Remembering Prince Charming

When your young and in love every thing is bubbles and rainbows.  There is no bad or annoying or weird little quirks about the man you love.  He’s perfect.  He’s adorable.  You have the “little girl with a kitty syndrome” you want to just love him and squeeze him and kiss him all over.

Then some where out of the blue real life sets in and before you know it what was so perfect and adorable becomes flawed and annoying. Life isn’t all bubbles and rainbows and you aren’t walking 10 feet off the ground.  Instead you’ve hit the pavement with a resounding thud.  Instead of loving and squeezing that kitten of a man that you married you would rather stick out your tongue at him and lash him with a few choice words….

To read the rest of my most recent article for At The Well click HERE.

Combating Sassy Mouth Syndrome

Sassy talking children and me just don’t mix. Hearing little mouths with bad attitude has always sat wrong with me. The tone of disrespect is like nails on a chalkboard.  It’s just WRONG!  As a young mother, I vowed to never have a sassy mouth in my home. Imagine my surprise when 4 years ago one was born into my family.  Shock and disillusionment followed.  How could I, the mother of 3 boys who I taught diligently to watch their tongues, now be harangued by a sassy, princess child?

The sass and attitude snuck up on me.  It blind-sided me.  Me, the momma, who promised to always have respectful children, now had a girl-child who thought she was the queen mother…..

 

To read more of my latest article head here At The Well.

Everlasting Love

In the early years of my marriage, I learned to tell myself that my dreams of romance and being swept off my feet were not going to be realized anymore. I had believed, despite all the wisdom that had been shared with me, that my marriage would fulfill my deepest desire to be wanted and loved and be the princess of my prince. The love of my life was still by my side, and I still loved him dearly, but my ideals for our marriage were fading fast.

I was immensely disappointed.

Where were the days of just us, soaking in one another? Gazing at each other in adoration? I remember many days of just missing him, and feeling so lonely even though we were married and lived together. I longed to feel I was someone he couldn’t live without. I desired to know I was his all in all.

Gone were the days of my man coming and spending hours with just me. With marriage, his pursuit stopped. I was busy with college. He was busy with work and the fire department. A new normal began. A normal of just living….

Visit At The Well for the rest of my most recent article.

Praying For Our Children

Days, weeks actually, had passed and I realized I hadn’t been seriously praying for my children. Oh, I’d give a little shout out to the Lord about the one who needed help with his attitude or ask for healing for a sick little one, but I wasn’t spending deep, quality time lifting my children up to the Lord. Life in my home was reflecting my neglect.  Angry words and bad attitudes were abundant. Even I had jumped on the cranky bandwagon. Instead of feeling at peace in my home, I was wanting to run at top speeds out the front door….

For more of my latest article head on over to At The Well.

God’s Beauty

Just had to post another bird picture!  I’m loving all the lovely winter photos I’ve had the opportunity to take lately.

I’m At The Well today. Here is an excerpt from my most recent article head on over to The Well to read more…

Shiny and boisterous, warm and inviting, vivid and lively, functional and sturdy, the buttons from my jar pour out across the table.  I run my hand lightly over them, scoop up a handful and let them filter through my fingers.  They bounce back into the pile of light and bright, dark and muted.  The variety scattered across my table brings beauty and completeness.

Autumn’s Splendor~ A Picture Story

 

No words today…letting God’s beautiful creation speak for itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***Head on over to At The Well to read my most recent article on how after many years of inconsistent Bible Study with my children, I have finally worked out a system to help us join together daily for the studying of God’s word.

Meek and Gentle

In the earlier years of my marriage, it would be safe for me to say, that my husband and I didn’t always see eye to eye.  We both tend to sport stubborn, my way because I’m right, type mentalities. So as you can well imagine, we had our fair share of fervent disagreements!

As the years have progressed I have learned to try to embrace a meek and gentle spirit.  To lay down what I sometimes feel as my right to be right. It isn’t always easy. At times words, opinions, and bossiness broil right out of my mouth almost before I have time to think.  Anger and selfishness take front stage as I voice MY thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Oh, to be meek.

To read the rest of my most recent article for At the Well go HERE

Capture My Thoughts

 

Recently my husband and I were having a discussion concerning the purchase of a Hoosier Cabinet that belonged to my grandparents.  Our conversation was going reasonable well until he asked me, “Can I tell you what I think without you getting angry with me?”

“Of course!” I replied

But, as he began to talk I felt a surge of agitation rise within me.  He wasn’t saying what I wanted to hear.  He wasn’t helping me make my decision, he was making it harder to make a decision.  Or so I thought at the moment.  As he continued to ask questions and make statements, my mind was reeling with resentment.  I was thinking unkind things and relaying my answers to him in a short manner. 

My thoughts were angry!

Check out At The Well  of the rest of my most recent article.

 

I Choose Love

“There’s no way I’m ever going to write about that!”  

Those were my exact thoughts when I first looked through the writing topics for At The Well.  My eyes had fallen on the heading of “To Have and To Hold”.  For those who chose to write for this category the focus would be on marriage, Biblical submission, practical advice; in essence loving our husbands. I had made up my mind that I would never be able to provide wisdom on the subject of marriage, let alone anything practical or remotely competent. So, I chose to contribute to a subject a bit more in my comfort zone.  Writing on marriage would have to be somebody else’s project! 

*To read the rest of my most recent article come visit me AT THE WELL.

Check It Out…

 

As some of you may know I am a contributing writer for At The Well.  There are some great things going on over there that I thought you might be interested in. On Februray 1st, At the Well celebrated its one year anniversary.  There are many new changes lined up for another great year of learning and growing.  One of those is a Bible Study written by Jenifer Jernigan.   Here is a little excerpt of that study…

When you think about God, what thoughts come to mind? Do you picture Him as caring, kind, and compassionate? Is He always forgiving, always faithful, always a friend to you? Does He love you unconditionally, meet you where you are, heal your every wound? Can you go to Him with anything, at anytime? Or, do you view God as judgmental, full of wrath, not caring about your life struggles? Do you see Him as unapproachable and unloving? Do you view God as only loving you when you do something right or something you feel is worthy to be loved? Is God untouchable to you- someone who is way up there in Heaven sitting on a throne that cares nothing about you?

One of the most significant ways in which God has revealed Himself to us is through the revelation of His name. God’s names reveal His very nature and character. To know God’s name is to enjoy a kind of personal access to Him. By revealing His names to us, God made Himself, literally an open book- open to be worshiped properly and open to the possibility of being dishonored through the misuse of His name.

Beginning February 8th, for 10 weeks, we will explore some of the Hebrew names of God and the attributes those names will reveal to us. Join us as we get to know the Almighty God.

 

I hope you will be able to join us for this wonderful study At The Well.

A Challenged Heart

 

I wearily sat down on the edge of my bed. Every muscle in my back, legs and feet were protesting. I grumpily thought of all the laundry that still needed to done. I sighed heavily as I pondered on how the house had mysteriously gotten so cluttered when we had hardly spent any time at home over the weekend. I struck up a running commentary in my head on the injustices of doing my household duties while everyone else lounged in front of the television. Then my eyes drifted over to my nightstand and caught these words printed on a card.

To read the rest of my most recent article visit At The Well.

Beautiful or Pesky

Recently we have had to deal with a behavior from one of our children that is a bit pesky. Actually, at times it becomes down right obstinate. It keeps rearing its ugly head, demanding to be dealt with. Just when we all think we have triumphed over this issue. It comes back for an unwelcome visit.

Raising my children and dealing with some of the prickly issues we have faced lately reminds me of the pesky, yet beautiful thistle. Unwanted character issues, when looked at face on aren't pretty. They can cause strife, anger, tension, and profound sadness for those involved. If I were to ignore these issues and look the other way, I would have a festering, seething, invasive problem. In exactly the same way thistle can take over a farmers field, so can a misbehavior take over my child's life.

To read the rest of my most recent article visit At The Well.

Cheerful Giver

"Here ya go Mom, can you put this in water?" my oldest son asked.

In his hand he held what had to be the world record for the longest naked dandelion. It was all stem. No pretty, sunshine yellow petals to grace it's crown. Not even a fluffy white globe to adorn its button top. Just an amazingly long stem, 29 inches to be exact!

So, I became the proud owner of a record breaking dandelion stem. It was placed in my kitchen window sill, in an antique vase, where we could all wonder at the marvel of such a lengthy stem.

The dandelion is only one example of the wonderful gifts my children have blessed me with over the years.

To read the remainder of my most recent article visit At The Well.

*And don't forget to check out the easy Fabric Pumpkin craft I posted today.

Mama Needs Help

 

1) Unload dishwasher, put dirty dishes piled in the sink and across the counter into dishwasher. 2) Pick up socks strung down the hall and throughout the house. 3) Seek out Lego's hiding in every nook and cranny. 4) Eradicate dust. 5) Wipe toothpaste off bathroom mirror and out of the sink~ again. 6) Start another load of laundry. 7) Fold the two loads of laundry heaped on living room floor. 8) Plan and prepare next meal. 9) Gather up two-year-olds toys and have arranged nicely at least for two minutes or so. 10) Vacuum floors which seem to be a magnet for every piece of fuzz, scrap of paper and food remnant.

Does your daily list look a little like mine? Does the housework seem never ending? Are your rushing around constantly picking up or cleaning? Or do you just feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start? Today I would like to give some practical advice on getting the whole family involved in helping mom in keeping an inviting, clean home.

When my boys were younger I struggled with a perfectionist complex. Everything had to be sparkling clean and just so. I spent my days quite efficiently picking up, cleaning and picking up some more. As the years went by, we began homeschooling and a couple babies joined our family, my ideal began to crumble and reality set in.

 

To read the rest of my most recent article visit At The Well

Becoming An Encourager

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

Raising a family is demanding work. As mothers there is so much on our plates. We must meet various needs throughout each and every day. There is laundry to do, disagreements to settle, meals to cook, messes to clean up and discipline to dish out. With all these duties to attend to it can become easy to just dole out cookie cutter discipline for each infraction. Not taking the time to look deeply at each child involved.

To read more of my most recent article on encouraging our children visit AT THE WELL~ click HERE

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Also 5 Minutes For Mom is doing an awesome 2 week Mother's Day Giveaway. Take a few minutes to check it out. There are some amazing prizes.

At The Well- Thankfulness in Marriage

Thankfulness in Marriage

The discussion questions are:

What are some things that you can publicly thank God for, in relation to your husband?

A while back I was asked about the story about how my husband and I met (this is for you Jackie!).  I thought this would be a good time to share our story and list some of the qualities that endear me to my love.

                                                                                                         

Twenty years ago I met my husband at church.  My family had just recently moved and we started attending the church that my grandparents were members of.  Joel and his family came to visit our church in December of 1988.  We were having a potluck and I remember he was goofing off and being the life of the party.  Fast forward, four months, his family and mine both became members of the church. Each Sunday and Wednesday we had opportunities to get to know one another a little better. Then, one evening after Wednesday evening prayer meeting, he followed my cousin and I home down the dirt road that led to our church.  I remember turning around and waving at him at each intersection expecting for him to head home, since he lived in the opposite direction from me.  Finally, it sunk in that he wasn't headed home.  I was giddy!  I remember feeling short of breath and excited beyond description.  My cousin dropped me off and headed to her house.  At that moment Joel pulled into the driveway and I went over to his car.  Long story short I ended up sitting in his car talking for 2 hours! 

I knew from the moment he followed me home that I would marry him. He was unlike any other boy who had ever showed any interest in me.  Every time I was with him or thought of him, I knew he was the one the Lord had chosen for me.

I still love him just as much as I did when we were dating and in some ways I love him deeper and more selflessly. Here are some of the reasons why...

• He has an amazing sense of humor! There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't have me giggling.
• He is a wonderful provider. He works so hard so that I can be home with our children. And he doesn't complain, even if the job he is doing isn't his dream job.
• He still finds me beautiful. And daily he tells me how much he loves me
• He is willing to help others in need and share his time, strength and knowledge with those around him.
• He faithfully attends church with us and talks to our children about God's love for us.

I could go on, but to sum it all up, he is my true love. Given to me from my Heavenly Father and I will cherish him forever.

At The Well- Persistence

The discussion questions are:

Think about your daily life as a wife, mother and child of God.

What are some ways that you have persisted when you have been knocked down?

How have these circumstances brought glory to the Father?

Life is full of trials some that knock the wind out of us, some that make our hearts ache and some that are mere annoyances. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.      

James 1:2-4

In my life I have faced some difficult trials.  One in particular almost took my life.  As a result of this, I was brought to my knees.  The Lord had gotten my attention! Before this I had had a lukewarm relationship with my Savior. Neither on fire, nor cold for God.  I believed in Him and had committed my life to Him at an earlier age, but I wasn't living for Him.  I was living for myself.  My illness brought me to the realization that I needed Him. He needed to be the center of my days.

I gave my life wholly and completely over to Him.

It wasn't any easy path to follow.  For years following my illness I was plagued with anxiety and a fear of sickness.  At times it was intense. Not only did I fear for myself, but for my husband and children.  But, this year has brought change.  I have dug even deeper into God's words and have begun to cling to His promises. One of my favorite verses to quote when I feel a tinge of anxiety creeping in is

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

As I say this verse, I picture God holding me in his righteous right hand.  I repeat it over and over until I feel His strength, love and peace flowing through me.  A couple of years ago when I found this verse, I was a mess emotionally.  I was afraid of every winter, because we often were sick through the whole duration.  Winters drained me physically and emotionally.  I began to dread the colder months.  This year is the first winter when I haven't fought the constant fear of picking up an illness every time we step foot out the door.  God is working in me and I am allowing Him!

*Just in case you were wondering...we have been sick just as much this year as any in the past.  Colds galore, stomach flu, Strep, mysterious rashes (we are actually all sick right now with a miserable cold).  Yet the Lord is helping me through this.  I am not as fearful and anxious.  He is teaching me and strengthening me each and every day. 

Praise the Lord!

A Perfect Love

As I was picking up the thousandth LEGO of the day, I wearily sighed and felt the frustration mount in my chest.  My seven year old son passed through the room and sweetly said, "I love you mom, you are the best mommy ever!" 

It wasn't the first time I had heard this precious statement.  My son rewards me with this affectionate statement daily.  I never know when he will lovingly send out his adoration's.  He never uses the statement as a vice to get something he wants or because I have done something amazingly, wonderful for him.  No, he just shares his love with me unconditionally. Even on days when I know I really don't deserve such high accolades....

You can read the rest of my article At The Well today.

 

 **If you haven't left a comment on my Tuesday post make sure you do so that you can be entered into my Giveaway!**

At The Well- What Are Your Motives

Gather At the Well today to discuss an important and deep question: Are my motives pleasing to you, God?

The discussion question is:

What is the real underlying motive for all the good stuff that you do?

FOR EXAMPLE:

Do you go to church to fulfill an obligation?

Do you get involved to get a reaction from someone; possibly pity, recognition or even money?

Do you volunteer in your child’s classroom to analyze the new teacher or is it to help?

Do you share prayer requests for a chance to gossip or because you truly care and are praying?

..............................................................................

Are my motives pure?  For me this has been a loaded question.  I have toiled over what I would write for this post.  I have started and deleted, started again only to erase half of what I have written.  How do I put into words that at times I have been full of selfishness.  My motives, at times, have been anything but pure.  Because if I write that people will know me for who I really am.  The imperfect soul who looks for praise and affirmation from those around her. 

This is my trap.  I require a big old pat on the back.  A word of confirmation.  The recognition of a job well done.  There are times when I find myself doing certain activities because I know it is required of me. Or because it will make me look good.  Or because that's what a "good" Christian does. I simply want people to like me. I want them to see me as a godly woman.  I desire to here praises from the lips of others.

I am too concerned about how I appear outwardly to those around me. But what the Lord cares about is my inner self.  My heart, my soul, the very essence of who I am.

So, who am I?  I am a young woman who desires to grow in my relationship with the Lord. I am a woman who is learning to yearn after the things of God more and more.  I am a woman who knows the Lord cares for my soul and that I must draw near to him so that He will draw near to me.(James 4:8)  I am a woman who aches to do more for the needy.  I am a woman who's heart is full of love for those around me. And yes, I am a woman who sometimes struggles with impure motives (among other things).

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10:22

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this wonderful ministry- At The Well.  Today it has opened my eyes to an aspect of myself that isn't pleasing to you.  I have been guilty of impure motives.  Lord help me to act out of love and sincerity not out of obligation or desire of human praise.  Forgive me Lord and cleanse me from my sin.  Help me Lord to always seek you for guidance before I act, so that my motives remain pure and pleasing in your sight.

At The Well- The Heart of Titus 2

Today is the kick-off of the new At The Well! Join in- gain some wisdom, encouragement and insight.  Plus there will be great prizes to win.

To participate in the Gathering at the Well all you need to do is answer the questions below on your blog, place the banner above on your post or mention the meme then link up to At The Well.

• When you read the Scripture found in Titus 2:2-5, how do you see this playing out in your own life?
  
• What are your areas of strength? Of weakness?
  
• If you could set some sort of goal in relation to this Scripture, what would it be?

Teach older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subjected to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 

Titus 2:2-5 may only be four verses long, but it is packed with advice on how I, as a mother and wife, can walk close with God.  For me these aren't just guidelines that I might want to follow.  These verses are a life line to joy.  They help me walk the path God has for me as a mother, wife and woman. 

One area of strength would be that I am busy at home.  I love being a home-maker for my family.  I enjoy all the aspects of keeping a home.  I strive to make my home a place where we can find rest, peace, joy and comfort.

An area of weakness would be self-control. At times I let things bother me way more than I should.  I tend to be a perfectionist so I can loose a little of my self-control when things don't go as I planned!

As I continue to study these verses my desire is to focus on showing pure love to my husband and children.  God commands us to love others as we love our selves.  We are to put others first before ourselves. Ephesians 6:7 says, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,".  I must remember to serve my family with love, self-control and kindness.  To do so will reflect Christ's love.  If I love my family as Christ loves me, then I will be able to say that I am living as a Titus 2 woman.