Mommy's Bible Blog

Movie Review: "John Carter"

2012-03-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of taking my eight-year-old daughter on a date night at the movies!

We saw the new Disney film, "John Carter".

She absolutely LOVED this movie!

The Mommy in me found the movie to be entertaining, yet predictable. The music was wonderful. The special effects were well done. It was a typical science fiction story crossed with a western, with a love story woven in, and tons of action.
Good beats evil, and the good guy gets the girl.

I was surprised that she liked it so much, since it is rated PG-13, and exhibited some action with violence and strange scenes.

The premise of this movie involves space and time travel, aliens, and a love story, all wrapped up and neatly presented in true Disney fashion.

I was reminded quite a bit of Star Wars, but on a much smaller scale.
The historical features of the movie (New York City in the 1800's) clashed with the stark, almost robotic, world of the Planet Mars.

I must agree with my daughter that Woola, the ugly martian "dog", had an endearing and cute personality that saved the humor throughout the movie.

We also loved how the movie approached the change in gravity, from Earth to Mars (Barsoom) - allowing John Carter to jump beyond normal human capacity.

The humor in having the Tharks (Martians) call John Carter "Virginia" because of the language barrier.

While we both enjoyed the movie, I must say that I would recommend this film for the preteen and teen audience.

Please enjoy this trailer of the new Disney film, "John Carter":

You can also "Like" John Carter on Facebook here http://www.facebook.com/JohnCarterMovie.

My daughter can't wait to see this movie again, and has already asked to buy it when the movie becomes available on DVD!

~Kristen

Wordless Wednesday ~ Prayers

2012-03-07T09:48:00.001-05:00

Trying Something NEW - NOT Yelling at Kids

2012-03-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

The Lord gave my my children, because He KNOWS I am the BEST mommy for them - and they are the best kids for me.

I have found myself yelling at my beautiful children WAY TOO MUCH lately!

So, I have decided to try something new...NOT YELLING!

This is much easier said than done, when my three wonderful children don't listen, or ignore me, and prove to be playing instead of doing what their mother has asked of them.

Kids are supposed to play. I am thankful they do not have the same priorities I have as an adult. They are innocent, and beautiful in their play. For this reason, and the fact that I was very sick of yelling at them every time we needed to leave the house, I have just stopped yelling at them.

I sat all three of the kids down, and explained to them that I will let them know when it is time to leave by telling them to put their coats and shoes on and get in the van. I will then proceed to put on my own coat and shoes, and actually just get in the car.

My first attempt proved to bring on the tears in my middle child, and made my youngest scream because he thought I forgot him!
It took them almost 18 minutes to get in the car, and then I reminded them of my new approach - that I would not yell, but would tell them to get in the car, and then I would wait.

It was exhausting for all of us!

Subsequent attempts have proven much more positive.
They actually move toward the car faster, sometimes with whining, but they do it!
And I don't yell!!
Hopefully we will continue to see improvements!

Lord, I pray that you give me the patience to wait for my children, and the peace to not yell at them. Thank you for allowing me to give them choices and control over things that matter to them, but won't cause any trouble for me." AMEN

"[Praise to the LORD] LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago." Isaiah 25:1

Happy Leap Day!

2012-02-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Today is the day that offers you 24 of the EXTRA BONUS HOURS you've been praying for!

I know that my to-do list is often miles long, and I pray that God will give me some extra time to work on those tasks that I never seem to accomplish.

Today is the day! February 29 - only comes around every 4 years, but I sure am happy to see it here today!

I have some tasks to tackle today, but I am also going to say some extra prayers as I work!

I am pricing some items to sell at our MOPS consignment sale this weekend. I am going to pray over each item, that it will bless whomever buys it and takes it home! That the mom or grandmother who buys the item will be blessed by the savings, and that the children who wear or play with the items will be blessed as well!

As I am cleaning out these things from my home, I will pray over my children, in thanksgiving that they have had the experiences with these toys and clothes, and that God has blessed us abundantly with so many things!

I will also get a FREE cup of coffee from McDonald's today (you can get one too!). As I go through the drive-thru, I will pray for the employees in the restaurant, that they be blessed, as well as the people in line with me.

What will you do with your extra day?

I pray that you will be blessed, and rejoice in the EXTRA day the Lord has given us!
Be Glad!
~Kristen

Last Day to Enter GRAND CASH Giveaway! 2/29

2012-02-28T23:30:00.003-05:00

If you have not yet entered, now is the time for your chance to win...ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!

God Bless you!We wish you luck!! Go enter now!

Welcome to the Grand Event Cash Giveaway!

Moms with Voices Media is hosting the GRAND Event Cash Giveaway. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can be entered to win a Grand Prize amount of $1000! This giveaway runs from 12:01 AM 2/15/2012 - 11:59 PM 2/29/2012. With so many different ways to enter, why not come back and do a few each day along with your daily entries!

RAFFLECOPTER FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDRjMmUyMjdlODJjZWY2MWE1ODg5YjEyNjQzYjA3OjQ4/

God Bless Each and Every One of You!
~Kristen

Happy Birthday Swagbucks!!!

2012-02-27T07:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to SwagBucks, my FAVORITE FREEBIE site!!

SwagBucks is 4 Years Old today!!! :)
They are having a birthday party of monumental proportions!!

If you're not a member of SwagBucks yet, you are missing out on FREE stuff!!

I earn Swagbucks every time I search the internet, and then I turn them in for amazon.com gift cards!
I have earned well over $100 in just a few months!

You can sign up here, and also R.S.V.P. for today's Birthday Bash!!
Win EXTRA Bonus Bucks all day long - and have some fun!

When you sign up - if you enter the code: "BIRTHDAYBASH12" - you will receive an extra 110 SwagBucks!!
That's a TON!

Click the link below to sign up and/or R.S.V.P. and Happy SwagBuck Birthday!!

Once you RSVP for the Birthday Bash, you are entered into the 24-hr Team Challenge. Every Swag Buck you and your team earn today from Search, Special Offers/Daily Deals, SBTV, Surverys and Tasks will also count toward your party's total. The party with the most SB earned will give out a 10 Swag Buck bonus to each member who contributes; the other party will get a bonus of 5 Swag Bucks each.

There is also the award for the top earner from each party with a bonus of 100 Swag Bucks and the title of Party Animal!

By now, if you're attending one of the parties you've noticed the giant pink and green puzzle. Behind that puzzle is the picture of your party. On the 27th, we'll reveal one piece for you, but to reveal the rest, your party has to collectively hit a series of earning goals, one for each category. When you hit the goal, a piece of the picture is revealed! There will be meters to help you track your team's progress. If you reveal the whole picture before midnight, ALL PARTY BONUSES ARE DOUBLED!

There is also today's all-day Swag Code extravaganza (on Monday 2/27) - 130 Swag Bucks in codes will be given out over the course of 24 hours, meaning everyone from night owls to early risers will be able to get Swag Codes!There is also a widget on the right side of my blog that offers you codes - click on the SC button!:)
Happy Birthday SwagBucks!

~Kristen

Plan What is Good!

2012-02-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

I love to plan events, parties, and fun things for my children to do.Apparently, God is telling me that I will find LOVE and Faithfulness if I plan things that are good!Hooray!I needed that in my life right now!So - plan something nice and good for someone close to you, or for yourself!Not only will you be a blessing through your planning and forethought, but you will reap Love and Faithfulness from God!How can you go wrong!"Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness." Proverbs 14:22

Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth!

2012-02-22T14:06:00.002-05:00

My children love to brush their teeth, but do not always remember to do so!
When they do remember to brush their teeth, they don't always do the best job of getting all of the germs off.

My daughter is pretty meticulous when she wants to be, but usually has better things to do, like read a book.
So, she rushes through the brushing process.
My oldest son takes his time, but usually misses some spots.
The youngest, well, he just likes the taste of the toothpaste, and tries to get away with sucking it off the brush.

That said, I stand with them in the bathroom, inspecting their teeth as the brush.
Crazy, I know. But I am the meanest mom, ever, you know!
I received a very nice email from the following website, asking if I would add their widget to my blog.
I looked into it, and my children LOVE it!

This site offers some printable Toothbrush charts that you can personalize with your child's name!

Check it out!!

A Public Service by Dentist Advisor

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6; NKJV)

Blessings!
~Kristen

Lent - Fasting = Forgiving and GIVEAWAY GIVING!

2012-02-22T10:43:00.000-05:00

Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Season of Lent!

During Lent, most Christians Fast (abstain from something, especially meat), and give up things that are "extra" in their lives. I have given up chocolate, pop, meat, credit cards, and even my computer in the past.

This year, I have decided on a different focus - based on the following verse from the Bible:

"The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side."Isaiah 58:6-8 (Good News Translation (GNT))

I am going to GIVE AWAY something to someone every day of Lent this year.

Today, I am giving my husband a card with a message written straight from my heart about how much I appreciate him.Simple, inexpensive, but meaningful and giving.

I want God's favor to shine on me, and through me, blessing all of those I come in contact with - in person, and on this blog!

So....I am giving away a 31 Gifts Prize to one lucky reader!

Thirty-One Gifts is a business founded on the "Proverbs 31 Wife" - leading women to provide financially for their families while selling products that bless their homes, and the lives of their customers as well. To read more about the Proverbs 31 Wife, click here.

In order to enter this contest, simply follow the Rafflecopter form below!
Mandatory entries are:
1. Visit the 31 Gifts Catalog, and leave a blog post message saying which item you would want to win (max. value $31), and how you would want it personalized (if you choose to do so).
2. Follow Mommy's Bible Blog on Facebook.

For an additional 25 entries, purchase something from 31 gifts through my party!
Email me at mommysbibleblog@gmail.com to order!

a Rafflecopter giveawayContest Ends 2/27 at midnight. Winner must communicate within 24 hours to claim prize!This contest is in NO way associate with Facebook, 31 Gifts, and all ideas are my own.

Prayers for the President

2012-02-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

Happy President's Day!One of my children wants to be President of the United States when he grows up.My other son still does not know what the President is or what he does.The Presidency is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and I would not take the job for millions of dollars.Our nation was founded "Under God" and God still chooses leaders for us that serve His higher purpose, although it may not appear that way!Today I would like to pray for our President, Barack Obama, and his family.Although I did not vote for him, and do not agree with many of his policies or actions, I still pray for him and his leadership of our nation.Dear Lord,Please protect our president's heart, and lead him to keep our nation within Your strength and power. Guide his decisions, actions, and rulings, as he deals with all of the leaders of Your world. Hold his tongue, and send Your words to his mind, that less will be seen of Mr. Obama, and MORE of YOU will be seen in our peoples and land.Amen"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."1 Timothy 2:1-2

Swagbucks BONUS and $1000 Birthday Bash Contest

2012-02-16T13:35:00.000-05:00

I LOVE Swagbucks - and have searched my way into OVER $100 of amazon.com gift cards through Swagbucks alone!

If you are not registered for FREE Swagbucks yet, please follow the directions here and be entered to win $1000 - and start off with 110 EXTRA FREE Swagbucks (valid only until Feb. 27.).

Here's how you enter to win the $1000:

1. Go to this page and RSVP for the Swagbucks Birthday Bash, a 24-hr Team Challenge happening on the 27th.

****If you are NOT a member of Swagbucks yet, you will be prompted to sign up - and use the code "BIRTHDAYBASH12" to get a BONUS 110 Swagbucks to start you off!

2. Pick one of the two parties and RSVP for it - if you don't have a preference, click "Surprise Me"

3. That's it - do that and you're entered to win! We're revealing the 4 winners on February 27th, and until then you can invite others to join you at the party you're attending by sharing on Facebook and Twitter.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions or issues getting registered for this great contest! :)
~Kristen

The Grand Event - $1000 CASH GIVEAWAY!!!!

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

The time has finally come for your chance to win...ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!

You know you neeeeed it...Well a great group of 100 bloggers have come together to give it to you!

Welcome to the Grand Event Cash Giveaway!

RAFFLECOPTER FORM

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDRjMmUyMjdlODJjZWY2MWE1ODg5YjEyNjQzYjA3OjQ4/

God Bless Each and Every One of You!
~Kristen

GIVEAWAY!! God's Love: in the form of a GIFT Bible (NIV) & Pampering Products by Avon and Artistry!

2012-02-08T15:38:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my latest giveaway!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, you can receive the Gift of God's Love in the form of His Word!
I have a Brand New Gift & Award Bible and some pampering products from both Avon & a beautiful burgundy soft-cover and is the New International Readers Version (NIRV), published by Zondervan!

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below!
All entries will be verified - and one lucky winner will be blessed by a new Bible and other fun gifts!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

God Bless You!
~Kristen

**Disclaimer** This giveaway is in no way affiliated or associated with Facebook! All ideas are my own! :)

Valentine's Cards for Kids

2012-02-07T11:01:00.007-05:00

My children are giving Valentine's Cards to their classmates at school.
Spending tons of money on cheap cards is not high on my priority list.
So, I searched Pinterest for some crafty ideas - and found this one!

I took pictures of my kiddos with their hands held out in a fist. (To get them to hold their hands like that, I had them hide a tootsie roll in their fist, and they got to eat it after we got a good photo of each of them.)

We had fun!

Then, I added some text, hearts, and borders to the photos before having them printed at Walgreens for only $5.00 for 50 prints!

We found some lollipops for a good price to add to them by making a small slit on the top and bottom of the fist on each photo.

Now my children have personalized Valentine Cards to give their friends and it did not cost any more than the cheap little cardboard cards you find at retail stores!

Enjoy

The Grand Event CASH Giveaway!!

2012-01-28T22:03:00.002-05:00

I am participating in this Giveaway as a sponsor!!
Check it out! :)

Cute-Ecakes and Moms with Voices Media are hosting a Grand Event! (Yes- $1000.00)

With a goal of 100 bloggers, we are going to make this thing huge!!

[CLICK HERE FOR THE SIGNUP FORM!]

Details

The Grand Event Cash Giveaway will run from Wednesday, February 15th (12:00AM) to Wednesday, February 29th (11:59PM).
The Grand Event Grand Prize
The GOAL for this event is a $1000 prize
The actual prize will depend upon participation!
Grand Prize amount will be announced on 2/8!!

BLOGGER REFERRAL CONTEST
For an added incentive to spread the word, we've added a blogger prize! There are TONS of ways to enter, and I've tried to make it as easy for you as possible!
ONE WINNER- will receive $50 Paypal Cash
ONE WINNER- will participate in the event for FREE!

Find out complete details and sign up HERE!!

Mommy's Inexpensive Blessing Recipe #2

2012-01-26T15:30:00.005-05:00

Homemade Pizza!
In an effort to bless my family and the budget, I am posting some recipes we are using to save money and eat healthy at home!

One of my best tips is to portion out the meats you buy, and not use an entire package, but save some for other recipes! I did that with 1 lb. of sausage in this recipe! We used about 1/3 of the pound for the pizza - the rest is cooked in my fridge ready for another recipe later this week!

Okay - here is what we used:

Packaged Pizza Kit - 2 dough, 2 sauce = $2.75
1/3 lb. of sausage = $.75
1 package of pepperoni = $.98
Shredded cheese = $1.50
Can black olives = $1.00

Grand Total for meal feeding a family of 5 = $6.98

We made 2 pizzas! The first was all pepperoni and 1/2 with sausage for the adults.
The 2nd pizza was for the kids. They then got to "decorate" their own 1/4 pizza with whatever they wanted!

I used sauce to divide the pizza into fourths and wrote their initials on their pieces. The kids loved choosing what to put on - and did not complain at all about eating their pizza! :)

The pizza turned out really delicious - and my budget was happy too! :)

Blessings!
~Kristen

Eyes Have Not Seen, Ears Have Not Heard...

2012-01-26T14:26:00.004-05:00

My beautiful little princess has glasses!
She is very near-sighted, and our eye doctor prescribed bifocals for my eight-year-old little girl!!

She picked out beautiful frames, made by Vera Bradley, and was more excited to have glasses than she has been about many things lately.

So, now she and I share something else, 4 eyes!

I am just relieved that I noticed she needed glasses when I did! Over Christmas vacation, she was helping me and I asked her what time it was. She had to walk over to the clock to see it! Yikes!

So, I prayed about it - and asked her if she was having trouble seeing. She was.

The eye doctor confirmed my suspicion, and shared with me the research that shows children who are nearsighted have better eyesight with bifocals. The bifocal lenses help to keep the eye from deteriorating by more than 50%! Joy!

So, princess proceeded to try on nearly every set of frames in the office, and choose some that are really cute! The wait was almost unbearable, and she asked me every moment when she would actually get her new glasses!

What a joyful noise she made when she heard the message that her glasses were waiting for us to pick them up at the eye doctor's office.

I am relieved that we have good health insurance that covers the costs of bifocals and her beautiful brown eyes look amazing with the pink and blue frames she chose!

Keep your eyes on the Lord, and he will give you strength! Now, that she can SEE His glory around her, she will have an easier time doing just that! Bless my baby girl, and her bifocals!
AMEN

“Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, nor has it entered into the hearts of men — the wonderful things God has prepared for they that love Him!” (Paul, 1 Corin. 2:9, NKJV)

Bless you with Jewelry Giveaway!!!

2012-01-24T19:34:00.017-05:00

Saint Valentine's Day is coming, and I have had a sponsor come forward asking to help bless one lucky reader with some BEAUTIFUL Jewelry!

Thank you to Mel's Jewelry Box!
You can visit her here: www.melsjewelrybox.webs.com

You have many EASY chances to enter win!
Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below - and God Bless you!

Since I can't get the Rafflecopter form to show up on my blog, no matter what I try, you'll have to look for it on my facebook page (which you need to visit to enter the giveaway anyway!) :)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommys-Bible-Blog/300879986605834?sk=app_204684816209053

Blessings!
~Kristen

The Grand Event CASH Giveaway!!

2012-01-23T23:34:00.001-05:00

Cute-Ecakes and Moms with Voices Media are hosting a Grand Event! (Yes- $1000.00)

With a goal of 100 bloggers, we are going to make this thing huge!!

[CLICK HERE FOR THE SIGNUP FORM!]

Details

The Grand Event Cash Giveaway will run from Wednesday, February 15th (12:00AM) to Wednesday, February 29th (11:59PM).
The Grand Event Grand Prize
The GOAL for this event is a $1000 prize
The actual prize will depend upon participation!
Grand Prize amount will be announced on 2/8!!

BLOGGER REFERRAL CONTEST
For an added incentive to spread the word, we've added a blogger prize! There are TONS of ways to enter, and I've tried to make it as easy for you as possible!
ONE WINNER- will receive $50 Paypal Cash
ONE WINNER- will participate in the event for FREE!

Find out complete details and sign up HERE!!

Mommy's Inexpensive Blessing Recipe #1

2012-01-23T15:44:00.003-05:00

In an effort to feed my family inexpensively and stay within my tightening budget, I have decided to experiment with my crock pot, and what I have in my kitchen.

Tonight's dinner will be cheesy garlic chicken and broccoli with rice.

I put 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts in my crock pot
with 1/2 a bag of frozen broccoli and a package of cream cheese.
I sprinkled a little minced garlic and lemon-pepper on top, poured 2 cups of water in, and turned it on low.

It's been cooking for 5 hours on low.

I will add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of rice to the pot about an hour before we eat.

Hopefully it will turn out to be delicious.

End price of the entire meal:
Chicken $2.00
Broccoli $1.50
Cream Cheese $1.50
Rice $.75
Total Meal Cost: $5.75 for my family of 5!

Blessings!
~Kristen

Spirit Week at Swagbucks - Renew Your Spirit! :)

2012-01-23T10:27:00.002-05:00

You all know how much I LOVE Swagbucks and the FREE amazon.com gift cards and other prizes they send me!

Well - Get your pom-poms ready, folks, because starting TODAY Swagbucks is holding Spirit Week! Every day next week they will be celebrating a different holiday. Each day will be filled with fun, activities, and surprises. They'll be announcing every holiday the evening before in our Swagbucks blog. Make sure you keep track of each day's Swag Codes, as you will need them at the end of the week in order to earn a big, juicy reward. It's the most fun you can have getting your reward points for free stuff!

Today - Monday, January 23, 2012 - Swagbucks is celebrating Chinese New Year!

Watch for the codes and happy Swagbucks hunting!

GO SWAGBUCKS!
~Kristen

Womanly Widsom ~ Seek Godly Wisdom

2012-01-23T09:46:00.002-05:00

James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Okay - so I'm having a dilemma with money, my husband, and our family budget.

I KNOW that I need to not spend money frivolously. I thought I had been doing much better at budgeting the money for our family.

Christmas, and the two birthdays in the same week as Christmas, blew my budget right out of the water. My husband was irate when he saw the credit card bills, and I really need God's wisdom when it comes to dealing with this situation.

Dear Lord,
It's hard to be a good mommy, wife, housekeeper, taxi driver, financial CEO, and shopper all in one. Please guide my spending to honor my husband, and his views for our family. Please help my husband's heart to be softened and for him to find forgiveness in his heart for my misgivings and overspending. Please guide my tongue, Lord, and let your mercy show through everything I say and do. Help me to be the wife who honors her husband in every way, despite the fact that he is not honoring me in his behavior. Guide me to forgiveness for his mistreatment of me, and help us to communicate in honoring You as the head of this family!
Amen

Saving Money takes work! A coupon GIVEAWAY for you!

2012-01-22T16:29:00.003-05:00

It has been said that it takes money to make money.

I beg to differ!

My husband has challenged me to spend much, much less on food for our family of 5!
With my much smaller budget, I am using as many coupons as I can to make my money count. I am discovering fun new recipes that allow me to cut my budget, while not skimping on taste and quantity of healthy food I'm blessing my family with at our table.

I also have tons of coupons that I am never going to use that I would love to share with you.

I will be sharing recipes that are blessing my family with all of you over the coming weeks too!

So, if you'd like to win some coupons - click here to "Like" Mommy's Bible Blog on Facebook - and then LIKE the status for the Flash Giveaway! :)

Blessings!
~Kristen

WINNER!! Christ The Lord: Out of Egypt; A Novel

2012-01-15T00:29:00.003-05:00

And the winner is....

Jeanne Jewett!

Please send me a message with your mailing address (unless you'd like a digital copy, then let me know where to send that!) and I'll get your book in the mail on Monday!

Blessings!
~Kristen

$1.00 off Yoplait Smoothie Coupon!!

2012-01-13T20:59:00.002-05:00

Click the link to enjoy $1.00 off Yoplait Frozen Smoothies!

Daily Bread with Whole Grain

2012-01-12T21:23:00.002-05:00

I am so tempted to say, that God did not intend us to have to seek out whole grain in our foods.
When Jesus was a boy, his family had to grow and harvest their own grain, or purchase from those "farmers" who grew in their community.

Today, we have it so easy - but not so healthy.

I must admit to being a mommy who lets her children eat cereal that contains sugar *gasp*, and I actually do eat at McDonald's more than I should admit!

But, in order to be healthy, we are encouraged to "eat the rainbow", and eat a serving of something that belongs to each color group in the rainbow every day.

My husband does not enjoy wheat bread, but will eat whole grain bread if presented without "sticks and twigs" as he calls it!

All 3 of my boys (my husband and our two sons) LOVE cereal!
I love that all "White Check" General Mills cereals now have WHOLE GRAIN as their first ingredient! It makes me feel a little bit better about serving cereal as a meal to my men, although I still encourage them to eat a colorful fruit or vegetable with it!

If your family enjoys cereal,
here is a coupon worth $1.75 off 2 boxes of General Mills Cereal with the White Check!
Enjoy!
http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/d537/

I know my boys will enjoy this one!

(Proverbs 28:18-20)
Whoever walks blamelessly will be saved, But he who is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

When Mommy Needs Rest

2012-01-11T15:52:00.002-05:00

Being a mommy is a HARD job!
When mommy gets sick, and needs to rest, there is often nobody to help her out!

Well, I am recovering from a bad bout with strep throat and pneumonia, and have had some wonderful support from my mom and a friend.

My husband, however, thinks it's all in my head, and that I don't need to sleep all the time, and I should be able to keep going, going, going, like I usually do.

I cannot, and should not, be on the go right now. I am exhausted, and just getting up and walking down the stairs tires me out completely.

I SHOULD be taking down the Christmas tree, doing laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc. I just cannot!!!

Luckily, God has instilled in my children the ability to empathize with mommy, and let me rest for the most part. They are happy to be entertained by the "screens" in the house, which usually ends in mommy guilt for me. Not this week!

Bring on the movies, silly preschool television shows, tablet and p.c. games, etc.
They are making for an excellent babysitter, since I am here, just lacking energy!

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the technology allowing my children to not rely on me to keep them entertained and busy. Thank you also for giving my children the willingness and drive to HELP mommy when she is sick. They are empathetic and energetic enough to keep me going when I have no energy of my own. Thank you for the friends and family who are praying for me, and for the doctors and medications that are helping my body heal.
Amen

Swag Code Extravaganza on Friday the 13th!

2012-01-11T14:34:00.002-05:00

Swagbucks is making Friday the 13th a lucky day this week, as they hold a Swag Code Extravaganza, which means more opportunities to get reward points towards free stuff! It starts at 7am Eastern Time - throughout the day there will be 8 different Swag Codes, and if you can get them all, you'll have an extra 60 Swag Bucks in your account!!

If you are new to Swagbucks, please click here to get started:
http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/MilesKri

Swagbucks is the most wonderful way to earn FREE stuff just for searching the internet!
I have earned almost $100 in amazon.com gift certificates, just for searching the web using Swagbucks.com search engine! :)

"Christ the Lord" Book Giveaway! Enter now!

2012-01-10T11:07:00.000-05:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kids' Personalities

2012-01-10T10:48:00.003-05:00

My children all have such different personalities!
I love that God has given them each such wonderful gifts and talents, and I pray that I will be able to follow God's instructions to teach them how to use those gifts to give glory to our Lord!

My oldest, is a beautiful little girl who is eccentric, outgoing, intelligent, and loves to read and write.

My middle child is a quiet, creative, intelligent little boy who loves to build and design games and play games of strategy.

My youngest little man is a challenge for me, because never stops moving, talking, and playing. He always carries "stuff" with him everywhere he goes, and says everything he thinks.

I wonder what Jesus was like as a child. Did he have siblings (or other children born to Joseph at least), or cousins? How were they similar or different?

It's fun to play with my kids, and learn how different they are!
My middle son had the opportunity to film a commercial for his preschool, that is airing on television locally. He loved the experience, and when we saw the commercial for the first time, he was excited that he saw his school, teacher, and friends. Not once did he appear on the screen. He didn't care! He remembers being there, and being seen is not important to him.

My daughter would have been devastated to not be seen. My youngest probably would not have noticed. But my middle child, he could care less.

I am so thankful that my children are so different, and that God knows each and every little individual personality trait and has chosen each of my children for His own!

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..."

Win an Ipad2 or Kindle Fire!!

2012-01-09T21:33:00.001-05:00

Tell them Mommy's Bible Blog sent you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Win "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt" A novel!

2012-01-09T21:26:00.003-05:00

Win a great novel in our first ever Rafflecopter Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This giveaway is not in any way associated with Anne Rice, Facebook, or any other entities. I am giving this book away of my own accord. All ideas are my own.

~Kristen

Memorizing Bible Verses

2012-01-01T17:54:00.002-05:00

I love to memorize verses from my Bible.
I remember when a friend invited me to Awana with her when we were children.
I LOVED the contests, and would often win, that required me to remember as many verses as possible.
I still remember some today!

She Sparkles is hosting a challenge to memorize 26 verses this year!
Please check it out here:
http://www.cindybultema.blogspot.com/2011/12/scripture-memory-2012-come-join-us-part.html

~Kristen

Christmas Angels Needed!

2011-12-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

If you are on Facebook, and would like to fill the wishes of some needy families this Christmas, please check out this group:

Christmas Wishes

You could really be an angel this year!

Thank you!
May God Bless you and your family this Christmas!
~Kristen

Keeping Christ in Christmas!

2011-12-13T20:08:00.003-05:00

I Corinthians 13 Christmas Style If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family — I’m just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family — I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family — it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ — I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your way.

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

Contest Update: $10 to Bath & Body Works - 3 Winners

2011-12-13T16:38:00.002-05:00

CONTEST UPDATE: "Like" us on Facebook = $10 Bath& Body Works

We are so blessed by our readers ~ so we'd like to reward you!

WE ARE ALMOST THERE!

42 People "Like" Mommy's Bible Blog on Facebook...share with your friends..make it 50 people & we will pick at least 3 winners!!

Up for grabs is a $10 Gift Card to Bath & Body Works + a $10 off your purchase of $30 coupon!

We also have a few extra coupons for Bath & Body Works that we want to give away!

Become our "Fan" on Facebook by clicking "Like" in the box on the right!

That's all you have to do!

When we get 50 likes, we will use Random.org to choose 1 Fan for the Prize Pack ($10 gift card + coupon) AND 2 more fans to receive a coupon
good for $10 off a purchase of $30 or more to Bath & Body Works!

Just in time for Christmas gift giving!

Blessings!
~Kristen

Disclosure: This Giveaway is in NO WAY affiliated with or sponsored by Facebook!

We are sole owners of our own intellectual property!

Thank you! Mommy's Bible Blog

Tantrums and Prayer

2011-12-13T00:58:00.003-05:00

My youngest son had a terrible tantrum at the toy store today!

He was overly tired, in need of a nap, and Mommy didn't pay attention!

Poor baby!

I had to pray that the Lord would send me some patience, as well as get us out of the store without causing too much of a ruckus. It was close!

3-year-old little boys just don't have the communication tools to tell us when they are tired.

They just don't know how to behave well when they are overly tired.

Dear Lord,

Please help me to be better in tune with my children. Show me when they need to sleep and what I can do to create a sense of peace for my children at all times.

Help me to be a blessing to those around me, and a good role model for my children.

Amen

~Kristen

Colossians 1:11

11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for zall endurance and patience awith joy,

CONTEST: "Like" us on Facebook = $10 Bath& Body Works

2011-11-30T16:28:00.004-05:00

We are so blessed by our readers ~ so we'd like to reward you!

Up for grabs is a $10 Gift Card to Bath & Body Works + a $10 off your purchase of $30 coupon!

Countdown to Christ's Birthday - Kids' Craft Project!

2011-11-30T15:49:00.004-05:00

So my children ask me multiple times each day,
"How many more days until Christ's birthday?"

My inlaws had the tradition when my husband was a child, that they made a candy chain that counted down from December 1 until Christmas Eve.

I am so happy to continue this project with my own children!

All you need to make this project are:
24 individually wrapped candies: We used Tootsie Rolls (since they are already individually wrapped)!
25 2" long pieces of curling ribbon
1 Jingle Bell
Hook to hang it on
This poem printed on Christmas paper

"He is the reason for the season. Excitement's in the air.
We celebrate in festive ways; There's many gifts to share.
Gifts of the heart, gifts of yourself, And gifts brought from the store.
But all these pale when we reflect on that first Christmas morn.
Our Savior came down to this earth; In a manger He was born.
When you can't wait, and you can't tell How long until the day,
Look at this chain Each night take a link away.
When you get closer to the bell,
His birthday's drawing near.
And when you reach it finally
Celebrate our Lord so dear!

Tie the candies together with ribbon & attach them to the bell.
Hang them somewhere in your home where your little ones can reach and count them, a often as they wish!

Enjoy the season & remember the reason, that Jesus Christ is Born!

~Kristen

It's Beginning to Look a LOT Like Christmas!

2011-11-29T15:41:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to taking a photo of my children for our Christmas card...hope you like it!

Season's Blessings to you and your family!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

~Kristen

Promise

2011-11-08T18:23:00.002-05:00

The Lord has promised us and our children Heaven and His bounty if we are baptised.

Acts 2:38-39

"And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him."

Praying for Sick Kids

2011-11-07T10:55:00.002-05:00

There are so many illnesses out there that effect our families.
I have friends whose children have Type 1 Diabetes, some with cancer, others with Celiac disease, and others with severe allergies.

I am blessed that my family has some mild allergies, and eczema. We don't have to worry about so many health issues like other families do.

I am amazed at the faith I see in the parents of these children.

They Worship the Lord our God, and give thanks to Him for the good things He has given us.

Of course, as parents, they still mourn the pain and suffering they have to witness their children endure.

I think of Jesus, and how Mary had to watch him suffer and die on the cross!

Nothing could be worse than that!

God gave us HIS only Son, and He suffered and died for US!

Dear Lord,

I pray that parents around the world will look to you in Thanksgiving and Praise, even through the difficult times of watching their children suffer. I pray that You, as the Great Physician, and Creator of Us and our bodies, will grant relief and healing to the children you have blessed us with.

Amen

Exodus 23:25
Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,

In Sickness and in Health

2011-11-03T23:58:00.002-04:00

As a mom, part of me suffers when my child is sick.

It is so hard to watch your children suffer!

It is even harder when mommy gets sick!

I have been experiencing extreme amounts of pain for almost a week.

This pain is somehow related to my womanly cycle (thank you Eve), and the lack of consistency in my hormones, etc.

I have a doctor's appointment in two weeks, and have been very blessed by wonderful pain medications.

However, through all of this pain, and the trouble it puts my family in when mommy is not up to making meals, cleaning up, and taking care of everyone like she usually does, is taking its toll on my husband and children.

So, my prayer is for strength for my husband, my children, and healing for me.

Dear Lord,

I know you do not give me more than I can handle.

I thank You Lord for giving me the most wonderful, loving husband, who is also an amazing father!

Please give him strength and patience, Lord, as he deals with the children, and the slack left by my illness.

I pray also that You lead the doctors to know what tests to run, to figure out what is going on in this earthly body of mine.

I can handle the pain, Lord, with your help and protection. I know this is only temporary, Jesus, and I praise you as The Almighty Healer and Creator. You know what my body needs, and how to strengthen me and my family.

In Jesus' Holy Name,

Amen

"Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span."
Exodus 23:25-26 (NIV)

Praying the Bible for Our Kids

2011-10-26T11:24:00.003-04:00

I have been praying for my children lately!
As I fold their laundry, I pray for their continued growth and health.
As I cook their clothes and pack lunches for my husband I pray that not only will the food provide them with substance, but also that the Lord will fill their hearts with His substance!
As I watch them play, I pray that the Lord's goodness will shine through them in everything they do.

As today's Bible verse points out, "Scripture is God-breathed..." - and therefore when we pray the scriptures, it is like we are breathing with God! What power and strength that lends to my prayers!

I encourage you to read your bible - or search online for bible verses - about whatever you are praying. Read the bible verses, and then turn them into prayer.

That's what I try to do in this blog.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for Your Living Word in my Bible. I appreciate that I can go to You at any time, for any reason, and the answers are in the palm of my hand.
I look forward to seeing what You have written, and breathed, for me!
Please help me to use Your scriptures to teach my children in Your way, to be Your children first, and mine second.
Help me to see that rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness can be mine, if only I read and follow Your Word! May I be Your servant in everything I do, so that I can be "thoroughly equipped for every good work" You have in store for me!

Amen

2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Differences...

2011-10-24T13:45:00.002-04:00

My children have been commenting to me about those around us who speak Spanish. I am a Spanish teacher by profession, and the kids hate it when I only speak Spanish to them. I do want them to learn some though! Most of these Spanish-speaking people do look a little different from us, with their darker skin and almost "native" features.

My daughter has a few kids in her 2nd grade class that speak languages other than English.

I see bumper stickers all the time that say, "Speak English, or Go Home!" or something along those lines.

It makes me so very sad that our culture of FREEDOM allows us to descriminate against anyone who is different.

This is almost worse than the discrimination experienced by the negroes during slavery and then again during segretation!

Our nation was founded and developed by people who did not have a common language. They came from all areas of Europe, Africa, and even Asia. These founding fathers and their families worked very hard to give us the freedoms we have today - including the freedom of religion.

Those of us who are Christians, and are free to proclaim that Jesus is King, should be ashamed of how we allow those in our society who are different to be treated!

It may not be our fault, as we may not be the ones discriminating against those "aliens" or different people. However, Jesus tells us to "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31)

Would you want anyone to stand by and watch as you were chastised, told you were no better than dirt, or told to "go home" when you couldn't speak English?
Or, would you want someone to stand up for you, saying that everyone has to learn somehow! Give them a chance! Help them learn - don't send them away!

Oh, if only we humans could be so understanding! God gives us so many opportunities to learn from each other and to treat each other as we would like to be treated!

God,

Please help me to teach my children to put themselves in others' shoes. To teach them about the beginning of our great country, the United States of America, and how it began with God as part of our government. Lord, I pray that my children, and other children and adults, will be able to see that the melting pot of our country has not changed. We are still to respect and honor the differences in Your people, Lord. We are all Your sons and daughters.

Our founding fathers worked so hard, Lord, and were blessed by You. They walked, toiled, and worked so hard to build this great country. Help us to be thankful for what they have given us, and the freedoms You have blessed us with.

Help us, Oh Lord, to remember to respect the differences, and tolerate those who are learning how to acclamate themselves to our ever-evolving nature of self-absorbancy. We need to separate ourselves from our own wants and needs, and look to You, Lord!

Amen

Exodus 22:20-26
“Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the LORD must be destroyed. “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt. “Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless. “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset..."

Life is NOT Fair!

2011-09-18T13:56:00.002-04:00

^{When you put in more effort than someone else into a project, for which everyone is given the same amount of credit, do you feel slighted?}

^{Do you expect to be paid more for working harder than someone who does the same job as you, but doesn't work as hard?}

^{I know that when we work hard at something, our human nature often leads us to look for compensation equal to the effort we have expended.}

^{God has a different idea!}
^{He says that everyone should be equally blessed for what he/she is capable of doing.}

^{The blessings God bestows upon us are not determined by the effort we put forth, but by His undying Love for us!}

^{Dear Lord,}
^{Please help me to remember that the last will be first in Your eyes. Those who work as I shall be repayed by You in blessings as much as those who work less or more than I.}
^{It is not up to me to decide whom should receive the blessings You impart, but that I should not judge those blessings - and I should rejoice and thank You for all You have given to me!}
^Amen

^{Matthew 20:9-16}

⁹ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ¹⁰ So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. ¹¹ When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ¹² ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

¹³ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? ¹⁴ Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ¹⁵ Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

¹⁶ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

God KNOWS What You Need, Before You Do!

2011-08-31T13:44:00.002-04:00

What do you REALLY NEED to be happy?

I need my husband, my children, a home, and food.

I have to convince myself that I don't need all of the things our society shouts out at us that we "need".

I don't need a computer (sigh).
I don't need a television.

I don't need a car...although life where I live would be very difficult without one.

I don't need tons of toys for my kids.

I don't need fancy clothes.

I don't need diamonds, pearls, or gold.

I don't need money.

I would like to learn to count my blessings, and leave my want for more to never be seen again!

The blessings I have can be counted one by one, and I will feel much richer than any millionaire.

The Lord has blessed me with:
My husband

My children

My family

My friends

My home

My ministries

My life

food to eat

clean water to drink

clean air to breathe

words

books

eyesight

hearing

taste

smell

touch

and on, and on....

Lord, I pray that my study of Your Word would serve as a reminder of all the blessings that You have given me. I have a loving, providing husband, who respects me. I have wonderful, loving children, who I am charged with bringing up in Your image. I have a beautiful home, which blesses my family with so many amenities that we tend to take for granted. I also have plenty of delicious food to eat. I have so much food, it is often in abundance.

Please help me, Lord, to not take these things for granted!

I give all of the glory to You, my God, for these things are blessings and gifts from You!

If I ever Need something, You provide!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

Swag Code Extravaganza Today - Swagbucks = FREE stuff!

2011-08-01T11:22:00.003-04:00

The Lord will provide!

Swagbucks is a FREE program that provides an internet search engine for your surfing pleasure!

When you sign up at www.Swagbucks.com - every time you search, you have the chance to win SwagBucks - which can be traded in for FREE stuff, like amazon.com gift cards - which can provide you with food, drink, clothes, entertainment, or whatever you would like to spend your FREE bucks on!

Today, Swagbucks is having a Swag Code Extravaganza.

Throughout the day, they will be posting Swag Codes in various places:

SwagBucks twitter feed https://twitter.com/#!/swagbucks
SwagBucks Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/swagbucks
SwagBucks blog http://blog.swagbucks.com/
SwagBucks Widget (can be found on the Right side of this blog)

If you find all of the Swag Code Extravaganza codes, you can earn up to 50 Swag Bucks!

You're not a member of Swag Bucks yet???
Click the following link to get started!!!

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/MilesKri

Have fun!

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Matthew 6:wt

A Murderer Among Us...We Are NOT To Judge!

2011-07-11T16:37:00.003-04:00

Last week we had a murderer in our midst!

The small city in which I live was terrorized by a man who killed seven (yes 7) people he knew, and then took his own life in the end. Two of the lives he took were children, who never lived to see their teenage years.

There is so much anger, outrage, and hatred out there toward this man, that I wonder how many of the people would call themselves Christians! Yes, I am angry for the circumstances...those innocent people should not have had their lives cut short. I am outraged that this happened in my city. I HATE crime and sin.

But I do not hate the man that committed these crimes. That is not what God calls me to do.

I know that those killed were not my close family or friends. I had never met them.

But they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I cry for them, and for those who actually were blessed by knowing them.

I pray for those who are suffering the loss of those they loved.

Some people even LOVED the murderer. He is a son, brother, husband, and father. He is also my brother in Christ. He sinned, as we all have.

It is not my right to judge him. I do have opinions about his actions and sins - but it is not my job to say he was evil. Certainly, his actions were evil.

God has a plan for everything, and everything happens according to His will.

Satan and his evil is also present in our world - and though it may interfere in our lives, God's LOVE and plan will prevail.

We need not judge those who fall for Satan's deception and evil ways.

God will judge them fairly, and they will certainly face their own judgement in His eyes.

Dear Lord,

Please help us to remember our place is not to judge others and their sins, but to pray and find our own ways in Your Word. Protect our hearts and minds from the evil that is present in our world, that You have created and planned. Help us to see that judging others is a sin, and that we are to mind our own thoughts and hearts as blessings from You!

Your Son, Jesus, was one to be seen on Earth talking to and blessing thieves, lepers, and others who were scorned by the public. Let us be more like Him, and forgive our own judgement as we are to be judged on how we treat others!

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

~Kristen

Numbers 35:12
They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly.

Deuteronomy 1:17
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”

For those who don't know the story of the murders in Grand Rapids, here is a link:

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/07/grand_rapids_police_did_what_t.html

Spring = Rebirth

2011-05-14T09:01:00.005-04:00

With Easter, I am reminded of so many of God's wonderful creations that come to life again in the Spring.

Within the past week our yard has gone from bare branches, to a lush, green wonderland of new leaves and blossoms! There is also a persistent mommy robin who built her nest on top of the flood lights above my deck in my back yard! The kids and I scare her from her nest every time we open the sliding glass door to go outside!

My prayer is that my spiritual connection with God, our Father, may be renewed and reborn as well, like the natural world outside has come to life again after such a dormant winter season.

I can feel His love blossoming, and see it all around me.
There is hope that His Love will be translated to righteousness in everything we do.

Lord,
I pray that we may be renewed, and that our love for You may blossom and become like the new leaves on the trees and blooms on the flowers that are emerging this Spring. Make this a season of Spiritual Spring for us, as we reconnect with Your Blessings and Love for us. You are an amazing and wonderful God.
Amen

"For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things
that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness
and praise to spring forth before all the nations."
~Isaiah 61:11~

Compassion is a Mom's Blessing

2011-05-03T13:41:00.003-04:00

There are so many evil things that happen in this world.

I wish I could protect and hide my children from all of this evil. I know that I cannot.

I can teach them sympathy, love, and compassion. To all - regardless of our differences.

We try to teach our children that two wrongs do NOT make a right.

To rid our world of evil, we must begin within our own hearts - and SHOW only love, sympathy, and compassion to everyone.

Dear Lord,
Please help us to teach our children by example the Christian qualities of love, sympathy, and compassion. Help us to love everyone, despite differences in our beliefs, methods, and lives.

You have given us free will. Please help lead us to choose the loving Christian way through your Son's teachings.
Amen

1 Peter 3:8-9 "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

Revenge is NOT the same as Justice

2011-05-02T17:10:00.002-04:00

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."

Celebrating Easter and Differences with my In-Laws

2011-04-25T10:08:00.002-04:00

I had the wonderful blessing of my husband's family enjoying their Easter meal in our home.
Three of his four sisters and their children joined us, along with his parents, as we shared some delicious food, fellowship, and over-all had a great time.

It reminds me of how very blessed I am to have married into such a wonderful, supportive, and Christian family!

Their family has always done things a certain way, and they are very much creatures of comfort. They do not often deviate from their "norm" - yet they do not judge others for the differences between them. I love this about my in-laws!

If only the rest of the Christians in our world could learn this lesson from the family I have married into!

They are gracious, kind, and accepting of all of the differences between us, as well as that which we share - our faith, families, and friendship.

I know there are so many families out there that have anxiety and tension that rule the in-law relationships. I am so blessed to not have those emotions attached to mine. I pray for those who do have strained relationships in their marriages and in their in-law relationships.

Dear Lord,
Today I lift up all of the married couples and their in-laws!
There are so many dynamics that enter into these relationships, and Lord, you are the Creator and Master of them all!
Thank you for putting these families together.
I pray that whatever situation husbands and wives may find themselves in, that they will respect, honor, and accept the differences between their families, and use those differences to glorify You!
In Jesus' Holy Name,
Amen

Anxiety ~ When Prayer Isn't Enough

2011-04-20T13:41:00.002-04:00

During the Spring, especially Lent, of every year I always experience more anxiety than normal.
Most of the year, I am a very content woman, who can give everything over to God, and trust him to take care of me and my family.

I have been so stressed out lately, that even my prayers are not glorifying to God.

That is the scariest thing for me. I live in prayer, breathe prayer, and rely on prayer to be my link to our Provider and Lord.

I am not sure what the explanation is for this seasonal anxiety...but I do know that compared to Jesus' burden during Lent, my small worries should not be enough to make me feel so sick!

God gave us His son Jesus, and sacrificed him for us.
How is it possible, then, that I would allow my petty, human issues to effect me and push me away from Him?

Prayer after prayer, and I am still anxious. I have even called my doctor to seek some kind of medical options for this anxiety.

Right now I am calling on The Eternal Healer and Physician:

Dear Lord,
I place my life in your hands. All of the anxiety and stress that I am allowing to control me, I release to You, O Lord.
Please help me Lord, to see Your way, and to resolve these anxious issues to Glorify You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

Unclutter Your Life with Prayer

2011-04-05T16:56:00.002-04:00

A Lenten Prayer

Where should I begin, Jesus, to unclutter my life?
I have yielded to temptation and filled my days with more commitments than I can comfortably manage.
Help me to let go of whatever I cling to.

Free my time.

I have crowded my space with too much baggage:
With gadgets and conveniences and possessions.
Help me to let go of whatever I cling to.

Free my hands.

I have filled my head with trivial distractions:
News, weather, gossip and prejudices.
Help me to focus on more important concerns.

Free my mind.

Jesus, my life is cluttered with more idols than I realized.
I have given them a reverence they do not deserve!
Teach me to renounce their claim on me,and end my divided allegiance.

Guide me to a simpler life and more generous service to You!
Amen

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19

The Ten Commandments: Exodus 20

Mommy Guilt...Blessing Your Family Your Way!

2011-03-25T14:40:00.005-04:00

Lately, the guilt of not having enough time with God has been weighing heavily on my heart.

My children have been sick. I have been sick. My mommy responsibilities do not end just because I don't feel well...and I feel guilty about it! I also feel guilty that I barely have enough time to physically care for my family, let alone spiritually nurture them and myself.

There are so many life coaches, spiritual leaders, and influential speakers who insist that taking time early in the morning to have that all-important one-on-one time with God, is the most important thing a mom can do to bless her family.

I have gone through the process of feeling very guilty that I am not a morning person, and that I am failing to bless my family because I don't enrich my own relationship with the Lord each morning.

Well, I have to admit, that I no longer feel this guilt!
I have found many other ways to spend that time with God, praying over my family, my house, and enriching my own spiritual life!

Here are just a few examples of what I have started to do as a busy mom to enrich my own daily journey with our Lord:

1. Praying over each room of the house as I clean it!
2. Praying as I fold the laundry, blessings for each body part that the laundry touches!
3. Keeping a Bible in each bathroom, and reading a bit whenever I am heeding my body's call of nature. If I am doing a Bible study, I keep that book there too.
4. Blogging about the scriptures that reach out and grab a hold of my heart.
5. Blessing each child and my husband by praying with them at bed time, and for them after they are sound asleep.

I don't have to feel guilty that my morning does not start with the Lord...because it DOES!!! I say a prayer before I get out of bed, that the Lord will bless my day, and that everything that I do will bring Him glory!

I don't spend an hour, or even half an hour, basking in the Glory of the Lord, to start my day. That's okay.

Spread the Glory and Blessings throughout your day, and be continually reminded of the Love He bestows upon us every moment of every day.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Prayer of St. Patrick - Luck of the Irish

2011-03-17T09:18:00.003-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This prayer is such a powerful tool!
I have printed it out, and decided that I will pray this every day for the rest of March - if not longer!

Prayer of Saint Patrick

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, and in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Amen

If Only Everyone Could Just "Be Nice!"

2011-03-04T10:11:00.007-05:00

I feel like I am always telling my children to, "Just Be Nice!"

It's biblical after all...Christians are supposed to be NICE!
That's not all there is to being a Christian, like some people believe - but it sure is important!

We are called to love one another, forgive others when they hurt or wrong us, and leave the judgment to our creator and Lord.

The Bible says we should correct our neighbor if they do something wrong, but not to judge them. This is so very difficult. It is much easier to form judgment, and hold
wrong-doings against our neighbors. However, God tells us to point it out, so we will not be held guilty, but then to forgive and leave the judging up to the One and Only Judge who matters!

Dear Lord,
I pray that we will be able to focus on being nice to our neighbors, and to leave the judgments up to You. We are called to be good neighbors to all, even those who commit wrong-doings. We all sin, and it is not our prerogative to judge everyone around us, but rather to be nice, neighborly, and forgiving.
Please help us, Lord, to forgive, and love our neighbors.
Amen

This has been weighing heavily on my heart for at least 2 weeks. I had to read the following passage as a Lector at church..and it also came up in my bible study a few days before that!

Leviticus 19:15-18
"Do not make something that is wrong appear to be right. Treat poor people and rich people in the same way. Do not favor one person over another. Instead, judge everyone fairly.
Do not go around spreading lies among your people.
Do not do anything that puts your neighbor's life in danger. I am the Lord.
Do not hate your brother in your heart. Correct your neighbor boldly when he does something wrong. Then you will not share his guilt.
Do not try to get even. Do not hold anything against one of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord."

This passage is so overloaded with really important messages from our Lord...but being "nice" covers most of it!

Following God's Spirit to Power, Love, and Self-Discipline

2011-02-28T11:20:00.005-05:00

If God's Spirit gives us power, love and self-discipline, I need to follow God's Spirit more often!

I have succumbed to many temptations, since I am human after all.
Our free will, also a gift from God, leads us down many paths that require us to seek God's spirit to make it through alive and in a way that gives glory to God.

I am guilty, unfortunately, of not channeling God's Spirit in times of need. Some of my most serious sins have been the direct result of ignoring the Spirit, and giving in to temptation.

We all do it. That does not make it right.

The Lord's Spirit provides us with His Power to overcome temptation, and to survive our current society.

His Spirit also gives us Love. He has told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We can love not only our neighbors, but also those who seek to harm us, through God's Spirit.

That same amazing Spirit gives us self-discipline - to avoid that which is not glorifying to God.

I don't know about you, but I need that Spirit. All of these gifts provide me with a sense of purpose, dedication, and a spirit willing and capable to glorify God in all I do

When I clean my house, do the laundry, or wash dishes, I can call upon the Spirit of God to bless my family through my own self-discipline.

Dear Lord,
Please help me to seek your Spirit and wisdom in all I do. The power to overcome temptation, love for all my neighbors, and the self-discipline to complete all of the tasks that come my way, come from You, through Your Spirit.
Thank you Lord, for these gifts, and for sending your Spirit into my life.
Amen

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Temptation to Wash Away My Own Sins!

2011-01-24T17:00:00.003-05:00

I am guilty!
I judge others, especially when I catch them in a sin!!

Lord, please forgive me!

Not one soul on this planet is sin-free...including me.
It is so hard to remember, that although there are others out there who commit sins that appear so much worse than those I admit to committing, that mine are JUST AS BAD in God's eyes!

I am so quick to dismiss my own sins, as they are compared to those who commit deadly sins.

How many times do you see someone on the news who has committed murder, stolen, or committed sex crimes, and then compare your own undoings to theirs, thinking, "I'm not so bad."

That in and of itself is a sin!

We need to say a prayer for those who commit such awful crimes, but we need to pray to our Lord for forgiveness for thinking we are any better than they are.

I sin, every day. I hate to admit it - but I know I do. I am not perfect, even when I try. I am so glad that the Lord understands this, and forgives me when I ask Him for forgiveness.

Don't forget, YOU MUST ASK Him to receive this most wonderful blessing!

Dear Lord,
Please forgive me for my transgressions. I have sinned against you, and my fellow man, with the thoughts and actions I have committed. I strive to live for You, Lord, in everything I do. Please forgive me when I falter.

Please Lord, forgive me for judging my fellow man, when I know this is Your task, Father. It is not my place to judge, lest I be judged. I live for the day You will judge me, and wipe me clean of all my sins.

Amen

Galatians 6:1 "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."

Newsflash: Decluttering is BIBLICAL!!

2011-01-10T10:45:00.002-05:00

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I KNOW we have more than we could possibly need!

More clothes, more linens, more food, more toys, and certainly more blessings than one family could ever use in a lifetime.

God certainly does provide!

I am sure that I am a borderline hoarder. I hate throwing things away - and donating things we don't need is almost just as difficult.

I think of donating as blessing others with the excess with which my family has been blessed - and that helps. But it is still emotionally wrenching on my heart...why?

God has not blessed me with all of these riches because he wants me to hold onto them! We do NOT need all of these physical items in our home. We do not need so many clothes, toys, and stuff cluttering up our lives.

I strive to give away more of the blessings the Lord has given us, in an effort to bless those who are poor. In exchange, the Lord offers me the riches of heaven!

Amazing!

Dear Lord,
Please help me to remember that the true riches lie with you in heaven, awaiting my departure from this earthly life.
Amen

Staying Clean..not just the house or the laundry

2011-01-05T11:21:00.002-05:00

As a mother some days I feel like all I do is CLEAN!
Between the messes my toddler and preschooler make, and cooking and laundry...if all I did was clean, there would be no time for anything else!

So, I don't clean as much as I should!
I mean, seriously, I ignore the cleaning. I ignore the messes, and don't put away all of the laundry.

I have been known to leave all cleaning alone for days at a time, just to play with my children. After all, what could be more important than spending quality time with my kids?

Well, as the bible says in Isaiah 1:16-17, "Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

I know, God does not necessarily mean "Clean your house," but I feel that nagging sensation that my housework is part of that being clean that Isaiah mentions!

However, I do think that I am doing wrong by my husband by not keeping house like I should...therefore, this really speaks to Isaiah's point. I take my evil doings (spending too much time indulging in my computer or shopping), and turn them into cleanliness for the Lord.

I can honor the Lord our God through honoring my husband and my family - by blessing them with clean clothing, a clean house, and great food.

I have to remember that the Lord has made all of these things possible, and that I need to focus my attention on doing right, and seeking justice.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the very many blessings you have given me in this life.
My husband and children are blessings from you, and I should bless them through you. Please help me to provide for them the cleanliness, both physically in our home, as well as in my heart and soul!
Amen

The TRUE Meaning of Christmas - Mary - What a Mom!

2010-12-15T08:17:00.004-05:00

Christmas.

Last week I passed a sign that said,

"Christ is the reason for the season.
Don't X-Mas Him out!"

We all need to remember, that no matter what is going on in our lives, no matter how much we have, or don't have, and despite our circumstances, God gave us the greatest gift of all in His Son Jesus Christ.

Each year we decorate the house, including a beautiful conifer tree.
We buy gifts for our loved ones, and give to those less fortunate.
We bake, cook, and spend lots of time with family.

These are all amazing blessings!

I do have to wonder though, if we did not have all of these amazing blessings, if I would feel the same about Christmas.

I certainly hope I would!!

I think of Mary and Joseph. Ousted from their homeland - by an angel with a message.
Mary, 8+ months pregnant, riding on a DONKEY across the desert.
The night she was going into labor, Joseph checked her in...not to a comfortable, sterile hospital room, but into a STABLE with the animals!

I cannot imagine her love for God, that she would not question if this was really how she was to serve Him. I often struggle with His direction...especially when it pushes me in the opposite direction of my own plans.

Can you envision what this world would be like if Mary had said, "No. I don't think I want to have a baby, without a husband, and in a stable. Thanks anyway. I would really like to fall in love, get pregnant the old-fashioned way, and make babies with my own HUMAN husband. I would really like to have my baby in a tent, like everyone else, with a midwife and other women from the community to support me. I just want a "normal" baby, birth, and life."

When my first baby was born, she turned breach, on the evening of her due date!
The doctors attempted a version, but she would not turn. So, despite my own best-laid, and prayed-over, plans, I was stuck having a c-section.

I prayed, and cried, and prayed, and cried even more! This was NOT the way I wanted to have my first experience as a mother! WAAHHHHH!! Then I remembered Mary!

Dear Lord,
Somehow our society has made it not only acceptable, but expected, to be selfish and "know what we want" and to strive to achieve our own goals.
Help us to be more like Mary, and to follow your requests, unselfishly.
Amen

Luke 2:5-7
"He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Most Popular Bible Verse - a Gift for us All!

2010-12-08T08:19:00.003-05:00

Based on the comments from my Holiday Hop, the most popular "favorite" Bible Verse is John 3:16!

"For God so loved the world, he gave His only begotten son, so that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life."

That is the first Bible verse that I remember memorizing!

What on Earth does it mean, though?

It means that God loves us so very much, that He gave us the GREATEST gift of all!
He made a HUMAN version of Himself, in His own image, but in our likeness, who suffered and was put to death in order to save us!!

How do we rate? How can He possibly love us that much?

I imagine my own children - and watching them suffer through illness or injury.
It's excruciatingly painful as a parent to watch your child suffer helplessly!
You want to take away any pain or discomfort!
So often, we cannot help our kids though!

Imagine God's feelings for us and for Jesus - when He was being persecuted and suffering.

God wanted to protect and save us (from ourselves and our own sin, mind you), that he sent His son - and stood by, watching, as He endured the most painful of deaths - all for US - His beloved children!

I am so very thankful that God has the LOVE for us, and the enduring patience to watch His only son suffer, and to watch us struggle and suffer in our lives, so that we may live eternally with Him in heaven.

Thank you Lord, for sending your Son, to suffer and die for my sins. None of your children, save Jesus, are perfect. We sin - but not because we don't honor You - only because it is our nature, which comes with the free will You have gifted to us.

We look forward to the eternal life, Lord, where we will spend every moment basking in Your glory, with Your son. May we live every day in memory and honor of the ultimate sacrifice You made in Your son, Jesus, so that we may see you and be with You forever!
Amen

WINNERS: Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop!

2010-12-07T10:57:00.002-05:00

Wow!
I have been truly blessed by the responses to my Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop!

I have prayed more than 230 prayers, and feel so very blessed by the opportunity to pray for all those who responded to my blog!

I also have new followers, who I can continue to bless through prayer!

And the exciting part....we have WINNERS!!!

The following posts were chosen by www.random.org
as winners of the prizes:

meeyeehere
Nicole
Jeanine

Emails have been sent to each of the winners - and as soon as they respond, I will send them out their prizes!

This has been an adventure, and I look forward to hosting another giveaway/hop!

Kristen
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
—Proverbs 11:25

Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop

2010-11-30T13:34:00.008-05:00

Welcome to my Blog and the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop!

This event has been months in planning and I am super excited that the day is finally here! I have up for grabs over $25 in Gift Certificates to be won and more than 3 winners on my giveaway alone!

There are well over 150 blogs involved in this HOP! Please be sure to visit them all!

This blog is my small effort to bless others through prayer and in my writing!

In an effort to obtain more readers, and people I can bless through prayer, I am giving away some gift cards in the Spirit of Christmas and the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop!

3 Different Random Winners will receive one of the following Gift Cards
in Random Monetary Values no less than $5 each!

Amazon.com gift card

Starbucks Gift Card

Paypal Money Transfer (for International Bloggers)

Each and every person who enters this Hop will be blessed by a personal prayer!
Some may be the topics of future blog posts as well (names will be left anonymous).

The Amazon and Starbucks gift cards are valid in the U.S.A. only.
International bloggers are still encouraged to subscribe and enter - as they can win the Paypal prize!

To Qualify for the Gift Card Prizes You MUST:

Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect AND leave me a comment that includes either your favorite bible verse and/or a prayer request. Please include whether you are in the U.S. or International in your message!

3 Optional Bonus Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter. - Leave a comment to let me know, please! :)
2. Follow me on Networked Blogs . Again, leave a comment! :)
3. Write a prayer for me, and submit it as a message via email to me. Please be sure to include your name/blog name to be entered to win the prize.

Giveaway ends on December 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. The winners will be selected by random.org and notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Good luck!

Entries received by December 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST will qualify for the prizes!

I look very forward to "meeting" many new bloggers...and I wish you Very Merry Christmas Blessings!

God's Blessings,

Being a Mommy with Health Concerns

2010-11-30T09:10:00.003-05:00

When Mommy gets sick, who takes care of the family?

Around here, it usually falls to my husband.

What happens when there is a special need in the family, like diabetes, or OCD?
The burden on our spouse or others to help out is magnified.
But, the worry on our mommy hearts is also multiplied beyond others' comprehension!

If you are not the mom, no one else but God can understand the worry and the anguish we feel when we are not able to take care of our own children because of illness or other health complications.

Today I am praying for a dear friend whose daughter has OCD, and has come down with a cold. My friend has to go in for a major surgery, and her mind cannot relax and concentrate on her own healing because of her concern for her daughter!

Dear Lord,
Please protect my friend as she heads into surgery this morning. Guide the surgeon's hands, the anesthesiologists, and all of the other health officials who are making her body stronger and less painful through You!

Help her mind to realize that You are in control! Not only do You have the surgery under control as our almighty Physician, but also her daughter's mental and physical health. It is a struggle, each and every day, for the family to watch this girl torment herself with the compulsion to wash, and to stay clear of germs. With this cold, Lord, she is ever worrying that she may leave germs all over and make her mom sick.

Lord Jesus, you are aware of each of these beautiful women, and their needs and desires.
I pray that YOUR strength will infuse each of them through Your Holy Spirit, today especially, as they both struggle through these issues with their earthly bodies.

Thank you, Lord, for putting these sisters in my life - and bless them today through the healing power of Your love!
Amen

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:15)

“And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and will afflict you with none of the terrible diseases of Egypt which you have known...” (Deuteronomy 7:15)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases …” (Psalm 103:2)

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14)

Not Thankful - Especially at Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T13:54:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving.

Everywhere I look, I see reminders to give thanks. Television ads and programs ask what you are thankful for. People are posting their thanks on their Facebook status and tweeting them too.

What about those people who can't think of something for which to be thankful?

There are those who are down on their luck, or unemployed, or just plain depressed.
Are these reminders making them feel guilty for not being thankful, or worse?

There are so many people in this world who rely on the human weakness of concentrating on what they lack or what others have that they wish they had.

I am not one of those people. I thank God every day for the many blessings he has given to me.
That is not to say that my life is perfect, or that I am not envious of the blessings others have that I don't possess.

I do, however, know how to focus on the positive, and downplay the negative.

God has given me LIFE!
I am breathing.

That is something to be thankful for.

If that is all you have to be thankful for, at least give God the Glory for that, through thanksgiving.

I am sure, if they think about it, they could come up with other "small" things that they have, that God has given them, and give thanks for that. The biggest gift our Lord has given us is Salvation through his Son. I am thankful that, just for asking Him, I have been forgiven and saved! If anyone asks what I am most thankful for, that must be my answer!

Our society has made Christmas into a holiday that concentrates on "wants" and "wishes" rather than the blessings and gifts Christ and the Lord our Father have given us!

My biggest wish this Christmas season, is that all of you will examine your lives, and discover the gifts the Lord has already blessed you with, and be thankful!

" And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel." 1 Corinthians 10:10 -

"I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul." Job 10:1

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7

How You See your Circumstance is All About a Choice

2010-11-17T16:14:00.002-05:00

The title for my blog today comes from a song by the group 33 Miles, called "Jesus Calling".

Bad things happen, but we have the power to decide how our circumstances make us feel!

I have been told that I have a "Pollyanna" attitude many times. If you are familiar with this Disney movie, then you know that Pollyanna was a little girl who ALWAYS searched for the good, in every situation. Her parents were killed, and she had to live with her aunt...later she fell and broke her legs - and would never walk again. She looked for the good in all situations.

I always make the best of things. I trust God!
My firm belief is that everything happens for a reason, and God will not let me down.

If something bad happens, and there are bad things all around us, I believe it is up to me to learn something from it.

This is sometimes easier said than done. For certain, I still get depressed. I still cry, and blame myself. I still have feelings. But I do not let the "bad things that happen" rule my life!

I pin them on Christ and watch Him work through the challenges that have been presented to me.

If we follow God's directions in the Bible, we will walk with Him, and he will guide us and uphold us through all the difficulties our world may bring up on us. It is our decision whether we look up on the challenges as ways God is teaching us, or if we view them as the awful things that are thrown in our way to keep us from following the Lord!

So many people walk away from God, because they feel He has given up on them! I tell you, God will NEVER give up on any of us! We can sin, and we do, but He will always forgive us and be willing to take us back as His sons and daughters.

I am thankful for His forgiveness, and for His understanding that I am not perfect. I will make mistakes, and learn from them that God has blessed me in more ways than I can count. It could always be worse...I could lack the trust in God that he will make my life into something that will bring Him Glory!

Dear Lord,
I pray that I will see my circumstances as Your way of showing me how I should live.
Amen

"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." 2 Tim 1:7

"I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Psalm 16:8

"Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

My First Blog Hop ~ Prayers for all those who follow!

2010-11-12T20:46:00.002-05:00

God Doesn't Promise us Happiness on Earth

2010-11-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

Prayer is such an important part of my life.
I pray for my family, friends, and those who are in my life who weigh heavy on my heart.

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1

I have had to learn not to pray for "things" or "situations" to be as I want them to be.

God has a plan for each of us...it does not mean that God will fulfill OUR plans for ourselves, just because we pray for it.

Prayers of thankfulness for the blessings God has provided in my life almost always outweigh those that ask Him for more.

It is really difficult to remember that His plan is not the same as our plan...and that He does not promise us anything about happiness on earth. He does promise us Salvation if we believe and follow Him and his son Jesus' teachings.

Dear Lord,
Please help us to see the many blessings You have given us as blessings from You, and not take them for granted.
Help us to accept that those prayers we are tempted to pray for material things, and wants of the world we live in may not be within Your divine plan for us.
Lord I pray that you give me the words to share with those reading this blog the concept of thankfulness for what we have, and the wisdom to know the difference between asking for Your plan to come to fruition, and praying for what we want, which may not coincide with your plan.
Amen

Children Serving The Lord

2010-11-08T09:42:00.002-05:00

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Serving the Lord. Sounds easy, right?
In reflecting on my life and priorities, I have to wonder whom my household truly serves.

I have to remind myself that doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and teaching my children are serving the Lord. I do these things to honor Him.

I do not need all of the "things" in my house, and my children do not NEED all the latest toys and most expensive clothes. We don't need to eat the most expensive or trendy foods, nor do we need the technology we have come to take for granted.

How do we teach our children to appreciate all of our blessings as gifts from God?
Do we take all of our possessions for granted or do we give credit to the Lord, as everything we have comes from Him?

Dear Lord,
Please help me to serve You in everything I do. Help my priorities to reflect Your Glory, and not any other entities that I could serve in this world.
Jesus, please help me to teach my children to serve You and Your Father. There is nothing more important in this family, than Your will and Love.
Amen

Thankful for Prayer

2010-11-05T16:10:00.002-04:00

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1

It's November, a month known for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for a God who listens to my prayers. I know that He is there, watching and listening to my prayers. He sees and knows exactly what I need.

Dear Lord,
I pray that you will hear my prayers, and the prayers of those who read this blog.
There are so many ways to pray, not one that is right or wrong. You hear us, no matter how we say what we think.
Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers.
Please teach us, Lord, that your answers to our prayers may not always be tangible. We may not see or hear the answers, but you have answered us.
Lord, teach us to pray according to your will. We may pray for things that we want, that may not be according to Your plan for us.
Amen

Miles Mob Christmas Card 2010

2010-11-04T15:16:00.001-04:00

Faith Hope Love Religious

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Tithing: Giving of yourself

2010-11-03T08:15:00.002-04:00

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

Malachi 3:10

When the Church asks us to Tithe, it is only because the Bible calls for such gifts to the Lord.

Abraham and his decedents made animal sacrifices. We are not called to make such sacrifices, but to give willingly to the Lord of our abundance which he has provided.

I love to see the children at church go up and put coins in our offering basket. Many of them get these coins from their parents, but some actually take the money from their own savings. They are learning a great lesson.

While God's love for us and our Salvation are FREE - we must ask Lord to bless us with them.

We will be blessed beyond our wildest imaginations, if we simply give of ourselves to the Lord.

God does not focus on the dollar amount, nor does he expect us to give up our last dime.

My challenge to everyone is, what better to use that last dime for, but to Glorify the Lord??

Tithing is giving of your time, treasure and talents, that with which God has blessed you.
How has He blessed you?

Dear Lord,
I pray that we will be challenged in our daily lives to Honor You!
You have so richly blessed all of us with so many talents and treasures. I pray that we would seek ways to honor You by sharing these blessings back with the church and with Your children here on earth.
In Jesus' Holy Name,
AMEN

Giving = loving

2010-10-29T10:11:00.003-04:00

“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? Dear children, let us not love with
words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:17,18

In my bible studies I keep feeling the Lord call to me about the material things we have and so many people believe they need. I look at how our modern society has it so much easier than those who lived before our modern conveniences, and marvel at the fact that so many people take running water, inexpensive meal options from a grocery store, and things like cell phones for granted.

Our society has become so overwhelmingly focused on the material things in our lives. There are so many families who feel the "need" to have newer cars, homes that are bigger and newer, cell phones that access the internet and do everything else imaginable for such a small device.

I think of Sarah, Abraham's wife, and how she was asked to ""Quick," he said, "get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread," and prepare a feast for the visitors God sent to them.

If my husband hurried in to let me know that God had sent divine visitors to dine with us, I would panic! But, then I should not have to panic. I can look in my pantry for flour, and the other items I would need to make some bread. The flour would be there, the eggs would be in the refrigerator, and the recipe a quick search on the internet away.

Think of Sarah. When Abraham asked her to "Quick...make some bread", she had to go out into the field, get some wheat, make the "seahs" of fine flour by herself, and find the rest of the ingredients without the ease of a grocery store. She had to knead the dough, and prepare the entire meal without the convenience of a microwave, refrigerator, or modern oven.

Wow!

I had my children roast hot dogs over the fire in our fireplace last week.
We talked about our ancestors who had to cook every single meal in this fashion. The kids were in awe! They could not imagine the world without our modern appliances and conveniences.

I wonder how I will teach my children to appreciate all of the wonderful time-saving devices we have today, while hoping they learn to see them as blessings with which we can honor our Lord and God?

I hear people talk that they could not live without their cell phone, or that they do not know how to cook, and rely on restaurants or pre-packaged food for their meals.

How would these people fare if they took Jesus' words to heart, and gave away all of our worldly possessions to the poor, and lived a simple life, honoring God with every choice and action?

As a recovering borderline hoarder, I see all of the excess in my home.
I am taking Jesus' words as a challenge to give away the things we do not need - which is almost everything in this house!

I pity those who value their worldly possessions above God's love.
They do not consider those possessions as gifts from our awesome Creator, to be used in His honor.

Enjoy the many, some very small, blessings that God has given you...and give Glory to God!

"Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:19

"God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil." Ecclesiastes 6:2

Blessed with Children, Gifts from God

2010-09-22T11:44:00.004-04:00

‎"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." Psalms 1:1-2

I have been blessed in so many ways, and I cannot begin to count the blessings the Lord has given to me.

My children are blessings, and I need constant reminder to see them in this light.

I am so very blessed to have a wonderful husband, parents, siblings, and in-laws that support us as a Christian family.

It is very difficult, at times, to attend events or converse with people where some of those people constitute the "wicked" and not to mock them. They may mock me, as well, but I have to stand strong in the Lord, and remember not to be bothered by the wicked ways of others.

Gossip bothers me, and I am guilty of gossiping at times. Lord, please forgive me for the pain my gossip may cause. I do not intend to gossip or mock others, Lord, as they are all gifts from you.

I stand strong in my faith, and strong in my belief that all people have God within them, and they all deserve my respect and love. In our society, this respect is becoming more and more difficult to honor. So many people have become followers of the "entitlement" frame of mind. Everyone is entitled to all of the benefits of "the good life" just because they are alive. They don't have to work for anything...they should just get it. Nothing is ever good enough for many of these people. They are given something, and all they can think about and talk about is how it could be better or what is wrong with what they've been given.

Lord, I pray that I will be able to remain thankful for the many blessings you have given to me. I also pray that I will be able to use all of those blessings to Honor You, the faithful God. I pray that others will see You, Lord, in me, and that I will be able to live fully for You and Your Glory.

Amen

Grandparents...Blessings and Babies

2010-09-13T13:41:00.003-04:00

“"Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”" Ephesians 6:2–3

"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents..." 1 Timothy 5:3–4

We follow the 10 Commandments that God has outlined for us in the Bible. "Honor your Father and Mother" is a very well-known and important part of our Christian lives.

What happens when your parent becomes more like a child...and is overtaken by Alzheimer's and/or dementia???

How do you honor someone who cannot take care of themselves?

My grandmother is more like my two-year-old son in many ways. She has the same reasoning skills, and negotiation skills he has. She communicates as though she cannot remember the conversations we just had. She cannot remember the date, her full name, or where she is.

She just knows she is not where she wants to be.

But, she does not know where she wants to be either.

She wants to live on her own, but cannot. She does not realize she needs help - and that is the worst part!

I would love to have her live with me - and honor her, repaying what she has provided in my life and the life of my mother.

Would she be safe here? Would she even want to stay here?

I fear not...

Therefore, it would not be honoring her, to have her live with me, if she would not be safe, nor sound.

As much as I would love to relieve the financial strain that a nursing facility would cause, I am not sure that it would be emotionally or physically possible for me to meet her needs in my home.

My children love their great-grandma. I love her, too.
She is a widow who really in need...and I am a Christian struggling with the fact that I want to do the right thing and take her into my own home and care for her.

Please, Lord, give me the strength to do your will in this situation. If I am to consider this, I need Your strength and guidance, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Making the Best of a Bad, Rainy Situation

2010-09-12T08:59:00.004-04:00

"The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother." Proverbs 29:15

"Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3

My husband signed us up for a 5K walk, and the company picnic to follow. Normally, I look forward to this event with enthusiasm, as they provide so many fun, free activities for the kids that we always have a wonderful time.

Yesterday, however, we left the house to travel to the walk and picnic in the pouring rain. The kids were in a good mood, and my husband was adamant that we actually attend in the rain. Despite my own miserable feelings of uncertainty, and foreseeing that our 2-year-old and 3-year-old little boys, let alone our 6-year-old daughter, would not be able to complete the walk in the rain, I reluctantly agreed to attempt the walk.

The boys splashed in the puddles, and our two-year-old was completely soaked from head-to-toe before the walk began. When the air horn signaled the official start of the walk, my three-year-old was pulling the wagon, my husband and our daughter took off ahead of us with the empty stroller.

This left mom, and her two toddler boys splashing in the rain puddles, as the rain poured down.

Okay - I hate to be wet! But, watching my boys splash, and laugh, and smile in the rain and puddles was actually fun. They were having the time of their lives.

I had resigned to the fact that we were not going to walk the 5K distance, but stay in the parking lot and splash and have fun. My three-year-old, however, had decided to follow the crowd and walk, pulling the wagon, behind him in the rain, while the 2-year-old continued to get even more drenched in the puddles.

I tried to convince the two-year-old that there were more puddles over by his brother - and I couldn't leave him behind. I also could not let the three-year-old go on by himself...and daddy was nowhere to be seen. I asked the baby to ride in the wagon his brother was pulling, but NO, he wanted to be carried.

Finally I started praying...as I saw my shivering little two-year-old crying over 50 yards away from me, while my 3-year-old yelled for us to catch up, with a smile on his face.

I had to pick up the sweet, little shivering bundle out of his puddle, and carry him to where his daddy and sister had completed half of the 5K distance and were waiting for us. He continued to cry as I strapped him into the stroller his daddy was pushing. I couldn't carry him any more, but I didn't want to listen to him cry, either. He cried, no matter what.

We quit walking and found a bathroom, where we stood under hot-air heaters in an attempt to dry off.

The Good Lord has blessed us with the rain, and children who can enjoy it. I had to adjust my attitude to make the best of the bad, cold, wet, rainy situation.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for my wonderfully resilient children. Thank you for my husband, who has pushed me beyond my comfort zones to experience the puddles and joys of my young boys! I was wet, and not having fun, but my children learned some good lessons. Thank you, Lord, for teaching me that despite the physical discomfort the rain may bring, I can always make the best of all situations just by looking to You!

I was not Noah, needing to build an ark. I was looking to You, Lord, as you were prepared before my morning to provide me with the insight that my children and I can enjoy even the shivering, wet mess of the pouring rain.

Amen

Level Ground...finding it on the Roller Coaster of Life.

2010-09-08T20:59:00.003-04:00

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
Psalm 143:10

Keeping Your will in sight, God, is so difficult with all the distractions that tempt us around every corner. As a parent, it is tough to remember God's will, rather than our will, for our children. The level ground is often more difficult and challenging, as it may not be our original plan for us or our families.

I remember my friends with children who have Type 1 Diabetes. I know that was not in the plan for their families when they had their babies. And I know it is NOT level ground, it is a roller coaster! I pray that the Lord's good Spirit can lead them, and teach us all as parents, to do His will, and forget our own.

There is nothing more important in this world than remembering that God made us the parents of these babies. They have us as parents for a reason...it is God's Good Will!!!

Although they may lead us down paths that appear dangerous, scary, or just plain unfamiliar, we must trust that God has His good plan, and that He will provide us with the strength and tools to make it through the circumstances He places in our lives, and the lives of our children.

Please, Lord, help all parents to be the best parents, and teach us to follow your will, on Your Level Ground, while riding the roller coaster of life.

Amen

Discipline + Youth = Patience

2010-09-06T17:04:00.005-04:00

As my two-year old threw two temper tantrums at the mall today, I have been looking to my bible for reinforcement of how to respond to him in the future.

"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth; and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes: but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment." Ecclesiastes 11:9

We all do things that we know are not right. Unfortunately, we all sin. My children all test my patience, disobey, and sin as well. Teaching them right from wrong is tricky. They ignore the warnings, and continue to do what they should know is wrong.

Discipline is ever difficult, and I know that others judge my parenting style. I take comfort in knowing that whether they agree with my manner of discipline or not does not matter. The only judgment that matters comes from the Lord.

I am thankful that my children, in their youth, can make mistakes, and walk in the ways of their hearts, and still be God's children. He forgives, and teaches us to walk in His ways.

MY PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I pray that you will guide me as a parent, to walk my children down the paths You have laid out before them. Thank You for showing me that they are young, and they are Yours. I do not have to worry about whether or not they will be accepted into Your kingdom. They will - for in their youth they are to rejoice and experience life.

Help me, Lord, to react with joy and patience, as my children learn and grow. Help me to remember that they need naps (Oh, do they need their naps) and that my adult schedule needs to be structured around their little bodies.

Most of all, Lord, I pray for patience.

In Jesus' Name,
AMEN

Prayer over Teachers and Leaders in Schools

2010-09-02T21:28:00.002-04:00

"Let the elders who rule be well considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." 1 Timothy 5:17

Dear Lord,
As the school year begins, my heart is full of anxiety over those who will influence my children every day of the school year. There are wonderful teachers, who will spend more time with my daughter than I do every school day. I have been the teacher you sent to guide her for so long, and now she has other adults in her life.

I pray that these teachers and other school workers will be vessels of Your good plan. I know that You have put them in my child's life for a reason, Lord. Please help me to accept that they are good influences on my child.

Please let Your light shine through my children. Let all of the students and teachers see YOU in her, more than they see her. Help my children to bless their teachers, as the teachers bless them in all they do.

Please help me, as well, Lord, to be a blessing in my child's school. These teachers spend so much time and energy making my child's life so enriched, that I hope to be able to reciprocate to the teachers in some way.

Thank you, Lord, for teachers, and for the strength to accept the new influences in my child's life. You will be there to carry her, as well as me, through the school year.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Closer to God...without man's rules.

2010-09-01T14:23:00.002-04:00

"The Lord says:
"These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men." ~ Isaiah 29:13

We get caught up in the rules of our society, within our government, work places, schools, and homes. Our churches have rules, and many Christians believe that if they simply follow the rules of their church, they will be saved in the eyes of the Lord.

Is following the rules of the church enough to please the Lord?

Not according to Isaiah 29:13. The Lord says that we must not only honor Him with our lips and words, but in our hearts. I love to think that I do this....but how do I teach my children to honor the lord, not just in worship at church, but also in their hearts? We take our children to church, and we teach them how to pray. We read our bibles, and read bible stories to the kids. How do we know when we are actually following God's will for us, and not just playing along with the rules taught by men? Not one human knows the answers to these questions. We must rely upon our bibles to tell us what God wants from us.

My prayer:
Dear Lord:
Please help me to know you and honor you in the depths of my heart. I pray that you help me to teach my children how to worship you, not only in the ways taught by the rules of our human church, but in ways that are pleasing to you in our hearts.
Help our family to be centered around you, and your delight, instead of the human things that make us happy. Your happiness is our reward. Please help us to keep sight of your happiness, and help us to focus less on our pleasures.

Lord, please show me the path that leads to your treasures in my heart, so that I may know You more. Help me to teach my children to follow that path as well, Lord, so they may know You and love You.

Going to church is important in our lives, but help us to make more of the human rituals, Lord, so that we may experience your Love for us, not only in the man-made customs and ceremonies, but in our every day lives.

Live in our hearts, Lord, Jesus.

Amen