Living Peacefully Less Stressed

Filing in Binders: UPDATE

2012-02-03T15:13:00.001-05:00

Well, I wanted to give you an update on one of my favorite Less Stress Tools ...Filing in Binders.

I posted this a little more than 6 months ago...this was my inspiration:

I started where I was, meaning not with all the supplies to make mine a cute as Jenna's at I Heart Organizing. But I loved the concept and wanted to initiate the process right away.

Here is what I started with, using what I had with big plans to cute it up ASAP:

Well, here we are six months later:

SO, clearly I havent gotten to the cutesy part yet (still REALLY want to!). For now, these babies are stuck away in a cabinet. This works good for me, because they are accessible and organized, but not seen.

What I have lacked in the time and effort to make them more presentable, though I have made up by how much I USE them.

Seriously, this one of my favorite Less Stress Tips ever!

I love that I have a place to store those pieces of paper I just can't part with. Also everything in them is so accessible. I can so easily look at a bill from last month or file away a medical receipt in my Taxes binder (currently my favorite binder as of last night when I was doing the taxes!).

Its easy to manage, store and use...it's a winner all the way around!

Filing into binders has been so effective for me that I have bled it into several other areas of my home. I make binders for everything :)

The list of binders I started with included: Monthly Bills, Taxes, Important Papers, Insurance and Warranties/Instruction Books (click here to learn about how I use those).

Since using this system for a bit I have added: Lesson Plans, School Work (for my oldest son, to keep his work samples together), and Household (also includes my Stress Less Journal), Everything You Need (for work on the EYN bible study), ThirtyOne (for my home business) and a second Warranties binder.

Basically, anything and everything that has paper, that needs ordered and collected goes in its own binder.

I will tell you, as I suspected this system earned its wings when I had to do this years taxes. Since I started the binder system in June of last year, I had a little catch up to get my Taxes binder up to date. I had to collect a few receipts for the year up to that point but since then its been easy to collect and store any more that have happened since then.

Sitting down with the taxes this week, it was so nice to have everything we needed to itemize our medical, education, work expenses and charity contributions. No scrounging for receipts, no digging through file folders or trying to remember what money we spent. Just open the binder and it was all there!

This system has been a great tool in my home! ...tell me, do you us it or another system like that works well for you?

Less Stressed Conflict

2012-01-28T23:30:00.001-05:00

I would guess, if I were to do a reliable poll that a good portion of the major stressors in our lives have to do with conflicts in relationships. We all have them. Some of them are as simple as the conflict you may have with a insanely frustrating USPS agent over the phone (been there recently) or as difficult as a fight with a long time friend, or a sister.

Conflict is never an easy thing, and is often the source of some serious ongoing stress for many of us.

I realize, that personality has a huge part to do with how we each deal with conflict. As well as how were were raised, both because of example and because of past hurts or things that molded us into dealing with things a certain way. So, I don't want to overgeneralize about this topic by any means.

But, over the course of especially the last few years, in close relationship with my "less stress" journey I have really worked to develop methods that help me manage this type of stressor in my own life. I have learned a few things, and God is still in the active process of showing me. Even still, I would like to share some of those lessons ...for me, and hopefully for you as well.

As with most major areas of stress, I use my "Stress Strategies" on this one too.

Remember, first you have to give any and all conflicts to God before even attempting to manage it on your own.

Then, get rid of it.

What about any given conflict can you get rid of? ..."Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior." Ephesians 4:31

Easier said than done, I know but so often we forget that many conflicts are rooted in things that can only lead to things that create an even greater struggle for our spirit. If your conflict has roots of bitterness, rage, or anger ...get rid of it. If you find yourself slandering someone due to your conflict with them ..chances are good that will not help, get rid of it. And of course, if sin itself is the root of your conflict ...you must get rid of it.

Consider your part to get it done.

So often conflicts are fed and continued because the one or both parties simply cannot do what needs doing, be it ask forgiveness or give it. It may be a matter of picking up the phone, approaching them in person or simply taking the first step at resolution ...but, get it done.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13 ..do what needs to be done.

How about, get control of it.

I am sure I dont have to explain this one too thoroughly, you get it. How often are our conflicts worsened or at the very least, not helped by our tongue (or fingers!).

Our anger, is really to blame. That uncontrolled feeling can easily ignite a world of trouble for us ...James says so: "The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." 3:6

Yeah, I can relate too.

He also gives the solution...get control of it.

"Dear brothers, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires for us." James 1:19

And, this one is too good not to note:

"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man (or woman) who lacks self-control" Prov 25:28

The NLT says, "Like a city without walls is a man with no control of his spirit."

How much less stressful our conflicts would be were to control both our emotions and our tongues? ..a world less stressful!

Then, get over it.

Um, yeah. Another one I probably don't need to explain! :)

Actually, I have learned to use this one A LOT as I have really worked on making my conflicts less stressful. I have NOT mastered it in every situation (I am currently working diligently at letting go of something now, its not easy!) but I have found that 90% of the time a quick determination to let it go, works miracles in the long run.

Often, we may be motivated my remembering that our own offenses have been "gotten over" long before now ..." For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

Trust me, if you can..let it go. Chances are the stress and resources your conflict saps is not the best use of the resources you have been given. If you are able (and its appropriate) ...get over it, my friend.

Sometimes, in dealing with with conflict we need to get a new plan.

Do you find that you are often in the middle of conflicts with others? Do you find that much of your stress is linked to one or more conflicts with people at any given time? ..may I suggest, gently that how you handle your conflicts may need another look?

I know its hard to consider such things, especially when you are faced with the hurt that comes with these repeated conflicts ..but I have watched for myself recently, someone who has learned that her past conflict style did not nurture the relationships she so treasured, determining she would change it.

And she changed the course of a heated conflict, just like that. She changed her plan, and it cut the conflict short.

Like I elluded to before, how we handle our conflicts has so many roots. We can easily, by following our nature find ourselves dealing with things in ways that are not how God would have handle them. We may find ourselves reacting in certain ways, responding in certain communication styles, choosing words (or worse, unhealthy silence) to deal with our conflicts. We often need to examine oru conflict resolution methods by God's rule and see if they measure up.

If they don't, we may need a new plan.

And, one biggie ...we may would benefit from a getting a new perspective.

Oh, how many times I have been angry and come so close to saying or doing things that I am so thankful for now that I didnt follow through with. Often it is because I had no idea at the time what may have been going on with that other person!

In the last few weeks, I have been frustrated and angry with someone ...writing a draft letter to explain my irritation and selfish emotions. By advise of my more leveled-emotion husband I did not send it, and was so thankful when I found out that it would have only added to a world of stress and struggle this person was having at the exact same time I would have sent it.

I am sad to say, I have also not held my tongue and let my emotions run rampant only to learn that instead of being justified in my offense I simply was being selfish and nearsighted by not seeing things from their perspective.

Seeing things from another's perspective can make all the difference in diffusing a conflict. By taking the time to take yourself out of the picture can help you see a world of difference about some things. Be it the cashier at the grocery store, the slow grandma in the fast lane, the husband or that gal at work who seems to hate you, everyone has a story and their perspective may change everything.

And, please don't forget ..."Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" Ephesians 4:32

Finally, and often the only solution for any conflict ...give it to God, again.

Of course, we have all had those times when conflict and its resolution is beyond our control or any effort we may be willing to give to it. We may have been willing to do anything possible to resolve an issue with someone, and find that it is no closer to finding a resolution than when you started.

It is possible that there are conflicted relationships that simply are beyond your influence. Those conflicts can only be let go into the faithful hands of a God who is not hindered by hurt, or paralyzed by past insult.

Never forget, dear sister ..never, never forget to "Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalms 55:22

____________

Conflicts are as diverse as the people in our lives - and not every one can be answered with a simple formula or algorithm for fixing it. A good portion of them can at least be lessened in their stressful influence, though when we purpose to handle them in ways that more in line with how God would have us nurture these relationships.

Do you have a conflict that you are currently struggling with?

..can you relate to any of these thoughts?

Reveling in Suffering

2012-01-26T23:34:00.001-05:00

The concept of "reveling" lends itself to joyous celebration. Really, that is closer to the actual meaning of the word "revel", but I can't think of a better word that means "just laying back and letting all of everything wash over you, taking it all in and finding joy in all of it."

So, "revel" it is.

Its been easy so far, because the majority of my reveling in 2012 has been the good kind. But I have been long pondering what reveling in suffering looks like.

I am largely inspired, again, by James 1:2 ..."consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that you will be mature and complete, not lacking in anything."

I have often heard this verse explained, disclaiming that the writer didn't intend for us to be "giddy" over our trials. That makes sense. Even more so when you consider how much joy you can glean from knowing that you will be a better, strong person when it is all done...even if you arent "excited" to be suffering that the time.

I liken that to "reveling in suffering".

I think of myself, how as a mom I often revel in my children's suffering.

I am not giddy, happy, giggly or thrilled to have them suffer ...but I so appreciate the lessons that I know they will often glean from their "suffering".

Take this summer, for example. My family and I were at a hotel pool - my youngest was barely a year old and he was still new at walking and managing obstacles. I was enjoying watching him crawl into the water, retreat and try it again. I loved watching him choosing when to crawl on hands and knees, when to try standing, and when to do the hands and feet both on the ground.

A bit away from the pool, but still close to mommy, he started working on a set of about small 2-3 steps. He was crawling up and down them, stumbling pretty frequently. Quite a few times he skinned his knees and fussed. He would always start right back in, never once looking to me for consolation. He mastered those steps pretty quickly, having the best and most effective system of managing them chosen and executed in a matter of minutes.

All the while I was the subject of some serious judgement by two ladies sitting on the opposite side of the pool from us. As I marveled at my brave explorer, I also noted the overt disapproval these gals gave me. They were quite vocal about how that baby would hurt himself and how I needed to get him down from there. I took a degree of pleasure in watching them in all their judgey-ness since I knew for sure that this was the best for this particular little man.

While I didn't enjoy his suffering, I knew as a mother that it was developing something in him. He was learning with every fall, every struggle, every scraped knee. He was learning when to put his little foot here, and when to replace it with his little hand. He was learning how to avoid those tender little knees and when to use those tougher pads of his feet ...and oh was he proud! So proud.

His suffering accomplished that for him.

If I were to go the way of my own instincts and grab him up as he crawled towards those potentially knee-skinning stairs, he would have missed out on some important lessons (though surely I would have gained some approval from Thelma and Louise).

Having "everything we need" is much about moving through each and every phase of our development ...we must embrace the suffering that will surely come. We must revel in the trials that we know will achieve for us a glory that far outweighs any suffering we can endure in this place!

Having everything we need doesnt mean that we will be free of trouble, that we will have what we need "to avoid suffering" ...but to nurture a life of godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Nurturing a life such as God deems righteous is one where our perseverance is continuously developed. Where we are building our knowledge and wisdom in God's truths with each stumble and each trial.

James could have said, "revel in your suffering, my brothers, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must complete its work, so that you may be mature and complete having EVERYTHING YOU NEED"

{Revel}

Living In Revelry

2012-01-23T23:02:00.001-05:00

So, far I have learned a few things about living in revelry.

I have learned that first, one cannot revel without being aware of their surroundings.

Simple enough, but its so true! I have found that if I am going to revel in my wonderful life I find that I must be intentionally aware of my blessings, whether overt or disguised by struggles. I have to be purposefully paying attention to what is going on if I am going to revel in all of it!

Then, I am also learning that being aware naturally bleeds into a general sense of gratitude. How could a mommy not be so when she is reveling in the activity of her busy 21-month old? To revel I have to note the blessings of health and happiness, and then I cannot not feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude and thanks. Even in the face of frustrations and struggles, this revelry naturally seeks out reasons to feel thankful.

Something else ...like every party should be, revelry is fun. I find myself smiling A LOT as I revel in my wonderful life. Just tonight I was spending some time reveling with my toddler in the fun of swinging on a porch swing. His giggles brought goofy smiles to my own face ...it was revelry, pure and simple.

Finally (for now), this life reveling really does lend itself to a life that is more peaceful. Somehow, all the other benefits in mind, I find that when one is focused more on the blessings (and struggles) of life there is more room for deep breaths of peace in my spirit.

{sigh}.

Revelry is good...

{completing my digital Project Life for 2011, looking back on my favorite shots of the year, I am reveling in the relationships I have with beautiful sisters tonight

..Meet Lacey, Kayli and Amber ..left to right, minus me ;) }

{Revel}

Revel in 2012

2012-01-08T15:40:00.001-05:00

"Consider it pure joy my brothers" James 1:2

As I say goodbye to 2011, there is a desire to focus more on the "consider it pure joy" portion of this scripture than the following "when you face trials of many kinds" portion of it. Even though the new year always bring a sense of unspoiled possibilities, of course we know there are trials in the coming months.

Surely, they will take many different forms and they will change us in ways we do not yet fully comprehend. But, even in the knowing ...I want to count it pure joy even as they are yet to come.

But not just the trials ..I want to count it all pure joy. I want to look around me and soak in all the good and perfect gifts that are coming "down from the Father of the heavenly lights" (James 1:17) right now, and in the coming months.

I figure that if I am going to consider it pure joy when I face trials, that I should start practicing on the things that are easy to consider pure joy first :)

So, instead of making myself a list of New Year's Resolutions I just have one: Revel.

Revel in everything...I want to consider it ALL pure joy.

I want to revel in my blessings.

I want to revel in my children.

I want to revel in my health.

I want to revel in my marriage.

I want to revel in my home.

I want to revel in my friendships.

I want to revel in my family.

With some practice, I even want to ...

revel in my weaknesses

revel in my struggles

revel in my trials

revel in my lack of wisdom

revel in my inability to see tomorrow

I want to fully embrace everything that I am blessed to be part of ..to indulge in every good and perfect gift that I have been showered with.

I have already discovered that to really take hold of this focus ...

I need to take time to revel.

I need to nourish my body.

I need to focus on my children.

I need to take time with my husband.

I need to bless my home.

I need to nurture my friendships.

Here is me engaging in a little revelry:

Joshua, (21 months old) enjoying a pre-dinner snack (a.k.a., 10 minutes of activity that will let mom get dinner started) ...

Canon (5 years old), enjoying his brother's Christmas present, his heart's desire "a bat cave."

Tyler (7 years old) and his daddy playing video games, one of their favorite bonding activities.

Not revelry in the truest sense of the word ..since things were actually quiet for my moment of reveling. But I cant think of any better word for how I want to embrace all of this ...so far so good.

Goodbye 2011

2012-01-08T15:00:00.001-05:00

This past year was a difficult one for me and my family. Not as much as my immediate husband and children, but our immediate other family ...parents, sisters, brothers and very close friends.

As I look back, December 31st was more a "see ya!" to 2011 than a "yay 2012!"

Twenty-eleven had all the major stressors ...

* Health problems ...my husband's mother suffered a stroke last January, and my 7-year old niece continues to suffer from an autoimmune problem that has at times crippled her.

* Loss ...a close family friend lost their 5-month old baby boy very suddenly. We also remembered the 5th anniversary of my brother's death in Iraq.

* Big life changes ...my baby sister left for college and my parents left to begin their new mission work in Singapore

* Heartache ...our family has seen a divorce, the same as many other families ...but this one is ours.

* Disappointment ... my best friend and her husband lost their ministry job under very emotionally difficult circumstances that involved people we have loved and respected for many years. Because their loss involved our own church family, the weight has been doubled and has been incredibly difficult.

Yeah, its been a doozy. But, thankful his mercies are new every morning ...and they feel SUPER new every New Years! :)

God is always good. In and out of every situation ...good and "bad".

One blessing of the past few weeks has been our ladies class at church beginning Beth Moore's newest bible study titled, "James: Mercy Triumphs". I cheated, and started a few weeks early (they didnt officially start until this week) as I was seriously needing some nourishment ..I am so glad I did!

James' words have been especially poignant these past weeks, as I mentally reflect on the past year ..

"Consider it joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:3

Even more so ...

"Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete ...not lacking in anything." James 1:4

These verses have been reflective for me, as 2011 did indeed bring "trials of many kinds." But so also the blessings that come with the struggles, and the perseverance that has, as promised begun to develop.

I love how James follows up this encouragement in times of struggles with ..."Don't be deceived my brothers, every good and perfect gift comes from above coming down from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Consider it joy ...faith develops perseverance ...every good and perfect gift comes from above.

Could it be that through the Spirit we are able to consider our trials joy ..and that we can see the resulting perseverance as a "good and perfect gift"?

I think so. And what a perfect gift it is.

What other good and perfect gifts can you "consider" coming from the trials of the past year..or ones that have already crept up in this one?

A Little Rest

2011-11-24T08:09:00.001-05:00

{"But these I plan will not happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely

the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow,

do no despair. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!}

Habakkuk 2:3

I have been in a transition over the past several months. Its the good kind, where God is actively moving me from one place to another. Both were/are good places, but change is always a bit hard.

I feel like God has been clear about some things, so much so that my heart aches for the time when all those things come to pass. I want so much for those visions to be fulfilled, and those good things to take place. I know they are coming, and my heart is ready for it.

It seems though, that His timing is not my timing. And that is okay. I see that God has a plan that he will work out in his timing, and so for all my wanting I want it to be that way.

So, I want to wait for a bit.

I want to quietly trust in his timing, and not work so hard to make it happen in mine.

Part of that is that I need a little rest. I need rest from the things that distract me from the purposes he is preparing me for. I need to use my mental, emotional and even physical resources to prepare for the road ahead by resting and waiting for now.

There is a bit of relief in the decision to rest, more than I would have thought. I didnt realize how I was forcing something that wasnt God's plan and his timing until I decided to simply submit to it.

Now is rest time. Quiet time.

I will be taking a break from blogging for the rest of the year. Assuming God's timing allows for it, I will be back the first of the year.

May your holidays be blessed and the anticipation of the plans God has for you be inspiring!

Congrats..Sarah!

2011-11-23T16:18:00.001-05:00

The winner of our Scentsy giveaway is Sarah! ...

She says about a physical thing that inspires peace in her home ..."The thing that inspires peace in me is turning my tart warmer on, having a mug of coffee or hot cocoa and cuddling up and reading a book with my children."

Congrats Sarah!

Stress N' Things ...2

2011-11-22T23:33:00.001-05:00

I have learned that there are some physical things that help inspire a peace by allowing me to manage what I have well. "What I have" may be limited time, limited money or limited energy but physical things that help manage these better, are things worth having.

I have spoken about a few of these things, calling them "Less Stressed Tools" ...a few of those are my Car Bucket, my Study Bag, and my Haan Steam Mop. These physical things help me decrease stress in different ways but all help me to order my world a bit better.

One of the others is my Large Utility Tote, by ThirtyOne. This tote helps relieve stress that is created when I take three busy boys to the grocery store. I place my Large Utility Tote in the top portion of my grocery cart, and fill it with groceries as I shop. When I get to the checkout, instead of juggling kids, groceries and coupons I simply pull out my tote and place it directly on the conveyer belt. As the cashier rings up my groceries, she empties the groceries. By the time its time to bag them up, the bagger can place them directly back into the tote. My Large Utility Totes makes for an easy transfer to the car and the house.

My laptop also is a physical thing that helps me manage my tasks, and thus my level of stress better. Being able to take my laptop wherever I need to write, check emails, look up homeschool resources, or follow an online recipe that I am too lazy to print. It also helps me manage my budget, my home business and keep in touch with my far away family on a regular basis.

Project Life is another physical thing that has much potential for peaceful inspiration. Project Life is a physical thing that represents things far from physical ..namely memories, family, friends and allows me to recount all the reasons I have to be thankful. Read about Project Life here.

Another ThirtyOne product that inspires peaceful management of my home is my Square Utility Tote. This little guy has 1000 uses, but the way I find myself using it the most is at the library! The library is an essential part of any homeschool and ours is no different. It is often a stressful chore, however with an 18month old trying to escape and his brothers piling books up like their candy! I have found that I can carry the max number of books our card will allow with ONE arm using this tote! It has made this chore MUCH less stressful for me :)

Oh, and I almost forgot ..my BINDERS ..these are some of my favorites. Read about them here! I love them!

Certainly physical things aren't the source peace. Peace can only be found with the Spirit indwelling in our hearts. I believe, though that God has blessed us with the ability to create and enjoy physical things that add to the joy we get to experience on a more spiritual level.

Thank you for letting me share some of mine ...I would LOVE to hear some of yours!

A Less Stressed Thing ..a giveway

2011-11-16T22:59:00.001-05:00

Speaking of things that can inspire peace and decrease stress ..what does that better than a wonderful smelling candle? ..well, how about a flameless candle that smells wonderful AND is pretty? :)

Our giveway this week is brought to us by a Darline, a Scentsy Independent Consultant. She shares with moms and gals like us products that can inspire peaceful living, one wonderful scent at a time.

Even better, these calming scents are presented in beautiful ways that just add to the overall inspiration! Like, for instance the warmer she is offering for our giveway!

Darline is sharing with us this beautiful Plum Garland Warmer (a $30 value) as well as a Scentsy bar (the smelly good part!)! Thanks so much Darline!

Its this type of thing that can encourage us to purposefully indulge in the blessings that God has given us. Amazing how something like a scent can bring an immediate sense of calm to a person, isn't it?

I love wonderful fall smells the most. There is nothing like a beautiful thing that smells good and makes your how house "smell" peaceful! :)

To enter to win our giveaway ...first, leave a comment about a beautiful thing that inspires peace in your own world. Is it a candle holder? A purse that make you smile? A pair of shoes that make you grateful to be alive? ...what things bring a sense of joy into your life? ..please make sure to leave contact info! If there is no info with your winning entry, we will redraw.

For another entry, head over to Darline's website and browse the catalog ...what beautiful thing in there do you think would inspire peace in your own home? ..come back and leave a comment to let us know!

For an additional entry, share this link on Facebook and let us know you did!

We will draw in one week ..November 23rd, just in time be thankful for your new warmer and scentsy bar!

{Shared with Hip Homeschool Moms on their Giveway Day!}

{And speaking of giveaways ...LPLS is sponsoring one over at Mosaic of Moms}

Stress n' Things

2011-11-16T22:57:00.000-05:00

Stress and things have a strong partnership. They are as notorious as Bonnie and Clyde.

Stress goes with lots of stuff...or does it necessarily?

Of course, any discussion of getting one's life in order should start with what you have that you dont need. What you need to get rid of, what clutter can you eliminate and what things can you dispose of in effort to simplify and cleanse your life of unneeded stress.

I think that getting rid of things is most refreshing myself.

One thing I have learned though, is that some things are worth having if they help to decrease your stress instead of add to it.

It's not necessarily a matter of a less stressed you needing no "stuff", it's just that you need the right "stuff".

Having the right items around you that help you stay organized and feel less frazzled, these are good things to hold onto. Some things can add to your overall sense of peaceful living, and these are things worth having.

In the course of the last few years, as my focus as turned so much to decreasing stress in my own life I have been very purposeful in looking for and keeping things that help inspire peace, and getting rid of the ones that don't.
Some tips I go by ...

* If I don't have a place for it, then it's not worth the stress. If I think it IS worth the stress, I will get rid of something else to make room for it. But I dont have place for it, no matter how fabulous it is I dont want it.

* If having it helps me manage my resources well in one way or another, keep it...the key to that one is not to keep it if you THINK it should help you manage your resources, but if it actually DOES help you manage your resources well (that treadmill in the corner collecting clothes? ..yeah, I have one too, but it it worth the stress it causes?)

* If it stresses me out to look at it ..get rid of it. If its clothes that havent fit in 5 years, a picture frame I hate, dishes dont match or a purse that is ugly. ..get rid of it. There are too many things to love out there, lets not waste our space or pennies on stuff that we dont like!

* If I dont have the resources to take care of it or maintain it - nuh uh. If it creates stress by how much attention it needs, then its not worth it.

* If it makes me smile when I see or use it, keep it. Its a winner.

Having things is not a bad thing. It's being choosy about what things you have, keep and maintain. All things require resources at one point or another, its up to you to make sure the resources they require are worthy of what you have to give to it.

Over the next week I want to share some things with you that I have deemed worthy of my resources. Some of them are things I have talked about before (i.e., "Less Stress Tools") , some I will share for the first time.

To get things started though ..let's do a giveaway of a thing that just may help you live more peacefully ..what do you say?!

{Welcome ifellowshippers ..so glad you came to visit!}

Congrats Christina!

2011-11-10T10:06:00.000-05:00

ChristinaD is the winner of our Happily Ever After Me, LLC giveaway!

Christina says she will use her FREE Poetry Print to celebrate her little man ..."I would have a poem created for my adventurous 19mth old Caleb, his stuffed monkey Curious George and his favorite activity...climbing. :)"

If you would like to learn more about this wonderfully unique Mom-Based Business click HERE ...

Congrats Christina!

Happily Ever After Me...Giveway

2011-11-01T00:57:00.004-04:00

I am so excited to share a giveway with you for a Mom-Based Business that you will LOVE!

I would like to introduce Stacey, the mom behind Happily Ever After Me...a most wonderfully unique way to remember the most precious things about those you love.

Stacey creates totally customized storybooks, poems, posters, and coloring pages. She is unique in her art because she can take a story your child created and illustrate it, or create a story around them.
She makes them the topic of stories and beautifully written poetry, complete with details that only can fit them and their little personalities.

Each product is 100% customized to the client from concept to illustration, creating a beautiful work of art that perfectly represents him or her.

Stacey works closely with her clients to learn the most treasured things about your child or loved one, be it what they call their favorite blanky or what their favorite shirt looks like.

Happy Ever After Me products are perfect for gifts for children, mothers, fathers, grandparents ..anyone who treasures a person in all their uniqueness. She loves to create in celebration of adoptions, weddings, holidays; or any day, experience or relationship worth remembering. She can create personalized books on shapes and colors, or simply illustrate a story a child has already brought to life in their own imagination...the possibilities are endless!

Stacey is giving away one of these precious works of art! She is sharing with one very blessed gal a Poetry Print in any size of their choosing*!

She tells me that .. "The winner will provide information and pictures of what they would like the poem to be about. It will be "framed" with a full color high resolution image done by my illustrator Joyee. ...The winner can request anything they would like to be included in the poem and illustration (favorite color, blanky, shirt, tree, flower, etc.) It is ALL custom. "

You can see some examples of her work at: Happily Ever After Me on Facebook

and at the Happily Ever After Me blog.

What a WONDERFUL giveaway..one I am SO excited to share with you!

To enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment here describing what or who you would create your Poetry Print about ..tell us what is unique about them! Be sure to leave an email with your comment and each additional entry so we have a way to contact you

Optional Additional Entries:

* Like HEAM on Facebook, then come back and leave us a comment to let us know you did

* Follow HEAM on Twitter and let us know you did it!

* Check out HEAM on YOUTUBE ..where one of the newest HEAM creations are narrated!

Leave a comment on the video, and then come let us know you get an extra entry!

We will draw in ONE WEEK, the winner will be chosen at random...November 8th!

(*11x14, 12x16, 16x20, 20x24, or 20x30)

Pride Before Stress ..2

2011-10-20T08:14:00.000-04:00

Thinking of our Stress List, how many things on there can we attribute to things that are there because of pride or lack of humility?

How many things are there because we don't ask for help, because we cant admit a plan doesn't work or that something is out of control, because we can't get over something or because our pride won't give it up?

I can think of a few examples from my own Stress List ...

I am having some difficulty with my neighbor. There have been letters, angry phone calls, threats of calling animal control (my dumb dog), actual visits from animal control, cd's made of my dog barking ...yeah. its been a good one. I stewed about it for a few days, trying to plan my response that needed to be graceful yet pointed. One day I realized it was being incredibly prideful by not simply apologizing for our part in her frustrations and work more diligently (we had worked hard to start with, but it wasn't enough to really relieve the situation).

It was not easy (I got me some pride)...but a little humility has allowed me to mark several things related to that situation off my Stress List (not sure about hers, but here is hoping).

Mount Laundrymore is a big issue in our house. I constantly struggle with keeping it under control. But managing the laundry of four boys who seemed to create dirty clothes exponentially was just more than I could handle, but it took some humility to ask that. This week, I finally asked my husband to help me with it. I have enlisted my boys' help too. A little humility has helped me stay caught with my laundry all week, which helped that part of the Stress List.

How often have I not let go of processes, plans, subscriptions, unfinished projects and outgrown clothes to the detriment of my Stress List? Many times, I can tell you.

Pride can be a huge contributor to our stress ...and it takes some humility to recognize it.

It takes some humility to use our Stress Strategies ..each and every one of them. It takes humility to get rid of, get done, get control of, get over, change our plan and be willing to change our perspective on things. It takes humility to realize that God is only one with the divine power to give us our "everything we need" and to be willing to accept it.

What is on your Stress List today that you can relieve with a bit of humility? ..comon' you can admit it ;)

Pride Before Stress

2011-10-20T07:40:00.001-04:00

I have been mulling this post for a couple of weeks now. It is inspired by someone I don't know, who shared a struggle at a meeting of moms that I was guest of earlier this month. She shared her heart regarding a need for support and a confession of the pride that had prevented her from seeking it for far too long.

The struggle itself was one I can relate to, at least in small part. But it was the emphasis on pride that affected me the most. She spoke of how pride had kept her from sharing her burden with others, how it had prevented her from reaching out to those who loved her the most and how it was the reason she had suffered through it for so long.

I can completely relate to that struggle.

It has began a root of thinking in my own mind, as I have realized myself how pride can keep us from fully accessing our "everything you need" of 2 Peter 1:3. I have realized the last few weeks how pride can stand in direct opposition to situations when God desires to bless us, and we deny him the pleasure of doing so because of our lack of humility.

We girls do this alot I have noticed. We like to be martyrs. We like to be the ones that are juggling it all, and somehow like the satisfaction of knowing we did all ourselves. I have had several situations arise the past few weeks in my own life, where I realized God was giving me what I needed in the moment and I pushed it away for the sake of pride.

Maybe a friend offers to watch the kids on a day when I am frustrated and overwhelmed ..."no, no ..I am okay."

Or maybe my husband offers to do whatever he can to help .."no, no I got it."

Or maybe we take on more than we can handle because "should" be able to handle it or because if we don't we will look bad (or so we think).

Maybe we don't admit we need help because then people will know we are overwhelmed, frustrated and weary.

Maybe we don't let others help us because it would give them upper hand somehow.

I know it takes a considerable amount of humility to be able to accept what God has given us, when we need it. Pride can easily get in the way of what he gives us on a daily basis, both in our own spirits and through the support of those around us.

I know my pride has, many times.

And, while we are at it ..how often does pride effect our Stress List? That warrants another post for sure ....

{hey ifellowshippers ...hope you will check out Pride Before Stress...2 before you leave :)

Tis the Season

2011-10-15T06:03:00.001-04:00

No, I am not thinking Christmas...yet.

I am thinking of a season of another kind. I am thinking of the seasons that King Solomon wrote about in Ecclesiastes "..there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.." (3:1)

I love the extremes of the passage that follows that truth ..."a time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance..."

These extremes remind me that such influx of emotion, experience and seasons are just part of the life ..some days are good days and some are bad.

That is a good reminder for me, because I am up early this morning trying to mentally shake off the day I had yesterday. It was one of those days when all bad extremes were "in season" ...uprooting, weeping, tearing down, giving up, throwing away ...whew, it was a doozy.

It was one of those days when it all comes crashing down, and the unfairness of all my tasks and my inadequacies collided. I was trying to be productive, but literally for everything I got done someone was undoing or creating more work for me. I would gather a load of laundry, while the 18-month old was emptying out his dresser drawers. I was dusting my bedroom (that never happens) while he was in the laundry room spreading dog food all over the floor, and filling the dogs water bowl with it as well.

When I was upstairs getting something done, they were all downstairs tearing up previously decluttered spaces, emptying cereal boxes or escaping out the front door (oh, what my neighbors must think of me!).

At every point of the day one or all of them were screaming, yelling, tattling, jumping off stuff, destroying things, pulling on me, demanding something, crying ...you get the picture.

All the while I was mentally beating myself to a pulp over being overweight, inadequate, frustrated, ungrateful, irritable, impatient ...

It was a doozy.

It was in the middle of this perfect storm that my sweet husband returned from his much deserved morning of golfing with a friend. His quiet, stress-free morning of leisurely walking from hole to hole, not one person undoing a single bit of progress he had made on the course {sigh}.

Since it was pretty clear that I was on the edge of the cliff of insanity, he sweetly emptied the dishwasher and puttered a bit, before he asked "Is everything okay?"

Bless his heart.

What followed was an ungraceful display of martyrdom at its best. There was whining, crying, arms waving and foot stomping,.. I am not gonna lie, it was ugly.

I wish I had a bit "but...I learned" at the end of this mommy-confession. BUT, I don't a super great one.

Except that despite the frustrations, despite the willingness of my sweet hunny to do whatever I needed to feel better, despite my kids' apparent lack of notice of my hissy fit ...this is just a season.

Its part of it. Its part of the joy of having an abundant life, full of kids, a home and hormones. Its part of doing my best to run my home. Its part of my desire to use my resources wisely (ironic, I know). Its part of the craziness of my life.

Sure, there are things I can do differently to help myself not get there again but I am sure that the stress will mount at least one other time before my kids are all out of diapers. I can work to better control myself and doing everything better but I am sure that my inability to balance it all will come together in a dramatic fashion again at some point.

Tis the season, afterall.

"...a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:5-8

Less Stress Tool: Steam Mop

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000-04:00

Its funny, I have started this post about 3 times over the last year and I am not sure why I never finished it. I think because I wanted to give this tool its due and I wanted to take the time and do it right.

This is one of my favorite "less stress" tools because it is something that I use on a regular basis to help me with one of my must needed, but much hated chore of cleaning my floors. I have LOTS of wood floors, like both floors of my house ..wall to wall, everything but the stairs.

I also have three boys, a husband, a cat and a dog. That is 24 potential muddy feet whose owners are acutely unaware of the degree of messiness the underside of their feet carry into my house on a daily basis. If you were to do a scientific study on my floor you would all manner of things in your sample ...food, water, mud, various and assundry bodily fluids, and an unidentifiable sticky substance throughout.

All these things require me to sweep, and (blech) mop it regularly (which is a relative term, btw).

Since I hate this chore (it seems sort of pointless?) I have added in a great tool to make it less stressful for me.

My steam mop.

There are several of them out there, I have used a few of them. Only one stands up to my high standards in the area of cost versus quality. High, because if I am going to spend the money on it I want it to work and last more than 5 minutes.

That one for me is the Haan Steam Mop.

It uses steam to clean the floors, using a microfiber pad that is washable. The one I bought came with two, so one is always available to be used. You just turn it on, it heats up and you can mop away.

I do not stress over using chemicals around my kids, but I love that it uses water only because water is cheap. If you do stress over using chemicals around your kids, you will love this thing.

I love that I can mop while my kids are running around because it dries as I mop - no wet floors to worry about. That is helpful, since I usually clean my kitchen floor as I am working on supper or something.

Its super light. I can carry it up and down my stairs with no problem. It has an adjustable handle that works great for me or or my super tall husband (if I can convince him to 'mop' :)

I purchased mine about two and half years ago, haven't needed to purchase any replacement anything. It still works great. I still use it all the time. I am still thrilled with it.

It retails at about $86-99. The best deal I found was on QVC.com (disclaimer ..I get NO compensation whatsoever for using this link, its just a link from one housekeeper to another) for $86.

Anyways ..thought I would share. I was using it in my boys bathroom this week and thought I should share that one with you ..it really is a less stress tool for me :)

Showing Grace

2011-10-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Wow. So, I am having to remind myself of what grace is today ...it's undeserved favor to and from us to others. Grace to me, is when I have been given something (salvation) and daily receive blessings in abundance that I certainly do not deserve or have not earned.

Grace to others is the same. Grace to others is when I offer something, like kindness or gentleness that is not earned or deserved. Perhaps because it is not asked for, or would even be well received. Perhaps that in giving it you are not given any 'credit' for the gift, or maybe that your role in the giving is not appreciated. Perhaps it will be misunderstood, or misinterpreted,

Grace to others means to extend a hand of favor, or even simply not act out what your first reaction would be based on hurt pride, anger or frustration. Grace to others is a decision that must be made, to put to death that fire that rises up when one is offended, frustrated or feels they have been unfairly treated. It means to realize that surely there are times when one 'deserves' a harsh word, a hurtful response or an unkind reaction ...but that we have the power in us to chose something that is not deserved.

It means extending the favor of a kind word in return or a gentle response to those who may not appreciate it, who may not desire it even.

Grace requires humility on our own part. It's part of the dying to those natural reactions. Its how you can offer grace without being haughty or self-righteous about it.

Humility allows for understanding why a person says the hurtful words, why they respond in a hateful way, or why they react they way they do that offends us. It paves the way for compassion, love and forgiveness.

Its not easy. It takes every single gift of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes requires that you write a blog post about grace so that you can talk it out and be reminded of how to love people they way we ought to be loved :)

Seed of Faith Giveaway

2011-10-04T08:01:00.000-04:00

If you are visiting from Seeds of Faith ..welcome!

This week LPLS is hosting a giveway of one of my favorite Thirty-One products, the Organizing Utility Tote. I wanted to share how I use this bag on a daily basis to help me live

...peacefully less stressed :)

{originally posted June 11th, 2011}

______

I am in my hiding place again today, and I brought with me something that just dawned on my as being a wonderful tool. Even after my hiding place goes away (a.k.a., when the neighbors get home from vacation) I am going to keep using this tool as a great way to store and tote my study stuff.

The last two days I have been using a "study bag". This morning, it was so great to grab my coffee that I had set up on an automatic timer, my Study Bag and head out the door to go hide :)

I am recalling now, Emilie Barnes, in her book Spirit of Loveliness encouraged a woman of God to have a "prayer basket". This is a basket that holds all you need for your prayer time, so that these quiet moments with God can be anywhere that you can carry your prayer basket.

The same idea, I filled up my Study Bag with the things that I would use in my quiet time, and the things that would help me get my mind working in the right direction this day. I used my every faithful Organizing Utility Tote by Thirty One. I chose this one because it can handle my slue of books without falling apart. It also has a ton of pockets, so I can put my pens, highlighters, small notebook and phone (for when my hiding is more than my family can bear :).

I didnt read or even look at all the books in my bag in one sitting, but because I never really know which way my quiet time will lead I make sure to have lots of options :)

Having this bag ready to go helps me be able to take my quiet and study time anywhere in a moments notice - to a hiding place, to my bedroom, or to Starbucks for a cup of coffee with God :).

I am also loving that I have a place to store my stuff, instead of all of it just being stacked all over the table all the time :)

The only problem, is that the bag I am using for my study bag is the one I use ALL the time for other stuff also ...SO, I think I just found a great excuse to get another Thirty One bag! :)

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If you would like to enter the giveaway for your own Organizing Utility Tote, head on over to Seeds of Faith and leave a comment!

Sink Scriptures

2011-09-30T14:05:00.003-04:00

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Deut 6:6-9

During this past summer, when I was studying a different passage in depth each week, I started writing the verses of the week above my sink in my kitchen. I have a tile backsplash, and I have found its a great place to write God's words where I will be sure to see them.

I used an erasable marker, and use difference colors so some of my favorite phrases and keywords can stand out better. I have noticed that my eyes go to those naturally, so I find myself often recalling the words God spoke to me so wonderfully before and continue to speak to my heart now.

I want to be more in the habit of writing God's word about my home. A friend of mine told me she filled the walls of her laundry room with pages of scripture so that she was doing her most unfavorite chore she could have something to read and meditate on instead of complaining. I love that.

She shared with a bible class I was in once one of the pages of scripture she uses. I have it tacked on the inside of my laundry room cabinet so every time I get some detergent out of there I find it and smile :)

Where do you place scripture where you will see it the most? What scriptures do you have there?

Ladies Day ..a way to encourage

2011-09-27T12:02:00.001-04:00

I love Ladies Day's and Ladies Retreats! ...I love planning them and I love participating in them. I wrote over on my Everything You Need blog about that very topic, having just got to participate in great one this weekend.

Have you had a chance to participate in a wonderful Ladies Day or Ladies Retreat? ..tell me, what was your favorite part? What activity did you love the most? ..silly? thoughtful? ...I would love to hear about it!

No! No!

2011-09-25T22:41:00.003-04:00

Ah, yes. We are moving swiftly into the months where my less than 2 year old (18 months, actually) is learning how to say an emphatic "no!no!" ..which, truthfully is still cute at this point because he is also learning to couple that with a pretend mad face (no worries, we arent letting on ;).

It's a good lesson to be learning along with Joshua, because saying "no!" is a huge part of living peacefully.

Depending on your personality, it may be easier or harder to say no in gernal ..but we all have to do it in order to keep any degree of order in our lives. We must master the ability to say it at the right times, in the right ways just like our little ones do.

How do we know though? How do we know when to say "no, thank you", when to say a more firm "no." and when to say adamantly "no! no!"

Here are some rules I live by ...

* If it is not a good use of your resources ...say no.

It may be because the activity in question is ungodly, or because it has no value in the kingdom of God but if it is not a worthy use of what God has given you for his work - then dont use what you have for that activity.

* If you don't have the resources ..say no.

How many times have you known full well you didnt have the time, energy or ability to do something and you still said 'yes'? Don't deny it. I know you...you are me.

One of the best things you can do for yourself and for your family is to admit you are out of resources. It doesnt do you any good to add more to what is needed from the limited resources you have.

* If you are doing it out of guilt ..say no.

This is one is easier said than done, I know. But, if you are only saying 'yes' because you will feel guilty otherwise, don't do it. Chances are, you will be using resources that you either don't have or can't afford to use towards it...and for all the wrong reasons.

* If it takes away from something better ...say no.

A friend told me once that 'not every good thing is the best thing.' ..that has helped me say no to many things that I may have been tempted to otherwise.

There are alot of "good" things we can do, but if it keeps us from doing the "best" things then it isnt worthy of our resources.

So, how?

I think that is specific to the situation and the person. I have found that some people need to be let down more easily than others. Some, have to be given a more direct approach.

I have found that saying in whatever way they need, "to be honest, I do not have the resources for that right now" usually gets me out of most things ..be they a request to do a job, to participate in an out of the house activity, a friend's Thirty One party or whatever! I find that most people can relate to that!

Saying no is a necessity if you are determined to use your resources the best way you can.

Do you have other tips on how to say no? ..do tell!

{Welcome, ifellowshippers ..so glad you visited!}

Pear Budget: Update

2011-09-17T08:48:00.000-04:00

I have been using Pear Budget now for 6 months. I can say that I love it now as much, if not more than I did when I reviewed it 6 months ago! It has made easy work of keeping up with my monthly budget and keeping track of my pennies.

The system is simple, the program is very easy to use. Pear Budget does all the math for you, every calculation you can think of to keep up with things. It makes it easy to know what your current and past budgets look like, keeping track if what you are spending where ...all through simple receipt entering.

I say simple receipt entering because I have used programs like Quicken and MSMoney that both required more info that I really wanted to enter in order to track my receipts. This entry system is easy, requiring minimal info that I have no trouble keeping up with - even if I put my budgeting of til the end of the month (or two weeks into the next month ;)

Pear Budget support is also great, my having gotten very quick responses to any questions I may have had in the course of my learning the program.

Basically, I still have found that this tool is one with spending the $ on - the work it does for me is worth paying for!

Pear Budget costs about $5 a month, or $50 a year. That is after one month to try it out for free (all you need at any point is your email address ..no other personal info is needed, aside from payment info). This service is absolutely worth it ...a worthy use of my financial resources :)

{while I have received a few months of free Pear Budget use in appreciation for my past review of this online tool, I do not review any product I do not use myself and feel comfortable endorsing.

Basically, I would say the same things even if I didn't get it!}

Be Careful

2011-09-16T07:51:00.002-04:00

I have a cycle that I go through about every 6 months.

At the beginning of the cycle I am a harried mess of having too much to do. I am feeling overwhelmed with my to do list, my days feel overfull, I am frustrated and feel as if my most important jobs are not being done well.

In the middle of the cycle I start feeling inspired to action, and I start sweeping away everything. I withdrawal from people and tasks I have taken on, and I do what I call "crawl in a hole." Its my defense mechanism for those moments when I realize I have created a monster of my busyness.

The last part of the cycle before starting all over again, is when I have cleared my schedule, have had a moment to rest, feel capable of adding things back in and re-emerge from my hole. I start adding on again, start picking back up commitments and returning to my busyness one little bit at a time. Thus, the cycle eventually starts over again.

I know that about myself. I know the extremes that I can go to and I honestly have been fine with it. At least, until this last time around.

I was a the peak of the cycle, where I start actively getting rid of everything and I crawl into my hole. I started giving things up in the way of commitments, mentally checking things off my list that were resource-consuming and working back towards my hole where we get back to basics again.

This is not a bad thing - honestly, I feel like we need to do it sometimes. But I have learned something this time through that I didn't really know before.

Its not always possible to clear my board and start over again at square one. There has to be a balance between nothing, and getting things done. There must be a balance between crawling in a hole and being productive. I must find the right balance between doing too much, and doing too little.

I started to crawl this time around, and realized that while I did need to pull back a little it wasn't time to withdrawal completely. While I did need to mentally let go of some feelings of being responsible for certain things, I have some tasks I need to complete. It seemed that each time I let go of something to free up those resources something that I feel that God needs of me right now would fill in its place. I feel like as I am letting go, there is more there I need to take hold of.

I read this this morning ..."Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Ephesians 5:15-16

I love the messages I read here ...

1. Be careful how you live ...be Purposeful
2. Not as unwise ...be Wise
3. Making the most of every opportunity ...be Active
4. Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is ...be Discerning

In this phase of my life, I have whirlwind of busyness. Busyness is necessary to maintain the good work I am called to right now. In order to find the balance, we must all consider our days in light of the Lord's will for it. We must be purposeful in each use of our resources, we must be wise and discerning in the choices we make ...but we must be active in His kingdom.

God's active and the world's active aren't the same - God's "active" says to be discerning in what we do, not foolish. It is not blindly doing for the sake of doing. It is attentive to opportunities to advance the work of the kingdom, but in so much as it is God's will for our lives.

I pray that today you find the balance ...I know its hard some days, but God is faithful!

Mommy Pep Talk

2011-09-13T08:02:00.001-04:00

I am coming to learn how much homeschooling is a lifestyle. Its not just a way to educate our children, its an actual day to day way to live.

It's not a simple as getting the kiddies to the table for math lessons every morning. Not so much.

For starters, we are with them 24/7, day in and day out. That is something.

* Home is the center of action 24/7/365. There is never a point when it is empty, available to be overhauled or square one achieved so to speak.

* Errands are a family event about 99% of the time.

* Grocery shopping and coupon juggling involved everyone.

* If I get time with my girlfriends, it is with the soundtrack of many small screaming voices in the background.

Then, there is the actual schooling part ...

* Math lessons include baby brother's cheerios ..might as well, since he is throwing them all over the place anyways.

* Science lessons may bring us to the refrigerator since only God himself knows the last time we had time to clean it out.

* History is a good subject to discuss while doing laundry, since it has been years since I was caught up on it.

These are not bad things. I dont say them to complain, I am blessed to be here. But to note that homeschooling is part of life now.

Its the lifestyle we have chosen, and I will not lie that I am still working on figuring out how to do it. I am learning that I have to adjust my expectations of myself to fit this lifestyle, and I need to figure out to work within realistic guidelines for me, my home, my marriage and my kids.

Logically, I know that my house is not the most important thing yet it still must have a level of functionality to it. I am with my kids 24/7 yet I must find some time to myself to recenter and focus my mind and my spirit. Each child needs his own personal attention but where do the other brothers go while I do that?

We will figure it out, and we are a little at a time.

It's times like this when I am reminded that like any lifestyle change, it has to be by making small changes at a time. We have to learn what needs doing, and what needs doing now. I need to learn what to give outside of the house, and what i need to hold on to for my and my kids benefit.

We need to fully apply the the full arsonal of Stress Strategies ...Get Rid of It, Get it Done, Get Control of it, Get Over It, Get a New Plan, Get a New Perspective and ..most importantly, GIVE IT TO GOD, AGAIN!

As per usual - when we are called, God gives us what we need when we need it. We need to look for it purposefully and adjust as our callings change...but we have it!

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

This homeschooling thing is a good work girls, may you abound in it today! :)

I'm a Hip Homeschool Mom

2011-09-13T07:49:00.001-04:00

I am excited to say that I got to be featured on one of my favorite blogs this past week. The thoughts I wrote there are ones I have been having alot as of late, and am excited to get to share those with you there and expand on them alittle here.

Being a homeschool mom has its ups and downs and as Galatians 6:4 says, we each have our "own load to carry." But, at least we get to carry it together as we encourage and uplift one another on the journey. I have found homeschool moms, as well as my non-homeschool moms are mandatory for me to fulfill this task that God has called me. Thank you all for your love and support ...I literally could not doing it without you.

In a Hurricaine

2011-09-06T07:56:00.000-04:00

Whew. That was a rough one.

I feel like the winds are starting to die down, but man ...those winds were ahowlin'!

As a friend put it, after I blogged about my whirlwind a few weeks ago, it suddenly shifted into a full blown hurricane.

How appropriate, since the physical weather and my spirit seemed to be matching each other as we watched Irene creep closer to the east coast, and then eventually bypass Charleston, South Carolina. As her winds picked up, the intensity around here did too.

Still much blessed, over the past several weeks I have had my heart full of the struggles and frustrations of many of those close to me. I have at times felt the most overwhelmed I have felt in a very long time, as I have watched many DIFFERENT loved ones struggle with profoundly difficult experiences ...divorce, death of a 4-month old baby, loss of a job, illness of a child, church turmoil ..its been a doozy of a month.

There have been times when the wind has been howling in my ears to the point that I wanted to just curl up in a ball and let it all pass over me.

The winds are starting to settle, though certainly there is still a significant breeze and wake of damage behind it. There is much recovery to be done, hurting hearts that need healed, new job positions to seek out, houses to sell, moves to make, relationships mended, grief to journey through and a continued monitor of precious little bodies that need physical healing as well.

It's in the moments of both the overwhelming kind and the moments when they pass, that you realize how great a God we have.

If you have ever been in a natural disaster, you know that when it passes you turn in awe at the incredible power and damage that these forces can create. You would most likely be in awe of the degree of devastation and then are so thankful that you survived it...and then worship God for how powerful He is.

In some ways I feel that way now - as I look to see how God has been present and accounted for in each and every difficult situation of the past several weeks. He will continue to do so, we have a ways to go in every situation. But, God has already demonstrated his power by getting us this far; by being faithful to this point, and by remaining close by throughout.

I am reminded this morning of one of my favorite images ...

"The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave." 1 Kings 19-11-12

May we always seek God in the howling winds and the gentle whispers, and may we find Him wherever He is ..for it is only through Him that we will survive these storms ...

{Welcome ifellowshippers ...I am blessed to have you here!}

In a Whirlwind

2011-08-08T08:33:00.000-04:00

I am reading a book right now called, "Between Waldon in the Whirlwind" by Jean Fleming. Its an older book..and I havnet read much of it because I am in the whirlwind she talks about.

Right now, this whirlwind is a flurry of physical, emotional, mental and situational craziness ...leaving me feeling like I must reach out for something stable and real and hold on until it passes.

This are natural times, a part of a cycle that comes with living an abundant life for God.

Its times like these when certainly we must evaluate what things we need to give up, if there is anything that we can let go of for the time being. We need to be honest about what we can delegate and what things we simple do not have the resources for.

Often, though we are in the midst of the winds that come from change, from Spirit movement, from circumstances that simply cannot be avoided for all our organization and planning.

I am there now, with many of the things I know God wants of me colliding into the need for focus and attention to all of them falls at the exact same time.

Its at these times when the promise of provision, for having "everything we need" becomes the most real and the most desired to be truth.

From the midst of my whirlwind, I am reminded that God promises us that he is "able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Cor 9:8

That promise is assuring, as I plant my feet and prepare for the wind to die down.

Maybe you are in a whirlwind right now as well? Here are some things I am learning as I stand inside my own ...

* I truly have to evaluate if I can give anything up or away. As there is such a strain on my resources I have to honest about whether this whirlwind is one that is a natural result of my good work, or if it is a natural result of my not managing my resources well.

* I need to be okay when I can't do it all ...I am three weeks behind on my Women of Grace blogging, it has to be okay with me. I am working on it ;)

* I must stay in contact with the ground ...while everything else is spinning, I must remain connected to the first foundation. I must read, pray and remember who I am riding the whirlwind for.

* I must take advantage of every momentary lull in the wind - steal quiet moment when I can to recenter, reground and refocus.

May your whirlwind be a blessing and a result of your abundantly blessed life. In the midst of it I pray that you are made more aware of God's grace and provision, and that rest from the wind will come soon.

Week 11: Philippians 4:6-7

2011-07-20T07:41:00.000-04:00

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7 (NLT)

This is one of may most favorite passages of scripture. This, and the proceeding verses are such simple promises, yet God is so faithful to their truth.

Continuing the idea of being thankful, which leads to a sense of peace, is carried over to from our passage last week. He calls us so simply to give our reasons for worry and fret to Him. He calls us to do it thankfully (again, so we dont forget what he has already done) and promises to allow His peace to overwhelm to the point that it doesnt even make sense that we are are feeling that way!

One thing that is striking to me about this being thankful/get peace idea is that it requires something from us. It is a purposeful awareness, not a passive experience where we focus and are filled with a sense of peace.

Peace is something that requires we are aware of our reasons for anxiety, that we purposefully give them to Him and in the process we be thankful for what has already been done for us. He promises peace, but asks us to do this part in order to be blessed by it.

It presents a challenge that will carry over to the next passage ...center your heart and MIND, so that both will be guarded against the anxieties that can easily take over in both places.

Again, a wonderful and precious promise to keep in mind and heart.

{Blessed to be part of ifellowship and Women Living Well blog hops this morning!}

Week 10: Colossians 3:15-17

2011-07-20T07:13:00.001-04:00

{"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you were called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all with all wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts and whatever you do or say do it as a representative of teh Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God."" Colossians 3:15-17}

I let myself get a bit behind on posting for our Women of Grace bible study this past week! My perfectionism dictates that I post something for this verse that is well thought out and inspired ...But, I have to tell you that I just dont have the resources to catch this one up right now :)

I will say that this scripture was a wonderful reminder to allow the peace that is part of who we are as Christian women to permeate everything we do and say...and do to it in a way that is thankful. Ever thankful.

The thankfulness/peace connection has always been a fascinating connection to me. Our human nature is so inclined to forget how we have already been blessed and cared for. Being thankful reminds us of exactly all the ways. Peace is a natural progression when we recall how he has kept his promises all along.

I also love who that peace is meant to encourage and uplift my brothers and sisters in Christ. My peace is not simply for my benefit. It is in order to nurture that bond of peace that we talked about in Ephesians 4:3 ..."Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

We do that only by being thankful no matter what we are doing or saying, letting the peace of Christ fill us richly. Wonderful challenges with wonderful promises.

She Does it All.

2011-07-06T08:40:00.003-04:00

I think that as women we really struggle with looking at others and finding that we are short of what we desire to be. We see women around us who juggle so many things, and often in our perception, better than we ever good. We compare ourselves and we are tempted to look at ourselves and be found wanting.

* Maybe its a mother of many, who seems to have endless energy, patience and grace as she adds to her family and nurtures her brood. We think ...how does she do that?

* Or, a mother who homeschools her few or many, but does it a way that you are left wondering

how in the world YOU ever thought you could do this thing?

* Or, the working mom who has to supplement her hard-working husbands job, who ALSO

homeschools AND is a Cub Scout mom ...how does she not lose her mind?

* Or, the newly single mother who is going through the pain of loss and betrayal, who is learning to support her and family on her own, who is ALSO homeschooling AND going to school to prepare for their future...how is it possible one woman can do all this?

* Or, the minister's wife who raises many children, while running a home business, homeschooling, and preparing for the mission field ...when does she sleep?

* Or, the mom who is home alone for days, weeks or months on end, while her husband serves his community or country, while nurturing and teaching her own children, serving her church family,

ministering to new mothers, homeless, friends and family ...how does she do all that?

* Or, the mom who nurtures or own children, beautifully manages her home, supports and participates in her husbands ministry with youth AND volunteers at community outreach programs, including advocating for abused and neglected children ...when does she find the time for that?

* Or, the mother of many who loves to minister to mothers who have given up their children for adoption, by adopting their little ones and reaching out to these moms ...where does she get the resources to accomplish all these things?

We can easily look around and find woman after woman who seem to have more than we have, more than we could EVER have ..at least in our own estimation. What we need to remember though, is something that God has told us over and over again...

{"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it ...it is He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.." Ephesians 4:7 and 11}

And, He reminds us that ..

{"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you so that in all in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Cor 9:8}

These girls have all that they need because of the grace given them for the benefit of the work that God has called them to, just as He has you sweet sister.

When we look at ourselves in comparison to those sisters in Christ, it may seem that we fall short. But it is not that we fall short, it is that our good work is not theirs. Their good work is not ours. Grace has them where they are, has provided all they need to accomplish the abundance of tasks they have been called to.

He has provided them with "everything [they] need" (2 Peter 1:3), but it is specific to what they need for the work God has called them.

The same promise is yours, and God is faithful.

May your heart be directed toward YOUR good work today, so that you will know to seek out the grace that He will give you to accomplish those tasks. Look not to what he has given others, but to the blessings of abundance He has promised you this day.

Blessed to be linked to Living Well Wednesday!

Week 9: Hebrews 6:17-19

2011-07-06T07:14:00.001-04:00

{Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who would have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged - we have this hope as a anchor for the soul, firm and secure." Hebrews 6:17-19}

I love the mental picture of a person tethered to an anchor, being tossed by the waves and yet secure in that fact that they will not be taken under.

How like that guy I feel so often! Our world is so unpredictable, our standards so variable, our spirits so tossed and chaotic...if we are lashed to the wrong things. Left to ourselves, we would follow the false hope of anything that would seem to sooth our anxiety in the moment, in one way or another. Left without an anchor, our soul would drift to people, things and an endless search for meaning and hope in a world that offers so little of it.

This HOPE we talk of, is hope that is worth holding ourselves to like an anchor holds on to a ship. It is stabilizing and secure.

I also love the thought leading up this metaphor, "we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us".

As calming as the idea of the secure and firm, is the idea of fleeing the things that are not that. We cannot attach ourselves to the security of this hope we profess AND the unstable desires and expectations of the world as well. These less than secure promises must be fled from, rejected and left behind.

There is only one hope, one Lord, one Spirit and one God who is in all, through all and over all (Ephesians 4:3-6)...and what a firm and secure God and Hope we have!

_______

The Women of Grace bible study is moving onto verses that remind of us of the peace that comes from this HOPE, starting tomorrow. If you would like to join us as we move into that new part of our study, we would be most blessed by your sharing with us!

{Welcome ifellowshippers! ..so blessed to have you here!}

Thirty One ...for Me

2011-06-30T08:49:00.002-04:00

After being in love with these products for a LONG time, I finally decided to become a consultant so I can share these great things and this great company with other people just like they were shared with me!

Do bags make us more peaceful? Well ..not on a spiritual level, for sure. But I have learned to appreciate simple, beautiful things even more since I have been on this journey to less stress and more peace.

Somehow, a pretty bag to put my bible and reading materials in makes me smile. Being able to see "Swagger Wagon" on the side of my Car Bucket makes me feel a little bit of joy in the blessings of my wonderfully crazy life!

I also love being a partner in a company who loves to encourage women to bless their family through striving to be like the Proverbs "Thirty One" woman, by creating an industry. I love that their company is debt free and that they seek to manage what they have been blessed with well.

I would love to share these beautiful things with you!

You can check out my Thirty One website here ...you may want to check it out today (before midnight!) because my favorite product is on sale for $9 just for June!

This is what I use for my Car Bucket ..the Large Utility Tote. Its $9 if you spend $31, which you can achieve pretty easily because monogramming ($6 per item) goes towards that $31! ..that is just through the end of the day so you want to get on that ASAP!

You can also work towards that $31 with the Organizing Utility Tote ..which I use for my Study Bag, and about 1000 other things! :)

May your day be blessed with beautiful things that you find much joy in! :)

Week 8: Ephesians 4:3-6

2011-06-28T08:11:00.002-04:00

{Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one home when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God the Father who is over all, and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:3-6}

Women of Grace ..this is a great one!

I know I say this every week, but seriously its like the same guy wrote this entire bible! :) The messages intertwine so wonderfully, from verse to verse and from concept to concept. Its amazing. Its like it is alive or something :)

As to context of this verse, the entire chapter is absolutely amazing. It is such a beautiful message of how to live with people in real life.

The verses that follow this passage, though are incredibly encouraging and powerful...

{"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." vs 7}

and vs 11.,

{It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teacher, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we reach all unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of fullness in Christ.}

How interesting that he made us all different, gracing us in different ways to different degrees so that we may reach all unity!

I cannot help but remember the verse in 1 Peter 4:10 ..."Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

I think that when we think about what God has given us, and what tasks he has for us to do we are tempted to keep the focus on us. We consider how our service affects us, our relationship with God ..as if it is just between us and him.

If we truly consider what grace is, a power inside of you that undeservingly blesses you ..not for your own benefit but for the benefit of the kingdom, we will realize that our what we do is not for ourselves or even our one on one relationship with God.

Its about bringing out about unity for the sake of the kingdom. Not to say that our relationship with God is not important, of course it is ...but when we are given a blessed gift (to be a teacher, prophet or pastor) its not only for the good of your interaction with him.

He blesses us with grace and abundance so that we are able to bless His kingdom. We are given what we need to be part of that unity of Spirit...to be able to mingle with people who are so different than we are. To be able to minister along side someone our polar opposite.

We, the stay at home moms, get to be on the same team with the drug abuse counselor in the shelter downtown, or the missionary in Nicaragua. We get to work beside the men who minister to hardened criminals, and the women who hold a women's hand when she is birthing a new baby. We share the same spirit with the women who fosters children who need a home, and the mother who gives her child up so that she can get control of her drug addiction.

We share one Spirit, one hope, one faith, one God. Our God is in all, through all and over all.

Over all of us, no matter what our circumstances, strengths or weaknesses. None of us are greater than the other, because we are all under one Head.

What a wonderful reminder to remember where we stand, who we are and whose we are...

If you are interested in a study of grace, hope, faith and peace, we would love to have you! You are never behind, each week is a new scripture! ..and each one is such a blessing! ..see the sidebar for all the info you need! :)

Blessed to be linked to: Women Living Well Wednesday and Ifellowship at Seeds of Faith for Women

Everything You Need ...in person

2011-06-23T08:37:00.003-04:00

I have known for a bit that God would eventually lead me to share the promises of his providing "everything we need" to women of God just like me.

It has been a process over the past four years of nurturing that message, studying, experiencing, learning and refining this promise in my own life. I feel, finally that it is time to share those lessons in person!

Its a bit of a scarey move - as it brings to the surface all kinds of insecurities and fears in all sorts of things ...BUT, I nonetheless feel like God is moving me very specifically to offer myself this way.

Introducing {drumroll please!}... Everything You Need, the written and spoken series

{Everything You Need * http://courtneysteed.com}

I am very excited, along with the nervous ...but I know that God will bless this new ministry!

"Everything You Need" is a collective series of the lessons I have documented in LPLS. It is a set of lessons, to be given in person that will guide a women of God into believing and living the promise of 2 Peter 1:3 .."His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness..."

These lessons have been created with a ladies retreat or ladies day in mind, being made up of several lessons that are interactive, challenging and personally applicable.

The Everything You Need website will help you will learn a little more about the series, find that I am writing an "Everything You Need" bible study and hope to have a sample of that available soon!

Please check it out, look around and share as you are able! While you are there, I would so appreciate any comments, suggestions and of course your prayers for this new ministry ...I am excited to see what God will do with it!

Week 7: 1 John 3:18-22

2011-06-22T06:52:00.003-04:00

{"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater thanour hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if your hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him." } 1 John 3:18-22

This one is a longer scripture for us this week ..and so much great info to be gained as a result!

The past couple of weeks, and the next one or two we are looking at HOPE ..while this scripture doesnt speak specifically to hope it certainly gives us an "answer for the hope that is in you." 1 Peter 3:15 (our verse from week 6).

I think the message of this passage is a wonderful one - speaking of love, truth, being guilt free, confidence ..its got all the good stuff!

John instructs his readers to love with actions and in truth. Looking at the keywords of this passage, this mimics the message that he heard in-person as Jesus was preparing to leave his disciples in John chapters 14-16.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 How interesting that this was a central message in all three of his letters First, Second and Third John.

This lesson is clearly an important one to John. It wasnt the only one that made an impression though, because only a few verses later Jesus reminds his disciples (John included) ..."If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth." ch 14:15-16

But, as Jesus continues to speak ..the similarities continue ..."If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. " ch 15:10

And, "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." ch 16:23

John lived and taught the words that he was taught face to face from Jesus! ...and his message is so pertinent to us today, especially to God's women as we struggle on a a daily basis with "our hearts condemning" us!

I love how matter of fact John is ..."Its pretty simple folks, if you love God then you will show it in your actions, which will release you from guilt so that you can come before him boldly and not be worried to death, and he will listen because you obeyed him by loving him and his children and showing it through your actions." Pretty simple, really. :)

One more contrast between that last long talk between this disciples and Jesus before he died, and this passage ..is when Jesus says more than once "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled." (John 14:27) and "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." (16:33).

How appropriate then, that John would be encourage his readers to this same place of calm - encouraging them to not allow their hearts to condemn them and to set their hearts at "rest" in his presence.

As all these verses that we have been studying in the Women of Grace, Hope, Peace and Faith series these two passages intermingle so beautifully to show an integration of teaching and learning, of truth taking root and God's word being alive!

...if you would like study with us as we continue to learn of God's grace, hope, faith and peace please join us on Facebook! We can certainly benefit from your insight!

{Welcome ifellowshippers ....I am blessed that you are here!}

Also, sharing on:

Less Stress Tool: a Study Bag

2011-06-15T09:11:00.003-04:00

The last two days I have been using a "study bag". This morning, it was so great to grab my coffee that I had set up on an automatic timer, my Study Bag and head out the door to go hide :)

I am recalling now, Emilie Barnes, in her book Spirit of Loveliness encouraged a woman of God to have a "prayer basket". This is a basket that holds all you need for your prayer time, so that these quiet moments with God can be anywhere that you can carry your prayer basket.

The same idea, I filled up my Study Bag with the things that I would use in my quiet time, and the things that would help me get my mind working in the right direction this day. I used my every faithful Organizing Utility Tote by Thirty One. I chose this one because it can handle my slue of books without falling apart. It also has a ton of pockets, so I can put my pens, highlighters, small notebook and phone (for when my hiding is more than my family can bear :).

I didnt read or even look at all the books in my bag in one sitting, but because I never really know which way my quiet time will lead I make sure to have lots of options :)

Currently, on the menu is: a couple versions of the bible (today, its the NIV and NLT), What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancy (because our study on grace has really sparked an interest in the topic!), Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis (for Sunday School), a couple books by Dallas Willard (havent started these yet), and my Women of Grace notebook.

Having this bag ready to go helps me be able to take my quiet and study time anywhere in a moments notice - to a hiding place, to my bedroom, or to Starbucks for a cup of coffee with God :).

I am also loving that I have a place to store my stuff, instead of all of it just being stacked all over the table all the time :)

The only problem, is that the bag I am using for my study bag is the one I use ALL the time for other stuff also ...SO, I think I just found a great excuse to get another Thirty One bag! :)

What do you do to make your study time mobile? What do you use in your study time?...what versions of the bible do you use? What books are you reading right now? Tell us about your study time ..I would love to hear all about it!

Hiding.

2011-06-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am hiding.

I have a wonderful spot. While I live in a neighborhood where the houses are only a stones throw away, my neighbor has created a great hiding place in her little square of space. On the other side of the fence from mine, which is covered in thick climbing vine, she has created this place that is a forest of plants, trees and flowers. She some wonderful seating, and I have claimed one of her comfy spots.

She is out of town (yes, I asked!) - and I am taking advantage of an early morning wake up to get out the door and hide before the kids woke up. I was expecting to spend some quiet moments to collect my thoughts before my day started. I was hoping to get refocused after several days of guilt-worthy, hormone-induced, mommy temper tantrums that have left me feeling defeated and frustrated with myself.

I need some quiet to refocus, recommit, realign and get back in the game.

What is amazing though, is that quiet is not what I have gotten at all! I am amazed with the degree of sound that is coming from the nature around me. No people are around yet, and yet its so loud I am having a hard time thinking! ...there are birds of every shape and size, they are fighting, mating, calling, antagonizing the cat, etc. The squirrels are hopping all over the trees around me, and the vine on this side of the fence is teeming with lizards and bugs of every shape and size. I hear bees buzzing around the flowers around me. There are dogs barking in the distance, and then not in distance when I hear my own dog barking at the aforementioned squirrels. I give away my hiding place when I hollered at him, and now he is on the other side of the fence whining.

Quiet? Not so much.

Yet, this is still a good hiding place.

Me and God are here. He reminds me that it is never perfectly quiet. There is always something that needs doing, someone who needs me to comfort, teach, touch and guide them. My days are always full of busyness because they are full of people that I love, and who love me (though slightly less when I am such a bad mood :) In this season of my life, there will never be perfect quiet. But God is still accessible through the noise and the chaos.

Certainly, seeking quiet is a blessed thing. And, there are ways to surround ourselves with less noise (as we should surely seek to do). But God is reminding me this morning that my life is busy. Its chaotic. Its crazy. Its the life He has for me today, in this season.

I have to hide in him, even amidst the chaos. I must seek the quiet of my soul, even when the world around me is far from quiet. My spirit need not mimic the craziness of the world around me ...because I have everything I need.

God knew what I needed to hear today.

Week 6: 1 Peter 3:14-16

2011-06-13T08:45:00.004-04:00

{"Do not fear what they fear, do not be afraid. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:14-16}

This week, we switch our focus from grace to hope ...while certainly the two are closely connected and we will find ourselves falling back on what we have learned of grace to help us understand hope.

Grace, after all is the hope that we have been called to!

In context, Peter is talking about the occasions we 'suffer for good'. In our day and time, in the United States of America, we dont often have to suffer for being a Christian. At least, not to the same extent the the New Testament Christians did, often to the point of death. There are other ways of suffering though, that we can relate to do some degree.

Perhaps we are judged harshly by the world, and found lacking to meet their standards. Perhaps we make choices that we feel are ones based on godly principles, and we are criticized for being "anti-social" or a deviant. Perhaps those who pit themselves against us are even other Christians who feel challenged by our choices. Perhaps it is your words of truth being met with accusations of intolerance and judgement, that causes you to feel you are 'suffering for good'. It is possible, that you dont feel personally as if you are suffering in anyway for living a life of godliness, but you can relate to how Christianity in general has been attacked in our society over the years and especially in our present day.

Regardless, I love the challenge that Peter gives ..."Do not fear what they fear" vs 14. Fear is what drives people's responses to our good, and to those things that we do that make them feel challenged. It may be fear of judgement, fear of loss of control, fear of rejection, fear of all things unknown or of being misunderstood. We are encouraged to be motivated by something altogether different.

Our motivation is in our hope.

Our hope lies in Christ alone. In the grace, forgiveness, peace and blessing that comes with knowing him. In contrast to the fear that drives those who may slander us, their slander is shameful!

But, we should not forget what given the opportunity we must share it with respect and kindness. The power of gentleness and respect should not be underestimated in our day and time. Our culture lacks respect and certainly gentleness. Our responding to challenges with a degree of grace will do more for us, and for the message that we relate than anything else!

I am so disheartened when I see Christians responding to challenge with anger and harshness. By responding such, they are proving that their motivations are similar to those who do the challenging..fear of being misunderstood, fear of rejection, or of judgement.

When we are able to give an answer for our hope..to truly given an answer for our hope..then you can only do it with respect and gentleness.

Are you ready to give an answer for the hope that lies in your heart? ..I pray for you as well as for me, that when the times comes I am indeed!

{Welcome, ifellowshippers ..your being here is an encouragement to me!}

Also, blessed to be linked to:

Works for Me: Filing in Binders

2011-06-07T23:12:00.003-04:00

My kindred spirit in organizing (you know who you are ;) recently showed me a most fabulous way of doing away with both the need for "filing" and a better way to keep my paper clutter in order!

She got the inspiration from this most wonderfully organized lady featured on I Heart Organizing ...a wonderful blog that I wish I could love in :)

Here is her beautiful system of organizing what would normally belong in a filing cabinet ....

Isnt it beautiful?

She uses binders to order the paper work that many would put in folders, would have to file and (if she was me) put off filing. All of the reference paperwork she needs is at her fingertips, in these way cute and organized binders. I love it.

My friend had done the same, which is what gave me the kick in the pants (we often return the favor to each other like that). Jenna's (that's the super organized lady) binders were labeled such that they fit her personal needs, as did my friend's. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to keeping paperwork, but here is what I came up with!

I have a binder for all my monthly bills, insurance policies/statements, important papers (birth certificates, passports, immunization records, etc), warranties/instruction books and taxes.

A few of these I LOVE LOVE ...

Monthly Bills ..I have never came up with a solution to keeping my bills organized and how to avoid filing at all costs. This is perfect for both. I placed 12 dividers in my binder, labeling them with each month of the year. I place all my bills under the month that they are paid. I have found that it is a great place to store receipts for larger purchases, also.

The front pocket is a fabulous place to place the bills as they come in. When its time to pay bills, I grab my binder and my hole punch and get to work.

Because I pay most of the bills by online bill pay, I pay my bills and then print the confirmation list. I punch holes in it and my statements (those that I still get in paper form) and place them in the current month. I love having it all together. And, NO FILING, its already done. At the end of the year I will take each month out and file in a manilla envelope labeled with the year.

Taxes ...this was my friends idea. She created a binder where she can file receipts and such that will come in handy when preparing taxes next year. My dividers are health care, property taxes, education, and last year's return. I am going to LOVE it next year when I do not have to look for anything :)

Warranties/Instruction Bks ... another favorite because it took up SO much room in my filing cabinet! Using page protectors as pockets, I categorized the booklets and warranties by type (electronic, tools, kitchen, kids, misc.). I found this was a GREAT place to store receipts for these items and to document the id # of the product. As I shared before, this was a lesson I had to learn the hard way :)

Aside from it being a great time to declutter all these space hogs, I made this potentially important info much easier to get to if I need it.

Now, I have to admit to a feeling of discontent both when I worked on my binders and every time I look at them :) The main reason (really, the only reason) is because mine are not cute like Jenna's. The budget requires that I put off purchasing binders that look good later ...but I didnt want to wait until then to have the benefit of having them organized.

So ..here are my ugly but efficient binders ...yes, they are currently on the floor under my desk for want of a better place for them. And, yes, they dont match. And, yes it drives me insane every time I look at them :)

{Sigh} They are still wonderful, and I love both Kim (my organizing soul mate) and Jenna (a gal who I dont know but love from afar) for showing this great method of non-filing! :) ...this definitely Works for Me!

Grace to Others

2011-06-07T06:42:00.002-04:00

I think it is easy to see grace as something that is very "floaty" ..rather ambiguous and even only of the spiritual nature.

I have been made aware in the past week of how God shows his grace to me (thank the Lord for wonderful study and soul level friendships!), largely through others around me. Grace, God's 'unmerited favor', is filtered through those who love us when we are not lovable, or when we are need of strength or blessing.

God shows us grace through an offering of prayer and blessing, and of a meal prepared by a mother who relates to your feeling overwhelmed. Grace is forgiveness when its not deserved, and a friend allowing you to cry on her shoulder when you have wronged her...or you have been wronged. Grace is when you should be incapable, and yet somehow you have the words, the strength, the resources provided in ways you cannot explain.

Grace is what happens when you move with the rhythm of the spirit, and reach out to a person who others avoid. Or, you forgive someone who has hurt you deeply. Its being kind when someone has falsely accused you, or resisted slandering someone knowing they will not return the favor.

Grace strengthens us, often not by filling us with a supernatural strength in ourselves - but by instructing the hearts of those who are stronger than us to do the lifting for us. Grace teaches us, not always by some deep unlearned understanding but by the example of an older woman or man who have lived their lives for God. Grace provides our needs, when we are incapable or unable to do so ourselves ..and most often to a better and greater degree than we would have ourselves.

Grace is not something that is beyond our ability to experience, except on a spiritual plane ...not by a long shot. We see grace every day. Unmerited favor, extended to us by those in God's kingdom and who are acting has His hands in your life.

How much more important to be God's grace to others. To touch, forgive, cook, babysit, clean, assist, pray, empower, lift and deliver.

"And God is able to make a grace abound TO you so that in all things and at all times, having everything you need you will abound in every good work ....You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" 2 Corinthians 9:8 and 11

Blessed to participate in ....

Grace

2011-06-06T08:22:00.003-04:00

We wrap up five weeks of studying grace very specifically this week. By study, I mean we have read, we have written, we have rewritten, we have asked 'so what?' and then 'what else' ...we have pondered, prayed and meditated over scriptures that have enlightened and blessed us.

I can say in all sincerity that I have learned more of this precious gift than I ever feel like I knew before. Many of these lessons have been surprises, as I understand many familiar passages in totally new ways!

I have learned much of grace, and learned what a precious, precious blessing it is!

We have learned ..

* 2 Corinthians 12:8 ...that grace is power. It is sufficient to overcome any of my weakness, and its power is made perfect in my imperfections. Grace makes me strong.

* Titus 2:11-13 ...that grace teaches. It teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness and gives us the wisdom, righteousness and HOPE for the days to come.

* Ephesians 2:8-10 ...that grace saves. It saves us, so that we can fulfill our purposes and do the things that God has planned for us ..in advance!

* Hebrews 4:15-16 ...that grace gives us confidence and boldness. Through grace, we are able to approach the throne of God with the knowledge that He desires to bless us with mercy and and grace at the right time.

* 2 Corinthians 9:8 ...that grace is all that we need. Its all we need to fulfill the good works God has called us to, and he gives us EVERYTHING we need to not only do well, but to 'abound' in those wonderful tasks!

Grace, is way more than simply "unmerited favor". Its more than a feel good, ambiguous offering of a God who is far away. It is real. It is an awesome gift that we continue to rely on, be filled with and we are utterly dependent on for any hope of being part of God's kingdom.

I have learned that grace is not something that is a vague and simply in the 'spirit' realm - but it is tactile, touchable, viewable and obvious. Grace is what happens to a person when they allow God to fill them up, and move their bodies, spirits and circumstances beyond the here and now and to a place of blessing and testimony.

Grace is what I see in active form when I see ...

* a young mother and wife whose husband has left her to follow the desires of his heart. Who nurtures those around her through the hurt that divorce brings, and is able to minister to her children, to his family and to all those who are touched by choices that arent her own.

* another young mother who is facing a disease that threatens to take her life, yet her family, friends and loved ones gather around and minister to her in beautiful and real ways. So that, regardless of the outcome she has the blessing of nurtured relationships with her husband and children throughout these precious moments.

* a couple, who 'should' be about to start a new phase of their life as 'empty nesters', instead move their life to a place where their nest will never be empty, and their 33 years of parenting experience will come in handy as they minister to God's children in another country.

* ministers of Christ's church who devote their life to teaching, correcting, loving and nurturing God's people with little or no reward this side of heaven.

* victims of the devastation of nature from the past few weeks as they start to put their lives back together, and yet continue to bless the Lord and his people by encouraging and uplifting others who have lost their physical blessings

* a mother who seeks to bless her children on a daily basis - with touch, with teaching, with nurturing, with guiding and unconditional love. Who can overcome lack of sleep, lack of physical reward, lack of recognition.

These, and so many more are examples of how God's grace is active and powerful amongst his people.

Have you learned of grace these weeks? Are you more aware of it as you look around and see his hand powerfully working? ...do share, and may God's grace bless you abundantly!

{Welcome ifellowshippers! ..so glad you came by to visit!}

Week 5: 2 Corinthians 9:8

2011-06-06T08:21:00.001-04:00

{And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things and at all times, having everything you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Cor 9:8}

Our last of verses we are specifically looking at in terms of the topic of grace ..this one is my favorite!

I think it is because of all the weeks leading up to this point ..grace has a whole new meaning for me than it did five weeks ago, and so it means all the more to know this promise.

It also means so much because how real it makes grace ...to be able to abound in good works, to fulfill my purpose, to fulfill the roles that God has called me to ..these are all things that can be felt and appreciated. You can know that God has fulfilled this promise right here and now! :)

Part of the reason that it is so clear, so because I am so aware of my weaknesses, my faults and my inadequacies. Its is because of that feeling of "I cant do this!" that creates an even deeper appreciation for what God can and does for me!

The wording ...."to make all grace abound TO you." implies such a separation from what I can do and what God does for me. I see outstretched hands, overflowing with blessings pointed in my direction. They are being blessed "to" me. Not through me, or from inside me but TO me. It leaves so little chance to take the credit!

The context of this passage makes the promise that much more meaningful (as it usually does) when we realize that Paul is talking about giving to others. He is talking about being generous, and the challenging his readers with the blessings that come apart from sharing what God has given for this express purpose.

He says in the preceding verses ..."Each man should give what he has determined in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."vs 7-8

Keep reading ..its gets better ..."He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. How he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge your harvest of righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result with thanksgiving to God." vs 9-11

If you believe that you a purpose in Christ, that He has chosen you for the purpose of His calling, that you are His and that you belong in Him - you are given everything you need to be all and do all that is included in that.

He doesnt do it for you, but for the harvest of righteousness that your good works will bring. Your good works that are powered by His perfect plan (Eph 2:8 .."for we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do."), your good works that will result in bringing others to him through their awareness that only God can provide so abundantly.

God's grace is all that we need, and its is abundantly all that we need! ..what a great and precious promise!

a little meet and greet

2011-06-03T13:08:00.000-04:00

The mommy friendly blog, Wee Share has blessed LSPS (and me!) us with a spot light feature called "Meet the Blogger" today :) ...if you are visiting from there, WELCOME!

We will return the favor in the new future with a full spread of their own, but meanwhile I would love for LSPS readers that are not already ALSO loyal readers of Wee Share to hop on over and check it out!

WeeShare is a great resource for product reviews and giveaways for things that are oh so wonderful for mommies and their "wee ones". As a mom herself, Desiree has some great intuition about these things and passes on her experience and wisdom.

Thanks SO much Desiree for the chance for my readers to get to know you (and maybe me!) better! :)

Mind Control: Guilt

2011-06-02T18:41:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking about this topic alot lately ..how Satan can use it so effectively to distract our hearts that so desire God, from the true purposes that He has called us to ..I originally posted this about two years ago, I must've been struggling with the same things then :)

_____

How often do you struggle with feeling guilty about something that you have or havent done?

Is it that you didnt spend enough time with your kids today? ..or ate the WHOLE piece of cake, instead of the bite you planned on? ..or that you havent read your bible today? ..or that you havent called your mom this week? ...or that you havent opened all the mail? ...or that you havent gotten through the kids clothes this season? ...or that you didnt use coupons on this shopping trip? ...or that you didnt workout this week? ...or that you ... the list goes on and on ...right?

We use alot of brain power feeling and thinking about feeling guilty for stuff. We talk ourselves into ways that we fall short in our own minds and we reprimand ourselves for it ..dont we?

I do. Alot.

I compare, and when I feel like I have fallen short of that ..I feel guilty. I dont want to, but I do.

Its a natural feeling for us, I think. It is what happens when we are not paying attention. We condemn ourselves for all that we think we dont measure up to.

But .."..there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1

Here is why ..."And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature (which is constantly causing us to feel guilty about stuff) but according to the Spirit." vs. 3-4

But how ..? "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires (to compare, judge, condemn, wallow and condemn some more); but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." vs. 5

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace,"

vs. 6 ..I am sold! :)

When those thoughts that condemn us, and against a measure that is not godly ...then we need to refocus our thoughts and ask the Spirit to fill our minds with things of His promises.

We arent in the position to judge ourselves, and therefore we should not find ourselves guilty quite as easily as we do.

If you are asking God to guide your mind, actions, time and resources ..then God will do so. Let the other stuff go, and trust that God's grace will cover all those areas where you fall short.

Easier said, than done. I know. But its worth the effort ..I promise. :) (says she who was sitting here feeling like a failure as a mom today because she fell apart into hysterics when her 4 year old tracked spanish moss all over the floor she just spent an hour vacuuming :)

_____

Dear 2009 Courtney,

I get you.

Love, 2011 Courtney

Revisit: The Car Bucket

2011-06-02T18:29:00.002-04:00

Okay, as we approach a year since my friend Ashley shared this WONDERFUL idea to me and I have started using it myself ..I had to revisit this wonderful tool :)

First ...to refresh your memory ... I re-introduce ..the Car Bucket!

The basic idea ... Ashley (a busy mom of two, going on three) carries a sturdy tote with her wherever she goes, in and out of the car. It helps her manage all the stuff that comes with kids, a busy life and the minivan that shuttles it all around. According to her, "the "car bucket" serves as a carry all for my cell phone, sippy cups, purse, a couple of diapers, blankets and more" when going from one place to another outside the house.

She loads it up when she is at home, thinking of all she may need for that particular trip out. She packs the tote differently if she is visiting with friends, going to church, going on a grocery shopping trip or whatever. Her husband and kids know that everything that goes with them has to go in the CB and that it is there when they go to look for it later.

When they leave the house, she loads up the kids, the husband and the CB! We all know that when Ashley comes over, she is gonna make ONE trip to or from the car. Everything she needs is in that one place. If her kids need their sippy cups, check the CB first! If she is heading the pool, betcha the towels and sunscreen are in the CB! Snacks anyone? ..CB.

When she gets home she uses the CB to declutter her Swagger Wagon, making sure to grab all the kid-related odds and ends, as well as the trash they have generated on their trip out. She makes sure to empty it out at home, each and every time. This is my favorite part, since my vehicle is always a cluttered mess!

Tips from the master ... "The "car bucket" needs to be big enough to make it able to hold several items and small enough to carry. I don't like the floppy kinds I like the kind that is pretty stiff and holds its shape well. Also, I like them to have handles on each end. That way when they are pretty full you stick one end on your hip and the other end you can hold by the handle."

One thing about the car bucket is that it will only work if you empty it IMMEDIATELY every time you come in the house. Otherwise it will just become something else in your car full of junk taking up space. {Courtney here ...ABSOLUTELY TRUE!}

"When I am by myself so I don't forget anything I put the kids in the car first so they are strapped in the car ready to go (and can't get into anymore mischief). The car bucket is the last thing that goes in so that I can come in one last time take a quick look if I need anything else and toss it in. Then I lock the door and take the car bucket with me."

I agree with ALL of that ...it has been a great tool for keeping order in our car and I have regretted the times when I have gotten lax about using it (after a week or two of vacation for instance ..like, now...this post a good motivator!)

Here is a shot of my Car Bucket ...I shopped for this for a few months, went through one or two before I lighted on this awesome one from Thirty One. It is the large utility tote, and works PERFECTLY for us. It holds a huge amount in terms of stuff and weight, has great handles, and has held up the best of the ones we have tried! ..I LOVE MY CAR BUCKET! :)

{and..it is possible that the Thirty One large utility tote is the customer special for June for ..I am just sayin' :)

Week 4: Hebrews 4:14*-16

2011-05-31T11:14:00.003-04:00

{Therefore, since we have a high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet is without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" Hebrews 4:14-16}

Our assignment for this week as Hebrews 4:15-16 ..but because I had a bit of a hard time with the context, I added vs 14 for my own study time. I feel like it was necessary to take in the full meaning of the passage ..though I cant say I am totally confident that I understand every level of this wonderful verse.

Taken by itself, I feel like the words are a wonderful affirmation of God's provision and willingness to draw us near to Him. The concept is simple and a powerful statement of the blessings we have in Christ.

The context of the entire chapter is throwing me off a bit, though...not that the passage doesnt mean the same thing, but does it have an even great meaning by looking at it in the bigger picture?

I had a hard time seeing this section fit into the previous chapters or verse preceding it. Which, if you arent looking hard you may be tempted to not do. Part of that is because the NIV starts a new section heading with vs 14. It seems based on the division, that it is the intro to the section on holy priesthood ..which it certainly makes way for.

But, its that little "therefore" in vs 14 that made me look a bit more ..."Therefore" implies that it is there was an argument previous to this concluding point. It says, "now, having said ALL that.." It says, "here is the take away"

After looking for the reason for that "therefore" I found myself a little like the minion on Despicable Me ..."whaaat?" :)

Thankfully, I was with my scholar daddy at the time, and he helped me find it - and I feel like it has helped me appreciate these promises even more. ..

The "therefore" concepts start at the beginning of the book, but especially in chapter 3 - the Hebrew writer is talking about Israel (this book, dont forget is written for the Christian Jews) and their issues with unbelief. He uses the mistakes of their ancestors, who struggled with believing in God's promises and how they faltered constantly. Their lack of belief lead them to missing out on one of God's most precious of promises for them, and now us ..that we would "enter His rest". Their lack of obedience and commitment lead them, instead to a lack of "rest" in God.

He encourages the Hebrew Christians, then to "..hold on to your courage and hope for which we boast" 3:6 and then "hold firmly til the end the confidence we had at first." 3:14 ..He reminds them that the rest that their forefathers denied themselves is still available through our obedience in Christ. He warns them against disobedience, and even provides for them the way to know what God expects of them now..."For the word of God is living an active. Sharper than any two edged sword..." 4:12

Then, he brings it all back around by again admonishing them to, "Therefore, since we have a high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess (because those before you DID NOT)" 4:14 ...because of this faith, you have the confidence and boldness to approach the throne of grace, with mercy.

The "therefore" , implies that by doing this, they are able to enter into God's rest that their fathers before them forfeited. We can be at rest, when we confidently approach Him. We are at peace, because of the faith we profess and the grace that empowers us.

Doesnt that make you feel more at rest already? :)

If you would be interested in joining a group of godly women on this journey through the bible this summer, please see the sidebar for a full explanation and all that you need to get started! :)

Week 3: Ephesians 2:8-10

2011-05-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

{For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and its not from yourselves. It is a gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV}

For me, this has been a timely verse to study. Mainly, because I believe that God has revealed some 'good works' that he has prepared for me to do ..and I MUST remember how works are simply a part of the plan that He has already set in motion when He covered me with grace.

I have nothing to boast about ..indeed! ..the work is only through the faith in Christ that I have chosen, that I have been given grace that has moved me to doing these good things. These good things are nothing without God's grace.

I am so amazed with the active nature of this 'grace' we are learning about!

How inspiring to consider how our faith in Christ leads us to the blessing of grace, which then leads us to a life of good works created for us by our Father! ..it resounds so beautifully with the 'power' of grace we learned about in 2 Corinthians and the 'teaching' we learned about in Titus! Through faith, we have grace that gives us power (2 Cor 12:8-10) to say 'no' to ungodliness (Titus 2:11-13), and frees us up to do the good works he has prepared for us to do (Eph 2:8-10)! ..what a wonderful order of things!

If you would like to join about 100 women (not quite, but we are close) on a study of these wonderful words of God, please join us at Women of Grace, Hope, Peace and Faith on Facebook. We have already learned SO much, and would love to benefit from your insight as well!

Week 2: Titus 2:11-13

2011-05-15T10:50:00.002-04:00

{"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be revealed." Titus 2:11-13, NLT}

Having had such a wonderful week last week of study in 2 Corinthians, I was near giddy to get to start on a new scripture this week for our Women of Grace, Hope, Peace and Faith bible study!

This one, though feels a little more difficult on the toes!

The wording in this scripture is so proactive, so "get out there and do it!". Last week, we were encouraged to allow our weakness to be overwhelmed with the POWER of grace. This week, grace is TEACHING us (NIV), INSTRUCTING us to actively bring to life our convictions in the form of rejection of ungodliness.

I love the common sense ...salvation is for everyone (including me!), so you turn away from ungodly things, replacing those with things of God, all the while waiting for salvation to have its pay off with His return! Very simple ..sorta.

Its HARD simple, but simple.

This week, my prayer for me is that I am instructed through grace to recognize the ungodliness around me, so that I am aware of those times when I am called to "turn from" those things. I must fully rely on that power of grace that he promised in 2 Corinthians 12 ("my power is made perfect in weakness" vs.9), because living in this world in" righteousness" isnt that easy of a job!

I pray the same for you, as you live in this "evil world."

Are you convicted by certain ungodliness in your life? ...if you are, then allow this place to be a place where you assert your resolve to live a righteousness life while you "look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ will be revealed!"

True Study for Kids ..#2

2011-05-10T22:41:00.002-04:00

After a little inspiration yesterday from Heather, I created a scripture worksheet that will work well for my little man...I am really excited to work on this with my eldest!

Children's Scripture Worksheet

This one is for elementary ages, for children who are reading and writing well.

My friend Heather has another great one for the same age, but covering a greater range from preK-3rd grade because she has added a drawing element. I think this is a GREAT idea, and perfect for those little kinesthetic learners.

Scripture Memory pK-2nd Grade

These are some great ways to help our children learn to truly study God's Word, and apply it to their lives!

It WORKS FOR US ..to teach our little ones that these words are a "light unto {their} path" Ps 119:105

True Study for Kids

2011-05-10T09:38:00.001-04:00

If you have been part of our Women of Grace, Hope, Peace and Faith study thus far (we arent even a full week in!) but already God is using His own words to inspire a deeper understanding of His grace!

Using the worksheet you can find here we have worked together to delve into 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 this week. I have found this method of study to be wonderfully simple, but powerfully effective in meditating on God's word.

One of our WoG members (and a dear friend) sees potential in using this method with her children! She has shared with me an adaptation of our worksheet for her older elementary children. I absolutely LOVE it..I know you will too.

She is working on an ones for her younger elementary and preschool age children as well, so stay tuned for those. I wanted to go ahead and share this though, because I know you are going to want to get started right away!

Thanks so much, Heather for sharing!

Scripture Memory for Kids

A State of Weakness

2011-05-09T00:00:00.006-04:00

{"Three different times I begged the Lord to take (my thorn) away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now, I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, I am strong." 2 Cor 12:8-10}

As the Women of Grace are studying this verse, I have been particularly thoughtful about the idea of "weakness".

I have always read that verse to mean a 'weakness' in terms of a character flaw, or a temptation we struggle with. A friend posed the question, if God is made more powerful in our weakness then does that we mean that we are not to attempt to fix those areas of weakness?

It has lead me down a path of thought and a conclusion that I find very comforting and that fits so well with a number of personal situations where God's power is needed ...

One thing that I am doing alot of with this method of study, is that I am defining alot of words. I have learned a TON in the process! In this passage I looked up the meaning of "weakness" and found that it means, "a lack of strength."

That certainly applies to character flaws, but the meaning is much bigger than that! Consider that 'weakness' in this passage may be referring to state of "lacking in strength". A state where you are less than capable, where your strength is less than is needed for the task at hand. Consider that it applies to any situation where you find yourself at a loss for resources, where you have given what you can and it is beyond your ability to manage.

I especially am drawn to the last portion of this scripture ..."That is why I take pleasure in insults, in hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ." vs.10 ..all of these are things that beyond ones ability to control. Can you relate to any of them?

Also, look at the verse previous to our focus passage ..."So to keep me from being proud I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep from being proud." vs. 7 ..hear the lack of ability to have impact on his situation?

Then, in vs 8 he demonstrates his lack of control when he states "three times I begged the Lord to take it away."

Many have taken it as a task to determine what 'thorn' Paul was referring to. There are suggestions of physical limitations, deformities, and various character weaknesses. One woman on our WoG Facebook group suggested that "since he considered himself the chiefest of sinners, perhaps his "thorn" was the struggle to forgive himself." Any, or all of these may place Paul, or us, in a state of "lacking in strength"!

Are you in a state of weakness? ...are you lacking in strength in any particular area?

*Perhaps you struggle with an addiction that you simply do not have the strength to overcome.
*Perhaps you are the victim of someone's misunderstanding, lack of forgiveness, lack of love, or of their sin.
*Perhaps you are in a situation that you have done all you can to restore a relationship and forgiveness is still withheld, or simply cannot be resolved.
*Perhaps your body is struggling with an illness, and you simply do not have the strength required to fight it.
*Perhaps your marriage is lost beyond your ability to restore, the hurt is too great.
*Perhaps you have less than you need in the area of finances and you are unable to provide for it
*Perhaps you struggle constantly with the same sin, over and over again and you keep ending up back in the same place over and over again
*Perhaps your default settings are simply too much for you to fight.
*Perhaps you are a victim of natures' fury over the last few weeks, and you have lost everything physical.

Perhaps you are weary, tired, out of strength...

You are weak.

In this state of weakness, this state of "lacking in strength" you find yourself in the arms of a God who has all the strength you need. He has all you need. His grace is sufficient for you. In this state He is made the most powerful because we resist the least. We allow the most. We give over the best.

Here, in this state of total loss we see where God stands in contrast in all His fullness.

And, so we rejoice! We "take pleasure in the hardships, insults, persecutions and troubles..." Because, when we are weak, then He is strong ..and He in us makes US strong!

"When I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10

Women of Grace: 2 Cor 12:8-10

2011-05-06T08:46:00.004-04:00

Our focus scripture of the week is 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ...

{Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, that I am strong.}

As I start this week's study I am struck with how much there is here! So many different ideas to ponder, and so many thoughts that are swimming around in my head ....what are my weaknesses? what is the power of Christ ...is it His Spirit, or His grace ..or both? Do I rejoice only in the insults, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer FOR Christ..or all of them?

Overall, I feel a general sense of wellness and peace when I realize, I dont have to be perfect for God to work in me. In fact, the less perfect I am the better God can work in me!

One way of looking at the overarching idea of this verse is from the perspective of a nurse who cares for patients on a ventilator ...

My patients often require the assistance of ventilator, a breathing machine. It does the work that the body is not able to do. It steps in where a patient is weak (define: lacking in strength). It is a strong machine, able to do the work the body is supposed to do for itself. A ventilator can keep a person who has NO brain function alive for an extended/indefinite amount of time. It does the work of the lungs, providing oxygen to the entire body, often being the only reason a person is able to survive.

Its effectiveness, though is dependent on the allowance of the patient to let it work. Truly, the weaker the patient is, the less able to resist they are, the more effective the vent is. Patients who constantly fight the work of the vent find themselves in a miserable experience and when the two forces (person and the vent) oppose each other the effectiveness is greatly diminished.

In order for the power of the vent to be realized, the patient has to (voluntarily or not) totally submit to the work the machine has to do. They have to submit, or we have to help them submit through use of sedation ...becuase unless they stop fighting, they will not breath effectively.

I see the correlation between the work that God does in us, and the work that a ventilator does to keep a person alive. It is powerful work! ..without it, we would die. With it, we can live indefinitely. The more resist, the less power is used to that end. The weaker we are, the greater the work and effectiveness of this Life line.

I pray that God speaks to you through this scripture this week ...when He does I would love for you to share. You can share here, on the LPLS Facebook page, or the Women of Grace, Hope, Peace and Faith Facebook group. I hope you will!

Women of Grace ..true study

2011-05-05T06:19:00.003-04:00

The "Discovery" method of study is a way of exploring, and truly studying a section of scripture. This summer, as we are looking to TRULY study God's Word, one possible tool is the attached worksheet that is based on this method.

According to Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline, he says that to truly study a given thing we need to repeat, concentrate, comprehend and reflect. We study God's word because when you study something, your thoughts naturally gravitate towards your topic of study ..and we want our thoughts to be pure, lovely, praiseworthy and true.

The worksheet is very easy to fill out ...but is best done thoughtfully, over time and to add to it over the week. Foster says that aside from studying the material itself, that when we study we identify with the topic through observation, experience, supplementation and discussion...We girls are REALLY good at discussion!

We will going through a series of verses this summer on the topic of grace, hope, faith and peace. The women I worship with and I will be meeting to discuss these things in person once a week. Of course, we cant all do that but along with them but we will be doing alot of discussion here throughout the summer, and your insight would be a blessing!

Also, a group of godly women will be meeting together via a Facebook group ...Women of Grace, Hope, Peace and Faith (please note that any discussion there that is not encouraging and uplifting will be removed)...we would LOVE to have you there!

The "Discovery" idea is basic and easy to remember, whether you have the worksheet or not. For our purposes we will be using a series of columns (think, a piece of paper turned landscape) that will help us explore these passages. Just remember: WRITE, REWRITE, SO WHAT and WHAT ELSE?

WRITE the verse ..first column, write it out. Write it in different versions, write it word for word. Write it index cards and put it everywhere ...in the car, on the mirror, above the kitchen sink, everywhere! What about FACEBOOK? ..use your status to write it out then you are REPEATING that verse for your sisters in Christ as well!

REWRITE ...second column, write it again. This time in first person. Use 'me', 'my' and 'i' ...make the verse speak to YOU very specifically. Then, paraphrase it ...wrap the passage up in one sentence or idea.

SO WHAT ..third column, so what are you going to do about it? After really considering the words that has spoken to YOU ..how does that apply to you? Be general AND specific ..consider what challenges you are now required to make if you believe His words? What commitments will you make?

WHAT ELSE ..last column, questions/thoughts/references/prayers ...whatever else you feel like you need to continue to study this passage. I enjoy defining words or clarifying ideas here.

The worksheet we will be using is available here ...please feel free to view, print and use this resource to help you in your true STUDY of scripture!

LadiesClassWksht

Discipline of Study

2011-05-04T08:48:00.002-04:00

{study produces JOY. Like any novice, we will find it hard work in the beginning. But the greater our proficiency the greater our JOY. - Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline}

Do you study? I mean really study? You may be surprised that you do, even if you are not a big "book person". Based on the defining characteristics that Foster offers in his explanation of true "study" in Celebration of Discipline..you may be studying any number of things on a regular basis.

According to him, to study something means that you return to a thought/idea/book/topic over and over again. Study is firstly defined by repetition in a given area. As you repeat an idea to yourself you begin to concentrate on it. By doing those things you then start to comprehend the topic/idea/words you are studying. To really study you then reflect ..ponder, consider, mull it over, or as my daddy says "put in your hum box."

What is in your "hum box" ..what are you "studying"? Think about it ...

what ideas, thoughts, blogs, books, shows do you find yourself going to over and over again? What topics do you find yourself "repeating" ....organization, homeschooling, history? Think about what shows you watch ...if you return to the same type of shows, are you okay with the fact that you are "studying" their content?
what do you concentrate on..what do you think about? What directs your thoughts?
what do you feel like you understand? ..do you have a good grasp on organization, teaching small ones, the world news or the way a criminal mind works?
Finally ...what do you reflect on ..what do you ponder, consider or really think about on an ongoing basis?

Studying is a natural thing for most of us, even if we dont realize it!

Foster challenges that "ingrained habits of thought that are formed WILL conform to the order of the thing being studied. WHAT we study determines what kind of habits are formed, which is why Paul urges us to focus on things that are true, just, pure, lovely and gracious."

{"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - think about such things." Phil 4:8}

How important the topic of our true study!

Starting today, I am blessed to be part of a ladies bible class this summer that focuses all our "study" efforts on God's Word. We will looking at 17 passages from scripture, on the topics of grace, peace, faith and hope.

I would LOVE for you to join us in that journey! We will be using a method of study that covers all the areas of true study. I will be sharing this method with you over the next few days, in hopes you will have a great tool to truly study these precious truths.

{"All scripture is inspired by God ..to teach us what is true, to make us realize what is wrong in our lives, it corrects us when we are wrong and it teaches us what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do his good work." 2 Tim 3:16-17 NLT}

{all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." NIV}

Tell me..what do you STUDY?!

Discipline of Solitude

2011-04-26T07:58:00.000-04:00

I am always amazed with how God takes a heart, and through the Spirit guides us to learning more of one aspect of Him at a given time. My heart has been especially open to considering quiet and stillness lately.

I have discovered a book that I have actually had sitting on my shelf for awhile now. I have no doubt that reading it now is perfectly timed for the lessons I have gained from it :) I am reading the classic "Celebration of Discipline" by Robert Foster. I have found some wonderfully inspiring encouragements in those timeless lessons.

I have been challenged by all the disciplines: meditation, prayer, study, submission, service and fasting (so far)..but one of them has really stood out to me. The Discipline of Solitude.

He speaks of our fear of silence, our fear of being alone. He speaks of how we have replaced quiet solitude with noise, filling our ears and thus our minds and hearts with other than godly things. He contrasts solitude versus loneliness, "Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment."

He stresses the importance of quiet to the spirit of solitude..."without silence there is no solitude."

He clarifies that it is not just the absence of noise or speaking, but a state "listening to God." He says, "Though silence sometimes involves the absence of speech, it always involves the act of listening. Simply to refrain from talking, without the heart of listening to God, is not silence."

He challenges me when he asserts that using words or noise for the sake of filling silence can take us away from listening to God, or being in a state that allows us to hear Him. I am totally guilty of that!

I didnt realize how much so I was guilty of it until feeling challenged in this area - I started realizing how often I dispel quiet moments with music, talking or with allowing my mind to wonder. More specifically, how I dont take advantage of the moments in my day where I can take hold of silence, if even for a moment.

I found that when I did have a moment or two (which happened more often than I realized!) where the noise is dispelled for a blessed moment (naptime, or when the kids are outside and occupied) I look to turn on music, reach for my phone or jump on the computer. I didnt really realize how often I am guilty of this, and have since realized how many little moments in my day that have potential for quiet, silence and solitude.

It may be literally 2 minutes, but it DOES happen ...who knew?

He especially challenges me when he talks about when we use words to dispel quiet. He goes so far as to reference Ecclesiastes 5:1, "To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools."

Hm. How often have I given a "sacrifice of fools" when I try to get my words out and heard? Uh, ouch. He continues the assault on my pride when he states "one reason we can hardly bear to remain silent is that it makes us feel so helpless. We are so accustomed to relying upon words to manage and control others. If we are silent, who will take control? God will take control, but we will never let him take control until we trust him. Silence is intimately related to trust." Ouch again.

Yesterday, I really tried to embrace this idea. I resisted filling up my quiet moments with noise, and found I had more moments that I thought possible to meditate, pray and consider things of God. I prayed more for family and friends, I thought more of things that were "pure and lovely."

Honestly, that was way easier for me that will be the next opportunity I have to chose between keeping my trap shut and sharing my vast wisdom with someone. But, he challenges through Thomas a Kempis, "it is easier to be silent altogether than to speak with moderation." Sheesh, my toes hurt. :)

I am going to keep working on this - truly the moments of quiet and listening were well worth the "sacrifice" of noise.

What do you find more difficult...embracing quiet or being quiet? ..being okay with less noise, or keeping your tongue stilled?

Less Stressed Dinner: Sour Cream Enchiladas

2011-04-25T08:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, this is one of my favorites. Its my go-to recipe for when I gotta feed alot of people and its one of two things I make/take/freeze when I feed other families. Its WAY easy, cheap and is super versitle ..all characteristics of a Less Stressed Dinner :)

{Sour Cream Enchiladas}

2-3 cups cooked, shredded chicken or 1lb of ground, cooked beef

1 cup sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 small can diced green chilis

1 cupish cheddar cheese

12 flour tortillas

Combine all the ingredients, except cheese and tortillas. Grease/Pam a 9x13 baking dish. Using a large spoon, place two spoonfuls of filling on each flour tortilla; folding them with both sides to the middle, then placing them face down in the baking dish. Make sure to reserve a few spoonfuls of filling, and spread over entire pan of folded tortillas. Spread cheddar cheese over top of tortillas and filling layer.

At this point you can do a few things ..first, you can pop them in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until everything is bubbly. This is also the point that I take it to people, or to a large gathering, or when I am cooking the night before I can put them in the fridge. When its time to eat, just pop them in for 20 minutes and you are set.

You can also stop here, put some saran wrap on them, then some foil and place them in the freezer. I found it works better to have them thaw first, then 350 until bubbling.

Any way you do it, its a winner every time :)

I dont have any awesome pics for you today ..but picture cheese and creamy stuff :)

Shh.

2011-04-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

{"Dont be concerned about outward beauty or fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:3-4}

I needed to hear that today.

I really struggle with being quiet. Literally, with my voice as well as figuratively in my spirit. I am feeling challenged this day to be quiet in voice, which has interestingly crossed over to my spirit in many ways.

My default settings are loud. I shout my kids names to get their attention, I raise my voice to get my point across, I have a naturally loud voice when I talk on the phone or get excited about anything. I would guess most people would not describe me as quiet on any level :)

It takes effort for me to be quiet. The purposefulness of being quiet is good for me; its challenging, but good for me.

I have heard of a "noise" fast. I love that idea. I would love to turn off all the noise, only speak in a whisper, not speak if at all possible. I love the idea of creating a physically quiet environment in order to quiet my spirit.

Truthfully, that is not very reasonable with three boys six and under running around. But I wonder how their default settings would be challenged if I worked on suppressing mine? Hmm. I may try that :)

On any count, I am working on quiet today. I am turning the tv off, purposefully keeping my voice to a low volume and even going to resist turning on music to fill the void. When my children's voices or words get out of control we take "talking time outs". They have to have to put their finger on their mouths for a designated amount of time. I am considering using that myself to remind me to be quiet...I bet they would love that! :)

Do you have any tips, thoughts, verses or ideas about how to remind yourself to be quiet? Please share ...

Less Stressed Painting

2011-04-13T07:44:00.000-04:00

I love to paint. It is one of my favorite ways to freshen a room, change a perspective and feel productive :) I get the bug every couple of years and I am slam in the middle of one such rush of adrenaline right now. I currently have 2/3 of my bathrooms in various stages of being recolored and one in the "ah, it looks so pretty" stage :)

I assure you that my hubby appreciates it (insert eye roll here).

A friend mentioned something about being impressed I could do that with three kids running around and it occurred to me that I need to share my painting tips ..because they are the only reason I can go with this creative flows when they happen! :)

So, my tips ...

* Think about it for a bit - I tend to stay pretty neutral, so I dont worry too much about going from anything to a new color. But, if you are drawn to the bright or less neutral stuff, for sure think about it a bit. Lowes offers $5 sample cans of any of their colors. You can put it up and consider it, how it looks in the room in that room's lighting, etc. I love to ask the people standing around the paint sample area at the store ..especially if I am thinking something specific.

This time, I wanted a clean grey color ..not brown/green or blue. I asked several people standing there what they thought and ended up getting some great advise, switching what I was thinking and LOVING what I ended up with.

* Get quality paint - I had a fellow paint lover tell me this, and it has rung very true for me. The cheap stuff at Walmart will not cut it, even for the pennies you save by getting it. Save til you can afford the $30/gallon stuff. Trust me ..the money you end up spending will save you time (no extra coats), it will look better, and you will have alot less stress painting. Once when I tried to cut pennies I used two gallons of paint, three coats and quite a few bad words in the process all for one medium sized room.

Also, you will use alot less in the long run, so you can do what I do and fall in love with a color and take it to another room :) I will personally vouch for Sherwin Williams (at Sherwin William stores) and Valspar (Lowes). Both of these have great coverage, the colors are rich and matchable (for touchups later) and they roll on great!

* Supplies are a must - my "less stressed" painting method has a ton to do with the supplies I use. I have found the trick to painting with little ones around is short sessions. I may only get to work on a painting project a few minutes at at time, so my supplies are a big part of making those minutes count.

I am not a big taper. It takes time and that is not something I have at ton of. I use a tool that helps me cut out taping altogether, and makes quick work of trimming the ceiling and baseboards. Its by Shur-line, its sold at Lowes and is called the Edge Like a Pro. It has a pad is removable/replaceable and is super easy to use. It has rollers, so as long as you keep them clean you can get up against any ceiling, crown molding, baseboard or whatever. I love it (pic copyrighted by Shur-line)

Next is my favorite painting tip: a 5 gallon bucket and a paint screen. These two super cheap supplies are how I can do short sessions of painting. A $2 paint screen set inside a 5 gallon bucket will let you pour a good amount of paint in at a time (way more than one of those trays, 1/2 to a whole gallon) and eliminates the need for pouring paint every 20 minutes. You use the screen to clean off your roller of excess paint, which runs down the back of the screen, thus saving you paint/money :) (pic by HGTV.com). Now, the only disclaimer to that is that a 5 gallon bucket is overkill if you are just painting a small bathroom where there is not a ton of roller work. But if you are using the roller a lot, this is a great tip...that leads me to my #1 best painting tip.

* Easy clean up - Short paint sessions ONLY work if you can put it away and get it out fast. That means NO cleaning rollers and brushes in between times! I have learned that if you wrap your brushes/rollers/edgers AND your bucket full of paint in garbage bags/walmart bags and make sure that there is no air hitting your paint/brushes ...you can keep it forEVER.

No lie. I have worked on a room for a couple of weeks, and simply wrapped my roller up in a Walmart bag every time I used it. It stayed wet, and ready to use at a moments notice. NO cleaning up between sessions, and when it was all done I threw away my roller pad. The only thing I wash at the end is the brushes I use for touch up trim work, and those are no biggie.

I wrap the 5 gallon bucket or my paint tray in a trashbag, tie it super tight where this no air getting in. I leave it until my next available 15 minutes, open it up, roll a bit, then wrap it back up when I am done. When its time for clean up, put the excess paint back in the paint can, and leave it. As long as you are putting some time between the next painting marathon, the paint will dry in the bucket and you wont have to worry about cleaning it out. The same goes for the paint screen. I have used the same bucket/screen for multiple colors for a couple of years now.

Want some inspiration ..here is my way pretty bathroom before and after :)

Before as is when we moved in 2 years ago...It was fine, but wallpaper and little boys dont mix well :)

After: ...semi-gloss paint works great for little boys with muddy finger prints :)

Okay, my frame needs a couple of pictures in it but I am happy with the over all look :)

Do you have some more painting tips?! I would love to hear about what WORKS FOR YOU!

Only One Standard

2011-04-07T08:53:00.002-04:00

It seems this week is a week of encouraging each other in our convictions ..not just homeschooling, but whenever we are called to live a life that is different that those around us. As Christian moms and wives, we are called to be SO different that we are hated by the world! Because we are God's Spirit being lived in a human form, we tend to have the weaknesses of a human ...bummer.

One weakness of that is the fact that we can distracted by others' disapproval of simple lack of encouragement and support. Whether your convictions lead you to disciplining your children differently, making counter cultural choices about how you spend your money, how you educate your children, where you worship (or simply worship at all), we often need reminding who we are living those convictions for.

A friend shared this blog post with me this week, and it has fallen in line with some thoughts I was already having for several reasons...this is from the blog I Take Joy.

"Don’t listen.

Just don’t let them linger in your head. Have time in the word, pray, write down your commitment, hold fast and be a person of faith. Speak truth to your brain."

I am reminded of a post from a couple of years ago, and it encouraged me to recall some of those thoughts...perhaps they can help guide yours as well...Blessings on you this day :)

{This was originally posted on October 6th, 2009}

We can measure ourselves by others and the areas of strength we see in them. We can wrongly use them to make us feel less than worthy. We can create standards for ourselves that are not placed on us by God, or His word.

We can also do the same to others, or allow others to do so to us. Both of these, are difficult and oh so damaging to a right relationship with God and those He has placed in our lives.

First, when we create standards for ourselves based on either spirit-lead convictions or by other means (example of others, habits, new thinking, etc.) then place them on others ... we pridefully place ourselves in a position we do not belong.

Do you do this? Think about times when you look at others' choices they make, money they spend, the people they spend time with, the convictions they have, the behavior of their children, their marriages, their housekeeping ...do you look at them and measure them against your own successes, your own convictions, your own standards?

Are you using your own measure to judge others?

I know I find myself doing this, often without even realizing it. How unfair we can be to others, even if in our own minds.

If you have ever been on the opposite side of that, you know how damaging that can be as well. Have you ever been in the position to be the judged? Are you ever applied to the measure of someone else, and found to be wanting?

Do you have someone in your life who measures you by a standard that they have determined for themselves (whether Godly, spirit-led, or not) and makes sure you know you do not measure up?

Then, you know how difficult it can be for your spirit when that happens.

Remaining true to God's standards, and only God's standards, is only possible by constant prayer and by remaining in His Word. It must be a daily practice, so that we can remain in the Spirit which will help us see when we are creating standards for ourselves, others or are allowing others to place them on us.

Since realizing that I can confess to all of these, I have had my eyes opened to so many areas that need to return to God's guidelines and not mine or others'. I have found some freedom from standards that I did not need or deserve to be placing on myself and those around me. I have a long way to go, but I am learning :)

{Welcome ifellowshippers! ..so glad you are here :)}

The Why's of Homeschooling

2011-04-06T08:16:00.002-04:00

I hesitate to even post this here because of the personal nature of it - because so many of these thoughts will be specific to me and my family. I have considered not putting here at all, but then I consider how important our motivations are. Motivation has so much to do with how our day to day operations bring us (or dont bring us) any degree of peace.

Why do we do what we do? What is driving those things? When we chose the more difficult way, what is reason behind it? Clarity in these things allows for proper utilization of resources, and thus a more satisfied feeling in the achievement...maybe you share some of my motivations for this life choice, or maybe by seeing mine you will find a more solid reason why you do or do not make it for yourself :)

I have been asking myself why alot pertaining to homeschooling since we started it full time this past fall. I have been searching for my reasons, clarifying for myself why I have chosen this method of educating my children. That is, aside from the obvious fact that I was homeschooled myself, which really isnt enough motivation to drive the massive amount of resources that goes to this sort of decision.

I have determined that I actually have a few whys ...

Why I love homeschooling ...

it is what I know ...that has alot to do with it, truly. I was raised a homeschooled kid, went on to a four year college, graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It worked well for me, which I can say absolutely now that I am an adult. This life choice is one my parents made, and my mom specifically committed to up until two years ago when my youngest sibling finished out her high school years in a small private school. It is something I am comfortable with, and I have respect for on the other side of things.

it is simple. Not easy. Simple. It fits the goals we have for our family ..that being that we will embrace the little things, that we will live with less stress, a slower pace and an intense focus on nurturing relationships with eachother and God. With my boys home, we can take every opportunity to explore things we love, nurture relationships that dont fit into a brick and mortor school schedule (like with our daddy who works evening shift) and take things a pace that allows us to delve into the things we get the most enjoyment from.

it allows for flexibility. Really, this has alot to do with the "simple" things as well but I love how we are able to take things at the pace that fits our kids the best. I love how we are able to dwell on the things that need dwelt on. Be they discipline issues, emotional issues, education issues, family issues ..whatever the case may be. We are able to study space for two weeks if we want to, or rush through the letter sounds because for some reason my 4 year old knows them already. We can take more time to focus on obedience than math, or we can spend an hour reading a Magic Treehouse book from cover to cover. We can take a morning to rest if needed, or stay up late enjoying fellowship of good friends.

we can rise to the challenge, or slow down. I love the fact that my 6 year old is staying at pace with his potential. If we were in the school system, based on his birthday he would be just wrapping up his kindergarten year. Because we kept a pace that kept him challenged, we knocked out kindergarten and first grade this year. I know that he is being challenged to his full potential, and I really love that.

its about me. Its selfish, really, but I LOVE to see them learn new things. I love experiencing my 4 year old ask questions about a bible lesson, or hear my 6 year old make a connection about the solar system. I love hearing them repeat back things that I taught them. I love to hear my first grader belting out a made up song about the 9 planets, giving each one a distinguishing characteristic that he remembered from our lessons. I love being available when they have a question about something they saw ..I get to answer it. Which makes me feel awesome. :)

There are other why's though, too, aside from just why we do love it ...

Why I am okay with it ....

they will be a different. Sure. I know that. I think it is a no-brainer that because their life experiences will be different than the average kid their age, they naturally will be a bit different than those that have them. But I am okay with it. Again, I refer to my own experience as a "different" kid. I remember very well those moments when I felt out of place, when I didnt understand what they were all talking about, and when they were talking about homecoming and prom. I felt a bit left out, naturally. I recognized that I didnt talk the same as them or think about things the same way.

I am okay with it for my own kids, though because I also knew that it was because I was different that some people were drawn to me. I understood that my differentness let me be a different kind of influence to those around me and that if I saw those differences as a blessing, and not a curse then I had a lot of potential for touching people. All growing up I was the gal who all the misfits disclosed their secrets to. Looking back, I realize that it was because my innocence attracted them. I was in many situations where I was able to comfort a fellow jr high girl, hold the hand of a high school friend who had made bad choices, or encouraged a youth grouper to make a choice for Christ.

I know that my differentness helped me do those things. I know that because I wasnt like every other person they knew, I had a unique potential for touching them. Different isnt always bad.

And, lets face it ..I could name you 10 homeschool kids that were a bit "off" and match them with another 10 traditional schooled kids that I could say the same about ;)

they wont be socialized. Yeah, that is the one that everyone seems to bring up. Its funny, that lately it has come up for me ALOT. Having considered it quite a bit, I have determined this: that people are seriously concerned about their kids being socialized :)

Here is my take on it ..for whatever that is worth. The concept of socialization is about our children learning how to behave in social situations, how to manage relationships and function in the world around them. This, of course, is an important thing for children to learn. Thing is, that I think most kids do this very naturally. As long as they are exposed to children and adults on a regular basis so that they have opportunity to learn these ideas, they will naturally learn what they need to.

A child who is in a healthy family learns a TON about how to behave in every kind of relationship. They learn respect for authority, how to treat people younger than you, how to share, how to be considerate of others, how to serve others, the importance of sacrifice for the good of everyone, natural consequences...etc. I could go on and on. True, they arent learning it along with 25 other kids 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, but I have found that the lessons learned at home can be directly applied to a bible class full of 15 kids and a teacher just like a home with two little brothers and two parents :)

Honestly, because we are together 100% of the time we are working on socialization 100% of the time. We are constantly instructing, guiding and teaching what it means to be a considerate friend, neighbor, brother, son and member of society.

We also provide opportunities for getting to know other children of different ages, working with a team, and getting instruction from authority besides mom and dad. So, I am okay with them not learning this concept the same way most of his counterparts are learning it. But be assured, many homeschooled kids are learning how to be good little social beings :)

we arent in the rat race. I am totally okay with my kids not being in school 40+ hours a week. Dont misunderstand, I am ALL about educating my children. I want them to learn as much as they can, I want them to meet the education standards of their society (at the very least) ..I want them to be educated, now and in the future. I am okay, though, with this not being the primary task of their childhood. I am okay with us working for 2-3 solid hours on book learning, and spending the rest of the day learning about things that they will take with them for the rest of their life. I am okay with spending more hours in our day focusing on life lessons than math lessons. I am okay with it.

Why I dont love homeschooling ...{yes, I have some why's for that too}

there is an assumption of judgement. I remember my own parents struggling with this, being some of the only homeschoolers in a small Texas town whose very life blood was wrapped up in high school football and education. When you chose to do something counter cultural, there is always an assumption that you are judging everyone who does not make that choice.

I truly do NOT judge anyone who do does not make this choice. I know that this lifestyle is one that is very personal and unique to a person, their goals, their resources and many other factors. To say that this is THE right choice for everyone and their choosing not to is wrong ..well, that is just silly.

Some of the best moms I know do not homeschool, are public school teachers or otherwise do not chose to education their children this way. There is no judgement there for any of them. We all have to use the resources we have to do the best job we complete the tasks God has blessed us with.

there is assumption of being a public school hater. I had someone say something about this this week. That is one thing I dont love about homeschooling. I do not hate the public school system, and I have nothing but respect for teachers who work with all those kids every day. I think they must have a special dose of resources that I do not have because they give like I do for kids they dont even know, they are working with resources less then they really need, and they are often asked to more than is humanly possible for one person. I know many tradional school teachers that see their lives as a calling, which I can totally agree with. I also feel there is a function in society that brick and mortar schools play in the overall betterment of our society. I have made the choice I have made because of the needs of my kids, not because I hate the public schools or their teachers :)

SO ...for whatever it is worth, there are my thoughts.

Feel free to comment, just keep it positive please! :)

Henry and Stella Sale!

2011-03-31T09:30:00.001-04:00

One of our Mom Based Businesses is having a AWESOME sale on some beautiful pieces ..just through April 8th!

I snatched up a few, including this beautiful thing.

Th sale items are starting at $8 with shipping/taxes INCLUDED ...a great deal and perfect for gifts!

She has them posted only on Facebook so better head there now ...Henry and Stella Designs

Defining Simplicity

2011-03-29T17:36:00.000-04:00

As I have mentioned, I am reading Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider. I have really loved being inspired by her suggestions and utilizing her practical suggestions for how to create a simple life.

I hope to write more about those experiences, but for now I want to share my thoughts about the idea of simplicity itself.

Tsh defines simple living as "living holistically with your life's purpose." This is a great starting point for living this idea of a simple life, and can really apply to anyone and everyone who considers the idea. What that means to each of us is the variable, and what makes the difference between what your simple life looks like, versus mine.

I have been diverting some pretty serious mental resources to considering what "living holistically with {my} life's purpose" means, for me and my family. In the refining, I have found some inspiration to take care of a few things, let go of a few things, increase my resolve on a few things and relax on others.

Living simply will mean different things for you as well - for some of you, a determination to live more simply will mean you get to work on decluttering your home, others it will mean you put the lysol away and focus on your family. For some, it will mean you relax your grip on your pennies and others it will mean that you are more committed to debt-free living. For some, you will be inspired to become more frugal and coupon clipper of the universe, while others will let go of the guilt of not doing it in this season of life. ..its okay, because living simply is about creating a life that allows you to meet those needs.

A couple of things I have learned about simplicity in my own life ....

* simple and easy are not the same thing. I have found that in order to live simply, I may have to make some hard changes. I may need to get on a budget or lose some weight. In order to live better, I may need to work harder ..at least for now.

* simple and frugal are not the same thing...not necessarily. Honestly, living simply may mean that I get that steam mop I love so I dont spend so much time/energy/hate points on lugging around a mop and water. I may spend more on disposable diapers than if I did cloth, but frankly ...cloth diapers simple? nope, not for me. It may cost more to get a washing machine that works better, but when I can cram 3 loads worth in one load relative to my old one ..I will take it.

Its about spending ALL my resources as currency, not just my pennies.

One thing Organized Simplicity has you do is create a family purpose statement...after some input from the hubby and considering it for a bit, ours is:

"Live simply, peacefully, less stressed with glory to God in everything we are, everything we have and in everything we do."

Having this written down had really helped refine what simple living means for our family. It has nurtured inspiration, motivated decluttering, prioritized our schedules, empowered our service, and given us a heart for what is the most important on a day to day basis.

I am excited to share with you a little at a time some changes I have made, some have made a big difference in my overall feeling of calm and peace :)

Congrats Stasi!

2011-03-28T16:42:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Stasi for winning 6 months FREE on PearBudget! ...this should be a great kickstart for her new years resolution to get on a budget :)

She says in her entry comment ..."I love pear budget! I used their free spreadsheet version before we were married, but i never made the jump to the online version. Even if I don't win, i will try and convince my husband that the jump is worth it"

I hope this helps your case Stasi!

YOU may not have won 6 months for free ...BUT PearBudget offers everyone who signs up (again, nothing entered more personal than an email address) a FREE 30-day trial. I have been using mine and LOVE it!

Special thanks to Charlie at PearBudget, as well as Ruth who have offered this great giveaway and have let me gush to them about their great resource and my new favorite iphone app! :) Thanks so much!

Less Stressed Dinner: Chicken Stroganoff

2011-03-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

{First, make sure to go enter to win the PearBudget GIVEAWAY ..we are drawing later today!}

Okay, next thing up ..dinner!

I put this together last night for our dinner and it was SOO yummy I wanted to share ...its pretty easy, although admittedly not as easy as the Crockpot Beef Stroganoff recipe. It also utilizes many things that are on sale this week at Publix ..inspired by Emealz? I think so :)

{Chicken Stroganoff}

1 lb skinless chicken breast, cut into small chunks

1 small onion, chopped

1 stalk of celery, diced

4 oz of white mushrooms (optional..but yummy)

16oz chicken broth

1 chicken boullion cube

8 oz sour cream

3 tbl flour

8oz egg noodles, cooked

seasonings for taste: garlic salt, poultry seasoning, basil, onion powder

Melt 2 tbl spoons margarine in a large skillet, toss and saute onions, celery and mushrooms. When veggies are tender, add chicken. Season to preference, I shake all that stuff I mentioned in there :) When chicken is no longer pink, add chicken broth and chicken boullion cube. Simmer until chicken is done and tender. Mix flour and sour cream until smooth. Spoon this mixture into chicken/broth mixture...a whisk works great. Stir until the sour cream/flower is well integrated. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flour to thicken the sauce. Serve over hot egg noodles. YUMMO!

To make things even better, add some Cheese and Garlic Biscuits! ..I stole this recipe off the Bisquick box, adjusted a little to taste and use it ALL the time :)

{Cheese and Garlic Biscuits}

2 cups Bisquick mix

2/3 cup milk

1/2ish cup of shredded cheddar cheese

a few shakes of garlic powder

Mix together, drop onto a cookie sheet and cook at 350 until just barely showing color ..if they turn brown they are tad over done. Brush with melted butter seasoned with garlic salt, serve warm.

Enjoy!

Project Simplify: Kids Stuff

2011-03-25T10:54:00.001-04:00

I have really loved taking care of some of these Hot Spots ...Simple Mom's Project Simplify has been most inspiring to get some of these problem areas knocked out!

This week's assignment was a big area of need in our house, which is why I took care of it last weekend ..two days BEFORE she assigned it as this week's Hot Spot :)

SO..I dont have any BEFORE pics of the Kids Stuff ..but I do have after pics and have been enjoying the organization of that for a week now!

We dont have a huge closet, but we do have a playroom so the only thing in my boy's room is their clothing and some books. That really helps keep the toy clutter to a smaller geographical location...

The boys closet BEFORE ..

{picture here ...the after pic with lots more clothes, stuff sticking out drawers and no empty hangers :}

The boys closet AFTER ...

The blue bins at the top of their closet is one of our Parent Control Stubstances ...their train set. If they have all the pieces down for that at once they end up spreading all over the house, always cluttering up their bedroom (so I take back what I said about there not being any toys in their room ..this is the only thing have in there ..the trains stay in their bedroom)

The keep their laundry hamper in the closet, it keeps it from being a roller coaster ride down the stairs :)

In the drawers we have pj's, undies/socks and all their pants. Their shirts are all hanging. I personally find that much easier than folding. I have two levels of shelves ..the lower shelf is specifically for clothes they choose for themselves. Those shirts are ones they can play in and are accessible by independent little boys :) The upper level is next season's stuff, and also shirts that I prefer they dont play in.

This is the room and the extra hangers we had left after we decluttered their clothes! :)

Decluttering their toys has been a perpetual process - I am constantly decluttering that area. Especially since Christmas I have been stealthily getting rid of toys that are broken, junky or not played with. With what we have left, I have half of it out and the other half in a bin in the garage. Its our version of toy rotation, only bringing it out when they start asking for specific things I know are in there.

I leave out categories of stuff that I know they love the most ..cars, dress up, blocks, trains, etc. We were still having a lot of trouble keeping that stuff picked up, so as part of this week's decluttering I did another brutal toy overhaul.

This time I had them chose from those categories their 10 favorites of each of those things (except blocks, the open ended toys stay as is). They have 10 cars, 10 "people" (my boys LOVE gijoe guys, and other figures like that), 10 of their favorite dress up items, etc. I was alittle concerned they would complain about it but ..not a whine.

When we were all done choosing our favorite things, we "celebrated" having simplified all of it and we dumped ALL the bins in the of the playroom floor! :) Then we saw how fast we were able to pick it all up, it was super fast :) This was a great lesson for mommy and boys :)

I also have a shelf of toys that are Parent Controlled - things they have to have permission and or supervision to use. In those bins is paint, playdoh, construction sets, etc. They can reach them, but they know they cant get them without permission.

In the process of simplifying the kiddo's stuff I learned I learned a few things that I would like to remember for when I attempt this again ...

* Kids really do like simplicity ...it has been notable how there has been no complaints whatsoever about the limited toy options. I swear they are playing outside more, playing with eachother more, complaining less about picking up, and playing with what they have more often. Its not just for me :)

* Give them a voice ..I was a bit surprised when I called my 6 yo in to help me declutter his pants. He had a ton but apparently he had serious reasons for why he didnt wear certain ones (aside from Sunday, or when looking nice is important, he chooses his own clothes). I learned he prefers jean and not "brown" short because they "embarrass" him ..who knew? That helped eliminate several pairs of shorts that would have otherwise been taking up room :)

* Every pair of jeans we started out the fall with have holes in them now :) ..that means we now have that many pairs of cut off shorts for the summer. These are perfect play shorts, and as we have learned ...gives Ty more options for "not brown" shorts :)

* Because these boys are growing SO fast, I am keeping a basket in their closet or on my dryer (its on my dryer right now) for putting things away that are outgrown or need to be goodwill/garage sale'd. I have found that having a basket close by, it cuts down on the dreaded clothes overhaul every few months.

This was a great week for decluttering and simplifying! ..cant wait for next week!

{One are we area simplifying is our BUDGET ..check out our PearBudget GIVEAWAY !}

What Does it Cost?

2011-03-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

With this week's focus on keeping our finances simple and less stressed, I am also thinking alot the cost of what we do with all of our resources. We do not only spend our pennies, but each of our resources as they are all as finite as our monthly paychecks.

The truth is, is that whenever we use what we have we are taking from the supply of what we will have for later. Sometimes that is in respect for money, and sometimes it is in time or mental energy. Determining when and where to properly use any of those things, is the key to being a good steward of what God has given us.

On Facebook this week, I asked the question: What helps you MOST feel like a good steward of your finances ...keeping a budget, using cash or being frugal?

I think Christine answered for a good portion of us when she said, "Being frugal, not buying things others would buy. I try very hard to seriously evaluate whether I need something, or if I could do without."

I liked her followup answer..."it helps to remember that Jesus didnt have an ipad :)"

I would agree that by being protective of our resources, whether financial or otherwise, we give ourselves a leg up in the effort to make sure that all of our limited assets are distributed the way that God would want us to. Choosing when and where we use those resources creates a sense of purpose for what God has given us, and allows for more effectively using them for the reasons we desire in our hearts to use them.

In her book, Organized Simplicity, Tsh Oxenreider talks about "opportunity cost". She talks describes opportunity cost as being "the cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action...(it is) the benefit you could have received by taking an alternative action."

For me, that means that there are pros and cons of everything we chose to give ...when we give, it costs us something. When we spend anything on anything else we are pulling from what we have, which means that resource is no longer available to be used elsewhere.

For instance, if you spend "x" on a new pair of shoes then you have "x" less to put towards the light bill. In the same way if you spend "x" amount of minutes watching tv then you have "x" less to give reading to your kiddos, reading your bible, etc.

Our opportunity costs have to be evaluated when we look at all that God has given us, and how we use it. Whether we are considering our pennies, our energy, our relationships, our emotional reserve or our time we are "spending" those things either for God's benefit ..or NOT.

Something else to consider though, is when we have a heart for giving (again, no matter what it is we give) and we are doing it with service to God in mind, God does great things with the resources we chose to offer up.

Consider the church in Macedonia, when the apostle Paul was collecting funds for the church in Jerusalem ..."..they were tested by many troubles, and they were very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which is overflowing in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They did more than we had hoped because their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do." 2 Cor 8: 1-5

As godly women, I believe we often struggle with the opportunity cost of everything we give in our lives. We struggle with giving too much time to laundry and thus sacrificing time with our kids, or too much time serving out side our homes and give up nurturing the environment of our homes. We struggle with the time it takes to cut coupons, vs the pennies we spend at the grocery store. We struggle with whether or not we should take care of ourselves with a 30 minute jog or give focused time to our husbands at the end of our day.

We desire to beautifully balance all of these precious resources, because we have so much as stake ..namely our families, our homes and our godly service.

We must remember that above all else, we are to give ourselves to God, filled with joy in the giving and thus being moved to rich generosity.

Does that mean we give to anything and everything to everyone? ...no. The Macedonian church was begging for the privilege of giving to a certain cause, not every one that was presented to them. We must use wisdom in determining which causes are worthy, and which ones dont make the cut. But when we chose the right area to give, we are doing "just as God wanted {us} to!"

{Welcome ifellowshippers! Its always a blessing to have you here!}

{Dont forget to check out our post on PearBudget and our current GIVEAWAY ...a great way to manage your financial resources well!}

Less Stressed Tool: Pear Budget

2011-03-21T09:07:00.003-04:00

Okay, I have been so excited to share this with you since I discovered it last week! This tool is going to make a BIG stressor WAY less stressful :)

I am reading Organized Simplicity, by SimpleMom (more on that later!). She is a big fan of this husband-wife team's online budgeting system.

Pear Budget is a super simple way to be a good little Dave Ramsey follower/debt free live-r/good steward of your financial resources. Using a very easy to use format, PB sets you up a monthly budget and helps keep track of your spending in less time and with less effort...thus, with less stress! :)

I have been keeping a budget for my entire marriage, which includes tracking every penny we use. Our beginning spreadsheets were in a word, complicated. They involved way more than they should have, for something that need to keep on top of in order to take good care of money. We have simplified through the years, but this takes the cake.

My favorite PB highlights:

*You enter your budget ONCE..meaning, that I made my monthly budget and they have it set up for me from here on out. I love that I can fast forward two months and put that I will need a haircut in May so to budget for that. Love it.

* The whole thing is extremely simple - simple fields, simple key strokes, easy to find everything and easy to figure out as a newbie. The have you put in just enough info to keep your pennies behaving, but not too much where you spend way to much time entering info.

* Not only does create your budget for monthly stuff, it also takes irregular bills (like quarterly payments) and breaks it up for you. It helps you budget your big expenses better. I really love this because it something we do anyway with our car insurance and stuff. I love that PB does it for me!

* They have an iphone app! ...I pulled this up this morning because that is something that will help me, both to keep track of what I can spend while I am out and about and also to put in what I am spending when I spend it. The app lets you hop on your budget, check out how much is in say, the "Dining Out" budget and then track the receipt, all from your iphone. One of my favorite things about that ..hubby and I can be on the same page! He can know what we have, and knows if we have the bucks to buy me flowers ;)

* Dont have an iphone? Its okay ..they have something else that is great too ..its called a "Go Card" ..a 3x5 version of your budget that you can print and take with you. Love it.

* Aside from your email, it doesnt use any personal info - no bank info, no account numbers, etc. I like that.

* Their website is pretty .. :)

* The website and app is well worth the $5/month... And since they give you a free 30-day trial so you can play, learn and become dependent :) ... this one is a no-brainer for me! In order to try it, you dont have to enter any personal info, aside from your email address. No credit card numbers or anything.

BUT .... my #1 favorite thing about them to date ...drumroll please ...

They have offered LPLS readers a giveaway of a free 6-month subscription!

Wahoo!..you will WANT this!

In order to enter, please go check out Pear Budget! ..set up a super easy budget (it literally took me less than 5 minutes) ..and then come tell me what you think!

If you "like" them on Facebook ...you get another entry. I got on there this morning and learned even more great tips about new fav budgeting tool!

If you "like" LPLS on Facebook ..you get another entry...really, we want you lots of chances to get this great tool!

We will choose a winner NEXT Monday! ..ready, set, GO!

{in effort to manage my resources well...this WORKS FOR ME!}

Simplicity.

2011-03-18T13:39:00.001-04:00

I dont know about all of you ..but the older I get the more I am learning about me. Things that I have always just ignored because it was me, and "thats the way I am, I guess."

Over the past few years, especially since I turned 30, I have learned SO much about what that means. What "being me" mean? Who AM I anyways?

Part of that is refining for myself why certain things stress me out (thus, this blog) and why certain things calm my default settings down :)

For example, I know I have always loved the role of teacher. I am the oldest of six kids and the structure of our home allowed for me to be a mentor and teacher to all my siblings. I have carried that passion and love through to adult hood, but only recently have I discovered what that really means specifically.

What I have learned is that I love to teach people things that bring calm, empower and inspire peace. I dont want to just teach someone anything (I am really bad at explaining how to play a game, for example :) ..but something that will be valuable and valued

All THAT to say, I have always knew that I loved order. I love lists, sets of matching things, clean lines, and things being sorted by color. I love it. To refine it, though, I have discovered that what I really am after is simplicity.

What I really want and what causes me a sigh of contentment is simple order.

I am just bursting at the seams with serious blog inspiration that cant WAIT to pour out over the next week. I have a book I want to tell you about, some great links to share and a giveaway that I just got word about.

What some simple inspiration to get you in the mood? ...I have discovered Simple Mom, check her out!

a little oil

2011-03-17T04:21:00.000-04:00

I am doing a study on the lives and ministry of Elijah and Elisha. This week I was reading the story in 2 Kings chapter four, of Elisha and the widow of a prophet of God...

"The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my

two boys as his slaves.”

² Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”

“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.”

³ Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. ⁴ Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”

⁵ She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. ⁶ When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.”

But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.

⁷ She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

I wonder how often we feel like this gal? We come to God feeling desperate and overwhelmed. We feel as if we have nothing at all to offer God, or anyone else. We are spent and exhausted. We have the weight of the world on our shoulders, and the reality of our situation starts closing in on us.

As the woman lays out her case to Elisha, he responds with a question that seems deeper than just "Tell me, what you have in your house?" ..."I have nothing." Nothing to give, nothing to offer...except this little bit of oil.

I love LOVE how God uses the very thing that she offers to show himself to her! I love how Elisha tells her to .."dont only ask for a few" ...God is gonna do something big, girl ..you better get ready for it!

She does what Elisha says, but dont you think she wishes later that gotten more empty jars?

She starts pouring, and pouring and pouring. You can just about see the excitement building as she keeps setting full jars aside, knowing her debt would be taken care of and her babies would not be taken away. She keeps reaching and reaching, then as the last one is used up..the oil stops pouring.

I have been considering how little she felt she had to offer - how helpless she had felt only a short time before. She offered what she had, and God used it. He took what she had and multiplied it, as only He can, to meet her needs.

I think that we can take a lesson from this lady ...first, she offered ..what little she felt she had, she offered it. Then, she obeyed, she collected jars, shut the door and starting pouring. Last, she saw God taking her little and making it more than she could imagine.

You may not feel like you have anything ...but even that little drop of oil at the bottom of a dried up flask can be used by God to show his power in your life! I pray that you offer him what you have, and then are blessed enough to see it fill all the empty vessels in sight!

Emealz Dinner Idea!

2011-03-16T17:09:00.002-04:00

In case you missed it..I shared with you this week about a great online resource I have been using the last few weeks! Learn more about Emealz here!

I wanted to share one of their great recipes with you, to show how simple but YUMMO the menus are!

We LOVED this one!

French Dip Sandwiches

by Emealz

1/2 to 1lb boneless shoulder roast

14 oz can of beef broth

2 oz box onion soup mix, 1 pkt

1/2 loaf bakery French Bread

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Combine beef broth and onion soup mix in crockpot. Add roast. Cook on low for 6-8 hours

Remove roast to slice or shred. Slice french bread in half, lengthwise. On one side layer beef, then cheese. Close sandwich, wrap in foil and place in 375 degree oven for 25 minutes.

Remove and slice. Use broth from the meat as au jus for dipping.

{I was a little pressed for time, so I used a can of condensed French Onion Soup instead of broth/mix and I also broiled my meat/cheese instead of wrapping in foil...it was AWESOME!}

Honestly, all of the meals on our Emealz menu have been great ..all simple, few ingredients and yummy!

Click on the button to check out Emealz (OH ..and I discovered that I DO get a 25% commission on each referral made ...but I promise I didnt realize that before I decided to share them with you! :) ...and dont forget to use the COUPON code on the side bar for $2 off a subscription!

Anxious for the Right Reasons

2011-03-16T08:40:00.000-04:00

We all know what it feels like to be anxious. We know how to worry, fret and over analyze. As women we are wired to do these things by default. In effort to surround ourselves with peace and calm, one of the first things to go is that tendency toward giving over to that default setting.

We should constantly remind our hearts to "cast your cares on him, because he cares for you." {1 Peter 5:7} and of course, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." {Philippians 4:6}

There are times, though, when we feel a degree of anxiety that is based on the good things we are doing for the benefit of God's will. Have you experienced that kind of anxiety?

When your insides are unsettled because you know you are being challenged to move forward, away from your comfort zone, to a new horizon and new task? How about when you are sensing the need for change, renewal or revising a good thing you are doing for Him?

I have been feeling that the past couple of weeks for a ministry with my church family ...I am ANXIOUS about the needs and the potential for meeting them!

It was in state of mind on Sunday, when I saw this jumping out at me ..."For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You wont spend the rest of your life chasing your own desires but will be anxious to do the will of God." 1 Peter 4:1b-2

That is a great reason to be anxious!

I pray for you today that you will be anxious for the RIGHT things ..for doing His will, for accomplishing the tasks to which you have been called, to manage your resources well and to be called a worthy servant of His!

{Welcome, ifellowship friends!}

Project Simplify: Paper Clutter

2011-03-14T09:35:00.002-04:00

{okay, I am going to participate in this weeks Project Simplify challenge but I am reposting this to remind myself about a system the does work great for me ..as long as I stay on top of it!}

A huge area of stress and clutter in my house is paper!

I just finished cleaning off my desk ..which was a pile of ridiculousness that I have been putting off for forEVER. I had piles everywhere and only I knew what to do with any of them.

I was forced to resurrect a great system that I used awhile back. I am now remembering how much easier it was than going through a pile of paper clutter for a couple of hours every few months. Like so many things, it is a matter of taking care of the clutter on the front side ..before it becomes clutter.

Having a place to put everything, just like in my house otherwise, is the secret to keeping the clutter down.

I found this file folder holder about a year or so ago at Sam's Club, of all places. They have all sorts of file keepers on sale right now, so it would be a great to get what you need for this tool. It came with some really cute file folders (cute makes everything easier). I think I bought the whole thing for $3...it works great for me!

It is in my kitchen, where I bring the mail ...the ROOT OF ALL PAPER CLUTTER! I have each file folder labeled: Current Bills, Finances, Current Projects, Receipts, Pending Business and Important Stuff (genius, I know).

As I open my mail, everything goes into one of these places or the trash. I open it all right at the file folder so I open, file or throw away. No putting the filing off til later.

I have found that this keeps everything I need right at my finger tips when I need it (like, the bills), helps me keep track of small pieces of paper (invitations, receipts, gift certificates, etc.) and important information (like eye prescriptions, drs excuses, etc.). I do still have to file into my larger filing system at some point, but only every couple of months and then it is already sorted and organized.

Another great use of it is keeping track of receipts for tax purposes ..last year was our first year to itemize, so this year I am having to keep a close track on all my receipts. I am filing them straight to this file box so I know exactly where the money receipts are! I will love myself next April :)

What type of paper clutter system do you use? Does it work for you??!

Less Stressed Dinner: Emealz

2011-03-14T09:13:00.002-04:00

Today, I wanted to share something that I have utilized the last couple of weeks that has taken some stress away from both grocery shopping AND making dinner! :)

E-mealz is a great Less Stress tool ...created by moms just like us to help us blend together weekly sales of our favorite grocery stores, a weekly menu (with recipes!) and a shopping list! They have a long list of options of different menus and shopping lists including different grocery stores (Publix, Walmart, Kroger, ect.), different size families (2-5 people), different meal preferences ..including a Weight watchers Points Plus plan!

The recipes included are super simple and way yummy (I will post an example later today!)!

Also, some menus/shopping lists also include online coupon links that can be used on your shopping lists ..on top of the sales that week.

Each week you simply login, print your menu/shopping list and head to the grocery store for great savings and a week of great dinner meals!

This great resource costs $15/3months ...$5/month, $1.25/week. I wrote the gals at E-mealz and let them know that this is PERFECT for LPLS readers! They have offered us a coupon code for $2 off a subscription!

Click this link and use the coupon code when you order: SAVINGMONEY

{Disclaimer: aside from the coupon code I am sharing with you, I am not getting any compensation for sharing this resource ..I really do love it}

A good reminder for myself ...

2011-03-11T19:13:00.001-05:00

{I had to repost this because I needed to be reminded ...at one point this WORKED FOR ME! ..it still does I just had to remember!}

I love organization!

It makes me giddy to experience order, especially in my own home. Because of that, I get really frustrated when I cant achieve some level of order in my home. Just having had a baby 6 weeks ago, I am feeling that urge to order and reorder the world of crazy chaos around me :) ..three boys under 6 will do that to a gal.

I keep hearing one of my favorite order mentor, FlyLady saying ..."anyone can find 15 minutes in a day." Now, not to disagree with her (like I said, I love her concepts and use them regularly) but 15 minutes all at one time is often IMPOSSIBLE to find in my crazy days.

Part of the problem is if I do get 15 minutes at one time when I am not needed by a new baby, a potty training toddler, a learning to read 5 year old, a wonderful daddy, a busy household ..I have 1000000 things to get done in that 15 minutes.

I have learned to settle for asking less (much less) of myself, and trying not to let that idea that "anyone can find 15 minutes" throw me off. Somedays, 2 minutes to accomplish anything is all I have.

But, I am working on a mental list of things to do that I can get done in 5 or less minutes ..here is what I have come up with so far ...

*Make my bed ..JUST make my bed, not put clothes away or dust the dresser, JUST make the bed

*Switch the laundry

*Fold some of the laundry ..maybe not all, but if I knock out half then its that much less that I have to do later

* Fill the dishwasher ..again, maybe not all but its okay

* Swish the toilet bowl

* Wipe off the bathroom sink

* Take the stuff on the stairs upstairs, or downstairs depending on where it goes

* Take the meat out for dinner

* Consider dinner

* Clip this week's coupons ..not all, perhaps ..

Having a few things in mind before hand, I can get straight to it in that quiet time between putting the kids in the bath and them start yelling about their sibling splashing them, or while the baby is happy between feedings and needing a nap, or that wonderful first 5 minutes that a cartoon is keeping their attention.

Short spurts of time can make a big difference if I have a plan, AND be okay with not getting something completed. Sometimes, it may take several short little productive bursts to complete that load of laundry but when its done, YAY!

Hip Homeschool Moms

2011-03-11T17:27:00.003-05:00

You know that if you are a homeschooling mom that this time of year, as your kids are wrapping up this school year YOU are already thinking ahead to NEXT year!

I am not different ..I am very excited for what we have plans for, but need to move out some of this curriculum we are done with (or will be very soon!). Getting rid of that will relieve stress because we are "getting rid of it!" and because now we have some pennies to put towards those great plans! :)

I have my materials listed with a great community I found called Hip Homeschool Moms ..since I (of course) consider myself one such mom ;) I love to visit them on Facebook and their blog.

They have a great Homeschool Classified community I am utilizing ...here is my listing if you are interested in purchasing my used Beyond Little Hearts to His Glory deluxe set :)

Creating Peace in Others ..or Taking it Away

2011-03-09T13:20:00.003-05:00

I love considering how we can encouraging each other to a peaceful balance of utilizing our resources and blessing others through them. I love seeing how my effort to be more available for God's peace to fill me, can perhaps give others the ability to experience God's peace in their own life..I say that in a general "us" kinna way, rather than something I specifically do ..but I love to consider it.

For me, along with considering how we can encourage peace in each other, is considering how we can do the opposite of that. Specifically, I have considered lately how negativity in our words, attitudes and actions can serve to take peace away from those around us.

I know we have all been there ...when others' lack of peace affects us in a negative way. When their words, harshness, stress, bad attitude can suck the peacefulness of our hearts away in a second. It may take a careless or unloving word to ruin much more than just a moment of peaceful rest in God's goodness.

Even in the midst of positivity, a negative outlook can ruin things.

I had a opportunity recently to be in a position where I was able to receive feedback about a heart-deep service offering to my sisters in Christ. It is one of things that I and a friend of mine give months of thought and heart to. We have a team of people who encourage us, support us, work along side of us and pray through this work on a yearly basis. We love it.

I was amazed this year, to receive an abundance of awesome and wonderful feedback about the work we did once it was completed. We had alot of really great and encouraging words given to us, then and since. It seems though, that in our human weakness we default to only really thinking about those few negative comments that hurt us in the moment they were said.

Its silly really - the ratio of good to bad comments is crazy..like 98:1 ...but amazingly it still did a number on the peace that we got from doing that work.

Really, its just a reflection of my own weakness and pride...but it made me realize how important the words we use are. How one negative word or thought shared at the wrong time can be so damaging to God's servants and ultimately His work.

It has made me more aware of how I use my words, and how negativity can have such an dramatic effect on how a person experiences the peace that comes from doing God's work, or living their purpose. Its a powerful tool in Satan's arsonel, especially for women!

I think we need to reflect carefully on these words, keep them close to our hearts and meditate on them so when we get the opportunity to say something that may steal a person's peace we can remember ...

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Eph 4:29 (NIV)

The New Living Translation puts a bit more simply, "...Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

Certainly, this requires some serious considering of the words that come out of our mouths (a tough one for me!) ...but worth the cost, when we consider that we can do much to encourage peace in others and take it away just as easily.

As an end note ...I am totally over anything negative that was said (we did a GREAT job!), but the lesson was still an important one! :)

{Welcome ifellowshippers! ..thanks for visiting!}

2011-03-03T07:33:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling a general sense of anxiety lately. I have had alot going on, many responsibilities, many commitments and many things to focus on. That anxiety has crept into the priorities in my life reflecting on my home, the discipline of my children, our homeschooling and even my friendships.

I am feeling determined this morning to do a true open heart inventory of it - the source, and also get recommitted to those areas where I need to be doing better.

I am realizing the importance of evaluation. Of stopping, looking, studying and determining where the sources of our frustrations, anxiety and worry really are born.

Its not that anything bad is going on, or that I have anything to complain about. Its just a build up of that every day stress that piles on top of each other and then weighs on my heart, heavily.

I am reminded that God reminds us often throughout scripture to "..cast your cares on the Lord, he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall." Psalms 55:22

And, "...Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

I am reminded, also, of what a powerful tool that Satan uses in the hearts of our Creator's more gentle sex. He uses it expertly, even when things are going well, blessed and worthy of nothing but praise. As I am reminded by a friend and blogger this morning, anxiety places us in a direct conflict with where God wants us to be. To allow myself to stay in this weighty place, I would be being less than what God desires of me.

So, I go to my old standby (as I friend says, I own this verse!) ..."do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding with guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6

I am going to go to my prayer blog and share all these things with him, now. I am going to share where I feel weak, failing, challenged, convicted and regretful. I know that he will bless that offering, as he always does.

I pray for you today that you are able to evaluate the sources of your anxiety, be able to give it to him, and be willing to allow his peace to overwhelm you this day.

Mom-Based Business: Henry & Stella Designs

2011-03-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

Our Mom-Based Business of the week is Henry & Stella Designs ...a new jewelry line that I LOVE LOVE!

{Our mom is Krystal}

Krystal Maples is a jewelry designer and stay-home mom from Cheney, Kansas. She and her husband, Chad, have been married since 2004 and have two adopted sons, ages 13 and 9. She began making jewelry in 2010 and fell in love with hand-stamped metalwork. She recently left the corporate world and her job as a private investigator for a law firm, and now runs Henry & Stella Designs (named after two of her dogs) from her home. She greatly enjoys the flexibility of being her own boss and having a more active role in her sons' lives.

I am a proud owner of a Henry & Stella design with all three of my sons' names on a round silver circle. I love it! ...this is me when I got to wear it for the first time :)

These make GREAT mom or grandmother gifts! Her designs are unique, simple and beautiful. She does them for your school, your favorite athlete, your favorite nickname..etc. They are as unique as you are :)

Check out her site, look around and get to know her work. I would love for you to come back and tell me what you LOVE!

If I must ...

2011-02-25T05:40:00.001-05:00

Whatta week! Business reigns supreme in the Steedly house this week, as mama is getting ready for her annual Ladies Retreat with her "girls". As a planner, this is one of my favorite times of year and this weekend we get to see all our hard work come to fruition!

This, of course, is also the weekend that I need to wrap up my Thirty One catalog party for Kimmie!

I am SO excited to see this new spring catalog ..SO many new prints and new bags that I just drool over!

My favorites are the Spiral and Dot with hot pink lettering ..SOOO cute.

I am also way excited about their new boy prints...because there are lots of boys around here! :)

If you are interested in placing an order with Thirty One, I would LOVE for you to pop over to my online party HERE ...also, keep in mind we are trying to help this MOM BASED BUSINESS hit a new milestone this month. OKAY, if I HAVE to get new awesome bags in order to support you Kimmie..I will make the sacrifice :)

Thirty One is also having a great sale this month - for every $31 you spend, you get another item for 31% off! This is a good deal, when using it for an AWESOME car bucket (large utility tote!..LOVE IT!) ..you can get it for $20.70 after the discount!

Anyways..I have said my piece about THAT! ..need ideas? Girls, I got the goods..just let me know! :)

Congrats Krystal!

2011-02-18T21:33:00.001-05:00

We are so excited to announce that Krystal won our Signs by Andrea giveaway!

She is way excited about her $45 credit to get to design her own beautiful art piece for her home!

No worries if you are NOT Krystal and you are sad you didnt take home this great giveaway BUT ...dont forget that Andrea is offering LPLS readers a GREAT deal until the 1st of March!

She is taking $10 off an order for all our readers ...just add "MOMBIZ10" to the comment line when you order at Signs by Andrea.

When you do, PLEASE come back and tell us what you ordered ...she does so many great things I love to see all teh different stuff ..like this one she posted on her Facebook page yesterday ..LOVE IT!

Now, it works out perfectly (not TOO perfectly, I promise I didnt do it on purpose!) but Krystal will be the focus of our NEXT Mom-Based Business!

She is the owner of Henry and Stella Designs. This is a new business I have recently been introduced to and I am a faithful customer already! Krystal designs and creates beautiful pieces of jewelry - one of which, I am the proud owner :)

I want wait to share her work with you next week ..in the meantime, feel free to go look around and get familiar with her stuff. You will love it!

Congrats Krystal..and thanks Andrea!

Reminder ..Signs by Andrea!

2011-02-17T08:04:00.001-05:00

{Just wanted to remind you to enter to win $45 towards a wonderful Sign by Andrea!}

I love the family names, monograms and so on..but when you go to Signs By Andrea you can see where she does more than just names! I love her sayings, phrases and sweet reminders :)

To enter, go to Signs by Andrea, look around and come back here and tell us what you would order if you won the $45 credit!

For a second entry, go "like" Signs by Andrea on Facebook! ..dont forget to come back and let us know that you did!

Dont forget that even if you dont win, LPLS readers get $10 off until March 1st (see sidebar for details)!

Good luck everyone! ..if you would to see more detailed post about this Mom Based Business go here!

Quiet Your Soul

2011-02-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

It has been a week full of the flu, worries, anxieties, lack of production and a bit of domestic chaos in the Steedly house :) Quiet time has, admittedly, not been either a priority or even feasible most days.

Today, I wanted to get reacquainted and refocused ...because the week has left SO many things that need to be done, so many things put off, so many messes to clean up and disorder to order, I didnt know where to start and my mind was feeling muddled.

I am always amazed with how God blesses us when we look to him for that refocus. I dont say that in a prideful way ..but a reminder for myself that when I feeling the most out of sorts, he ALWAYS comes through...why dont I always just go to him in the first place, rather than my lists, my planner, my calendar, my processes?

This morning I found this ...and it brought tears to my eyes because of its relevancy to my life right now ...

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother,

like a weaned child is my soul within me." Psalms 131:2

I have weaned two babies, and beginning with another one now and I relate to the difference in a child who is looking to his mother for food at every chance he can get it, and one who is content simply being with her with no expectations of that (not NO expectations..we arent quite there yet :).

I love that idea of simply resting in God's bosom, not in a hurried demand for more or looking for what is coming next but just being "stilled and quieted" in my soul.

My prayer for you and I today is that we will seek to "still and quiet" our souls at His breast ..just be, just rest, just allow His peace to wash over you ..no matter what needs you bring to his lap this day.

Welcome ifellowship friends ..please check out our mom based business of the week,

Signs By Andrea and her great giveaway!

{peaceful sigh}

2011-02-15T11:48:00.000-05:00

A friend shared this today and it had to be shared:)

Tips On Tuesday: Parent Controlled Substances

2011-02-15T08:46:00.001-05:00

I took this phrase from a mom of five several years ago. She called any toy or activity that needed supervision a "Parent Controlled Substance" ..I liked it :)

We have a system for PCS in our house, and it helps us keep up little pieces and such. A Parent Controlled Substances are anything that requires mom's permission/assistance to get out, and/or supervision to play with.

Some PCS goes up out of reach, some just gets the designation of needing permission first. This lets me know that that toy it is out and needs attention to be collected, picked up, cleaned up before/during or after it is played with.

First, the things that fit into this category for us are the things that have small pieces ..ones that are lost easily, easily choked on, or there are just alot of them. Games, puzzles and construction sets (Legos) fit into this category

Then, things that are super messy ..things that require a special place to play or some effort to clean up. For us, that means paint, playdoh, and the most awful substance ever created for kids ...Moon Sand (clearly, a person responsible for children did NOT create that stuff).

Finally, things that when left to kid-control are constantly out and all over the place. I think all our kids have those toys that they play with over and over again - they get it all out and it stays there. We have several categories of things ..dress up stuff and alphabet blocks are our worst ones. They CANNOT play with these things without spreading them ALL over the house. These things may earn the designation of becoming ...dun dun duh! ..PCS.

One of my favorite benefits of this designation is that I know when we are missing pieces, and that toy stays up and put away until we find them all. When we find that piece (and honestly, it may take awhile, but we usually do) then I know exactly where the rest of the game is and all I have to do is complete the set. Right now our alphabet blocks are on lock down - we are missing 7 pieces from the set and will be found and recovered before being played with again.

I have to admit a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when I add that last block to set knowing that it is finally complete ...only to be added back into play to be lost again :)

Another benefit, is raising the importance of taking care of our things. In our disposable society, these kiddos need to learn that we have take care of what we have, so we can have it for a long time and not just throw away the toys because pieces are missing or whatever (not that I dont get rid of stuff that has pieces missing ..trust me).

Anyway - it Works for Me ..maybe it will for you as well?! ..what things are PCS in your house?!

Mom-Based Business: Signs By Andrea

2011-02-10T23:35:00.003-05:00

I am excited to share with you a Mom-Based Business, owned by a mom who I have known for a few years. I have been a customer of hers, and I can say I was very happy with my purchases!

{Meet Andrea and her business..Signs by Andrea}

Andrea shared a little about herself ...I'm a a WAHM with two preschoolers and a serious need to create - scrapbooking, photography, decorating or otherwise...just as long as I can make something "cute". What started as a fun little handmade bridal shower gift has turned into a nice little money-maker (and sanity saver). It's what I call "Signs by Andrea" - custom designed, made-just-for-you, hand painted signs, from my house to yours.

Andrea is giving away a free sign - up to $45 value! Check out Andrea's web site & sign galleries and comment here telling me which design you'd pick if you win.

For an extra entry - "like" Signs by Andrea on Facebook and make a separate comment here letting me know.

Even if you don't win a free sign, you can still enjoy a great discount! She's offering $10 off her regular prices for all our readers. Just add MOMBIZ10 to the comments section of your order to get the discount. This deal expires March 1st, 2011 so take advantage right away!

Check back this week ..we cant WAIT to hear what you pick out ..and who knows, maybe you will get some good ideas as well! :) ...like this one... :) I love everyone's names overlaying the family name!

Thanks Andrea!

Sacrificing the Body

2011-02-09T08:05:00.002-05:00

I think it is interesting how often our bodies are related to our holiness and our relationship with God, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the OT, the Israelites are called to purify their bodies, refrain from certain foods, cleanse, groom, segregate disease ...their bodies were an act of worship to God and the way they used their bodies showed a level of devotion to His law.

So too in the New Testament ..."dear friends let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates the body and the spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Cor 7:1

..what we do with our bodies, reflects our efforts toward holiness. I think I have always assumed that fit under the "dont drink, smoke or have sex before you are married" category of do's and dont's.

Lately, though, I have been considering more about how my body is such valuable resource to God, and is so thoroughly used by the Holy Spirit every minute of the day. I have considered more about how my care for it is an example of my offering "your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God ...this is your spiritual act of worship!" Romans 12:1

Wow. I feel challenged by this idea that I need to focus on my body a bit more ...working on "perfecting my holiness", by caring for what God has given me.

Just like we so desire to control our stress levels and are motivated by a greater purpose than just to be "less stressed" (rather, to be of greater use for the purposes to which God called us, using our resources more effectively so we are more perfect tools for Him) - I am seeking to find that same greater purpose in taking care of my body.

I think taking care of ourselves means different things for different people - it may mean losing weight to a healthier range, it may mean better eating, better hydrating, taking your medication, or not taking any at all. It may mean that you exercise more, eat less or work on your wardrobe ...regardless, its about working on making this body God gave us more usable for His purposes, rather than all the reasons the world tells us we need work on our bodies.

I am using a tool right now to help me do that - I am using Weight Watchers Online (*I am NOT being endorsed in any way to say this BTW ...I just wanted to make that clear! :) and have for about 4 weeks. I have found it is a really great way to keep me on track and focus just enough energy on my physical resources that I dont get too caught up in all of it, but am learning how to take better care of myself.

The online tools are super easy to use, and help me keep track of healthy habits aside from eating the right things (which it also does a great job of doing). It helps me keep track of drinking water, taking my vitamins, and daily activity ..which is a big plus for me.

With all the business in my life, I dont have time for meetings and weigh-ins (having an infant on one hip and a toddler hanging on my leg would mess up the scale anyways) ...so being able to log in and track my foods, habits and weight at a time when things are more settled down around here, is a huge benefit to doing this online. I have done both (going to meetings and online)..and this works for me.

Its not as much about losing weight, as about work on making my body sacrifice for the benefit of its Creator...(she says, as she downs coffee serving #2:)

In what ways do you work to perfect holiness in your body? ..how do you present your body as a living sacrifice?

{welcome ifellowshippers!}

Tips on Tuesday: Dicey Game

2011-02-08T09:14:00.001-05:00

Okay, I almost feel silly sharing this one ..but it works so well for me and my kiddos that I decided that it is worth exposing my need for such mind tricks :)

This little game I play with myself is a variation of one I saw on Flylady's Facebook page. The way it was described there was a bit confusing, and didnt quite work for us - but we have adapted it and it works so well I literally use it at least one time day!

This game is to help motivate and focus energy in completing tasks ...any list of tasks really, but we use it to get the house under control. I use it for the first hour after my kiddos are in bed for the night.

You will need a place to write a list (I use my white board in my kitchen), a pen, a dice and a timer.

You need a list of 6 tasks (e.g., pick up the living room, dining room, entry way; do laundry, declutter that drawer, etc.). Number them 1-6.

Then, just roll the dice, set the timer for 10 minutes, and get to work on the corresponding task from your list!

In an hour, you have completed all 6 tasks - getting a good amount done, if you are able stay focused for the whole time.

If not, this works great for me throughout the day. I will make my list in the morning, and steal 10 minutes whenever I can get it. I just roll the dice and go with it.

The kids really like this too - I will make them a list of their own chores, number them and let them roll the dice. In a perfect world, we can compete to see who gets their tasks done first...which of course my boys love :)

Like I said, it's kinna funny that require such things, but sometimes I just need some help getting my mind focused on the tasks that need doing. Having someone or something tell me what to do works for me!