Instant Pot gift- Lowest Price!!

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This is the TOP of my Christmas list!
Great meals cooked in less than half the time!

Fear of Failure ~ Covered by God's Grace

Today was just plain rough.

Everything I attempted to do was challenged by anxiety, mistakes, and fear of failure.

I started my day by oversleeping. This resulted in my husband and children lacking the lovingly packed lunches I normally provide. Failure number one.

Arriving at work, I found that the failure of other people to effectively complete their jobs caused me so much anxiety! I allowed that anxiety to overtake my peace of mind, and made stupid mistakes for the first two hours on the job. Failure number two.

I finally found the time for a very short break, and took that time to pray for God's grace to come into my heart and mind, so that He could banish the anxiety lurking behind every thought and action. I sang along with the song "Grace Got You" by Mercy Me.

Check out "Grace Got You" by Mercy Me.

This allowed my nerves to subside, and for me to begin again, avoiding the anxiety that had crippled my very capable and professional work throughout the morning.

As I continued to work, the anxiety kept trying to get back in, and ruin my day.

I prayed even more!

I am so thankful for God's Grace and forgiveness.

My mistakes, and the anxiety, do NOT define who I am, nor how effectively I do my job and care for my family!

I worked the rest of the day, and ran my children to their activities, provided dinner for the family, and managed to do laundry before relaxing in the bath! That anxiety, doubt, and fear of failure kept getting to creep in my heart and mind.

All the while I prayed, remembering what Mercy Me sings:
"So next time when you feel blue
Don't let that smile leave you
Why? 'Cause you have every reason just to

Sing, so the back row hears you
Glide, 'cause walking just won't do
Dance, you don't have to know how to
Ever since, ever since grace got you
Laugh, 'til your whole side's hurting
Smile like you just got away with something
Why? 'Cause you just got away with something
Ever since, ever since grace got you
Ever since, ever since grace got you
Grace got you!"

If you don't know God's Grace, it is yours! Please pray with me, when you're ready!

Dear Lord,
I know I'm not perfect. The weight of this world, and the anxiety it brings, make me feel less than worthy of Your love and grace. I feel like a failure. Without Your grace, I would be a failure. I pray for Grace, Love, and Your Forgiveness Lord, to enter my heart. In Jesus' Name. Amen

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
Romans 3:20-24

FREE Money - Swagbucks Shop SWAGO

Did you know you can earn FREE money just from searching the web?!

Swagbucks is a great search engine - and I have earned hundreds of dollars from Searching and Rewards from buying things I buy anyway!

Swagbucks is offering a Shop SWAGO game - where you can earn easy, free gift cards just by visiting your favorite stores online!



Still recovering from all of your holiday shopping? The online rewards site Swagbucks has a smart and fun way for you to earn and save when you spend.

Swagbucks is hosting another round of Shopping Swago! What is SWAGO you ask? It's a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. You can redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you've never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great introduction to the site and an easy way to earn a good amount of points quickly.

Click here to get started! Here’s what you need to know to get your 300 SB Bonus (and don’t worry, you don’t have to make a purchase to complete a pattern): Go to the Swag page and make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete. Once you complete the action item in a particular square the square will change color signifying the action item is complete. You have a limited amount of time to mark off as many squares as possible so use your time wisely. Be mindful of the patterns and their corresponding bonuses located on the right of your Swago Board. The patterns will vary in difficulty and bonus value - up to 300 SB - enough for your first $3 gift card. Once you’ve achieved a pattern the corresponding “Submit” button will light up. You can have multiple patterns available for submission, however, you can only submit ONE pattern so choose wisely. The game ends Friday, January 26th at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT. So make sure to hit “Submit” on the pattern you wish to submit. If you don’t hit “Submit” before the game ends you won’t receive your SB bonus. Also, if you sign up through me this month, you'll get a $10 rebate when you make your first purchase via Swagbucks Shopping! You can activate it in the "Swag Ups" area of "My Account"

National Sandwich Day ~ FREE Subway + Donation to Feeding America

National Sandwich Day
is Thursday, November 3, 2016!!

Subway has partnered with Feeding America to give a FREE Sub to anyone who purchases a sub and a drink.
PLUS, Subway will DONATE A MEAL to Feeding America for every sub purchased!!

Celebrate National Sandwich Day at Subway, give your FREE sub to someone to brighten their day, and donate to Feeding America all in one act!!

Happy National Sandwich Day!

Eyes of My Heart

This Bible Verse tugged at my heart strings today!

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people..." ~Ephesians 1:18

When the eyes of our hearts are opened, we can appreciate the love and riches that He sends to us, even in the mess of this Earthly life. Adjusting our attitudes to look for the blessings, results in us actually experiencing MORE of the blessings and riches, because we are more aware of them.

I pray that today the Lord will open the eyes of my heart, and yours, that we might appreciate the blessings and riches our Father bestows up on us.
Amen

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Coming in MAY!

So, I'm not the biggest fan of super hero movies, but I really like what Marvel has been doing with them!

I am actually looking forward to seeing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 after watching this trailer!



GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 is in theaters May 5, 2017!

Disney's MOANA ~ Looking Forward to This One

Our family is really looking forward to the newest Disney movie, Moana!
It looks really cute, and entertaining!

Praying Through the Stress

Sometimes I feel like it is impossible to pray stress away.
Other days, a simple prayer makes me feel like everything is going to be okay.

Lately, I have been letting the stress pile up on me, to the point where I almost feel like I am going to drown. Prayer has taken a backseat to driving my children around, trying to keep up on the housework, and teaching my students. Social media has even created stress with friends and family taking sides over both important and trivial issues.

I need to take a step back, and replant myself in my faith. I need to PRAY, and reestablish roots in His plans for my life.

My plans, however well laid out, do not matter. Yet, I still feel stressed out when my plans do not play out as I had hoped.

Since I have last written, one of my sons has been diagnosed with a severe nut allergy. My other son has been diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. I felt like I was losing my mind, and my grip on reality. I mourned the healthy family I thought I had. God sent me reminders that it could be much, much worse. Still, I focused on the challenges that come with those diagnoses, instead of the opportunities they can become to be a better mother to my children.

I love both of my boys, and their crazy traits that require me to be a better mom.

Tourette's is a daily challenge for the whole family. My son who lives with it in his brain is so smart, cute and funny. He works harder than any of us to try and keep himself under control. Lord, I pray that we can come together as a family to help him embrace this nuance, and create a better life for him through it.

The nut allergy proves to be an interesting aspect of life for my middle child. He is the most responsible, easy going kid, that sometimes I forget he has this challenge. He reads labels on his own, and at almost ten-years-old, is more aware of what he eats than I am! He is always so overly cautious, that sometimes I worry he will miss out on things. I have to pray to remind myself that it is okay for him to miss out, but that he needs to feel special too.


Lord, I pray for all mothers, each of whom is dealing with their own special issues in this life with their children. I pray that you will open our eyes and ears to see and hear the GOOD that comes from our challenges, especially where we tend to focus on trying to control what is in your hands. Lord, please bless our children, through us, and our struggles with feeling like good mothers. We are good, because of You. We are enough, because You made us. Amen

Allergy Testing + Anxiety = Prayers Needed

We are drowning in doctor's appointments and testing for both of my sons.

My older son had a severe allergic reaction in December to a protein bar, and we have allergy testing scheduled for him today.

My baby is suffering from anxiety and is already an overly active little boy.
We have already gone through "testing" at Neurocore - and are working on focus. He has an appointment for psychological testing in a few weeks.

This mom did NOT want to put her boys through all of this. Doctor's visits, testing, and all of the labels and stigma that our society puts on those who ask for help.

I am trying to put it all into God's hands, but the worry and anxiety of my little men suffering is wearing on my heart. No mommy wants to see their children go through these trials. I keep praying, and praying, and am asking everyone to pray with me.

Dear Lord,

Please hear the prayers of mothers everywhere, as they stand by the children you have blessed them with during the trials and crazy times here on Earth. We know you are the ultimate healer and have blessings in store for us...we must just endure the hardships to get to the amazing things You have given us. Thank YOU for my children, their individual challenges, and their amazing unique talents! Thank You for helping me see that each of the events we experience can bring glory to You, if only we seek you throughout each moment.

Bless us mothers with patience, and the right words to say to our children. Bless our children with peace and understanding that their mommies do everything for them, through You.

Amen

I will be posting more on our journey through testing and treatment in the near future.

~Kristen

Snow Day Fun

My children and I had a snow day today!
The snow is coming down outside, and the roads are terrible.

I heard screams and unkind words from my children in the living room at 8:30 a.m.
So it begins!

Tablets and iPods are taken away, and they are all devastated and bored.

Three kids conspire on the couch, plotting to see if they might recover their devices from the mean mother who took them away.

SUCCESS!!!

Tearfully they ask if they might be able to earn their devices back.

After some thoughtful consideration, I set the terms of the negotiation:

1. Do all of the laundry, including put it away.
2. Play a game nicely, while the laundry is cleaning and drying.
3. Speak kindly to each other through all of this.
4. Make each other lunch, and eat.
5. Check in with mom, and maybe get your devices back.

Well, I am happy to report that they completed their tasks, and my laundry is done!
2 kids on iPods, and one on a tablet are currently playing nicely in the living room once again, as the snow continues to fall.

I hope we get another snow day tomorrow!

#SnowDay #MeanMom

Changing Overwhelmed Into Blessings and Rainbows

Overwhelmed!
All mommies feel this at some time or another. I am feeling extremely overwhelmed at this moment.
I am over-committed, under rested, and completely overwhelmed with everything happening in my life.

My three children have busy schedules.
My husband has a busy work schedule.
My own work schedule could be busier, but I'm drawing the line, and saying, "NO!" to extra hours.
Volunteer commitments have me on the run this time of year.
My grandmother passed away, and grieving on top of helping my mom plan the services has me emotionally drained.
Add on to all of this my raging hormones, and I have every reason to be a hot mess right now.

Throughout all of this business, I am taking the time to realize how truly blessed I am.
I have three wonderful, talented, smart children, who know what they love.
My husband steps up and helps out when I ask him too. He doesn't complain too much, even though I know he wishes I'd say no to other people more often than I do.
I CAN say no to opportunities to work or help out other people, because we are comfortable enough to pay all of our bills, plus some fun things, with our regular pay checks.
Through volunteering I have met some of my very best friends! I get to see them more, and we have so much fun together!
My grandmother was a wonderful person, and reflecting on her life helps me to be a better person too.


So all of the craziness brings blessings. It is up to me to focus on the positive blessings, rather than the challenges that come with each of these crazy events in my life.

One of my students was lamenting to me how she hated to cry so much, and that she was sad, and never thought she would make it through the bad things that were happening to her.
My response, "Sometimes you have to wade your way through the mud made by the tears and the rain to see the rainbow."

Right now, I am heading my own advice, and seeking the rainbow!

Blessings to you!
~Kristen

Cinderella - The Back Story Updated

I cannot wait for "Cinderella" to come out this weekend!

Just watching this trailer brings out my inner princess, and makes me wish my fairy godmother would dress me up and send me away to the ball!



I am even more excited about the "Frozen Fever" short that appears only with "Cinderella"!

Saying Goodbye to a Grandparent through Prayer

My grandmother battled alzheimers and dementia for the last few years of her earthly life. I missed her adventurous spirit and amazing stories. She was one of the most independent women I have ever met, and I am more like her in many ways than I am like my own mother.

When her body finally gave up on this world, I was devastated by our loss of such an amazingly strong woman, but thankful that she was no longer suffering from the pain and anguish of a human body that had given up control to awful diseases that stole her fighting will to live her own independent life.

My grandmother was a very strong and devoted Christian, who wrote out many devotions and reflections on her faith.

I want to carry on that legacy, and write here about my faith and  praying through all that life throws at me.

Grandma Joan, this is for you!

"None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God." So (then) each of us shall give an account of himself (to God)."
Romans 14:7-9, 10-11

"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."
2 Timothy 2:8-13

"My soul is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is; I tell myself my future is lost, all that I hoped for from the Lord. The thought of my homeless poverty is wormwood and gall; Remembering it over and over leaves my soul downcast within me. But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; It is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord."
Lamentations 3:17-26

"Annie" Movie Review ****

My daughter and I went to see the new film version of "Annie" this past weekend.
We both LOVE the original, and thought it would be very hard to match the level of entertainment and integrity displayed throughout that classical film.

I am pleased to report that both my daughter and I loved the new "Annie"!

We both enjoyed the classic songs woven into the updated story line.
I have many friends who are foster parents, and they were taken aback by the portrayal of the foster care system in the movie. Since Annie is portrayed as a foster kid instead of an orphan in the new movie, they had to adjust many aspects of the characters and their situations. All foster parents are not like Miss Hannagan.

They took many liberties with the personification of foster parents, millionaires, and foster kids. Movies always do, simply for entertainment value.

We found the movie charming, funny, touching and highly entertaining!

Happy New Year!

Blessings for simpler, healthier, more prosperous New Year!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2 Corinthians 5:17

Please tell me how I can pray for you!

"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" Review

We've all had bad days. Today is one of mine!

My daughter and I had the privilege of seeing the Disney film, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" in the theatre, and we really enjoyed it!

Based on the children's book of the same title, Alexander wishes his family could see how awful he feels when he has such a bad day. And in "Freak Friday" fashion, the whole family, except Alexander, experiences a TERRIBLE day! I don't want to ruin the funny parts for you, but dad's experiences in job hunting are hilarious!

This movie does a great job of spinning the bad day into a comedy meant for the whole family to enjoy.

I give this film two thumbs up!



#VeryBadDay

Musical Monday - When The Crazy Kicks In!

With school starting, I am feeling the Crazy start to kick in!
This song really gets me going, and helps me bring my focus back to the Lord!



I challenge you to have a quiet moment or two with the Lord, and then rock out to this song before the crazy kicks in! What a way to start the day!

My prayer is actually the lyrics to this song:
Dear Lord,
Here I go tiptoeing to the kitchen
And don't you know, crash goes the coffee cup
My only chance to be still and listen
Lord, don't let, don't let the kids wake up
A little time with You, the only way to get me through the day

Oh, come meet me in this moment
Before it all gets going
These plates start to spin
When the crazy kicks in
A circus of distractions
It's just about to happen
I'll be ready
the crazy kicks in

Pushed and pulled by a thousand expectations
And all the roles that I'm supposed to play
To hit the ground running's a temptation
But I have learned this lesson the hard way
A little time with You, the only way to get me through the day

Oh, come meet me in this moment
Before it all gets going
These plates start to spin
When the crazy kicks in
A circus of distractions
It's just about to happen
I'll be ready when
When the crazy kicks in

You got me, where You want me, even through the highs and lows
You know me, and You hold me, and You show me that You'll never let me go

Oh, come meet me in this moment
Before it all gets going
These plates start to spin
When the crazy kicks in
A circus of distractions
It's just about to happen
I'll be ready when
When the crazy kicks in

~Francesca Battistelli - When The Crazy Kicks In

Nature Soothes The Soul

We went camping this weekend. No stress, just hanging out together outside, getting to know a little more about the beauty of God's natural world.

We encountered so many wondrous creatures that my children could have had endless science lessons. We just observed these fantastic animals though, and talked about them a little. It was very nice. My kids have a list of questions we will look up later. But we just enjoyed being out in nature.

My ten-year-old daughter had to learn not to be afraid of the snake she almost stepped on by the pond. She was worried that a snake could get into our tent, and bite her while she was sleeping. I told her we have to pray that God will lead the animals to their own beds, and not ours!

There were many mosquitoes, that we prayed would stop biting us. There were the mosquito eaters, including other insects, birds, and bats. We saw bees, ugly bugs and beetles too.

Then there were the toads, frogs, turtles and fish. My six-year-old was very excited to actually catch a little toad! He now is curious about what toads eat. That's a lesson for another time, but he sure had fun trying to feed it some of his peanut butter sandwich, s'mores and popcorn!

We also encountered ducklings and their parents. There were two different sets of ducky families. The newborn babies were so cute and fluffy. The older ducklings were bigger, but just as adorable. My boys kept calling those the "teenage ducklings".
After spending all this time in nature with my kids, without the pressures of life to keep us crazy, our mantra has become, "Speak Kindly". I noticed we were all talking to each other in harsher tones than necessary for the simplest of issues. So, our souls have been soothed, and our tongues are attempting to speak kindly to each other, all because we just existed in nature for a few days.

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12

"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;" Romans 12:10

Camping Is Great For Families Getting In Touch With God

My children and I love to go camping!
I really enjoy being outside, and feel closer to God as we "rough it" on a primitive campsite.

We pack up our tents, a cooler with food, sleeping bags, and toys.
We spend quality time outside - having fun in nature.
It's great to get away from the stress of every day life, and just exist.
We fish. We ride bikes, play games, and sit around and read, and pray.

The kids are exhausted at night and fall asleep faster than ever!
So does mommy!


Here are a few of the items we bring with us to make our camping trips easier!

Feeling So Small

My daughter and I visited the ocean in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The sheer size and power of the waves made me feel incredibly small.

Then I remembered one of my favorite verses from the Bible...

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Ephesians 3:17-19

God's love is higher than any of the waves, which were much taller than me. His love for us is wider and deeper than the Ocean, and the power I felt in those waves cannot compare with His love for me.

That was quite a powerful moment.