TRUTHCARDS

After my last blog I must share with you a testimony to a new tool I have gotten a hold of. To check it out, click here...
http://www.truthcards.org/about-testimonials.html

Yup... Truthcards rock! Everyone should have a set!

His Word, My Children... A GREAT Combination

Back in 2009, the Lord revealed to me the importance of sharing HIS Word with my children ...

2 Tim 3:15 - "and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

I want that for Caleb and I think I have a plan. I want Caleb to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. God's Word tell us...

John 14:21 (The Message) - "The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him."

But the hard part is keeping those commands. However, God's Word has a solution for that too...

Psalm 119:11 (NIV)- "I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Therefore, I need Caleb to be memorizing God's Word more.

Who's with me???????????

(taken from Facebook Notes, Sept 2009)

Let's Make a Deal - Game Over!

I have this funny feeling I'm not the only one that has a mini human with requests that tend to get repeated... am I?

Yesterday, Caleb was watching the movie Cars as I was finishing up dinner. Occasionally, when my hard working husband gets stuck at work late, I will make it a treat for Caleb and let him watch a movie while we enjoy dinner. However, last night, Mark was not running late. In fact, he was coming home early to watch the kiddos while I went to a Pampered Chef meeting. To make his life a tad bit easier, I decided to have the boys fed, or at least mostly fed, when he walked in the door. So in fact, we were simply eating early. Once the food was on the table, I called for Caleb to turn off the TV and join me. This is when the game started. First came Caleb's request to continue watching Cars during our meal. I sweetly responded, "No, Buddy." Then came a plea, "Please, Mommy???" (whine included)  to which I almost sweetly responded, "No, Caleb. Daddy is coming home in just a bit, and I don't want the TV blaring when he walks in." Then came Caleb's plea bargain, "Well, how about we watch it now and when the garage door opens I will run and shut it off?"

...Before I continue with the story, can I not take a minute to stand in amazement at the Let's Make a Deal game consistently played in our homes? If only we could better steer our children to problem solve life, sibling arguments, sharing, and even homework, we'd be raising little geniuses. Anyone with me?....

At that very moment (Praise Jesus!), the Lord brought to my memory a scripture I had taught to Caleb when I first had a problem with the consistent nag of a request. Matthew 5:37 states "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." I definitely do not want my little one having anything coming from the evil one, so I implored to him, "Caleb, can you please let my yes be yes and my no be no? That's what God wants and I do not want to sin." I have found it to be amazing that my son cannot argue with scripture. He simply stops. I am so happy I did not have to get nagged to death, nor raise my voice in frustration. We got to sit down and enjoy our dinner. Dad got to come home to peace and quiet, and most importantly, we honored God.

Completely Abandoned in Unabashed Worship

This past week I had the incredible opportunity to give praise where it was due - to God! (Love Seacoast's First Wednesday service) I know this sounds like no big deal, especially for those of us that live in the "Bible Belt," but it is a big deal! The cool thing [that I often take for granted] is that I get this opportunity all the time - at church, in my car, at home - where ever, when ever! Well, this past week's time during worship was extra special to me. I found myself completely absorbed in God - praising his holy name. Again, completely absorbed in God.
You see, for me this is usually a challenge. I start my praise with the best of intentions, but I often find myself wandering... not it body - I'm present, but in mind, soul, and spirit - totally not present. My mind often starts to drift and thoughts of the day that just past or the day ahead starts to spin... challenges, needs, desires, random thoughts - anything and everything. I immediately pray and give those things to God, then I ask God's help to clear my mind and help me put my focus on Him. And He does, but it doesn't take a song or two later for everything but my physical body to be elsewhere again.
At this past Wednesday's service, something was different. Every moment my heart was crying out to God with utter praise. Not one request was on my heart. Not one thought filled my mind. I was abandoned. It was awesome!
After service I reflected on what was different and I felt that still soft voice whisper, "I've got it!" I was able to pin back most of those moments of distraction to worry. Yet, that very day I was filled with complete trust that I didn't have to have a thought in my head because HE, the God of this universe, Creator of all things, Omni everything, has my life in His hands. He's got it! I didn't even need to think about it. I just needed to release it.
I wish I could say worship has never been the same again, but I can't. But I am so thankful that I am aware of it. I can release my worries, my concerns, my thoughts and praise the One who is truly worthy.

I dare not let the enemy steal my praise any longer. I am completely abandoned in unabashed worship to the King of all Kings!

DEALS

For those of you that know me, you know I <3 a good deal. So, here's a list of where I get them. Enjoy!

Here are some sites I love for daily deals...
http://www.babysteals.com/
http://www.kidsteals.com/
http://www.mamabargains.com/
http://www.woot.com/
http://kids.woot.com/
http://www.babyhalfoff.com/

Some other good sites...
http://www.southernsavers.com/
http://www.dealwisemommy.net/
http://www.babycheapskate.com/
http://www.restaurant.com/
http://www.groupon.com/
http://livingsocial.com/
http://www.couponsuzy.com/

Great site to find coupon codes:
http://www.retailmenot.com/

Make sure you are getting the best deal for you on a few other things:
http://www.billshrink.com/

Not a deal, just really cute stuff for babies and kids...
http://www.etsy.com/

Windows and Doors

I feel like it's been forever since I've blogged, but not really. God has been showing me so much these past few weeks, but I'm never near a computer or naptime when it occurs. I must say I am so thankful for that still small voice that speaks to me on a consistent basis. I am even more thankful that I now recognize it.

This weekend I was supposed to be "home sweet home" - in NY, visiting with family and friends. While I made my plans, God directed my steps - down a different path. My flight got cancelled! I must admit, although I was so so SO disappointed, I was actually thankful that the Lord closed the door. God made His will for my weekend crystal clear and NY was not a part of it. I'm also super thankful because it has opened a great window that Mark and I are considering - Christmas in NY. Ahhhh - the possibilities... a white Christmas, the tree at Rockefeller Center, and a huge celebration with family.

In addition to the possibilities ahead, this weekend has panned out to be delightful. Friday night we went downtown as a family. We had dinner on Market Street followed by a stroll through Waterfront Park. I even went wading in the Pineapple Fountain. I started this morning back in the city at Marion Square's Farmers Market. It has been just gorgeous as we head into fall. Our night was topped off with dinner and church with family and friends.

Things don't always go the way we plan, but that's okay. It's much better to leave these things in the hands of the One who knows us best and wants the best for us.