Paper Mobile

Materials:

12 X 12 paper for base
scrapbook or colored paper
string or ribbon
Glue gun and glue sticks
stencils
scissors
tacks to hang
pencil or pen

Instructions:

Choose a paper base for your mobile
cut out different sizes of string
trace and cut out stencil shapes on colored paper that you want to hang (I used hearts and stars)
I used two shapes in the same pattern to glue over the ribbon so it would be on both sides
glue the shapes to the ribbon or string and then glue the string to your base
When finished I would use tacks to hang the paper to your ceiling (I didn't have tacks so I used tape for now until I get some)

Please excuse my not so pretty walls and ceiling ;) We plan on making pretty in the future. My daughter and I had fun making this for the baby.

We got through the last Birthday

Brooklyn our only daughter ;), turned 7 on Dec. 27th. We got through our October, November and two December birthdays and had fun celebrating them. She wanted pizza for dinner. We ordered from Little Caesars Pizza and I made some cupcakes for her and had some ice cream. She opened some great presents from us and the grandparents. I can't believe our baby girl is 7. She is such a great blessing to our family! Praise God for a awesome daughter.

Merry Christmas

I pray everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our savior. He was born to a virgin in a manger in Bethlehem to become our salvation and king. He will return and sit on his thrown and rule with his righteous hand. Praise God for giving us his son. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whomever believes in him shall not parish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Smiling at 20 weeks and Baby is a ..............

I am halfway there. I hit the 20 week mark on Thursday. I had my 20 week ultrasound on Friday. We weren't planning on taking all the kids but it turned out that two of the elementary children got the flu.  My husband and I were going to take our two year old but do to my children not being able to go to school they went along. My oldest son had just started feeling better and had already missed a day of school. It was a memorable day to say the least.

The appointment was at 9 am and thirty minutes away. The roads were pretty slick so we made it but were about 10 minutes late. Our youngest got sick all over his blanket and coat on the way there. I rinsed the  coat  in the doctor's office bathroom and we cleaned him up with wet wipes as best as we could until we got back home LOL. I had an appointment right after the ultrasound. The kids were not feeling the greatest but they made it through and were very well behaved. We did give them some medicine so they could rest on the way there. What is a mom and dad to do when you don't realize your kids are going to get sick and it is too late to call someone to watch them? We made it through and despite being sick the older kids enjoyed watching their new sibling on the ultrasound.

I am still getting morning sickness here and there so it was very surprising when we looked at the ultrasound and saw our baby's male parts even before the technician confirmed what we were thinking.  She said she was 100% sure and I told her I could not argue with her. We are indeed having another boy. Our daughter took it pretty well even though she was hoping for a sister. I was hoping for a sister for her as well, but now I am back to being excited and feeling blessed to be having another healthy baby boy! Praise God for another wonderful blessing.

My oldest son turned 12

My oldest son Kellan, turned 12 on December 16th. I can't believe he is 12 already. He is pictured with his brother, sister and two cousins. One more birthday for the year, my daughter is going to be 7.

Are you Ready for Battle?

In the distance I hear a sound from far away. It may be a trumpet sounding and drawing near. Is it a warning a wake up call? or is it encouragement to carry on and fight harder? It could be both. Some horse hooves seem to clatter as armor scrapes the ground. Could it be the that time? Even if it were not, we are to stand guard as Christ's ambassadors every day as if it were..Are you ready for the battle ahead? The battle is not with flesh and blood but with darkness. Let us shine our light for all to see. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:10-18.

Now is the time to pray harder and reach out to others in love. Fight for the truth! Do not give up!
 ^"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:16 We must all come together and spread love. Sometimes the things that happen in this world are enough to make you paralyzed with pain, sadness, fear, discouragement and depression just to name a few emotions.. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 and
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 and
"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted " Matthew 5:4-5 No matter what stand firm in the light and God will guide you and give you peace. "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

Heavenly Father, thank you for my family and I pray for them to grow in Christ everyday and I pray that I help them by my example and give encouragement. We must remember to put on the full armor everyday and be ready for action.  Please continue to mold me and change me for good. I pray for all those who are hurting today and for you to use me as a comforter to all I encounter and have the chance to show your love to everyday of my life. I know that you can use me for good. Thank you again and please forgive me for ever doubting your love, mercy and grace. In Jesus name Amen!

 

Group 1 Crew (Featuring Chris August) He Said

I am posting one day early so I don't forgot. This is a great song! Something we all must remember.

Inspiring Friday: December 13, 2012

"If you take care of your character, your reputation
will take care of itself." -- American Proverb

"Where there's a will there's a way." -- Anon

"Women have an incredible ability to pick up on
emotional signals. For example, there are some wolves
that are so clever they have learned to dress up like
sheep. Man says, 'Looks like a sheep. Talks like a
sheep.' Woman says, 'Ain't no sheep!'" -- Jim Rohn

"If it is to be, it is up to me." -- William H. Johnson


"Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people
live in a hostile world. Same world." -- Dr. Wayne Dyer

"In the last analysis, what we are communicates far
more eloquently than anything we say." -- Andy Chaps

"Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in getting up every time we do." 
- Confucius

Forgiveness Matthew West

Inspiring Friday:December 7th, 2012

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live
the life you have imagined." -- Henry David Thoreau

"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever; the goal
is to create something that will." -- Chuck Palahniuk

"Just as iron rusts from disuse, even so does inaction
spoil the intellect." -- Leonardo da Vinci

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see
the staircase." -- Martin Luther King

"There is nothing more uncommon than common sense." --
Unknown

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships
are built for." -- William Shedd (also credited to John
Shedd and others)

Inspiring Friday: November 30, 2012

"The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak tree that resists." – Unknown 

"Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress." – Nicholas M. Butler

"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up." – Paul Valery

"it is time to get back to basics: to self-discipline and respect for the law, to consideration for others, to accepting responsibility for yourself and your family, and not shuffling it off on the state." – John Major, former British Prime Minister 

"The difference between a boss and a leader is this: a boss says, 'Go,' while a leader says, 'Let's go." – Unknown 

"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better." – King Whitney, Jr.

Logan turned 2

Logan turned 2 on November 26th. He had a great day! I can't believe my baby is 2! Two birthdays down and 2 more to go :)

Nolan Turned 5

I forgot to post that my handsome little buddy turned 5 on October 15th. I also forgot to get a picture with him so I took one the day after :)  Monday my youngest turns 2. It is hard to believe they are growing so fast.

Inspiring Friday:November 23, 2012

"Epitaph: Here lies an atheist. All dressed up and he
knows not to where he goes." -- Ed. by RWI

"Until a man has found God, he begins at no beginning
and works to no end." -- H.G. Wells

"Tell me and I forget; teach me and I may remember;
involve me and I learn." -- Ben Franklin

"A man convinced against his will is of the same
opinion still." -- Unknown

"Hurt people hurt people. Loved people love people." --
Unknown

"A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is
the heaviness of his mother." -- Solomon

"People see God every day; they just don't recognize
him." -- Pearl Bailey

16 weeks

I wasn't quite ready for the picture. I wish I would have smiled but I am happy  to be in the 16 week mark. (4 months).

I am feeling pretty good. Still getting morning sickness here and there (maybe a girl?)but still have quite an appetite in between. I have feel energetic during the day and then crash in the evening.

I am enjoying this pregnancy with plans of walking more to keep myself in good shape. I also look forward to the big reveal toward the end of December. I will be having my 20 week ultrasound then. Everything is going well and I am thankful for this baby and my health and my beautiful family. I praise God for it all! I hope everyone has a Very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Inspiring Friday: November 16, 2012

"It is your attention and not your intention that
determines your destination." -- Unknown

"ANGER is only one letter short of DANGER." -- Unknown

"Great minds have purpose, others have wishes." --
Washington Irving

"As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.
I just watch what they do." -- Andrew Carnegie

"No one can make you feel inferior without your
consent." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

"Cold words freeze people and hot words scorch them,
and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words
make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their image
on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is. They
smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer." -- Blaise
Pascal

Be yourself and dont's be a people pleaser quotes and scriptures

"I would rather be hated for who I am, then loved for who I am not" ~ Kurt Cobain

" I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody".~ Bill Cosby

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

"On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts." 1Thessalonians 2:4


"All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life." Luke 21:17-19


"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”1Samuel 16:7

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

And last but not least the Beattitudes presented by our Lord and Savior, Christ the King;


 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth. 

 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.  

Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.

 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.  

Blessed are the peacemakers,
 for they will be called children of God.  

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
 for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matthew 5:5-11

Judging other moms

I cannot tell a lie, I have been guilty of this sin. I am learning how to do this less and less. Instead of speaking of judging in general, I am going to focus on mothers judging other mothers. Being on the receiving end has taught me how damaging and hurtful it is. "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19  I think we should really think before we speak when someone is sharing. We really need to listen and take in everything and be slow to respond. If it isn't a helpful or encouraging statement I believe it is better left unsaid. We need to understand that we don't see the person's life triumphs or troubles on a daily basis. We don't know their childhood or nature or things they have experienced in their lifetime. 
  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8
Sometimes the things discussed are just the tip of the surface of what a person is feeling or going through.

 I have come to wonder and ask why can't we just believe that a mom is doing what is best for her child? and that she has really thought through a issue and is doing her best to solve it or is making the best educated decision for her child. Just because you would do differently doesn't mean you should criticize and question the other mother's decision. We each have free will from God to decide what is best for our child or children. No one is in their spiritual journey at the same level and everyone has struggles. What really gets me, is judging more on a legalistic level. Things that God does not command us to do like getting immunizations or not, whether to home-school or not,  choosing to work outside the home or not, what kind of food you feed your child etc. These things are important decisions but they don't make or break ones salvation or make you a bad parent for choosing different legalistic choices than the next person. "The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him." Romans 14:3

I am going to choose see it as a blessing that I have experienced judgements for my parenting decisions, because it opens my eyes to how it can be discouraging and close minded. It also makes it hard to open up to the person doing the judging. We will quickly learn whom we can lean on for acceptance and understanding and most important listening. "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else."Galatians 5:26 and "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."Galatians 5:26  Let us love and accept ourselves so that we can love and accept our neighbor. We need to uplift and encourage others, it is vital to our walk with the Lord. It is what we are called to do. We all have different gifts to share with others.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith". Romans 12:6 and  “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:37  and
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
Romans 14:12-13

Heavenly father, let us have compassion for everyone we encounter and listen closely, speak less and think before we speak, so that it is pleasing to you. Let us be a light onto others so that they can feel Jesus's love and acceptance for them just as they are.  Let us not let our own issues and insecurites  get in the way of our calling. Thank you for all the opportunities to love and accept others. In Jesus name amen.

Inspiring Friday: November 9, 2012

"Don't feed the birds. It makes them over-dependent on
people, and they forget how to fend for themselves ...
and die." -- Sign on the San Clemente pier

"When we allow people to stay over-dependent on us,
they never learn to become self-reliant, mature, or
truly dependent on God." -- Richard Innes (RWI)

"It isn't the changes that do you in, it's the
transitions." -- William Bridges

"Love people and use things--don't use people and love
things." -- Unknown

"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb--that's where the
fruit is." -- Unknown

"Fathom the hypocrisy of a Government that will require
every citizen to prove they are insured ... but not
everyone must prove they are a citizen." -- Unknown

Peace in all circumstances

First, I would like to praise God for changing my anxiety and fears into peace. The kind of peace only he can give. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 God is always good no matter what. He gives us hope even where it is hard to find. He makes good out of everything. "All things work for the good of those who love God and are called to his purpose." Romans 8:28

We are so blessed to have a heavenly Father to turn to for everything. He loves us so much that he gave his only son for our ransom. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 He gives us a promise that can never be taken away. He is the light of the world.  "I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love". Romans 8:38. We can rest assured on this all the days of our lives. 

May we never give up fighting the good fight. We may lose battles but the war has already been won. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award unto me on that day" 2 Timothy 4:7-8  Lord, give us the strength and endurance to continue on in this race“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16
 May we continue to show the light that only you can provide us with. Let us continue to teach our children your ways so that we have a future generation that can continue the race for goodness in Jesus's name.  Let us show the love of Christ to each person we encounter, let us not hold grudges or biterness but carry on with the holy spirit as our guide to love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank you for the many blessings you bestow on us and the wisdom you give us. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Inspiring Friday: November 2, 2012

"A person all wrapped up in himself makes a very small
package." -- Anon

"He who throws mud loses ground." -- Anon

"The older we get the more we realize that service to
others is the only way to stay happy. If we do nothing
to benefit others, we will do nothing to benefit
ourselves." -- Carl Holmes

"People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged
sooner or later to find time for illness." -- John
Wanamaker

"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." -- John
Wooden

"Nothing would be done at all if a man or woman waited
until they could do it so well that no one could find
fault with it." -- John Henry Newman

"Behavior is what a man does, not what he thinks,
feels, or believes" -- Emily Dickinson

Inspiring Friday: October 26, 2012

"The superior man blames himself. The inferior man
blames others." -- Don Shula

"Character may be manifested in the great moments, but
it is made in the small ones." -- Phillips Brooks

"Though you are an earthen vessel, God designed you to
be filled with heavenly contents." -- Sara Young

"Correction does much, but encouragement does more."
-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Church must be relevant to God, not to society." --
Unknown

"The current administration's effort to force
religious institutions to adopt practices that violate
their conscience is perhaps the biggest threat to
religious liberty in our nation's history. It should
spur every serious Christian into action." -- Chuck
Colson in Manhattan Declaration

12 weeks

Today I am announcing I am 12 weeks pregnant ( I will be Thursday) with my fifth child. I am due May 09, 2013. I heard the heartbeat today!

Top is a belly picture. The morning sickness is easing up a bit. I am experiencing fatigue here and there but it is getting better. I am getting a bloated feel even in my legs LOL. I have gained 7 pounds already. Time to get walking. I am very happy for this blessing. Here is a picture of what the baby looks like.

Inspiring Friday: October 19, 2012

"Giving alms never lessens the purse." -- African
Proverb

"Inch by inch, life's a cinch. Yard by yard, it's
miles too hard." -- Unknown

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one
thinks of changing himself." -- Leo Nikolaevich
Tolstoi

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by
the seeds that you plant." -- Robert Louis Stevenson

"Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the
tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured.
They also produce their own image on men's souls, and
a beautiful image it is." -- Blaise Pascal

"What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us." --
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear God

Dear God:

I am writing to praise you for all the work you are doing in my life and others lives. Thank you first of all for Jesus! Thank you for doing works in me. Helping me to get rid of anger, gain some patience, and love my fellow man. 

Please help me to see the good in all! Let me not talk negatively about others yet speak the truth in love. Help me to reach my potential as a wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister ect. and most importantly believer in Christ. I trust you Lord and know that you know what is best for me. 

I cannot do anything without you! I lay everything at your feet. 

I pray for all of my children to grow in Christ and my husband as well. Also let me be a great example to others including my family. Though I will fail at times. I will learn from it and not give up the race.

It is very important for me to love my neighbor at all costs with your approval. In fact, I need to look for your approval and not others. Although, we all need love and acceptance. Let it be at your will.

Thank you for being there for me and I pray that you heal my c-section scars so that I can bring this beautiful new baby into the world naturally. Thank you for this gift of life growing inside of me.

I pray for all of my family and my in-law family. Thank you for all of them. I pray for my enemies and that their hearts are opened to your love and life. I pray for my daughter and all my kids to be protected at school and that they be a positive influence on the other students and staff. Thank you again for all you do. I praise you! I don't want to doubt your love. I see it all around me and need to know that in adversity and pain it is for my good. "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 

Let me forgive freely (even if it make take some time) and not judge others but love them for I am a sinner myself who is only saved by your Grace. Let me be more like Jesus and grow everyday. Help me to fulfill your purpose for my life. Thank you so much for all you do. I cannot thank you enough. Thanks for loving me as is, but changing me for my good and the good of those around me. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". – Romans 12:2

Love,

Your Daughter, Amber

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Today is my son Nolan's 5th birthday. I decided to make him some pumpkin cupcakes. This recipe also has some cream cheese frosting but my Nolan wants chocolate :)

I got this from Cooks.com

Cupcakes:

4 eggs

1 C. Vegetable oil

2 C. Sugar

2 C. Flour

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 c. Canned pumpkin

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl, add next 6 ingredients and mix well with an electric mixer. Spoon batter into paper lined muffin pans, filling 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool and then frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 pkg. cream cheese softened

3 tbsp. butter, softened

2 1/2 C. sifted powered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

Combine cream cheese and butter, beat until light and fluffy. Add remaining ingredients. Beat until smooth.

Chocolate Frosting:

2 3/4 cups confectioners sugar

6 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

6 Tbsp. butter

5 Tbsp. evaporated milk (or regular milk)

1 Tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. in a medium bowl, sift together the confectioners' sugar and  cocoa and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter until smooth, then gradually beat in sugar mixture alternately with evaporated milk. Blend in vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar if needed. I believe this is from allrecipes.com

       

Inspiring Friday: October 12, 2012

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your
ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really
great make you feel that you too can become great." --
Mark Twain

"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." --
Napoleon Bonaparte

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not
enough; we must do." -- Johann Goethe

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of
thinking we used when we created them." -- Albert
Einstein

"The wisest mind has something yet to learn." --
George Santayana

"Skill to do comes of doing." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Inspiring Friday: October 5, 2012

"The price of wisdom is above rubies." -- Solomon

"The only place where success comes before work is in
the dictionary." -- Unknown

"Don't put off to tomorrow what you've already put off
until today." -- Unknown

"No matter how good an idea sounds, test it first." --
Henry Bloch

"Successful people form the habit of doing what
failures don't like to do. They like the results they
get by doing what they don't necessarily enjoy." --
Earl Nightingale

"An 'enemy' is someone that God puts in our path that
is most in need of our love; not retaliation or
retribution or harm or insult." -- John Carmody

Chris August Battle

Inspiring Friday: September 21, 2012

"Character is what you have left when you've lost
everything you can lose." -- Anonymous

"If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember
this whole thing [Disneyland] was started by a mouse."
-- Walt Disney

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you
can do." -- Anonymous

"Successful people are always looking for
opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are
always asking, "What's in it for me?" -- Brian Tracy

"Character is much easier kept than recovered." --
Thomas Paine

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor
others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." -- The Bible
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5, NIV)

Inspiring Friday: September 14, 2012

"Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up." – G.K. Chesterton

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." – Samuel Johnson

"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes." – Benjamin Disraeli

"Patience ... is the ability to count down ... before you blast off." – Anonymous

"If you'll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives." – Vince Lombardi

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." – Bill Cosby

A year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

The year is 1666 in a Mountain village in England. Young  Heroine, Anna has lost her husband in a terrible mine accident. She is left with two boys to care for. She secures a means to live by serving the village Minister (rector) and his wife and taking in a tailor from London. She finds herself and her strength throughout the novel.

Mr. and Mrs. Mompellion are the backbone of  keeping the faith and a sense of sanity is this small village during the year of the plague. The people of the village are dying left and right. Despite this, Anna along with the Mompellions' holds on to a hope and faith that good will prevail despite the terrible black plague's destruction to not only the dying but the living as well. It shows how tragedy can effect every one's outlook to either strengthen or deteriorate.  It shows how some will grow more cold and selfish or enter into a survival mode while others with put others before themselves and sacrifice their own health and life to help others.

This was a sad story, but it taught a great lesson on the value of life, community and love among some negative emotions and actions. Also how important it is to hang on to faith even during the most difficult times. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for a great historical fiction novel, although it is loosely based  on a mountain village located in England in the time of the plague. A Year of Wonders is just that and is worth reading!

Jesus in Disguise

My new favorite song I wanted to share. "Jesus in Disguise" by Brandon Heath.

Inspiring Friday: August 31, 2012

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships
are built for." -- William Shedd

"Whatever we expect with confidence becomes our own
self-fulfilling prophecy." -- Brian Tracy

"Living consciously involves being genuine; it
involves listening and responding to others honestly
and openly; it involves being in the moment." --
Sidney Poitier

"Never does the human soul appear so strong and noble
as when it forgoes revenge and dares to forgive an
injury." -- E. H. Chapin

"You can't shake hands with a clenched fist." -- Golda
Meir

"Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it
was put up." -- Robert Frost

Inspiring Friday: August 24, 2012

"Success is always temporary. When all is said and
done, the only thing you'll have left is your
character." -- Vince Gill

"The first great gift we can bestow on others is a
good example." -- Thomas Morell

"No great thing is created suddenly." -- Epictetus

"People whose Bibles are falling apart usually lead
lives that aren't!" -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon

"You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in
the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
-- Walt Disney

Don't bother just to be better than your
contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than
yourself." -- William Faulkner

Let go of the Past to be free as a bird

In life, mistakes will be made. Hearts will break including your own. Sometimes, thoughts of how will I measure up on this journey of life?,may enter the recess of your mind. Am I ever really going to fulfill God's purpose for my life? Maybe I should give up...... I screw up so many times, I don't see how anything I do will ever matter. These are all normal types of thoughts but they can only become a hindrance to our life if we allow them to manifest into truths. Know that with God we will be able to do his will.

Do not give up and let go of past mistakes and free yourself from hurts of the past by forgiving others and yourself.  "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14. Forgiveness doesn't give the other person a free ride it lets you remain free from bondage and allows you to fully receive God's purpose for your life. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 KJV)"

We must let God mold us into his son, Jesus Christ. "He must become greater, I must become less" John 3:30.  This doesn't mean to not love yourself it just means to be love Jesus more than yourself while loving the new person you are becoming. "I like the person I am becoming" ~Mayo Angelou  Sometimes we forget to forgive ourselves. Remember that God is not finished with you yet. He is forming you into a new creature and the process can sometimes be painful and hard but the results are absolutely beautiful.. "And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God and are called to his purpose." Romans 8:28. Remember the trials that are faced in life are for our benefit. Trust God in everything! He has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us. Do not give up and carry on to win the race of eternal life. To be free of the past let go and let God make a future for you. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, ''Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".Jeremiah 29:11 God bless you all!

Inspiring Friday: August 17, 2012

"Emotional sickness is avoiding reality at any cost.
Emotional health is facing reality at any cost." --
Scott Peck

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love
without giving." -- Unknown

"Love is like quicksilver in the hand. Leave the
fingers open and it stays. Clutch it and it darts
away." -- Dorothy Parker

"Your life is your message to the world. Make it
inspiring." -- Lorrin L. Lee

"Wise men learn more from fools than fools from the
wise." -- Cato the Elder, Roman statesman

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your
own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or
husband, to a next door neighbor.... Let no one ever
come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the
living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your
face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile,
kindness in your warm greeting." -- Mother Theresa

Inspiring Friday: August 3, 2012

"No matter how far you have gone on a wrong road, turn
back." -- Turkish Proverb

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single
step." -- Chinese Proverb

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't
change it, change your attitude; don't complain." --
Unknown

"Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life
or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for
others." -- Danny Thomas

"Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find
harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies
opportunity." -- Albert Einstein

"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do
something at once." -- Calvin Coolidge

My oldest son's 4H experience

My oldest son K., showed his rabbits for the first time at our local fair a few weeks ago. 4H is a great and inexpensive program that offers many creative outlets and opportunities for children. My son enjoyed the experience and one of his rabbits won a Best Opposite Sex trophy and ribbon. I think all of my kids will be involved in 4H. K. has a future goal in mind of breeding rabbits and selling them. He has also learned responsibility, team work, work ethic and how to make new friends among other great characteristics. I am so glad we found this great community program. I thought he would smile when I took this, this is his serious look. He was very happy with his rabbit's winning. He is excited to continue with 4H.

Inspiring Friday: July 20, 2012

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty
of their dreams." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

"There is no man living who isn't capable of doing
more than he thinks he can do." -- Henry Ford

"The secret of success is to do common things
uncommonly well." -- John D. Rockefeller

"Gratitude is like Vitamin C in that it gives vitality
to daily life." -- Gary Kallio

"Worry often gives a small thing a great shadow." --
Swedish Proverb

"Give me two hours to chop down a tree ... and I will
spend the first hour sharpening my axe." -- Abraham
Lincoln

Inspiring Friday: June 29, 2012

"A person all wrapped up in himself makes a very small
package." -- Anon

"He who throws mud loses ground." -- Anon

"The older we get the more we realize that service to
others is the only way to stay happy. If we do nothing
to benefit others, we will do nothing to benefit
ourselves." -- Carl Holmes

"People who cannot find time for recreation are
obliged sooner or later to find time for illness." --
John Wanamaker

"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." -- John
Wooden

"Reputation is what you are in the light; character is
what you are in the dark." -- American Proverb

"Behavior is what a man does, not what he thinks,
feels, or believes" -- Emily Dickinson

Inspiring Friday: June 22, 2012

"No one can go back and start a new beginning, but
anyone can start today and make a new ending." --
Unknown

"A man's make [character] can be seen by the way that
he treats those who are of absolutely no value to
him." -- Unknown

"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is
indicated; you can't cross a chasm in two small
jumps." -- David Lloyd George

"I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately
triumph than to triumph in a cause that will
ultimately fail." -- Jim Elliot

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than
to write for the public and have no self." -- Cyril
Connolly

"Would that God would make Hell so real to us that we
cannot rest; Heaven so real that we must have men
there, Christ so real that our supreme motive and aim
shall be to make the Man of Sorrows the Man of Joy by
the conversion to him of many." -- J. Hudson Taylor.

One Thing:Respect my husband

I am working on being a better wife. In doing so, it is important for me to adhere to God's word about being a good wife. Through God's word and few Christian marriage books I have learned where I was going wrong and what I may have been doing right. I know the one thing I can do to be a better wife......... Respect my husband. This also will benefit my children. I will hold my husband in high esteem and give him affirmations of his hard work and the great way he encourages me. He is a blessing from God and I praise God for him. I also need to remember to pray for him and my family everyday.

1 Peter 3:1-6 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, .....

This is what I can work on to teach my children about marriage.

 

Ephesians 5:22

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."

I love my husband so much and will act accordingly. I am so glad God has revealed these truths to help me improve as a wife and mother which will reflect in all of my relationships.   

Proverbs 31:10-12 

"An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. "

Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,"

My husband has shown me this time and again. Even when I have pushed him away and put up my walls he still chose to love me. This is my one goal this month. I was late in posting my monthly goals so my one thing is to Respect my husband and tell him how much I appreciate all he does. Heavenly Father, thank you for my husband and my family. You know what you are doing and you had our best interest in mind when you wanted us to get married. Thank you for my beautiful, wonderful family. Help me to be the wife and mother you want me to be. Thank you for Jesus. In my King and Savior's name, Amen!

Inspiring Friday: June 8, 2012

The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember the following:

Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
John the Baptist ate bugs
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer...
AND Lazarus was dead!

Author: attributed to John Thomas Oaks

Inspiring Friday: June 1, 2012

"Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else." – Les Brown 

"In the absence of clearly-defined goals [and life purpose], we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it." – Robert Heinlein, American Novelist 

"The difference between a politician and a statesman is: a politician thinks of the next election and a statesman thinks of the next generation." – James Freeman Clarke 

"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." – James Baldwin

"It isn't where you came from; it's where you're going that counts." – Ella Fitzgerald

"All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism." – Cited on Mickey's Funnies

Inspiring Friday: May 25, 2012

"I am grateful for all of my problems. After each one was overcome, I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come. I grew in all my difficulties." – J.C. Penney

"It's better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret." – Jacki Joyner-Kersee

Trying to determine what is going on in the world by reading newspapers is like trying to tell the time by watching the second hand of a clock." – Ben Hecht

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." – Wayne Gretzky, Hockey Great 

"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible" – St. Francis of Assisi 

"Without God there is no virtue because there is no prompting of the conscience ... without God there is a coarsening of the society; without God democracy will not and cannot long endure ... If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under." – Ronald Reagan

Why Me?

Due to some things going on in my life; I have caught myself asking Why Me? Why Me?, I am good person. Why me? I try my very best to love my fellow neighbor, take care of my family and be a blessing to the down trodden and weary. I take the time to encourage others. I am feeling hurt, anger, sadness, judgement, insecurity and some depression thrown in and those are just a few of the emotions I can name right now. But then God speaks to me and tells me to look at his son whom never did anything wrong and loved and cared for others including the people that hated him and look how he was treated. "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5 This selfless act Jesus completed so that we could be free from sin. I need to look at it as Why Not Me! "And we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

God does not create accidents and sometimes there is rain!  "There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under the heavens" Ecclesiastes 3:1 He does everything with purpose, perfect timing and concise precision. Everything happens for a reason and when I pray I need to pray onto his will not my own. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 

God is teaching me exactly what I need to know and I will trust him and keep on following Jesus through this storm and praise him along the way. God has never steered me wrong!  "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 and my faith will only grow.  "For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Lord thank you for this season of rain! I know that you are working out things that need to be worked out and I trust you. I lay everything I am feeling at your feet. You are molding me and making me new and I will rise above with you as my ultimate strength in Jesus name Amen!

Inspiring Friday: May 18, 2012

"The enemy surrounds us. Don't let one escape." --

Vance Havner

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness." --

Countess of Blessington

"One person with a belief is equal to a force of

ninety-nine who have only interests." -- John Stuart

Mill

"Believe that life is worth living, and your belief

will help create the fact." -- William James

"A diamond cannot be polished without friction, nor

the man perfected without trials." -- Chinese Proverb

"By starving emotions we become humorless, rigid and

stereotyped; by repressing them we become literal,

reformatory and holier-than-thou; encouraged, they

perfume life; discouraged, they poison it." -- Joseph

Collins

Inspiring Friday: May 11, 2012

"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the
lie--deliberate, contrived, and dishonest--but the
myth: persistent, persuasive and realistic." -- John
F. Kennedy

"Very often a change of self is needed more than a
change of scene." -- Arthur Christopher Benson

"Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing
that we see too late the one that is open." --
Alexander Graham Bell

"Throughout the centuries there were men who took
first steps down new roads, armed with nothing but
their own vision." -- Ayn Rand, Novelist

"The man or woman who wakes up a success has not been
asleep all night." -- Unknown

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to
repeat it." -- George Santayana

Inspiring Friday for May 4, 2012

"If it weren't for the optimist, the pessimist would never know how happy he wasn't." – Unknown

"I never did repent for doing good." – Shakespeare

 "A man that knoweth not himself, is not known." – St. Francis

"Pride is one of the chief causes of undue anger." – Edwards

"If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes." – St. Clement of Alexandria

"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty." – Mother Teresa

All natural a New Religion?

I believe in moderation of everything and I also believe it is easy to get caught up in doing and perhaps overdoing one ideal. This has been placed on my heart and I found a great article discussing how The All Natural food movement can become a god. http://awomanswalk.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-your-quest-for-real-food-becoming.html. I think it is a great articles with valid points on how far is too far and how it is important to ask for God's blessing over your food.

Romans 14:1-23 

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. ... 

Luke 12:23

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 

Mark 14:23 

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 

Colossians 2:16-22

Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you 

 submit to regulations— ... 

Isaiah 55:2 

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. 

John 6:27 

Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

Homemade tomato sauce

This is a great and easy recipe from recipetips.com .

 1 green pepper
1/2 onion-quartered

4 tomatoes skinned

2 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon salt

In a blender, add the green peppers strips and onion. Process until liquefied. 

( I put them all together and added salsa, cumin, chili powder and Cayenne pepper to make this a enchilada sauce)

Add the tomatoes, garlic and salt. Puree until liquefied

In a large saucepan, add vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil for a few minutes, and then allow it to simmer. As it the tomato sauce simmers, the excess water will rise to the top. Go ahead and take a spoon and skim off the excess water. ( I found this unnecessary since water usually boils out)

Simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Once sauce has cooled, you can either use it in a recipe, or it can be placed into a freezer container and be stored in the freezer for up to a year.

Inspiring Friday: April 27, 2012

"I never met anyone on their deathbed who said, "I
wish I spent more time at the office." -- Harold
Kushner

"We must become the change we wish to see in the
world." -- Mahatma Gandhi

"Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to
do and let them surprise you with their results." --
George S. Patton, US Army General

"If I have seen farther than others, it is because I
was standing on the shoulder of giants." -- Isaac
Newton, scientist

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you
can." -- Arthur Ashe, Tennis Player

"When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember
this: you haven't." -- Thomas Edison

Inspiring Friday: April 20, 2012

"Fathom the hypocrisy of a Government that requires
every citizen to prove they are insured, but not
everyone must prove they are a citizen" -- Anonymous

"Fix your eyes forward on what you can do, not back on
what you cannot change." -- Tom Clancy

"Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or
softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not
have to be cruel to be tough." -- Franklin Roosevelt,
32nd U.S. president

"I am learning the value of unceasing prayer. The
process of going from unceasing thinking to unceasing
prayer occurs several times a day." -- Gary Kallio

"It is your attention and not your intention that
determines your destination." -- Anonymous

"ANGER is only one letter short of DANGER." --
Anonymous