while he was there with us!

And then, of course, preparing for the big storm (that wasn't!) this past winter - Cole got very anxious at all the news coverage - so much so that we just couldn't even watch the weather reports with him in the same room.

So, when the power went off last night - very unexpectedly, I could tell he was scared and nervous. With Daddy not being home it makes it so hard. Cole has started this new thing lately where he thinks it's his job to take care of Mommy & Baby Jacob when Daddy isn't here. It breaks my heart because I want him to just be able to know that I will take care of all of us.

We prayed a lot last night when the lights were out. That God would bring them back, that he would keep the workers safe, that he would help Cole feel safe. At one point the lights came back on for 5 minutes, then went out again for another hour. That was frustrating for Cole.

When they finally came back on at 10p, Cole immediately shouted "Thank you Jesus! Now please, keep them on -- I gotta get some sleep!".

And, He did keep them on :) Thank you Jesus!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Fun with Letters

We have been having so much fun with these I just had to share. Alphabet Shaped Pretzels!


You can get them at Meijer in Springfield.


Only $1.99 a bag.


And a great way to get kids interested in letters :)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Things that make me smile...

How can you not smile at that? Days when Daddy is home are the best :)


If you've been to my house in the last 6 months you know why this is exciting. No more leaks, AND you can turn the hot water on without a wrench!


Unexpected visits from my Parents. Cole LOVES getting to spend time with them :)


The chair...ahhh, the chair...nuf' said.


Healthy Babies!


The way my boys look at each other. Its a bond only God could have created :)


And finally, Oreo's...they simply are one of the small blessings in life :)

Day 13...Responsibility

This is something Jason & I have been really thinking about with Cole. Now that I have two children to care for all day - it's even more important that Cole really takes responsibility for his own things. Later in life, we will change the focus not just from his possessions to his actions.

"for each one should carry his own load." Galations 6:5 (NIV)

Lord, please help my children to care about their possessions - enough that they want to take responsibility for them. Please help them to see how their actions effect others, and, be willing to do the right thing when they have made a mistake. Amen.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Menu Planner...February 21 - 27

Monday...Fried Rice & Egg Rolls
Tuesday...Chicken Enchiladas
Wednesday...Asian Noodle Skillet
Thursday...Vegetable Soup & Grilled Sandwiches
Friday...Pork Steak, Baked Potato, Steamed Veggie
Saturday...Chicken Quesidillas
Sunday...Homemade Pizza

Breakfast Items: Baked Grits, Breakfast Hash, Breakfast Pizza, Homemade Waffles w/ Honey Cinnamon Spread

Day 12...A Passion for God

"My Soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:8 (NIV)

Lord, please instill in my children a craving for You. Help us all to seek that deeper, passionate relationship with you. Amen.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Homemade Fried Chicken

If you love Fried Chicken, this is the perfect recipe for making it at home.

1 C. Flour
3/4 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Sage
1/4 tsp. pepper
chicken (see note below about chicken options)
Oil or Shortening to Fry with

Pan Gravy Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. Flour
1/8 tsp. Salt
1 & 1/3 C. Milk

In a large resealable bag, combine Flour, Salt, Thyme, Sage & Pepper.
Add chicken (a few pieces at a time) and toss to coat.
Add 1/4 inch of oil to a deep skillet & heat (around 350 degrees is good for frying)
Add Chicken (leave plenty of room to safely turn the chicken), and, brown on both sides.
Reduce heat to very low, cover, and, let fry for 30-35 minutes - make sure that the chicken reaches 180 degrees at minimum to ensure it's done.
Remove chicken, place on paper towels to drain.
Drain off all but about 2 inches of the oil drippings, and, leave all the browned bits. Add flour & salt - stir until blended. Gradually add the milk.
Bring to a boil and cook & stir until thickened (a minute or two).

I love to serve this meal with Mashed Potatoes (covered in the pan gravy), Green Beans & Cole Slaw :)

**This recipe is perfect for budget cooking. You can use drumsticks, thighs, frozen leg & thigh quarters, or breasts. You can purchase a whole fryer chicken & cut up yourself to save even more - but I usually just purchase pre-cut pieces that are on sale, or the frozen leg & thigh quarters at Aldi.

On another note, I suffered a pretty good burn Friday when I made this from grease splatter - so, ALWAYS keep the kiddos away from the stove. In this instance, I just turned the chicken too fast.

Farmhouse Mac & Cheese

This is a wonderful baked macaroni & cheese. I usually make a half-batch for just Jas & I (Cole doesn't eat mac & cheese...along many other things) and that's the way I have my recipe written...so just double it for a larger family :)

2 C. Shredded Cheddar
1 C. Macaroni Noodles (cooked & drained)
1/2 TBSP. Butter
1/2 C. Milk
1 Egg
1/2 tsp. salt
Black Pepper & Garlic Powder to taste
1/2 C. Finely Crushed Cracker Crumbs (I use saltines or ritz, either is good)

Preheat oven to 350 degree.
Cook & Drain Macaroni, then toss noodles in butter.
Combine milk, 1/2 cheese, salt, pepper, eggs, garlic powder & cracker crumbs.
Stir Macaroni & Cheese mix together, pour into baking dish.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake until heated through & cheese is melted. Approx. 30 minute.

This is a heartier recipe with the added cracker crumbs and could work for a stand alone lunch or light dinner. I could also see adding fully cooked, diced ham to make it a complete meal.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Jammie Boys

This is my favorite time of the night. Freshly bathed boys, snuggled up together :)


I'm just not sure it gets any better :)

Snug as a bug...

I am trying so hard to begin an exercise routine to get this weight off. Let me just tell you - it's extra hard for me. I have never in my life had to exercise. I have also never before in my life had 2 children in 5 years & added on 60 pounds that isn't just going to fall off :(

We were so fortunate to get an awesome treadmill right before the end of my pregnancy. I love to walk outside, but, there are no sidewalks in Witt (yes, I'm serious - it's more like pieces of concrete mixed in with large patches of grass & weeds) and the roads are TERRIBLE for strollers. So..the treadmill is a great year round option. But, the only place in the house I can fit it is in my basement. The basement is COLD, perfect for me while I exercise, but, I need to bundle up little man when he goes down with me.

Doesn't he look adorable?!


The best part is, he can't move in this little contraption, and he falls asleep! So, when I'm done walking - I just carry him to the crib & let him finish his nap. SWEET!


Now if I can just get the motivation to keep my backside walking to the basement everyday that would be great. I bore easily....

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Aunts are Special :)

The boys were lucky & got a visit from Aunt Mana (my sister, Amanda) the weekend before last. She was only supposed to stay one night, but, due to an unexpected snow - she ended up staying with us for 2 nights. Cole & Jacob both had a lot of fun :)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Happy 31st Anniversary Mom & Dad

Yesterday, My Parent's celebrated 31 years of Marriage. Wow...I have a hard time imaginging where Jason & I will be that many years from now!

This is a picture of my parents "way back when" in 1980

This is a shot of them opening the movie we made them for their 30th Anniversary last year. It was a great slide-show of pictures of them & all of us throughout the years. So fun :)

(BTW: for anyone who knew my Grandpa Keith Graham...isn't the resemblance between my Dad & him in this picture amazing?!)

Hey Mom..Check out what my legs can do!

Before Jacob was born, we had an opportunity to buy a used jumperoo that was in like new condition. These generally sell for $100+ and a friend sold it to us for $30. Such a great investment! Jacob is having so much fun this week :)

Check out those legs!

He's loving his new toy :)

The Animals of this house...

And this time I'm not talking about the Lenczycki Men.

I am behind in my posts, in my 30 days of prayer, and in anything computer related. So..I thought I would take a moment to show you just one of the reasons why.

I have never been a great animal lover. I grew up with pets, although didn't really want them. Since we have been married we have always had a dog - but for Jason's gratification, not mine. And, the story of the cats arrival...well, that's one that i can again chock up to my soft-hearted hubby. Needless to say - I could do without these animals. And, now that I'm staying home...they are causing me more grief than ever.

This is how my day started yesterday...
I do NOT desire to have a cat on my counter!

Then I found this...
That would be the dog sleeping in (what was) a basket of clean laundry.


And the grand finale...
This is the aftermath of my rescuing the dog from underneath the pool deck. I think next time I'll leave him under there.

Oh my. Lord, please help me to deal with these "blessings" that belong to Jason & Cole. Because right now, I just want to strangle them.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Menu Planner...February 14-20

Monday - Happy Valentines Day!
Breakfast: Cinnamon Monkey Bread
Lunch: Hot Dogs
Dinner: Heart-Shaped Homemade Pizza

Tuesday - Happy Anniversary Big Nana & Papa
Breakfast: Eggs, Toast & Bacon
Lunch: leftover Pizza
Dinner: Sausage Balls & Farm House Mac & Cheese

Wednesday - Happy Birthday Little Nana :)
Breakfast: Pancake Sandwiches
Lunch: Chicken Nuggets
Dinner: Leftovers

Thursday
Breakfast: Homemade Donut Holes
Lunch: Spaghetti
Dinner: Ham & Cheese Quiche

Friday
Breakfast: Hashbrown Bake
Lunch: Nachos
Dinner: Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans

Saturday
Breakfast: leftovers
Lunch: Chicken Fried Rice, Egg Rolls
Dinner: Date Night! eating out

Sunday
Breakfast: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Lunch: Omelets & Hashbrowns
Dinner: Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad

Friday, February 11, 2011

Homemade Valentines

For those of you who know me, you know that I'm not a crafty person. I do love to scrapbook though. For Christmas this year Jason & the Boys got me a Cricut & a Gypsy. These are the coolest machines for anyone who even remotely likes to be creative. I have to admit though, I got very scared of them when I saw all the buttons & an operation manual that was like 200 pages long...so, in the corner it has sat since Christmas.

Well, yesterday I decided to get it out. I was going to make homemade valentines for Cole to take to school!

4 hours later...

Since it took awhile for me to figure it out, I put together 6 Teacher Valentines, and, opted to pop for the $2.50 box of valentines for the 40 kids :)

Maybe someday Cole & Jacob will get their Suzy Homemaker Mommy!

Day 11...Faithfulness

Don't loose your grip on Love & Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Proverbs 3:3 (The Message)

Our Prayer for today...
Let love & faithfulness never leave my children, let them be written in their hearts & displayed in their everyday lives. Amen.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Letter to your Children

I have to admit, I read this on another blog...but I loved the idea! So..today, for no apparent reason, I'm writing a letter to each of my children to tell them how a typical day went for them at this age. I think I will post them after they are done..well, assuming it was a good day!
If you decide to write a letter to your children too, I would love to read them if you want to share :)

Day 10...Biblical Self-Esteem

We all want our children to have good self-esteem, but, we should especially want our children to have BIBLICAL self-esteem. To feel confident in themselves, in the work our Heavenly Father has set forth for them.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Lord, Help my children to develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the understanding they are here for Your purpose. I pray they are confident & bold in their works for You. Amen.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Menu Planner...February 7-13

Guess I'm running a bit behind this week?! Ha! I'll still share what we've already had :)

Monday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls
Dinner: leftovers

Tuesday
Breakfast: Toast & Bacon
Dinner: Baked Potato Soup & Steak Sandwiches

Wednesday
Breakfast: Apple Slices & Toast
Lunch: Hot Dogs, Pretzels & Orange Slices
Dinner: leftovers

Thursday
Breakfast: Bagels w/ Honey-Cinnamon Butter
Lunch: Pizza
Dinner: Hearty Cheese Tortellini (with Beef & Sausage), Salad & Homemade Bread

Friday
Breakfast: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Ranch Wraps
Dinner: Bacon-Cheese Topped Chicken, Salad, Steamed Veggies

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes & Sausage
Lunch: Seasoned Steak Wraps
Dinner: leftovers, Coconut Cream Angel Pie

Sunday
Breakfast: Homemade Donuts
Lunch: Bacon Cheeseburger Roll-Up, Homemade Chips
Dinner: eat out :)

Day 9...Respect

Oh, raising a 5 year old...yep, this word is used a lot in our house right now, Respect. We want our children to understand that they are to respect authority...but, we also want them to know they they should respect themselves (this is a lesson that will be much more relevant as they grow, and face the everyday challenges of teenagers).

Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.1 Peter 2:17

Lord, help us instill in our Children a respect that carries farther than our reminding. I want them to respect themselves enough to make good choices, respect authority around them, respect Your laws, and, respect the Government you put into place. Even when they don't agree...I want them to show respect. Help me to be the example for them! Amen.

Day 8...Mercy

Sorry guys, I forgot to post day 8 :(

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 (NIV)

For little ones, just switch the word merciful with kind..that's The Message version and so much easier for them to understand.

Lord, please help my children to be kind & show mercy to those around them. Help them to understand how you have shown mercy to us - and to live more like you. Amen

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Do you know your Love Language?

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Dr. Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages. It's a great way to determine your love language - and, to best figure out how to communicate with your spouse, kids, etc.

I recently took the online assessment. It's a neat way to do a quick analysis and figure out your top love languages.

My are as follows...
1. Physical Touch
2. Words of Affirmation (a close second)
3. Quality Time

No surprises here!

I have asked my husband to take the assessment now though, because I want to make sure what if what I think his love language is...is actually correct!

I added the assessment Widget to the bottom of my blog - spend 5 minutes & check out your Love Language!

In coming days I will post about the Love Language of our Children...stay tuned!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Day 7...Justice

Why is it so hard for us to just do as we are told?! We want our children to follow our instruction, but, yet sometimes we don't follow our Father's Instruction either.

For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.Psalm 11:7 (NKJ)
BUT, I love The Message version of this one...
God's business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight. Once we're standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.Micah 6:8 (NIV)
And, The Message says...
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.

God, help my children to love justice as You do, to understand that you have set forth a way for us to live - and all we have to do is follow it.Amen.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Battling the Blues...

Stinky, Icky, Stupid Winter...

I have a bad case of the blues :(

There are so many factors that are contributing to my case of the downers...

The fact that I'm going a week at a time without leaving the house..AHHH!

Yeah those jeans I have on...yep, still maternity...10 weeks later :(

A baby that hasn't felt well lately and needs Mommy to hold & rock him A LOT - which in itself is fine, but, not so good when my house is in desperate need of attention.

Due to crappy Parental sleep habits & poor planning we haven't been to church in a month...which just in general leaves me feeling grumpy.

5 year old antics..need I say more?

Oh yeah, and, the Weather Man was kind enough to say we have more snow on the way..

Usually when I start to feel down, or stressed - Jason is my pick me up, but, we haven't got to spend much time with him. AND..we only get one day with Jas next week...and that's a week away, so..this Mama's got to find a way to pull herself out of this rut!

I guess it's time to start making my Thankful Lists again :)

Day 6...A love for God's Word

As an adult, I have struggled to "enjoy" the Bible, for so many years it seems so confusing, old school & hard to understand. A few years ago I really reached out for help, I consulted with other people, purchased different translations, and began breaking the Bible down to chapters with various study materials to help me begin to understand it better. WOW - this is like the best Thriller/Romance/Self-Help/Comedy/Drama Novel ever!! Because of how hard it was for me, I'm determined to help my boys learn, understand & LOVE the Word early as Children. This is truly the best foundation we can set forth for our children.

God's Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You'll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries. Psalm 19:10 (The Message)

And the Translation from NIV...
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Lord, please help Your Word to come ALIVE in my boys hearts. I pray that they will always crave more of you. Amen.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

10 weeks old

My sweet baby boy is growing so fast!


Day 5...Self-Control

The worldly way...do what you want, when you want, how ever much you want. How are our children supposed to learn self-control when the influences around them not only say "it's not that bad & it's a new world now", but, then provide them with "protections" to keep them from getting hurt doing what they want! Well guess what, they are going to get hurt. From Genesis on people have struggled with self-control, I personally struggle with it everyday - from too much computer time to the extra chocolate bar that I know I do not need...yes, these are simple things that shouldn't "hurt" us, but how about the things we do everyday that DO hurt us, or better yet - or relationship with Christ. From what comes out of our mouth, to how we choose to spend our time each day...these are all tests in self-control.

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV)

I love the version from The Message...so clear cut!
So, let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (The Message)

Our Prayer today...
Lord, Please help me to practice self-control, so that I can be an example for my children daily. I pray that you will help them to have strong wills when it comes to this issue. Show us simple ways to teach them self-control today, so that when they are truly tested in later years they will be able to follow you. Amen.

Friday, February 4, 2011

A day in the life...

This is what 15 minutes of my day looked like yesterday...

CRASH..Cole accidentally knocks a votive holder off the mantle, it hits the fireplace screen & sends glass flying all over the carpet.
As I am picking up the large pieces of glass, Jacob has a total blow-out diaper.
I get him undressed & cleaned up, and, leave him in the pack-n-play while I go to the sink to prepare a bath..advising Cole to stay away from the front of the living room until I can vacuum.
I prepare the bath, and, come back to find Jacob covered in pee...lovely.
Bath Jacob.
Clean the pack-n-play.
Vacuum the shards of glass off the carpet.
Stain spray Jacob's clothes.
Cole:"Mom...I'm hungry"
Me: "OK - what do you want"
Cole: "Surprise Me!"
I take in a bowl of grapes & graham crackers
"No, Mom! Not that!"

Ah...Fun times :)

Day 4...Honesty & Integrity

We are really struggling with our 5 year old right now with "fibbing" (I hate to call it lying at that age), he truly believes that if I didn't see it, it didn't happen. We have talked & talked & talked about this, but we are just not getting through. I hope that soon he starts to understand - because as an adult, the quickest way you can hurt me is to lie to me. I seem to never recover from that. I want him to learn early the importance of being honest & earning that trust from people.

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Psalm 25:21 (NIV)

Our Prayer for Today..
Lord, please help my boys to learn the value of honesty. Help them to see first hand the benefits of being honest - even if it's hard sometimes. I want them to be men of integrity and people to know they can trust them. Amen.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Check out my Guest Blog Spot on Happily Domestic!

This is the piece that I sent over for my Guest Blog Spot on Happily Domestic "Perspective". I wrote part of this a year or two ago, found it & reworked it based on life today. I think it still applies :)

Day 3...Love

It all comes down to love. If we do ALL things in Love (as Christ would), you can be assured that you will not do wrong.

And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

The fruits of the Spirit is something I want to spend time focusing on with my boys when they are old enough. These are the qualities I want my boys to have for themselves, for their future wives, for their children. It's so cool to me that the very first is love :)

Our prayer for today:
Lord, I pray that my children may learn to live a life of love. Allow YOUR love to penetrate their hearts & show through all they do. I pray that they will love those who don't even return it. Fill them up Lord, and, let it spill over!!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Day 2...Growth in Grace

One of the coolest things to me about a relationship with Jesus is that it is never complete, we continue to grow & learn daily, the more we invest in our relationship - the more we grow. Our Bibles are a source to unlimited life lessons.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Our prayer for today...
I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.I pray that we as a family never tire of learning & growing together.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Day 1...Salvation

This has to be our #1 priority with our Children..that they accept Jesus into their hearts, and, live a life with Him. This is our biggest job as a Mothers, to foster that relationship.

You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.Isaiah 45:8 (NIV)

It's what I'm sitting in jail for right now - but God's Word isn't in jail! That's why I stick it out here - so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all it's glory. 2 Timothy 2:9-10 (The Message)

I love the Timothy passage from The Message (paraphrase)...it emphasizes how important it is for us to have that personal relationship with Christ.

Our prayer for today...
Lord, I pray that you will equip me with the knowledge & tools I need to help my children know you. And, when the time is right for each of them, let salvation spring up within my children that they may receive the gift of life that is only in Christ Jesus. Amen!