Thankful Thursday

Yes, I know I went MIA for a couple of days. I have a very close friend that had surgery on Tuesday so I played taxi driver and all around support person at the hospital all day and then stopped off at the Lifeway store on my way home. I didn't get to blog and post about the Lent study so I'll keep it brief and try to catch you up on the two days I missed.

I have to say though hospitals are not my cup of tea. If you're not sick before you go in, you most likely will be on your way out. Just spending 9 hours locked inside the walls of a place with sanitary dry air sends my sinuses in overdrive. I could tell I was getting sick and then spent yesterday in bed. The most wicked head cold I've ever experienced. I took a three hour nap during the day and stayed in bed all day and this morning I'm MUCH better. How crazy is that? I need dirt! lol Okay, not so much dirt, but a little dust and country air sure do sit better with me than clean medical air. It makes no sense!

AnyWHO.... my friend is home today from the hospital. Doing great from a routine surgery and prayers have been answered. Everything was a success and she is doing awesome! God is good!

Today, my Thankful Thursday.... I'm thankful for the blessings of friendships and answered prayers. I have just a few very special women in my life and I am proud of all of them. They are a blessing to me. It's an honor to lift them up in prayer, worship with them and laugh and share casual girlfriend conversation. It's a blessing to have Wise Women of God in our lives that can help keep us focused on Him in all aspects of our lives and I just want those women to know I love them!!! (some of them are bloggy friends too.... you know who you are!) ;o) hugs and kisses today to my Godly girlfriends. xoxo

And what's up with the comments for the Lent RAK? I guess no one wants free stuff! Or maybe they just don't like my free stuff. ;o) No matter. Whoever comments, even if it's only one person will get the goods! I love you all anyway. There's still time to participate in this weeks giveaway RAK.

We're sharing a family's adoption blog, Bringing Drew Home, that is having an auction of sorts with things that people have donated to their family to raise funds for their adoption. Our Joint Heirs Adoption Ministry will be sending a Pish Posh Tots outfit for their fundraising efforts. Can't wait to see how the Lord blesses them! Go check out their site and all the goodies that have been shared with them. There's some great stuff there!!!

Now... the Lent study continues. Head, Heart, Hands & Feet. After one week do you feel this is just another Bible Study or do you feel God calling you to action? List the holes you've discovered in your assumptions about the poor.

For me this is a biggie! My eyes were opened before this study when I traveled on a mission trip to Haiti. My life has never been the same since! So I definitely feel God calling me to action. Everyday! Some days it seems I can never EVER do enough. Other days I'm excited and overjoyed at little accomplishments that we make with our adoption advocacy or conversations I might have with others.

But, I can tell you three things (that's what the workbook asks for....lol) that I discovered that I assumed.

1. You can't expect someone else to take care of the situation. If we all believed that someone else would handle it or do something about it and just sat on our butts then nothing would ever get accomplished. I always figured there were missionaries or other people that had a calling to taking care of orphans. They could do a better job than I could. For that matter.... I never really thought about orphans that much period! (How could I have been so deaf, dumb and blind?!)
2. I've shared with others before that before my trip I had the attitude that all those needy children commercials were fake. That the camera crews must have traveled to the far reaches of the earth, found the worst case scenario and spent maybe five minutes filming children, bribing them to look pitiful and then waiting for the donations to roll in to fund their own selfish desires. Wow.... how pitiful is that? God sent me on a trip to open my eyes. Those children aren't bribed to look like they're starving. They aren't bribed to look lonely and desperate. They are. Someone needs to care. I NEED TO CARE! YOU NEED TO CARE!
3. My other assumptions included feeling 'misled' (now that I know), that certain parts of my Bible just weren't relevant. Caring for orphans and widows. What does that really mean? No one can possibly be THAT poor.... Being nice to them and praying for them. Even people I would encounter right here in our hometown.... well, I don't know why they don't just get a job. Or, anyone can afford a bar of soap and water is free. Ummm... NO! Oh how lost I was! Thank you Lord for opening my eyes, for opening my heart, for leading my feet. For turning me from the self-righteous person I was. And the saddest part is, I didn't even realize it!!! It's still a normal lifestyle for many of my friends. Good, kind people, that would bend over backwards to help me. But would they help the least of these? They are missing the point of the gospel.

'Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.'

--Ezekiel 16:49

You see, this adventure I'm on... well, the walk with Christ began a long time ago. The patience He's had for me is AMAZING to say the least as I've not always been the best listener. The beauty part is finding out following Him COMPLETELY and totally and striving to be the best I can be for Him, is more of a blessing to myself than anything. Doing His will, loving and caring for the 'least of these' is just the tip of the iceberg. When I fail Him or disappoint Him I'm glad that He picks me back up and says you're not finished girl! Get back out there. I still love you, just keep on keepin' on! We're going to get this right together.

I'm glad He finally smacked me upside the head and made a RADICAL change in my life. I'm sorry it took me so long to listen.

What are some of the misconceptions you've had about 'the poor'? Trust me, you couldn't have been anymore senseless than me! Do share, there's no shame in honesty. Walk with me. Not behind me but beside me and make today the day you move forward! Walk away from the assumptions. It will put a smile on His face (and yours!).

Can You Spare a Chicken?

Day 6 of my study is making it personal. Buying a chicken! lol Yes, you read that right. Rather than brother can you spare a dime, try sparing a chicken. =)

♥ Isaiah 58:10 ♥

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.

then your light will shine out from the darkness,

and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

A gift of one chicken ($13) can provide a family with fresh, nutritious eggs everyday, plus extra eggs to sell to others. Make this study personal and take time to buy a chicken! You can go toWorld Vision and go shopping through their catalog. If you're really ambitious, buy a goat or a cow! =) At one time (and it may still be active) there were links because they were going to show actual video footage of the villages and families they served with the items people bought at Christmastime. Can you imagine the look on a child's face when they are given a new chicken?! How does that compare to the site of your child opening Christmas gifts? Could you convince your child that a chicken was way better of a gift than a new video game?! lol =) It would be pretty hard. I know if my 6 year old opened a box and got a chicken.... well, pouting would ensue.

In his defense, he was rather excited when we went to the farm and home store last year and purchased our new chickens. He named his 'Poachy'. And no, my son has never had a poached egg so it was even funnier to us than he realized. lol He still talks about his chicken. He was so proud checking out of the store and packing that little cardboard box home to show dad. His chick could fit in the palm of his hand, now she's the biggest bird in the coop and definitely rules the roost! lol

My bloggy friend Linny has been trying to do a MckLinky on her blog as well and needed help, so I thought I'd share the instructions here, if anyone else is having trouble. And I'm a visual kinda' girl so I made it a picture. Visual aids are always best! The very first thing you need to do is register for an account with MckLinky. You can't just go to the website and try to make one. Once you register, then log in to your account and follow the instructions below:

You can click on the photo to enlarge it to read the instructions. I made my first MckLinky last week when I started my RAK giveaway for Lent. So, keeping up with the giveaways, here's the newest!

I'm giving away a set of books!

EXCELLENT condition (one of the rules of the giveaway...your items must be in a condition that you yourself would want to receive. The saying 'one man's trash is another man's treasure does not apply here.)

I'm in love with books (so is my daughter). The smell of new books, the feel of the crisp pages, the slick covers and fresh spines just waiting to be broken! lol You get the idea. I realized I have TWO copies of each of these books! I'm such a dork. Can't even remember what I've bought and what I haven't. Does that tell you how many books are sitting on my shelf, just waiting to be read? Too many! TWO too many today! Lucky you!

All you have to do is leave me a comment. Say hi, share your thoughts or just put I wanna win!!! Every Sunday I'll pick a winner and ship your FREE RAK gift to you! if you want to participate and do the same on your own blogs, use the MckLinky and join along! This might be an awesome project to do with your kids! If you're a homeschooling mom or just looking to get rid of some things your kids don't need.... toys, clothes that were purchased and still have the tags on them that you never wore! The possibilities are endless!

How awesome to go to your mailbox and get a gift, just because. Just because I think you're special and because it pleases God. :)

• John's Story - The Jesus Chronicles, and...
• Moment's Together - Devotionals for Couples

Both great books. You can see the reviews and description by clicking on the titles. I'm trying to get the whole set of The Jesus Chronicles to read and the Moment's Together I had read before! Guess that's why it drew my attention last time at the book store! It 'looks' like such an awesome book! To get it home and discover I'd already read it... well, a blonde moment at its finest. lol (the sad part is, I'm not a blonde!) I've read the book hardback that goes with this little devotional and it's a great book too! Check out the other selections at amazon in this series. I love them! If you are a couple who prays together or spends time alone discussing faith and devotions it's definitely something to add to your collection. =)

And of course, my goober 6 year old with his bed-head felt the need to have his picture posted today too. Besides being the book model he kept saying take a picture of this, take my picture this way.... for at least 5 minutes. All I wanted was a shot of my books for the giveaway.... But, it's a snow day AGAIN.

Yes, AGAIN.... we got 10+ inches in the last 24 hours. Pray for my sanity and their well-being. ;)

So, if you want to participate and do a RAK Giveaway during Lent, add your site to the MckLinky... maybe I'll add more than two this week! lol Don't forget to leave your comments! Get to posting!

I'm off to buy a chicken....

So Hungry...

Wow.... for those that think God doesn't speak to them all I have to say is, maybe you just aren't listening closely! Today was Sunday, my favorite day of the week! Our family is usually joyful as we get up and prepare to go to church. Coming home, fixing lunch together and joking and laughing, taking afternoon naps, playing games and watching NASCAR. (I'm rolling my eyes, but must include hubbies hobbies right?!) lol

I hadn't read forward to see what today's Lent study was until this evening. I know, I should have, if I'm going to keep this study going I need to be prepared at least a day before and plan accordingly. When I opened my study guide to see what it was.... talk about a moment of awe. God was preparing me for today without me even realizing it.

My hubby and I went out for dinner last night on our date night and I tend to feel a bit guilty overindulging in good food at times. We didn't eat breakfast this morning before church and let me tell you our bellies were both growling mid-way through this mornings sermon!

We looked at one another and spontaneously and at the exact same time said, "I'm hungry!" lol We had just talked about fasting the day before and a friend who had just done a three day fast who is working in Haiti. Discussing our thoughts on how difficult or easy it might be. Then during the sermon it led to fasting. Which of course brought food to our minds even more!

I told my husband that I feel ashamed when I say I'm hungry. Knowing there are soooo many people....children....in the world who are hungrier than I can imagine. I feel ashamed of being overweight and binging on junk food so often.

We get home from church (after an hour drive that should have only taken ten minutes. Can you say SNOW! but that's a post for another time), I started fixing lunch after changing my clothes and we all sat down and ate. I marveled at my children laughing, fighting over the ketchup. Arguing over who gets the last piece of homemade cheesy bread. I'm praying in my mind for all the children who are hungry right now. Right at this very moment dying because their bellies are empty, their bodies are malnourished and starving. Trying not to cry when my family is enjoying the sabbath.

After the kids leave the table I confess to my husband the thoughts of guilt and sadness. How can something that is such a blessing for us be so barren for another. How or why did God decide in his grace to allow my family to be born in America rather than Africa? Rather than Haiti? My heart aches for the ones I want to help, but can't seem to reach. I want to feed the world!

I imagine in another time, if I were born to another generation I would have been in the Peace Corp and would have never looked back. I dream of a day when I can go on missions for weeks... months on end. I often times ask the Lord to break my heart with what breaks His. And sometimes I have to be reminded.... be careful what you wish for. Not that it's a bad thing, but you better be prepared for the helplessness you sometimes feel. The agony it can bring to a Christian heart when you feel you have never done enough.

Wanna know what the Lent lesson was today?

"Think about a day in your life when you were hungry. Really, really hungry."

Yes Lord, I'm listening.......

Every THREE seconds a child dies because he or she was hungry.

That's a hard fact to grasp huh. When my children claim they are hungry, what's for supper? They have no idea what it really means to be hungry. So desperate that you are dying.

--James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress

and to keep oneself from

being polluted by the world.

Now, one last thing to take care of this Sunday! Remember my RAK for lent? I'm giving away something close to my heart every week! I only had four people comment on Wednesday and the winner was chosen at random! Yes, technically it was.... 4 comments, I told my 6 yr old to pick a number between 1 and 4. You know, 1, 2, 3, 4... pick one. He said 5. My husband said 3. So #3 it is! Andrea is our winner this week! You can visit her blog by clicking on The Young Family -- Stay tuned tomorrow for the new RAK!

The Young Family said...
I have to get this book too!!!!

OK...under crafts on my blog you can find the guide to the Lent tree! Look under Easter in crafts on the menu:). XOXO friend:)

I'm Rich

Yep, today I'm rich! Filthy....stinkin.....rich! How do you define rich? The dictionary of course defines it by ones worth. Wealth, luxury, social prestige and privilege. My Lent study challenge today....defining RICH.

My definition of rich is far from that. And believe me, it's been a struggle teaching it to our children through the years. Thinking their friends at school are rich because of their big fancy houses, their nice new cars, the gaming systems and countless cell phones (before cell phones were ever so popular). Teaching our children that riches come not from possessions but love. Our love for one another, our love for and from the Lord. Our love of fun and spending time together. I'm rich beyond measure.

My children are healthy. School comes easily to them, there's no struggle in studies or frustration from lack of understanding when it comes to their homework. And believe me I have friends that this is not the case and oh the times I've prayed for their sanity and patience with their children.

My husband and I have our health (for the most part....he claims he's getting old) lol. Up until this past summer when I had a case of the dizzies that turned out to be a side effect from some vitamins, I had never once spent time in the hospital other than to give birth to my children. I'll be 40 this year. I have friends and family that have had numerous health issues, surgeries, taking regular medications.

We've most always been able to pay bills and provide for ourselves with necessities of food and shelter (and yes, even the splurges of cable television, cell phones, etc.).

We are blessed. We have a paper stuck to our refrigerator that, basically summed up, says that we dare not complain about earthly things for our Heavenly Father gave such a great sacrifice for our souls. How dare we complain. Isn't His grace enough? It's more than sufficient! I've always loved reading that over and over. It's been on our fridge for over 10 years.

My riches can be found in my header image. Three children and my wonderful husband. Yes, I think he's pretty wonderful. Even the days when I want to call him ugly names. I know I am his greatest love and am second only to God in his life. I can't ask for more than that.

Don't get me wrong. We've had our share of troubles, misfortune and heartbreak. But overall our lives are blessed.

As I traveled to Haiti and saw people with so little..... no shelter, no food on a regular basis, no clean water....how could they laugh and smile so at times I wondered. Then it dawns on you. Our families are what makes us rich. The exact things I try to teach and instill in my children I was seeing in action. They have the love of God and their families and children. Of course they smile and laugh. But that alone shouldn't keep us from helping to make their lives even richer with the blessings we can share with them.

Pack It Up Baby

A large number of the world's poor can fit all of their possessions into a small suitcase. Today my study challenges you to make it personal and imagine you live in a poor family, in a poor country. Select five of your possessions and pack them into a suitcase or duffel bag.

FIVE!

Five? Seriously?

Just five...

And I know I should be sensible about this too right? Like...my laptop is out of the question. Even if I took it, I wouldn't have electricity to charge it. Lucky for me I've spent time in a third-world country, and had to wait on my luggage. ;o) I know what is 'necessary' for me. lol But five? I can fit more than five things in a carry on bag. I can fit WAY more than that in my purse!

After much thought, here are my top five:

1. The Good Book -- My Study Bible

2. A good sturdy pot. I'm no 'Pioneer Woman' with fancy turquoise crockery but I get by.

I could cook and boil water with ease. Of course I'd grab my biggest one, but it's got leftovers in it, in the fridge. Wow... I have a refrigerator. :s

3. Extra underwear. I'm not about to show them, so you get a view of the front of my dresser. ;) But after spending time in Haiti.... clean underwear. Ranks right up there with my Bible.

4. Aaaah.... toothbrush. 'Nuff said.

5. My iPhone. Yes, my iPhone.

One of the things I remember so vividly was going to church on Sunday morning when we were in Haiti and there was one bench along an outside wall that had a very long extension chord with a surge bar outlet LOADED with cell phone chargers! It was actually kinda funny, but at the same time, you should have seen people waiting to charge their phones.

The iPhone.... so many possibilities. Maybe I would charge people to use it.

And as I'm thinking of my top five, I'm looking around the house at all the things I'd have to leave behind. We...are....so.... SPOILED. Our material lives tend to become 'normal', expected....

Most people in third world countries live on less than $2.00 per day. Can you imagine? My electric meter spins WAY faster than that. Not to mention the food, personal hygiene items and cleaning supplies we go through in a day.

And as I sit here tapping away on my new laptop, watching the winter olympics on my BIG screen television and listening to my iPod I feel empty.

My son went on his first youth retreat tonight. They are attending Acquire The Fire in Kansas City and he is so excited. I'm grateful for the friends he's going with and my friend Joy and her husband Jack for chaperoning. I wish we could have gone. He packed his bag last night for his trip. I'll meet him again on Sunday morning at church when they return. And for 30 plus hours, what did he pack?

• Sleeping bag and pillow (begged for an air mattress and I told him NO!)
• Clean change of clothes and his extra hoodie because he's stylish like that.
• TWO ball caps. Because we must be coordinated right? My fashion conscious teen has an OU cap to match his sweatshirt and his Jesus Saves cap for concert night.
• His cell phone (and charger)
• His digital camera (and charger)
• His iPod

What didn't he pack that mom had to include:

• toothbrush & toothpaste
• deoderant (someone will thank me)
• brush (his hair is totally out of control.... imagine a blonde afro, seriously)
• his cooler full of food! Hellow!

I guess that's just one more reason God made mothers. I just wish I could be a mother to so SOO many more. What would you consider your prized possessions? It also brings to mind the earthquake again. Imagine if you were fortunate enough to own a home and some other worldly things and in a instant it was all gone. The people we've seen left with nothing. We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

One last thought to leave you with.... tomorrow is about being rich.

Fresh Water

So, day two of this Lent study is experiencing life without clean water. A challenge to go 12 hours... just twelve, without water. Nothing water based or mixed with water. That means from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. no water, no coffee, no tea, no soup (which is on my menu tonight for supper!), I think I should have planned better! lol

I knew from looking ahead what today would bring. And I surprised myself when I stopped to think about the magnitude of such a problem. Something we take for granted, yet learning to live without clean water. Before I went to bed I didn't review the 'rules' for today so I had no idea how many hours. If it was indeed 24 hours, an entire day..... or just 12 hours.

And I began to get thirsty!

I drank an extra glass of water before bed (which by the way had my bladder aching when my feet hit the floor this morning!) lol And then I found myself already making excuses when I got up. So aware of what my day was going to involve. Saying to myself, 'Well, if it's 24 hours, I'll go 24 hours from 8 a.m. till 8 a.m. tomorrow.'

So I drank another glass of water as soon as I was done in the bathroom. ;) I realized how desperate I was becoming. I just don't know if this is a good exercise for today. 'kinda silly' I tried to tell myself.

And then God reminded me of why.... Why I was becoming desperate. Why I was so thirsty. I don't want to fail at this. I remember the faces of the children I saw in Haiti. I remember the site of the old man drinking from a puddle on the side of the road. I see the faces of children through others' blogs on their missions in Africa....

I can't drink.

Lucky for me it's only a 12 hour test. And right now I desperately want a big glass of ice water! I don't even drink a lot of water in a normal day. Not as much as I should. But today is something that will keep my mind focused on Him. As I focus on Him, I know He will direct my thoughts to the ones I truly need to help. Not myself.

FACT:

A child dies every 21 seconds from

a water-related disease.

This amounts to nearly 6000 deaths,

or the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets

crashing....everyday.

How humbling... sure makes my Dr. Pepper seem like a silly thing to give up for Lent.

I'm so very thankful for the blessings that abound in my life. Help me Lord to recognize even those tiniest of blessings that I take for granted to easily. Help me to be your hands and feet that more people may be aware and that we may work to bring water to those who need it most.

R.A.K. & Lent

How's that for a title? lol Lots to share today so I'm jumping right in, grab your coffee and chocolate and get comfy! I'm doing a special type of Lent Study this year. As most probably already know Lent is a time of preparation for the death of Christ on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The period of 40 days of repentance with prayer and fasting are to mimic Jesus' 40 days and nights of fasting in the wilderness and the temptation by the devil.

As we choose to give up something for Lent it doesn't have to seem like a major undertaking or racking your brain for some incredible, newsworthy, life-threatening vice. We are not Jesus....don't try to fast completely for 40 days. I doubt you would survive. ;o) However, find something that is a crutch to you. Something you depend on way more than you should. Something you indulge in, yet don't need.

I am addicted to pop.

There, I said it. I think I need Dr. Pepper everyday. Rather than just saying I'm giving up Dr. Pepper I'm giving up pop. Period. I don't want to say Woo, I did it! I gave up Dr. Pepper yet everyday decide I'll have a Pepsi or Mt. Dew instead. Pop. That's my vice. That's my crutch. I'm prepared with a new bottle of Excedrin for when the caffeine withdrawal and headaches set in. I'm prepared with my study.

Jesus was tempted after his 40 days of fasting. When he was hungry and thirsty. When he was vulnerable. Giving up something for Lent is not God testing us, but a way for God to provide wisdom through experiences that test our faith. Our strength. Our endurance. When we are most vulnerable is when we tend to fail. When we tend to rely on our own understanding rather than leaning on God. After all, the Lord's prayer says, "Lead us not into temptation". I think God uses the temptations we are confronted with by the devil to serve a greater purpose to glorify Him. So when I am having sugar withdrawal from that sweet dark carbonated liquid love in a can...I'll be looking forward to the great things He has in store for me. That He opens my eyes to during this lent season.

WHICH.... leads me to my study. The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. You can go to the site by clicking the book title, there you will find information about the book, how to obtain it (at a discount price!), video clips about Richard's message and there are links to a reading guide and study actions to do everyday during Lent. Did I mention their FREE?! :) Bonus!

I know this is going to be an awesome book and will share my thoughts as I'm reading, but for day one we are to tell close friends or family if our Jesus is God-sized or if we've shrunk Him to our size. Y'all are some of my close friends! Yes, believe it. You are.

An anonymous quote from the book says we have shrunk Jesus to the size where He can save souls, but now don't believe He can change the world. Well, I'm here to tell you CLOSE FRIENDS my

Jesus is God-sized!

I've seen first hand some of his miracles and know that with Him ANYTHING is possible. If the world had more faith in, and a relationship with Jesus I believe the 'changing the world' would be much more obvious! What 'size' do you think Jesus is? We need to put our faith and belief into action.

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

1 John 3:17

Okay.... now for the R.A.K.! Some people aren't even aware what RAK's are.... It's Random Acts of Kindness. Seems kinda fitting for the study too. I'm challenging everyone (and I hope I get the McLinky to work), I'm calling you out!!! All you LURKERS who read but never comment. I know you're there. ;o) At 50-60 hits a day this should be fun! I'm finding something in my home that is close to my heart to give away.

Yep, GIVING IT AWAY! Once a week. All you have to do is leave a comment, say hi, share your thoughts or just put I wanna win! Every Sunday afternoon I'll let the computer pick the random winner and ship your FREE RAK gift to you! If you want to participate and do the same on your own blogs, use the McKlinky and join along! I think it would be awesome to go to your mailbox and get a gift, just because. Just because I think you're special and because it pleases God. :)

Week one: a new favorite coffee mug and some java! The grocery store had them in the clearance bin because they are 'valentine' related with hearts, but I'm a coffee mug junkie and had to have one because they are so darn cute!!! One lucky reader will get a new mug and a packet of Gevalia Coffee! Shipping is on me! Absolutely FREE I tell ya! Just leave some comments! Delurk!

Two Shall Become One

I found another awesome blog and some more great devotionals and testimonies that gave me an idea of sharing the 'Two shall become One Tuesdays'. Maybe it was sparked by Valentine's day.... who knows. Our husbands deserve a place of honor and our marriages should be a top priority in our daily focus. Mine has always been far from perfect and at times it seems as if it was destroyed beyond repair.

My husband and I have had many difficult times and in the last couple of years through much prayer and letting God have control of our lives it has become the biggest blessing ever. My husband has always said maybe our lives can become a testimony to others, to know that nothing is impossible with God. Because believe me, there were days that we were both impossible! Look forward every Tuesday to peaking inside our lives, our marriage, our imperfections, our faith in a marriage that has been restored. I hope it will bless you.

My tiny disclaimer here.... I know that some women will say these things are easier said than done, or your husband is a better man than mine. It takes a Godly man in a relationship to honor and love his wife as Christ loves the church, to make a marriage complete and able to fulfill it's good work. But even if your man isn't 'there' yet, that doesn't mean you can't be the woman God desires for you to be and a Godly wife. We must work on ourselves and the change we need to see in us first. This is my story. This is OUR story....

Think of all the things you have done to bring one another down, to hurt one another (whether it was intentional or accidental). Is it easy for you to forgive? Or is it difficult to overlook your disappointment or anger and say to your husband (or wife) that you forgive them for....

• overlooking a holiday or special moment you wanted recognized
• for spending time with their friends rather than with you
• working too much and leaving you feeling neglected
• yelling at you for something you had no control over
• leaving you alone
• having an affair (physically or emotionally)

Now think of all the ways that we have hurt or disappointed God. How easy is it for Him to forgive us? He gave His son Jesus Christ for our forgiveness. It's there for the taking if we just ask. But consider your spouse. MUST we ask forgiveness? Does Jesus love us unconditionally? Through all our sin and disappointment He loves us. If our marriages are to be strong and an example to our children and to others we must learn to put Christ first and to love and respect our spouse. As we show respect to our husbands, they are to love us as Christ loves the church.

We must learn to forgive. As God forgives us of our sins. Some say forgive and forget. Others say I can forgive--it's the forgetting part that's hard. I challenge you to let go and let God have control of your anger and resentment toward your situation. At one point our lives were so torn apart that I knew NOTHING could fix it. Nothing could be done. We had hurt one another beyond repair. For years. I prayed for our lives to be changed, I prayed for my husband to love me more, to pay attention more. I prayed for it all to be fixed. What I failed to pray for was God's will in our situation, for God to open my eyes to the things I was failing at.

One night as I was crying myself to sleep again--desperate, broken, and alone it finally dawned on me. I cried out to my Lord. Literally. Whatever your will is for our lives, please, PLEASE make it known to me. I'll listen, I promise. If I'm to go home and somehow learn to fix what we've done, or if I'm supposed to move ahead alone, raising my children as a single mother--show me how. Guide my steps. I'm letting go. Just lead me. Do you see me letting go God? I'm sincere this time. Please.....

I remember praying and talking to God until I fell asleep. I can't even tell you the last thoughts that went through my mind or the last question I may have ask Him. But I fell asleep in my Saviors arms and woke up brand new.

I wanted to run home! To run to my husband and throw my arms around him and tell him I loved him. I wanted to be 15 again and have that feeling that he was the greatest man on earth and adore him, and brag about him. This required me admitting I might have been wrong in some of my own actions. But God had shown me just what I ask for.

I drove to our house and spent the next 4 hours discussing our marriage. The reasons why it should be saved, the reasons we both deserved better. Admitting my own failures as a wife. Wanna know the even greater part? My husband wasn't waiting with anger, or 'what now' defensiveness. He was there with open arms. He agreed wholeheartedly. We had the same vision and desires for our marriage. God had opened his heart to welcome me. When just the day before I thought I had no use for this man. God reminded me of His will for our lives... together. God showed us how to forgive one another.

The last two plus years since that day have been the best years of our marriage. We may still have our differences but it's how we handle those times that has become the change. How we treat one another, how we show respect to one another. How we honor one another. God can make all the difference in your lives if you let Him have control. I challenge you to let go! Watch how quickly and miraculously He works in you.

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

--Proverbs 31:10

Pleasing God & Italian!

So I started a new study and reading a book 'Becoming A Woman Who Pleases God'. Pretty awesome book I must say, and it of course is centered around the Proverbs 31 woman and Titus 2. I'm one to skim through a book and had to be nosey and see some of what's to come. Like chore charts and weekly menus. Sounds awesome right?! It goes along with a Proverbs woman keeping her house in order and implementing effective methods for managing your household.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily,

as for the Lord rather than for men.

--Colossians 3:23

So, today before I started anything I made a chore chart for myself, hubby and the kids (they're going to thank me in the long run, I know it! lol). Then I made a menu to stick to for the rest of the week. I must say, being organized does have it's advantages! I had most everything done before lunch time (even supper made and ready for the oven) and it felt awesome!!! My oldest son was actually excited about all of it. I think mostly because he thinks there may be an allowance as the light at the end of his tunnel. We shall see. I'm just thinking if it's this simple.... God definitely had a hand in it and is sitting above watching saying, geesh..... it only took her 39 years to figure this out. If she would have tried harder to be what I desired in her imagine the things we would have accomplished by now! LOL Yes, Lord..... I'm listening.

After some input from the kids the menu has been posted in the kitchen so everyone knows what to expect this week and I started going through the cabinets to see what I needed. Here comes the fun part--I made my list of needed items and went to the store this afternoon. I only spent $20!!!! Everything else I needed we already had on hand. I've read before about making your menu plan around your pantry first so it saves money. I was impressed that I only spent that much and we are good to go until Sunday!

My friend Joy is looking for new recipes all the time and I'm game for fixing anything so if there's something on my menu besides 'normal' food I'll try to share and we can do a recipe swap. Who doesn't love recipes right? If I ever get them from good books I'll be sure to reference them so you can always find them if you can't read my photos. Be warned though.... I can be very frugal so I reserve the right to make substitutions!

Baked Cavatelli (Total yumminess!)

You can see the items it calls for in this photo (taken from my Betty Crocker cookbook), for the wagon wheel macaroni I substitute any pasta I have in the cabinet. We've used rigatoni, elbow macaroni, mostaciolli... whatever. Cook it up, drain and set aside.

For the italian sausage I used ground up sausage, not the links. Our local grocery store has 10 lb bags of precooked sausage that are wonderful for this. (and homemade pizza, sausage gravy and lots of other goodies. Just measure what's needed and dump it in!) We've used ground beef for this recipe before too. Just as yummy, but not as spicy.

The pasta sauce (I never have jar pasta sauce on hand...don't like it) was substituted (this time) with a can of pizza sauce and a can of tomato sauce. The pizza sauce had enough spice for flavor. If I use plain tomato sauce I always add in a bit of oregano or Italian seasoning for flavor.

See.... whatever kind of pasta you have on hand will work. I was almost out of both of these today so combined them to get the amount the recipe called for. :)
See my precooked sausage! That stuff is awesome. All you have to do is combine all your ingredients, mix them up and dump it in a casserole dish. VERY simple. I made this up today before I had my errands and such to do so I just had to pop it in the oven come supper time and wait 30 minutes and voila!
See my little garlic keeper?! That's my favorite new splurge for my kitchen. I'm crazy about garlic and usually buy the fresh garlic, spend my time peeling and then some of it eventually goes bad or molds. Well, I found these new packs of garlic at the grocery store. They are all peeled and zip packed about 4 pieces to a pouch and the big bag is resealable too. Once I open a small pouch whatever I don't use goes into the little plastic garlic container and back in the fridge. I love that little sucker! :)
Once you get everything in the casserole dish top it off with mozzarella cheese (I don't measure this because after all, can you ever have too much cheese?) I just use what looks good for us. Pop it in the oven at 350-375 for approximately 20 to 30 minutes (or until it's bubbly and the cheese is melted good).
We had garlic toast with it and I was lazy tonight. I didn't make homemade bread sticks. I bought french bread at the store and spread garlic butter on it and stuck it under the broiler for a minute to melt it really good. I was going to take an 'after' picture but everyone gets a little overzealous at our house around feeding time and it was demolished before I could get the camera back to the kitchen.

So, for TODAY being that Proverbs woman proved to be incredible all the way around. I'm off to veg out on the couch with my kiddos, watch a little tv and relax. I'll read some more before bedtime and maybe tomorrow I'll tackle some of the harder things..... like cleaning. Eeewww!!!

Who's Your Valentine?

As much as I enjoyed spending the day with my hubby and kids for Valentine's Day, it was even more special that it fell on Sunday. The one day we get to devote totally and completely to our first love.... our Lord. My hubby gave me a card and some chocolate (as well as the kids), took me to church, out to eat lunch and then we spent the afternoon at home. Me taking a nap and him watching cars drive in circles. (I'm a Daytona 500 widow....) Although I can't be totally sure he wasn't taking a little cat nap of his own while I was dozing on the couch. He tends to do that on Sundays too! lol ♥

Plus, I'd like to point out that today is Chinese New Year too! Having a new little China doll in our lives is opening up our minds to many new things these days. We made Jia some 'special' valentine's to share with her friends and family. Hope you enjoy!

This poem was shared at church this morning and I just wanted to share it here. I hope everyone had a special day with someone they love. If it wasn't a sweetheart I bet you have friends or children you shared it with. All that matters is that it was spent with people you love and that love you! Sending all my friends, both at home and in blog land virtual hugs and kisses!!!!

Valentine's Day with Jesus

Jesus does not send perfume To linger in the air

Instead He sends salvation, sweet

To show how much He cares.

He doesn’t bring me candy hearts

In boxes of delight

Instead He always lets me know I’m precious in His sight.

He doesn’t pass out pretty cards

Trimmed in shades of red

Instead He gave His life for me

His precious blood was shed.

He doesn’t hand out fancy gifts

Like we would send to mother

Instead He sends a message clear

To always love each other.

He doesn’t give me teddy bears

That whimper, “Please be mine”

Instead He gave His heart to me I wear it all the time.

He doesn’t give me roses, pink

For all the world to see

Instead He gave eternal life

That’s good enough for me.

Author/Written By: Marilyn Ferguson ©2003

Olives for Haiti & Movie Night

That's a funny title huh! I guess it's not really Olives for Haiti.... but Wild Olive Tees is doing a fundraiser that is Hope for Haiti. =) You can read about it on their blog HERE.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the HOPE t-shirt will go to benefit the people of Haiti, through the help of Eyes Wide Open International.

They are even giving away some t-shirts as a way to promote this shirt and it's cause. If you share the information with your bloggy friends and post a comment on Wild Olive's Blog you can earn entries to get a free t-shirt. So go check 'em out!!! If you don't win one, buy one! Or two...or three.... or four! Share them with your friends and family. It's an awesome cause!

And considering today marks one month from the day of the earthquake it's certainly a way to remember the needs of the people of Haiti. We must continue to keep this cause at the forefront of our minds and continue to support and help in any way possible. The fight isn't over.... the suffering isn't over. The support and love shouldn't stop either.

Now.... on another note! It's been a while since I've posted a must see movie. But I have a new one to add to the list! If you watched the Fireproof movie and felt inspired or encouraged there is a new movie (actually not really new, was released last month on DVD) along the same lines. It's a Christian film about marriage, love and how God wants us to treat our spouse. No Greater Love This could be a great movie to watch with your sweetie for Valentine's Day. You can rent it or rent to view online. You can see the trailer at the link by clicking on the title of the movie I just typed. There is even a free downloadable Bible Study to go along with the movie so you can implement it for small group study, bible study or marriage enrichment through your church.

I must warn you.... after watching the video trailer, I was suckered into watching the 30 minute teaser. I should have known better but I couldn't resist. Anything for free right?! NOT! Thirty minutes into a movie is not a good place to stop! I had to see it NOW! So after I watched the teaser I went to my Amazon account and rented it for $3.99 and watched it through my video library.

As much as I enjoyed Fireproof, this one was better. Fireproof seemed like a low budget film and while it had a great message it was hard to keep my interest up. No Greater Love is no awesome production that will win awards for video but the story is incredible. The message and the ending will keep you on the edge of your seat. Sometimes you don't even see what's coming. I laughed and I cried. I think this may be one of those must haves to add to our video collection here at home.

One Month...

Tomorrow marks the date one month from the earthquake that shook the ground violently enough it was heard 'round the world. One month ago Haiti was changed forever. People stood up and took notice of a third world country that needed their support. Their prayers. Their love. I have mixed emotions thinking of what has transpired over the last thirty days.

I still miss my Haitian friends and think of them everyday. Wondering what they are doing, how they are helping others, how they are rebuilding. I want to still be there to help. My heart breaks even for those that I don't know. Yes, it's finally happened. The media coverage has dwindled and most people are getting back to life as usual.

But the tragedy continues everyday.

People are still dying from the lack of medical care. The immediate recovery efforts were rescuing those still alive, burying the dead that were everywhere. Mass graves. Those images will live in my mind always. Not as vividly as some, but they are there.

The tragedy continues everyday....

As the rubble is being cleared away, people are salvaging materials to be recycled such as rebar for construction, bricks and blocks that are still in one piece. These things can be used to rebuild their houses and orphanages.

Along with the rubble that is cleared, more bodies are surfacing. The people who were lost that could not be recovered. Could not be dug out. Their bodies have been crushed or just trapped and they may have slowly died. Some of these bodies aren't even recognizable. Who were they?

It upsets me to even say they are 'bodies'. Because they were somebody. They were important. They were brothers, fathers, sons..... mothers, sisters, daughters. They were important to God.

The tragedy continues everyday....

And it somehow aggravates me that people didn't take notice of Haiti BEFORE the earthquake. Haiti needed love, support and prayers before they were shaken. There were already THOUSANDS of orphans in Haiti. Why did it take a natural disaster and the death of over 200,000 people for nations to stand up and take notice of this country?

This country where children starve to death everyday. Where they are abandoned by their families, abused, sold.

This country where people hope to have a meal....tomorrow. Because today it may not be possible.

Perhaps tomorrow someone will show mercy, someone will sponsor their child to go to school so they can be fed and educated.

Perhaps tomorrow someone will provide them with clean water so they aren't subjected to drinking, bathing and doing their laundry all in the same river

Perhaps tomorrow it won't take a natural disaster to stir our hearts to help our neighbors.

In my daily devotional on the day after the earthquake, January 13th, the title was "If You're Breathing, Praise the Lord!". Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord, Psalm 150:6 The story was of a family marveling at the wonders around them proclaiming, "How can people NOT believe? How can they deny the awesomeness of God's creation?" The amazing part and the joyous part of the whole disaster is knowing that God's people were still praising Him less than 24 hours after they lost everything. They lost their homes, their possessions, their children. Yet they continue to praise the Lord!

My devotional for tomorrow, February 12th, one month after the disaster is "The Openness of a Child". Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. Luke 18:17 Children who see a Christian in a place of service look up to them and trust them to be what they claim. Children are very impressionable at a young age. We must be careful what we say to children, and our words must match our actions. Father, help me match what I say with what I do, and place my faith in You as would a little child.

Make your actions match your words. If the disaster was what it took to open your eyes to the plight of orphans then so be it. Go, Seek, LOVE. But please remember this is nothing new. There were children (over 147 MILLION of them), and people in need of your love more than 30 days ago. They're still there today, and they'll need you tomorrow. And they don't just live in Haiti.

Do you ever feel Invisible?

Watch the video and you will understand what I ask when I say, "Do you feel invisible?". =) What will you build today as you are invisible? Scroll to the bottom of the page and turn the audio player off to hear the video clip. You'll be glad you listened! ;o)

Did you fix breakfast before everyone got up? Set clothes out for the kids to go to school. Make sure homework was checked and backpacks were ready. While everyone is gone and no one is looking will you clean the house, do the laundry, take out the trash, prepare supper for when everyone comes home. What will you sacrifice of yourself today, that no one will see..... but God. We are never invisible to God. He's always there holding us up, supporting us, and watching as we build our families. Take pride in your work ladies. Do a good work that He will be proud of you for. We don't do the things we do for our own glory or for others to say thank you (even though it feels incredibly awesome when it's noticed and appreciated), we do it for HIM.

I love Proverbs 31 and want to strive daily to become a Proverbs woman. I want to train my daughter to become a Proverbs woman. It makes my heart happy to know one of her favorite verses is Proverbs 31:30... Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

The invisible things we do are all about becoming a Proverbs woman. My new Bible study I'm beginning with friends is 'Becoming A Woman Who Pleases God'. I want to make sure that everything I do is pleasing to Him. I know at times I fail miserably but I pray when I start my day that He is with me and guides my steps as I go about my business of being a mom, wife and business woman. Being INVISIBLE. =) You can find more of Nicole Johnson's inspirational videos HERE or visit her website HERE.

Proverbs 31:10-31

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

²² She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

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

²⁹ "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.