Inspiring Friday a tad late: December 20, 2013

"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

Christmas is about Christ?

 And it shall come to pass in the day of Yahweh's sacrifice, that I will punish the princes and the king's children and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. Zephaniah 1:8

For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Jeremiah 10:3-5

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Luke 22:19 (the last supper)

You can read the bible from cover to cover and nowhere does it say to observe Yahshua's birth but he does say to remember his death.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after the messiah. Colossians 2:8

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:10

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. Isaiah 66:4



Facts about Christmas:

 In A.D. 350, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birthday of Christ.

 Many European countries believed that spirits, both good and evil, were active during the Twelve Days of Christmas. These spirits eventually evolved into Santa’s elves, especially under the influence of Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas (1779-1863) illustrated by Thomas Nast (1840-1902).

 Alabama was the first state in the United States to officially recognize Christmas in 1836.

 Christmas wasn’t declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.

 Oklahoma was the last U.S. state to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1907.

 Ancient peoples, such as the Druids, considered mistletoe sacred because it remains green and bears fruit during the winter when all other plants appear to die. Druids would cut the plant with golden sickles and never let it touch the ground. They thought it had the power to cure infertility and nervous diseases and to ward off evil

 Because they viewed Christmas as a decadent Catholic holiday, the Puritans in America banned all Christmas celebrations from 1659-1681 with a penalty of five shillings for each offense. Some Puritan leaders condemned those who favored Christmas as enemies of the Christian religion

 Christmas has its roots in pagan festivals such as Saturnalia (December 17-December 23), the Kalends (January 1 -5, the precursor to the Twelve Days of Christmas), and Deus Sol Invictus or Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun (December 25). The Christians church heartily disapproved of such celebrations and co-opted the pagans by declaring December 25 as Christ’s day of birth, though there is no evidence Christ was born on that day.

 The Viking god Odin is one precursor to the modern Santa Claus. According to myth, Odin rode his flying horse, Sleipnir (a precursor to Santa’s reindeer), who had eight legs. In the winter, Odin gave out both gifts and punishments, and children would fill their boots or stockings with treats for Sleipnir.

2 Timothy 4:2-4

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

 "For false Messiahs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:24



^{When you examine where Christmas came from and find out that Constantine, whom was a pagan that mixed up pagan elements with holy elements with the Roman Catholic Church to create a man made holiday that the whole world celebrates. Hollywood celebrates it, commerce celebrates it and makes a lot of money from it,  the White house celebrates it.  Most of the united States celebrates it. Why did the apostle Paul warn us to hang on the the traditions that he had taught? because they were the traditions that Yahweh wanted us to keep to seperate us from Pagan traditions. Also the fact alone that the Catholic church came up with the name Jesus Christ. It was not his name when he walked the earth and it still is not. Also they changed worship of the sun to worship of the son.  Along with the sabbath Yahweh created (Saturday) to the Sunday worship the pagans observed. Please think about what we are really celebrating. I say this in love and grace because I was a partaker of this unfruitful work of darkness.} 

inspiring Friday: December 6, 2013

"People do not lack strength, they lack will." --
Victor Hugo

"You become what you think about [or keep thinking
about]." -- Earl Nightingale

"Every day do something that will inch you closer to a
better tomorrow." -- Doug Firebaugh

"He that will not reflect is a ruined man." -- Asian
Proverb

"Ignorance is the single greatest tool of oppression."
-- Unknown Author

"Cast all your cares upon God, for He cares for you."
-- The Bible (1 Peter 5:7)

Inspiring Friday: November 15, 2013

"We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us
now commit it to life." -- Edwin Markham

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life." -- Socrates

"A man grows most tired when he is standing still." --
Unknown

"The making of friends who are real friends is the best
token we have of a man's success in life." -- Edward
Hale

"Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind
word is never wasted." -- Unknown

"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

Inspiring Friday: November 8, 2013

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find
that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have
lived the width of it as well." -- Diane Ackerman

"One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will
be a friend better than any possession." -- Sophocles

"Every farmer knows that you can't sow and reap on the
same day. There is a timetable for your harvest that
requires both working and waiting. Patience is a small
price to pay for what you will receive." -- Neil
Eskelin

"Trying times are not the times to stop trying." -- Ray
Owen

"Everything that is done in the world is done by the
hopeful." -- Martin Luther

"There are no hopeless situations--only people who are
hopeless about them." -- Dinah Shore

Why we won't be celebrating Halloween anymore

Joshua 24:15

King James Version (KJV)

 "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

-- Ephesians 5:8-13

Times are changing and seem to be spinning into chaos and leaving Yahweh (hebrew name for God) and morals behind. For the past couple of years I felt it was layed on my heart to not celebrate Halloween. Yet, I gave in to my children and those around me and found ways to try to justify it.  I pray for Yahweh to forgive my sins and disobedience. It is a holiday that seems to embrace and celebrate evil. Not only that, but it is in fact a wiccan and satanic holiday. It is easy to find out the purpose and history of this devil's holiday. A holiday for witchcraft to be practiced that most of the USA celebrates. Do I like dressing my kids up? sure, but what is the cost and if I put dressing them up first is it not idolizing them? What is it really teaching my children about obedience to Yahweh and how is is showing we don't follow the world?  A church is doing a festival this Sunday where they won't dress up and I will take my kids to ease out of the evil and darkness. At this time they attend public school so I think I will keep them home that day and do something fun with them that doesnt have to do with the holiday. Yahweh thank you for showing me my disobedience and disregard for your instruction for my and my family's life. Thank you for the wisdom and discernment I have been praying for. I appreciate all you do for my family and I.  We will serve you and though it is getting more challenging in this changing world, we will rely on you for our strength, wisdom and instruction. Thank you for Yashua (Jesus) and his and your sacrifice for our sins. In Yashua's name, Amen!

Romans 12:2

New King James Version (NKJV)

"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."

1 Thessalonians 5:22: "Abstain from every form of evil."

UPDATE: Yesterday my mother in law invited us to a hayride and trick or treat in her town. I asked if there was going to be scary things and she didn't think that it was going to be scary. I honestly wanted to spend time with her and our family so I agreed.  The trick or treating part was decorated scary and people were dressed in scary attire. I asked for Yahweh to forgive me for not seeking his counsel in this matter, I was very uncomfortable during this portion. I slipped and fell but I am still not going to celebrate on October 31st. I learned a lesson and have repented of this and will pray before all decisions whether big or small.
   

Inspiring Friday: October 4, 2013

"This country will not be a good place for any of us to
live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to
live in." -- Theodore Roosevelt

"How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single
moment before starting to change the world." -- Anne
Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone
else." -- Booker T. Washington

"Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You
don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't
have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated
by love." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do
everything, but still I can do something; and because I
cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something
that I can do." -- Edmund Everett Hale

Do not be deceived! Be careful what you watch and Listen to.

Very interesting video on how music effects our brains and basically our souls. Even Christian music can negatively effect us. Be careful what you listen to and watch. Especially in these days!

Weekly Goals/to do for Week of September 30, 2013

I still have a few tasks left over from last week to complete. I did go through my oldest's winter clothes but did not put them in his dresser yet. Luckily he likes wearing tshirts and he has a few pairs of pants out.

Open baby a savings account

Get out oldest fall clothes

 Paint Chalkboard- my wonderful husband already did this.

Weekly goals/to do items for September 23nd, 2013

The good news I have been studying God's word and researching the history of it! The bad news I only accomplished one item on my list from last week. But, it was worth gaining wisdom and discernment.

• Open baby a savings account
• Get out oldest fall clothes
• write another letter this week/

Inspiring Friday: September 19, 2013

"Most of the important things in the world have been
accompanied by people who have kept on trying when
there seemed to be no hope at all." -- Dale Carnegie

"Temptation usually comes in through a door that has
deliberately been left open." -- Unknown

"The last thing one knows is what to put first." --
Blaise Pascal

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and
expecting different results." -- Albert Einstein

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life." --
Charles Dederich

"I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it
has been." -- Wayne Gretzky

"Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite
of it." -- Mark Twain

Weekly to do\goals this week September 16. 2013

• Open savings account for baby
• Get oldest winter clothes out
• write another letter this week for blog project
• Start taking down household Disney idols

That is all for now. I am honestly feeling down and overwhelmed but I know Jesus will take my burdens and give me peace that the world does not give.

God's Love Letter to Us!

The Bible is the "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth"  God loved us so much that he wrote a book on how to live on earth with Peace and joy and how to get eternal life. His word never fails or changes. In a world with constant advancements in technology, the written word is still one of the most powerful tools available to us. Words can encourage, educate, demonstrate, engage, enlighten, strengthen and the list could go on and on. Words can destroy as well but that isn't what my post is about today! Writing can lift a writers spirits as well and get their feelings out into the world.

Today face to face contact is replaced with texting,emails and social networks. Face to face contact with a loved one or even meeting new people can be some of the best medicine. Sometimes it is hard to get out and meet with others because of  the distance or opportunities but we can always write to a person to encourage to tell them how we feel about them and lift them up and send them some of God's word which is alive with the holy spirit.  These are just a few scriptures on the power of God's word.

In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. John 1: 1

For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4: 12

The world can feel like it is spinning out of control and getting darker everyday but there is always something we can do to bring light. It may seem small but if we do it together and spread love to more than one person... I know we will reap a mighty harvest. I challenge myself and readers out their to write to one person a week. Just one person a week. It can be anyone from a friend or loved one you haven't seen in awhile to someone you just met. As long as you know their address, you can write a letter. You can send little gifts and pictures if you would like as well. Letters to God are encouraged as well. We don't have to mail our words to him, he know our hearts. As you write letters, tell me a bit about your experience. I will as well and keep track of  whom you write to. I think we all will be blessed for it! 

I already mailed out a letter to my Grandma on my husbands side. Let's start our project and see what develops. Heavenly Father thank you for this opportunity to bless others with words you have created. Please bless the recipient and give us the wisdom on the kind of letter of encouragement and love each individual needs. Thank you again in Jesus name Amen!
 

My Ministry- My Heart

 Three of my children started their first day of a new school year today! It was bittersweet excitement for me. My kids got a much needed break and now they will have some structure. At this time I don't homeschool and I have thought about the idea of homeschooling and weighed the pros and cons and prayed about it. I believe God has called me to help and volunteer at my children's school and classrooms at this time. ( I have 2 in elementary and 1 in Middle School.) I feel called to serve my children as well as the children who are in public school. One thing I am going to do is be ready to talk to my oldest son when he gets home. He starts earlier and gets out earlier. I believe will be good for both of us. I will also be ready to chat with my younger two when they get home.

John 12:26 "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

God has truly blessed me with five wonderful children. I pray that I recognize their gifts, differences and needs. I also think all children are truly a gift from God! I truly enjoy serving the Lord and feel blessed to be able to do so. I want to share Christ's love with each person I might whether big or small. I believe it is important to pray for students, teachers and staff everyday and to have your time with the Lord.

 Psalm 127:3-5 NIV
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

and lets not forget: Mark 10:14 NIV
"When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." 

That being said I look forward to the opportunities the Lord gives me to serve my children and our community. Thank you Heavenly Father for another school year to serve my children and their educational community. I pray that I arm my children with your armor and guide their hearts with your word. Thank you again for giving me a wonderful family. I pray for my wonderful husband as well. Also thank you for Brooklyn's successful tonsil and adenoid surgery on August 22nd, 2013!

My son Nolan is in first grade and Brooklyn is in 2nd grade. My oldest son starts school earlier, he is in 7th grade. The first picture it was still dark so I played with the camera a bit, my toddler Logan is in the picture with him. The second one it was getting lighter outside. I love taking pictures of my kids.

Weekly goals/to do for September 1st, 2013

I gave myself a little break last week and posted only a few to dos. I did all but make a dentist appointment for Brooklyn and Kellan. Now that school has started I should be able to accomplish a bit more.

• Make Brooklyn a dentist appointment
• write a letter and send picture to Grandma Hurd
• Have kids go through toys
• think about starting a moms group

Inspiring Friday: August 30, 2013

"One man with courage makes up a majority." – Andrew Jackson

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

"Men see what is and ask why. I see what could be and ask why not." – Pablo Picasso

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." – Winston Churchill

"You can't turn back the clock, but you can certainly wind it up again." – Unknown

Friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy and grace, and makes the world in which we live a better and happier place" – Unknown

weekly goals/to do list for week of August 26, 2013

I skipped last week but praise the Lord that Brooklyn had a successful tonsil and adenoid surgery.

• Make Brooklyn and Kellan a dentist appointment
• Nolan needs a haircut
• Start kids bedtimes at 8pm and 9pm for my oldest son

Inspiring Friday: August 16, 2013

"It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself." – Thomas Paine

"A man's doubts and fears are his worst enemies." – William Wrigley Jr.
 

"I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying." – Michael Jordan

"We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount ... The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants." – General Omar Bradley

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." – Winston Churchill
 

"I always view problems as opportunities in work clothes." – Henry Kaiser, businessman

Weekly to do/goals for week of August 13

• fill out MSU survey
• List 2 items on ebay
• Take Brooklyn to doc/urgent care before surgery
• Grocery shop
• Declutter Brooklyn's room
• back to school event
  

We went camping last week so I didn't get all of my goals to dos done last week but I did get some done. We had our yearly family vacation and that is something!

Weekly goals/to dos for August 3rd

It seems I may have skipped a week or maybe two but I want to be back on track.

• Walk at least 3 times a week
• pay for BML bill
• Take Brooklyn to appointment
• Send Grandma H. a book and note
• Go to Library event (have not made it to one yet. It seems like I either forget or have an appointment the same day)

Inspiring Friday: August 2, 2013

"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought
not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe
to be just." - Abraham Lincoln

"Heroes are ordinary men and women who dare to see and
meet the call of a possibility greater than themselves.
People who, despite their doubts and fears, commit
themselves to action. People who go beyond their limits
in what they think is possible." - Joan Holmes

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that
good men do nothing." - Edmund Burke

"We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take
charge and rule our lives from within." - Earl
Nightingale

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as
important as what you become by achieving your goals."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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

Name decoration for baby!

I made this from scrapbook paper and stickers I had on hand. I found the owls printable from Pinterest and printed the picture of Carson. I think it turned out pretty cute. I hope Carson likes it LOL.

Weekly to do/goals for week July 21, 2013

It seems like I may have skipped a few weeks but I am back to making some goals and a to do list for the week.

• Finish my book club book Julia, Julie.
• Mail out ebay item
• continue decluttering- this week the big bathroom
• Start walking at least 3 times a week
• Do workbooks with kids at least 3 times this week.

  

Inspiring Friday: July 20, 2013

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." – Nelson Mandela

"Choice, not chance, determines human destiny." – Robert W. Ellis

"The man who chases two rabbits catches neither." – Confucius

"A man does not have to be an angel in order to be a saint. " – Albert Schweitzer

"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." – Eleanor Roosevelt

"You're never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." – C.S. Lewis

4H Fair 2013

 It was fair week this week. Kellan is the third person away from the judge, showing Blizzard his New Zealand rabbit. I snapped a picture of my kids playing watching from the bleachers. It is a little hard to see, for some reason they have their backs to us from where we are seated. I didn't get a picture of Carson and I. He was fast asleep in his Moby D wrap. We had to leave before they handed out the prizes. Kellan came home to tell me Blizzard won Best Opposite Sex! Way to go Kellan and Blizzard! I think next year I will have Brooklyn show rabbits too. Kellan is having a fun week at fair hanging out with his 4H buddies.

Inspiring Friday: July 12, 2013

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain
what he cannot lose." -- Jim Elliot

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for
God." -- William Carey

"My father used to play with my brother and me in the
yard. Mother would come out and say, 'You're tearing up
the grass.' 'We're not raising grass,' Dad would reply.
'We're raising boys.'" -- Harmon Killebrew

"If we are correct and right in our Christian life at
every point, but refuse to stand for the truth at a
particular point where the battle rages---then we are
traitors to Christ." -- Martin Luther

"A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a
prepared mind." -- Albert Szent-Gyorgi

"None are so empty as those who are full of
themselves." -- Benjamin Whichcote

"Each one of us can work for a small change in the
world around us." -- Lamar S. Smith, Politician

Weekly goal/to do list for Week of July 1st, 2013

Last week, it seems I accomplished almost all my goals and to dos. I found a simple daily schedule to go by online so I can plan our day accordingly. 

• Make Brooklyn an appointment to see specialist
• Go to MSU for a study
• Go to 6 week checkup
• Read Bible
• Read to kids at least once a day
• Do workbooks once a day

Inspiring Friday: June 28, 2013

"It is choice, not chance, that determines our
destiny." -- Brian Tracy

"We're all self made. Only the rich will admit it." --
Unknown

"If you don't change directions, you'll end up where
you are headed." -- Dorothy Satten

"The trouble with most people is that they stop trying
in trying times." -- Dennis Waitley

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

"We don't always act consistently with what we profess,
but we always act consistently with what we deep down
believe." -- Unknown

Weekly to do/goals for week of June 23, 2013

Last week I did everything on my to do list except the library event  because Brooklyn had a doctor's appointment.

• Make Detergent
• Go to library event
• Mail out ebay item
• List 1 to 2 ebay items
• Fill out MSU survey for GC
• Keep on Reading to kids
• Do workbook activities
• Go through cloth diapers
• Deposit kid's piggy bank money into their accounts

Inspiring Friday: June 21, 2013

I saw the angel in the marble, and I chiseled until I set it free." – Michelangelo

"Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God, no matter what the conflict." – Unknown

"Emotional illness is avoiding reality at any cost. Mental health is accepting reality at any cost." – M. Scott Peck

God "desires truth in the innermost being: and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom." – The Bible, Psalm 51:6

"Every unshed tear is a prism through which all of life's hurts are distorted." – Cecil Osborne

"Where love reigns, there is no will for power." – Carl Jung

Prayer Changes Everything!

I believe faith can move mountains and prayer is a big part of faith. Anything can be done with the will of God! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 I have seen God's hand in my life and I pray I have touched others lives in a positive way so that they desire a close relationship with Jesus."And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. 1 John 5:14-15  and another great scripture; And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. James 4:3 Prayer is a great way to talk to God and communicate for his will and it eases anxiety and negativity. Keep on Praying and thanking God and good will be made out of every situation.


Through trials and tribulations, I have seen God put together the broken pieces and make new in his time. I also have seen him do what others look at as nearly impossible. I had a VBAC successfully after 3 C-sections. It was on my birthday and mother's day. God lined up everything perfectly to give me an awesome gift of a beautiful child and chose a perfect day for it. I tried not to listen to scoffers or fears but listened to God and knew that it would work out.  God has helped me forgive others even deep seeded hurts that are hard to forget.Whatever you are going through God will get you through it. All you have to do is ask. He loves us as we are but loves us too much for us to stay the way we are. He will grow our faith and set us free from sin. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 God is good all the time and he cares for each and every single one of us. He desires a intimate relationship with us. He is waiting for us to invite Jesus in.

 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 and
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 Don't give up on your loved ones. Keep on praying for them and ask God for the wisdom to say the truth in love. Jesus is faithful and loves us all. We just need to help others to open the door. Step out in faith and boldness and hold on to Jesus as your shield everyday. Thank you Heavenly Father for your many blessings. Help guide me to do your will and live my life to your plan. I praise you for everything!


 

weekly goals/to do list for July 17, 2013

I accomplished most the the items from last week. I to go over scripture memorizing with the kids and I made a summer schedule for us. Here are a few items I need to accomplish a few things this week.

1. Call AT and T to figure out how to activate gift card.
2. Make Brooklyn a doctor's appointment.
3. Go to Library event.
4. Play with kids more !!!!!
5. Read to kids.
6. Recycle

Inspiring Friday: June 14, 2013

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to
start a thing. Action always generates inspiration.
Inspiration seldom generates action." -- Frank Tibolt

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away
small stones." -- William Faulkner

"Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly
are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you
that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the
big ones tend to take care of themselves." -- Dale
Carnegie, Author

"Do what is right, not what you think the high
headquarters wants or what you think will make you look
good." -- General Norman Schwarzkopf

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I
cannot change, the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know one from the other" -- Reinhold
Niebuhr

"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world,
is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free
men and women." -- Ronald Reagan

To do/Goals for this week: June 10, 2012

Another week of goals/ to do to accomplish.

1. Call Net-flix to tell them we were charged twice last month: Hey $8 dollars is eight dollars :).
2. Go to library event on Tuesday.
3. Make a six week appointment for post par tum (hard to believe it has been 4 weeks already).
4.  Monday: Finish laundry and take care of.
5. Read more to kids and do a few work sheet assignments-play more (board games).
6. Text Sister in Law to set up a play-date for the kids.
7. Get thank you card around for the copelands for baby gifts.
8. Mail out ebay order.
9. Get kids to change sheets and pick up rooms.
10. get kids to memorize scriptures.

Update on last week. I did get most of my to dos and goals done. I didn't read to Logan like I wanted to and I read scriptures in my e-mail but didn't read my bible. So far I accomplished what I have crossed of. I need to do the ones I missed from last week.

To do this week: June 3, 2013

I think it is important to make some goals for myself and plan on making myself a list of a few goals/to dos' every week.

1. Spend more time in God's word.
2. list a couple of things on ebay.
3. mail out more birth announcements.
4. read to Logan more.
5. play some games with Logan.
6. make a dish for church pot luck.
7. Call mom.
8. Get rid of old power wheel batteries. 

 I crossed out what I have successfully accomplished. the ones left I need to do still :)

Inspiring Friday: May 31, 2013

"Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it."
-- Unknown

"Love God, love people, do something about it." --
Motto of The Rock, Conway's Community Church,


"We must take change by the hand or rest assuredly,
change will take us by the throat." -- Winston
Churchill

"Each man [is] the architect of his own fortune." --
Appius Caecus

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive.
He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of
the power to love." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Earring organizing

I have heard of this idea before and so I thought I would put it to the test. I found a extra ice cube tray at Goodwill and organized my earrings. I tried to put hoops with hoops and studs with studs. It worked great! I can find my earrings a lot easier than before where they were all thrown into a drawer.

Inspiring Friday: May 24,2013

"Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade." --
Rudyard Kipling

"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried
is the true failure." -- George Woodberry

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God,
then we will be a nation gone under." -- President
Ronald Reagan

"Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years.
People grow old by deserting their ideals. You are as
young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as
your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as
your hope, as old as your despair." -- Douglas
MacArthur

"Losing is a learning experience. It teaches you
humility. It teaches you to work harder. It's also a
powerful motivator." -- Yogi Berra

"Lord, give me firmness without hardness, steadfastness
without dogmatism, and love without weakness." -- Jim
Elliot

Song for Saturday: May 18, 2013

A great get song for today. Move by Flame, enjoy and dance along.

Inspiring Friday: May 17, 2013

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

"Wisdom doesn't automatically come with old age.
Nothing does--except wrinkles. It's true some wines
improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in
the first place." -- Abigail Van Buren

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that
the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to
live by them." -- John Kennedy

"Wisdom is being able to see things through God's eyes
or being able to see things as God sees them." --
Unknown

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-- Theodore Roosevelt

"You will know the truth and the truth will set you
free." -- Jesus

Happy Birthday and Mother's Day to me! Baby boy is here.

Carson Bradley was born at 9 lbs 10.7 oz and 22 in long at 9:09 am in the morning on May 12. We will share a birthday together. He is a wonderful blessing. I praise the Lord for a successful and safe VBA3C. I know his hand was there throughout Labor and delivery.

Inspiring Friday: May 10, 2013

"There's been nothing but discipline, discipline,
discipline all my life." - Celine Dion, singer

"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

"The most important thing about goals is--having one."
- Geoffry F. Abert

A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses
to catch up and outpace." - Ovid, Roman poet

"People who are out to find fault seldom find anything
else." - Unknown

"Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to
be worthy of recognition." - Abraham Lincoln 

Partner I am good to go, pressure creates diamonds and fire refines gold - Trip Lee

I can't believe I made it to 40 Weeks!

I can't believe I made it to 40 weeks! Today is my due date (May 9th). My birthday is on Sunday (yes it is on mother's day this year) Maybe baby boy will make his appearance. I am having contractions come and go and feel pressure. I am visiting the bathroom quite often and did lose my plug yesterday. It feels like he will be here before I know it. I am trying to enjoy these last moments, but to be honest I am a bit uncomfortable. I have put on merely comfortable clothes rather than trying to look put together. I didn't think I would have to use my maternity shorts but lately I have been. Baby boy is moving has slowed down but he is still fairly active. I look forward to meeting him really soon and am excited to be so close.

Inspiring Friday: April 19, 2013

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another." – Walter Elliott

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." – Dorothy Parker

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working." – Pablo Picasso

The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise." – Alden Nowlan

"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little 'extra'." – Jimmy Johnson

"It is curious that people who are filled with horrified indignation whenever a cat kills a sparrow can hear the story of the killing of God told Sunday after Sunday and not experience any shock at all." – Dorothy Sayers

This was played at my Uncle Greg's funeral about 3 years ago. I am also posting it in remembrance of my brother in law who passed away March 26, 2013 unexpectedly at 38 years old. Rest in Peace Chuck and all the other loved ones we have lost.  Enjoy this beautiful song! May the Lord comfort us all. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4

36 Weeks!

I am in the home stretch as my doctor told me at my last appoitment. It is hard to believe that I only have about one month (give or take) to go. We are very excited to soon be able to meet our new baby boy. I am feeling pretty good so far. I am a little nervous but I believe all will be fine. I am feeling some Braxton Hicks contractions, some pressure and heartburn is coming and going. I have most everything I want and need now. I have a moby wrap and some lily padz for nursing. Still trying to clean and purge as much as possible.  Making sure I stay hydrated and get some rest in as well. Like my silly pose at the bottom. Yeah, I took my own pictures LOL.

He is Alive!

I pray everyone enjoys their Easter and remembers that Jesus died for our sins so that we can be forgiven and live for him in this life and live with him in eternity.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" John 11:25

Inspiring Friday: March 29, 2013

"In calm water every ship has a good captain." --
Grover Cleveland

"Much may be done in those little shreds and patches of
time which every day produces, and which many men throw
away." -- Charles Caleb Colton

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes
against you till it seems you could not hold on a
minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the
place and time that the tide will turn." -- Harriet
Beecher Stowe

"We need a vocation, not just an occupation, and a
vocation is where our 'deep gladness' and the 'worlds
deep hunger' meet." -- Frederich Buechner.

"There is a time to let things happen and a time to
make things happen." -- Hugh Prather

"Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones
we miss." -- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Inspiring Friday: March 22, 2013

"Small opportunities are often the beginning of great
enterprises." -- Demosthenes

"Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul." --
General Douglas MacArthur

"Without courage, all other virtues lose their
meaning." -- Winston Churchill

"I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me
hate him." -- Booker T. Washington

"Everybody should do at least two things each day that
he hates to do, just for practice." -- William James

"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of
listening when you'd have preferred to talk." -- Doug
Larson

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

I have discovered a healthy, fast and delicious breakfast my kids love! A fruit and yogurt parfait. I buy the big 32 oz carton of french vanilla yogurt so I can use it for smoothies also. Any yogurt will work. Then all you need is your favorite fruits and cereal to top it off.

Ingredients: 
Yogurt
Fruit- we use blueberries and strawberries
cereal

Directions:
Layer the yogurt on the bottom of a cup and top with your one of your fruit.
Put yogurt on top of the fruit and add the other fruit.
Put yogurt on top of that and then top off with your favorite crunchy cereal or granola. (we use honey cheerios)

Gift Giving

Here are some tips for frugal gift giving:

~Set a budget for each gift; whether it is for birthdays, Christmas, weddings, baby showers ect, think about a set amount that you don't want to go over. Keep track of your spending if you are buying more than one item for a person.

~If it is a specific big ticket item ask others if they would like to split the cost.

~Shop around: shop at different stores and look for bargains. Don't leave out thrift stores. I have found some great things with the tags still on especially when it goes to the Goodwill discount store As Is. 

~Look for coupons for stores that you typically find great deals at for extra savings.

~Think ahead: if you find something that is a rock bottom price buy it and tuck it away for future gift giving.

~It shouldn't cost a small fortune to give a great gift and getting out a credit card to pay is not a good or frugal idea. I have learned that there is no reason to go into debt to give a gift from the heart.

Do you have any gift giving tips?

Samples of my recent great finds. The top pick I found the Diesel scarf new with tags for .99 cents (it had a tag that said it was $59) and the baby washcloth lollipops for about .59 cents each both from Goodwill As Is.

The bottom picture is a baby girl Michigan hat on sale for $3 at Meijer. I think the original price was around $20 and the Jacket is from Peebles on sale for about $13 dollars (the original price was $44)

Frugal gift giving is fun, creative and thoughtful and is being a good steward of your money.

TobyMac Lose my Soul

Here is another great song for Saturday! Enjoy.

Inspiring Friday: March 8, 2013

"Many of life's failures are experienced by people who
did not realize how close they were to success when
they gave up." -- Thomas Edison

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the
courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to
listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to
be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his
actions and the integrity of his intent." -- Anonymous

"Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of
flattery." -- Joyce Brothers

"He who grasps, loses." -- Lao Tzu

"What we fail to resolve we are destined to repeat ...
repeat ... repeat...." -- Dick Innes

"It's not the truth that hurts us but letting go of the
lies." -- Unknown

"If you stand for something, you will always find some
people for you and some against you. If you stand for
nothing, you will find nobody against you and nobody
for you." -- Bill Bembach

30 weeks

It is hard to believe only about ten more weeks to go. My wonderful husband found the last thing I wanted..... A brand new in the box Jumperoo from Goodwill for $46 (about half price of what Walmart sells it for) and it matches the fisher price zoo travel swing/bouncer he found at Goodwill for $20. I have the clothes washed and put away. Blankets are ready to go, car seat is clean. I just need to wash the playpen for when baby is sleeping during the day. I also need some breastfeeding bras and cream and maybe stock up on more cloth diapers and try a moby wrap. I plan on using cloth diapers later. I am trying to get some rest while I can. I also plan on making many crock pot meals. I will also need to pack my hospital bag as it gets closer to May.

I am feeling better, my mind isn't as foggy. I am a little tired and sometimes my body aches but other than the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions, I am doing good. I usually take a nap everyday with my spirited 2 year old who is constantly running and getting into everything and is enough to tire one out. But, if I lay down and cuddle him and pop on a movie, he will get a good nap in and I can too.

We are all excited to meet our new addition and spring is around the corner. I am due May 9th and my birthday is May 12th. I wonder if we will share a birthday. Logan, baby and I will be taking some nice walks. I praise God for all my children and pray for a safe and wonderful delivery of our baby boy.

Inspiring Friday: March 1, 2013

"When we have done our best, we should wait the result
in peace." -- John Lubbock

"Sometimes the best helping hand you can get is a good,
firm push." -- Joann Thomas

"Whatever you believe with feeling becomes your
reality." -- Brian Tracy

"Continuous effort--not strength or intelligence--is
the key to unlocking our potential." -- Winston
Churchill

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be
content with mediocrity." -- Andrew Carnegie

"Don't be afraid to take a big step if needed. You
can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." -- Anonymous

Inspiring Friday: Feb. 22, 2013

"Religion is not the way to God. Christianity in and of
itself is not the way to God. Jesus Christ is the only
way to God." -- Dick Innes

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father [God] except through Me." -- Jesus Christ

"Who dares nothing, need hope for nothing." -- J. C. F.
Schiller

"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that
which should not be done at all." -- Peter Drucker

"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is
out of focus." -- Mark Twain

"It is difficult to see the picture when you are inside
the frame." -- R.S. Trapp

Inspiring Friday: Feb. 15th, 2013

"Our greatest enemies, the ones we must fight most
often, are within." -- Thomas Paine

"The difference in winning and losing is most often ...
not quitting." -- Walt Disney

"As long as you can see each day as a chance for
something new to happen ... you will stay young." --
Sarah Louise Delany

"We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong
process of keeping abreast of change. And the most
pressing task is to teach people how to learn." --
Peter Drucker

"People will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how you made
them feel." -- Maya Angelou

"Don't ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are
not willing to move your feet." -- Unknown

Are you wrestling with God?

We know we wrestle with Satan all the time. He is always trying to get us off track and crush us. But, what about God? how often do we wrestle with what he wants for our lives. Jacob was the only one who ever wrestled with God and won. "Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." Genesis 32:28. The name Jacob means deceiver. Jacob lived most of his life as a manipulator, liar and deceiver. He also had many fears and anxieties despite that God told him he would become a great nation. He had family troubles and struggles. His brother Esau wanted his blood. He left Laban to escape his father in law, only to go directly into Esau's path. He distracted him by sending gifts along with his family to him.

Jacob was now too tired to struggle and had nothing left to his name. He was visited by an angelic being who wrestled with him all night. He received a blow to his hip which crippled him permanently. "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Genesis 32:30 despite this struggle, God blessed him for it. Jacob finally realized how much he needed God. He finally confronted all of his weaknesses, sins and fears and laid them at God's feet.

We can learn so much from this story. When it seems like nothing is going right and we have so many outside irritations and struggles; God is waiting for us to give it all to him. Stop wrestling with God's will. Life is never going to be perfect and we need God to help us through everything! "I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me" Philippians 4:13. We may want to run away from trouble but more trouble is always around the bend. Even if you try to avoid conflict and strife because we live in a fallen world it will always be there. Trust God and know that "All things work for the good of those who love God and are called to his purpose." Romans 8:28. When things get really frustrating, uncomfortable and aggravating; hang on and know that God is about to change it for the better and that includes changing us.

I know I wrestle with God at times. For example, I feel we should find a different church to attend because things are not going well at ours or so it seems. Really, it is my husband's decision on where to go. We had our wedding at this church and have been going for about 8 years. I tell him this and when he decides to stay. I remind him of a  long list of reasons of why we shouldn't stay. In my head, I say "stop it Amber, let him decide". Trust your husband and God. God may want us there, because things may be about to change. God is teaching us and molding us along the way. Maybe we are supposed to make a change to help start a change. So, as Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, follow him all the days of your life and he will make your paths straight."

Thank you Lord for the sacrifice of your only son so that we could be forgiven. Thank you for your grace, mercy,goodness and love. I trust you to work out everything that is not going right in your time. We can put our hope in you and cast all our anxieties and fears onto you. In Jesus name, Amen!

Royal tailor Make a Move

A song to get you up and dance for the Lord! :) This is by Royal Tailor "Make A Move"

Inspiring Friday: Feb. 8th, 2013

"Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement."
-- C.S. Lewis

"What the mind dwells on the body acts on." --
Anonymous

"In the direction you keep looking is where you will
end up." -- Dick Innes

"The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make
anything." -- William Connor Magee

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

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

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

Some of the book was very hard to read because of the content. I am glad I finished this book to the end. In Jaycee's own words she is not a victim but a survivor. She did what she could to survive 18 years in captivity of confusion, abuse, fear, neglect and loneliness. In the summer of 1991 when Jaycee was eleven she was kidnapped on her way to school by very mentally unstable people (not sure how else to describe their mental state). 

A married couple (Phillip and Nancy) in their thirties decided to take Jaycee and hide her away in their backyard. In this time she was used, neglected and abused. She became a mother at 14 and had another child a few years later both by her captor, Phillip. The whole time she was hoping that someone she trusted would find her or that they would let her go. Jaycee loved her daughters, but Phillip and Nancy confused her by the new dynamics of her "family" by trying to make something abnormal look normal to outsiders. She was confused on how she should feel about them.

Finally in August of 2009, Jaycee and her daughters were finally set free. She finally was reunited with her mom and sister whom she has thought about for the past 18 years. Jaycee talks about some of the struggles of the aftermath of her captivity and the triumphs of starting a new beginning with her daughters and other family members. She is touched by how people that she doesn't know show her they care. Phillip had brainwashed her for 18 years on how must of the world was evil and corrupt (basically like him) Jaycee has started a JAYC (Just ask yourself to Care) foundation Inc. to help other families and animals in need. 

I learned from this book to always let God open my eyes to the needs of those around me. You never know what they may be going through or facing. There are crimes against the most innocent everyday. We can help if we just open our hearts, eyes and minds. Jaycee is an inspiration to how to turn around anything you are going through or have gone through. There is always hope and we can light a candle in the darkness. Sometimes we have to be aware of those most uncomfortable things but if it means saving lives it is a small price to pay for us.

Inspiring Friday: February 1, 2013

"Only those who constantly retool themselves stand a
chance of staying employed in the years ahead." -- Tom
Peters

"Tears will get you sympathy. Sweat will get you
results." -- Anonymous

"A people that values its privileges above its
principles soon loses both. " -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes." -- Henry
Kaiser

"It is literally true that you can succeed best and
quickest by helping others to succeed." -- Napoleon
Hill

"The Instructions for Life are Simple: Look ... Listen
... Choose ... Then Act." -- Anonymous

26 weeks

It is hard to believe I am 26 weeks. Only 14 more weeks to go! We are very excited to be able to meet our little man in about 3 months or so. I am also enjoying pregnancy as much as I can :) I am feeling pretty good. Starting to get to the tired stage again but other than that everything is going well. I have had the muscle spasm in my calve once. I am thankful for that since it is my least favorite part of pregnancy. It is so painful when you stretch your leg out and your muscle moves when it is not supposed to causing major pain and discomfort when you just want to get some rest and go back to sleep. 

I am trying to push myself to walk at least 2 times a week and really want to make it to 3 times which helps baby and me. I am getting some indigestion and heartburn but less nauseous than I was :) I praise God for this wonderful baby that we are looking forward to meet. 

Boys are awesome! (so is my daughter ;) just a few great things about them (and having three with a fourth on the way) are;

I can pass down shoes, clothes and toys (if they are not too rough on them ;)
They can protect their sister.
They are so loving ( my daughter is too but a bit more independent)
They can be best friends.
 I can play with cars, Lego's and watch Star Wars LOL
I get a good variety of the male perspective.
They love me and I love them ( I love my daughter and she loves me too but I just had to add this)

I thank God for all my wonderful children and for taking great care of them.