A Mom Just Like You.....My Journey through Life with 8 Children....
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Sep. 26, 2008
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Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder......
They Say that Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder.......
Yet sometimes our vision becomes obstructed.......
But if we stop and take the time to look and smell the roses..........
It is a beautiful way to regain our focus..........
And a reminder that this beauty was created for our purpose.........
Dearest Lord,
Thank you for the beauty that surrounds me. It blesses me each and every day. Thank you for caring enough to demonstrate your love in this way! In Jesus name I pray! Amen~
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Sep. 25, 2008
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Sunset, Sunrises and Contrite Hearts.......
Sunsets, Sunrises and Contrite Hearts........
At the end of the day when all is said and done, I look out at the skies that the Savior has given to everyone. The beautiful colored orange skies can settle an anxious heart. I cannot help but thank the Lord for the joy that fills my heart. His sunsets are a small reminder that he loves me and truly cares. And whatever may of happened that day He never allowed more than I could bear.
The silhouetted hills remind me how the day is coming to end and how the night is about to start. It is then that I remember I have been given another start. Another opportunity to seek my Saviors heart by asking for His wisdom with an open and contrite heart.
As I look out into the distance beholding the miles and miles of beauty. My heart can't help but grow closer and closer to my precious Lord His truly.
Then I take the time to stop and look before my eyes. No longer peering out into the distance, that my eyes were once able to see. My heart feels so warm inside, because of the suns beauty. It's rays that shine, have taken the time to stretch out across the sky. They peer at me through the leaves upon the trees as my heart can't help but wonder why. And I know that in my heart His beautiful creation only brings me closer to Him. So I know that when my Lord stops to look within my heart, a love for Him and all His beauty is exactly what He will see within.
When the night is over and a new day begins. I awake to a new sunrise that I know is from Him. I cannot help but realize the smart thing to do. Is to graciously accept this wonderful new day as His precious gift meant for both me and you.
So why does it seem so hard to choose and decide which road I will take. My heart desires to stay on the straight and narrow completely for His names sake. Doing the right thing is not always easy to do. Because I am still flesh and blood and just another sinner like the rest of you.
When I take the path that seems greener to me it does not always make me a winner. Because if the path is not what God had intended for me to take it means I will only grow more into a sinner
So with each and every day I need to make the right choices. Grower closer to God means following His direction and tuning out all the wrong voices. My heart belongs to you oh Lord, I know you know my heart. But because I am a sinner each day I need to begin with a new start. My souls cry to you of Lord is that you teach me all your ways. Help me to grow more and more in your likeness with each and every day!
Dearest Lord,
May you fill my heart always with your love, direction and wisdom. Keep me pliable, obedient and genuinie in my heart to you. With each and every moment my heart wants to always stay true! I praise you and I thank you for all you do! Thank you dear Lord Jesus for loving me as you do! In Jesus name I pray! Amen~
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Sep. 24, 2008
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Goodbye Summer and All of the Beauty that it Holds......
Goodbye Summer and All of the Beauty that it Holds........
 Pretty soon summer will be a memory of the past. The beauty that it holds is slowly slipping away. The look of life is slowly fading away. Winter is around the corner with the look of barreness that it holds.....
 
    
    
Winter arrives.......
Winter months hold their own unique beauty, even if the look of life is not one of them. It holds a look of being clean, crisp and pure. It is a vision of serenity and peacefulness. It is a good way of visually seeing how the Lord Jesus takes our crimson colored sins and makes them as white as snow......
Within each and every season there is a message that it holds within itself. A message of beauty, hope, love, joy and peace. Messages to us from a loving Creator, who strongly desires to give us a total and complete rest within Him and all that He has created. When I take the time to look upon and within the creation that He has surrounded me with, I never have a problem finding peace and harmony amongst the daily stresses of my life. All I have to do is go grab my camera and start capturing whatever beauty my eyes behold within their lens. Then I capture that moment within the lens of my camera to be remembered by me always. It doesn't seem to matter what season we are in, I can always find something amazing to capture in the moment. Whenever I am done I always find that a calm has been washed over me. God speaks to me about the love He has for me throughout the beauty that I love so much and enjoy.
 I have said this before and I will say it again. If you find yourself stressed and worn out, go grab your camera and soak in the beauty hidden within the seasons. When you do that it would be impossible to walk away not feeling refreshed, renewed and completely loved. As if the Lord Himself had given you a big hug. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself. Please do share with the rest of us what enjoyment you were blessed with!
Dearest Lord,
I pray that you will forever touch each and everyone of us as we stop and take the time to enjoy the beauty you have placed around us. Teach everyone to soak in your creation as a natural tranquilizer to the every day stresses of life! Speak to us and let us forever feel your love with every flower we behold and every sunset we soak in. I pray you will bless each and every one that reads this post. In Jesus name I pray! Amen~
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Sep. 23, 2008
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Walking Through Life with Anticipation and Excitement ....
Walking Through Life with Anticipation and Excitement....
When I was at the store, picking out a birthday dress (the one in the picture above), for my little girl, I spotted these boots and I just couldn't resist getting them. They are a shiny purple and the color just happened to match the dress perfectly!
When she awoke, the morning of her birthday, she was so excited to find, on her table, her new outfit . It was just waiting for her to put it on. Needless to say she fell in love with the dress and boots instantly. Now here it is weeks past her birthday and those are what she chooses to put on her feet everyday! She wore the dress every day for a week after her birthday. I finally had to peel it off of her body and make her take it off but she was happy that she was able to still wear the boots!
Every morning that we wake up and open our eyes to another new day, it is another precious gift from God. He has given us another chance to do His will and another chance to follow what it is He has created us to do. God wants us to awake to our new day in the same way that my daughter awoke to hers. He wants us to awake with anticipation and excitement because we know that He has given us the gift, of another day. We have been given the opportunity of another chance. A chance that allows us to follow more closely behind Him as we walk out our lives stepping and following in His footsteps. We have been given the pleasure of living for Him, as we serve Him, our families and friends in all that we do. He has given us another day to reach out to those around us, including those who are strangers to us. When we touch the lives of those, whose paths we may cross as we walk through this journey of life, we are demonstrating the love of Christ. We allow God to use us as His vessel. A vessel that He uses to reach those who may not yet know Him. It gives someone else, an opportunity to know Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior just in case their tomorrow never comes.
So don't take for granted that we will wake up to another tomorrow. Because I am learning more and more with each and every passing day that tomorrow may never come for some of us. Whether we're young or old is not what decides the length of life. God has numbered our days and only He knows what that number is. We should live each day to the fullest as if it was our last on earth. I know when I get to heaven I want to hear....
Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
God wants us to be excited about waking up. He wants us to anticipate the gift He has waiting for us. The gift of dressing ourselves in the full armor of God, after we have read and soaked ourselves in the His Word, the Word of God. Once we are fully clothed in His armor He wants us to keep it on forever and to never ever want to take it off. Just as my daughter did not ever want to take off her dress God wants us to feel that way about His gift too! He yearns for us to seek Him in all that we do! Asking for His wisdom, guidance and direction in all of the paths that we may walk on in our journey of life. He needs us to step out of the way and allow Him to step in. We need to learn how to put ourselves and our desires aside in order to let Him guide us in where it is He wants us to go.
God never promised us that life would be easy. But He did promise to never leave us nor forsake us as we embark on our journey through this earthly life. He has also promised the gift of Salvation to all of those who simply ask for it. It is a free gift for everyone and it is awaiting for you whenever you stop and ask Him for it! If you haven't done so yet, would you take a moment to do so now? Do not put it off until tomorrow for as I said previously said tomorrow may never come. The next minute or hour may not come, we just do not know. So the time to do it is NOW!! Please don't wait! Say the following prayer and enter into the most precious relationship you will ever know! Jesus said.......
Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Say, Dearest Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I do not deserve the precious gift of eternal life that you so generously offer to all. I know that you died on the cross for my sins in order that I may have Salvation through your death. Through your Crucifixion you bore the sins of the world. I know that without you there is no way into heaven. In your Word you say.......
John 14: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
So I am asking you dear Jesus please come into my heart and transform me into who you have created me to be. I ask that you stand before me at the throne of God and proclaim me as yours! I thank you for the best gift of all! In your precious name I pray! Amen~
If you just prayed this prayer and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior. Please post a comment in this post, or leave me a message in the chat box on the side bar or email me privately! I would love for you to share with me about the beginning of your new journey!! Welcome to the kingdom of God! You are now a precious child of the Lord's! See you in heaven one day!
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Sep. 22, 2008
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Lentils and Cheese, Pile it up Please...
Lentils and Cheese, Pile it up Please.....
One day I was in a hurry and it was lunch time. So I dug through my pantry and found some canned lentils. I starting concocting and I came up with a recipe my family loved! I have made this many different ways. I usually use Black Heirloom beans (black lentils) but this time I used just regular brown lentils like in the picture above. I will post both recipes. You can try one or both. This recipe is very healthy, and very fast.
Do share if you enjoyed it! I always enjoy the feed back. As usual I always use organic products whenever possible!
Lentils and Cheese, Pile it up Please
2 Cans of brown lentils or make your own use approx 4-6 cups of cooked beans
4 Heaping Table spoons of Dehydrated garlic granules (more or less to taste)
4 Heaping Table spoons of Dehydrated onion flakes (more or less to taste)
1 Can of mild Rotel Tomatoes (you can use mild, regular or hot, but I warn you even the regular is pretty hot)
1 Can of Mexican Corn
1 Container of Feta Cheese crumbles (or use a block and crumble yourself)
Celtic Sea Salt (to taste)
1 Package of Whole Wheat English Muffins
Unrefined Olive Oil
Put approx 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pot or pan. Open the cans of lentils and drain out the juice. Take the drained lentils and add them to the pot. Now open the can of corn and drain out the juice also. Now add that to the pot also. Now add the garlic and onions. Open up your can of rotel tomatoes and add them to the pot, (Do NOT drain them). Add salt to taste. Heat all the way through.
Open up your english muffins and lightly toast them. After they are toasted pile the bean mixture on top of them and spread it out. Then put the feta cheese on top and drizzle with Olive Oil. Serve and eat. That's it, that is all there is to it. Here is the other recipe.
Black Heirloom Lentils and Cheese Pile it up Please
2 cans of the Black Heirloom Lentils
3 Tbsp spoons of garlic powder (from the healthfood store)
3 Tbsp spoons of onion powder
Celtic Salt to taste
Freshly cracked Pepper to taste
1 Loaf of whole grain bread (homemade makes it even better)
1 Container of Feta Cheese crumbles (Or use a block and crumble it yourself)
Unrefined Olive Oil
Add about 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the pot or pan. Heat up. Then open cans of lentils and put directly into the pot. With the Black Heirloom beans there is never any juice that I have come across. Now add the seasonings and heat through. Put the bean mixture on top of the bread and spread it out. Now top with the feta cheese and then drizzle with the olive oil. That is it! It is tasty and healthy! I hope you enjoy it!
Try it sometime when you need a super quick but healthy meal!
Dearest Lord,
Thank you as always for such amazing tasty whole foods! In Jesus name I pray Amen~ |
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Sep. 21, 2008
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Hand Made Flower Wreaths and Growing Birthday Girls.....
Hand Made Flower Wreaths and Growing Birthday Girls......
My little girl is growing up so fast I just cannot believe it!! She turned 7 this year. WOW, where did the time go??? We had 5 boys before having our first girl. We thought we would never have a girl. Now we have 4. Someone later told me, be careful what you ask God for, you just might get it LOL. We did and we got more than we ever imagined we would.
So for a special crown this year I went outside and cut some of our wildflowers and some of our japanese honeysuckle flowers and made her this wreath out of them. She loved it. Of course it didn't last more than a day. But the pictures will keep the memory! This wreath was so easy to make. I just took some long vines of the japanese honeysuckles and twisted the ends around each other and then I tied it together. Then we went out and picked a few different purple wildflowers and stuck those in between where the vines were twisted together. Wahlah, that was it. There are more pictures below, including a close up picture of the japanese honeysuckle flowers I mostly used in the making of this wreath.
Happy Birthday my sweet precious girl!!!!
Dearest Lord,
Thank you for my precious little girl and for all of my children! I am blessed beyond measure! In Jesus name I pray! Amen~
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Sep. 21, 2008
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A Cup of Tea???
A Cup of Tea????
Well we are in the fall season soon heading into winter. I am finding due to some busyness and other circumstances we have been slipping and not eating as healthy as we used to. The children have been getting sick on and off, which is a good indicator to me that it is time to tighten up the reigns and get back to the basics in healthy eating. I need to plan ahead of time for any unexpected circumstances that may come up. I also need to be more prepared for the busy schedule we have had lately.
Our bodies health are always a good indicator to us on just how good or bad we are feeding them. So if you find that your family gets sick a lot it is your body's way of saying that you need to be feeding it healthier foods. Don't ignore it, make a change and try eating whole foods and lots of raw foods. You will be surprised on just how much healthier you and your family will feel and will become. Try it for a month. You will not be disappointed.
About a year ago, I concocted a drink, that sounded good to me at the time. I tried different variations when making it and found one I liked best. We would occasionally drink it as a delicious tea or just as a cool freshening drink.
Well I just found out the other day that there is a tea listed on a herbal site that is almost identical to what I came up with. From what I read this tea is is used to help people recover from colds and the flu. It is also a wonderful immune system enhancer.
I gave it to all my children yesterday and today they are pretty much back to their old selves. So I share this recipe with all of you. If you or someone you love needs to recover from a cold or the flu, drink a batch of this tea throughout the day. Be sure to make up a big batch so you have it prepared and ready to drink all day long. If you are not sick but feel something coming on go ahead and make up a batch of this tea and drink it throughout the day also. It should ward off the sickness so you don't end up sick and in bed.
You can try it as a tea or as a refreshing cool drink. Try it both ways and see which way you like it best. Here's to good health.......
Ginger Honey Tea
12 cups of Purified Water
4 inch piece of fresh ginger root (approx more or less to taste, we like it strong)
2-3 cups of raw unfiltered honey (more or less according to your own taste) (you can use unrefined sugar cane crystals too approx the same amount and same concept more or less to your own taste)
1 large lemon (squeezed and use the juice)
1 Big carton or bottle of unsweetened PINK grapefruit juice
Fill the pot with water. Slice the ginger thin and put it into the pot. You can also grate it if you would prefer. You may not need as much of the ginger if you grate it. Grating it will give it a more intense flavor. Cover and then boil the water with the ginger for approx 15-20 minutes. Turn the stove off and let the tea cool a little for approx 10-15 minutes. Then add the lemon juice, and the honey to the pot and mix it well. I like to use a whisk it mixes it together beautifully. At this point the water should still be hot enough to melt the honey. So if you are making a smaller batch do not let it cool as long. After you mix it up well if you want to drink it as a tea strain out the ginger pieces and then pour yourself a cup. Now enjoy!!!
If you want to make it into a cool freshening drink. Put the tea into the fridge to chill it. After it is chilled go ahead and fill a cup up about half way with the tea mixture and then add the PINK grapefruit juice to finish filling the cup up to the top. Mix it well then serve and enjoy!!! You can place a lemon wedge on the side of the cup and add an little umbrella to the cup to make it pretty. This is a great summer drink!! If you don't care for grapefruit juice this is a good way to change the flavor in a way you may grow to enjoy.
Healthful drinking to you all! If you enjoy the drink please do let me know. I love to hear feedback!
Dearest Lord,
I am always so amazed at all the wonderful healing herbs you have blessed us with! Thank you! In Jesus name I pray! Amen~
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Sep. 7, 2008
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Lord Transform Me or Maybe Not??
Lord Transform My Life...Or Maybe Not?????
So many times in my life I think about the areas that I know I need to be changing in. Yet I know that in order to change in those areas of my life it would take a lot of hard work and a lot of me stepping back and completely allowing God to step in. I would need to be willing to allow Him to refine me into who He has created me to be. Now don't get me wrong, I am not afraid of hard work nor am I afraid of change but what I am afraid of is the way God will choose to go about making those changes in me. I think to myself will I be able to handle the trials and tribulations He allows me to go through in order for me to change and grow? How much will it hurt? Will I be able to learn and grow during those times or will I spend all my time and energy focusing on how hard the challenges God gave me really are and how much easier it would be to just give up?
Yet in my heart I know the truth. I know what the answers to all those questions truly are. Yet there are those times that I find my fear gets in the way of my heart. And I allow my fears to get the best of me.
Since I really enjoy talking with God so openly and candidly anywhere and everywhere I go, we tend to have a wide variety of conversations on a daily basis. Lately I have been focusing on some areas in my life that I know need changing. Areas I feel the Lord has been gently convicting me on for quite some time now. So I go to the Lord during one of our conversations and I ask Him to please help me make those changes we both know need to be made. Then as soon as I finish that sentence with my next breath I will start listing all the ways I DON'T want Him to go about it. I start rambling on about how if He ever allowed something tragic to happen to someone close to me whom I love so dearly or to myself I could never handle such hard trials such as those. By the time I am done rambling His hands are pretty well tied up.
Now I am the first person to tell others, especially my children, that God never gives us more than we can handle. Sharing what was once told to me and benefited my life in so many ways. Whatever trials the Lord allows into our lives are not without a purpose. The purpose of our trials are not always solely for our own benefit but can also be for the benefit of those around us. God can use one persons trials to bring another person to salvation. It is hard to comprehend it all but one day it will all make perfect sense. One thing that makes perfect sense now is that when we cooperate with God's will for us, no matter what it may be, we can always count on making it through those trials. With the added benefit of growing from each and every experience we face. And the added benefit of the possibility that our trials may have also touched the life of another.
When I take the time to reflect on the many struggles I went through in my life. I realize it was during those trials and tribulations that the Lord refined, purified and molded me the most. Each trial allows him to cleanse and refine me more and more. Every time I walk through those flames I come out of the fire purer and cleaner than I ever was before walking in. But during my resistant times, God is always so patient with me. He does NOT force anyone to change. He just sits back so patiently watching me struggle waiting for me to ask for His help again but this time without the limits. When I put things into perspective I realize God is the perfect parent and He only wants what is best for me just as I only what is best for my children. It is then that I finally unloose His hands and tell Him that I trust Him and I know that He knows what is best. Even though so many trials are hard to endure, some so much harder than others, I have come to learn that the hardest trials I go through in life are the ones that will later bring forth the most changes in me. Changes that are good and bring me that much closer to becoming who God created me to be. How can I argue with that?
Throughout the years as I grow more and more in my walk with the Lord, I am learning how to say, "Lord show me what it is that you want me to learn through this trial that you have allowed to come into my life." I will be the first to admit that it is not always easy to do but I will say that when I approach my trials in that manner I learn my lesson quicker and I find that I grow much faster in what it is that I learned. And when all is said and done you will find that it was a much less painful process because you didn't kick, scream and fight God the whole way through.
So ladies if you find yourself struggling with change. Wanting to change but afraid to give it all to God and allow Him to do whatever it takes to break those chains. Take a deep breath and ask God to give you the courage to allow Him to move in your heart and to give you the strength to step back and allow Him to step in. I promise you in the end you will not regret it because we only see the pieces of the puzzle in life, but God sees the finished product. My heart is with you all as you embark on your new journey of handing your life over to God and leaving it in His hands. Only good can come out of doing so. You will grow to new heights and dimensions in your life. You will reach a place you never even knew existed. Bless you all! I know you can do it!!!!
Dearest Lord,
I pray for each and every person who needs to make changes. I pray that they will grow strong in you and gain their strength from your loving hands dear Lord. May they succeed in accomplishing the task you have set before them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen~
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Aug. 27, 2008
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The Heart of the Matter Character Place Mats.....
The Heart of the Matter Character Place Mats.......
I have recently observed that several of my children have started to demonstrate some signs of poor behaviors as well as poor attitudes. I felt that these behaviors and attitudes were indicators that they were in need of a little refresher course, in what we call, character boot camp 101. So I decided to enlist only the ones I felt were in need of it. I wanted to come up with a new and creative plan that I felt would accomplish the same goal of focusing on their character. Yet it would be creative and new. After much thought and lots of praying I came up with the following idea. I wanted to share it with the other moms who read my blog since I have seen so many good fruits growing, very quickly, in the lives of each child who is currently in the boot camp. I pray that if you happen to find yourself in the same season, that I am currently facing with some of my children, that this post may be of some help to you as well as a blessing.
I have always enjoyed reading character building books to all of my children with every window of opportunity we could get. I enjoy doing so for several reasons. But my main reason is because it teaches my children Godly lessons about the importance of building good character into their lives. Especially from a young age. As well as explaining the steps on how to achieve that goal. With some of the children being in character boot camp I have been focusing on reading these books more often to them. I am doing so in order to help get them back on track and to help strengthen their areas of weakness.
The next step I took was I handed out blank pieces of white card stock to each child who was in the boot camp. They were instructed to take some colored pencils and or crayons and do the following:
On one side of the card stock they were to use light and pretty colored pencils and crayons and draw things that they found to be beautiful to look at, touch, listen to and taste. Pictures of all things beautiful to them and to God. Things they find themselves doing that they know is a thing of beauty. I wanted them to draw the beauty that is in the deepest desires they have and hold in their hearts to accomplish, achieve and become all that God has created them to be.
On the other side of the card stock they were to use dark colors. This time the pictures that they were instructed to draw were pictures of things that they know are ugly and unpleasant to look at, touch, taste, and smell. I wanted them to draw pictures of the things that they do in their lives that they know are wrong. I wanted them to draw the sin and struggles that they face in their lives on a day to day, moment to moment, minute to minute basis. The temptations that they are faced with and lose the battle many times because the devil entices and dangles fleshly pleasures before their eyes during their most weakest moments, so they make the wrong choice.
After they were done drawing on both sides I took their pictures and then pulled out my "Proverbs for Parenting" book to look up scripture verses that fit the things that are full of beauty and scripture verses that fit the things that are full of ugliness. For the side that showed sin and struggles I wrote out scriptures that reminded them that God sees everything they do whether it be good or bad. He sees it all even when I may miss some things they do wrong God never does. He always sees everything and God is the one that counts in the end. I shared scriptures about how God feels about sin and how it makes Him sad when they choose to commit sin in their lives. For they are sinning against Him. I put scriptures telling them how God will always help them in their times of struggles. All they have to do to call upon Him and He promises to always give them a way out. He promises to never leave them nor forsake them. He also promises to never give them more than they can handle. So there is never a situation that they will be faced with that they cannot overcome and escape if they call upon the Lord for His help. Even though their areas of temptations that the devil encourages them to do may seem big, God is always bigger.
For the beauty side I wrote out scriptures on how God is very pleased with those areas of their lives when they choose to do good and it comes from their hearts. God says to them, "Well done good and faithful servant." I wrote verses showing them how God wants to help them achieve becoming all that He has created them to be. He wants to help them grow in the area of beauty that they strive for on the inside and out. The scriptures I wrote out showed them how God rewards and blesses those that follow His ways. He does not miss the good we do even if others do. And we many not always receive our reward here on earth but we will surely receive our reward when we get to heaven.
After I covered both sides of the card stock with the scriptures, that I found to be fitting for each child's pictures and character flaws. I then followed up by laminating each picture for them to use as their daily place mats during meal times.
I explained that since these were going to be their places mats for the time being I wanted them to do the following before each meal:
They are to lay their hands on the side of their place mat that lists the struggles and sins that they are currently experiencing in their lives. Then they are to pray and tell God that they wish to not sin against Him anymore especially in these areas that they need His help and strength to overcome the sins and struggles they face the most. I also have them read all the scriptures that are written on both sides daily so they are hiding God's Word in their hearts! Filling their hearts with good to replace the bad.
Then they are to turn their place mats over and pray for the beauty they are seeking in their hearts and lives. Their prayers are an intimate way of sharing with God the areas they wish to receive His help in. Areas where He guides each and every step they take so that they may grow into the person they wish to become and the person they know He created them to be. They want to walk with Him daily and grow to be more like Him.
If you choose to have your child do this you might just be surprised to learn what your children are truly struggling with in their hearts and lives. Also by having your children do this on their own it allows for them to think through what they see as their own weaknesses without you pointing them out.
As I stated before you just may be surprised at the things your children end up sharing with you. They may have many more struggles in their lives than you were ever even aware of. I also find that they are more willing to change in the areas they are weak in because it was them who brought up those areas not you.
So if you are needing to do some character boot camp with any of your children give this place mat idea a try. Let me know how it went for you and your child. I always love when you dear sisters share with me your success stories after trying things I share. May both you and your children be blessed in all you do!
Following are some of the titles I really enjoy:
"Christian Character". I really love this book. It is geared towards both boys and girls. "Wise Guys" this is specifically for boys. "A Girl of Beauty" specifically for girls. The following title is another one of my favorites "Boyhood and Beyond" this is also specifically for boys. "The Christian Gentlman's Series" specifically for boys. "Beautiful Girlhood" specifically for girls and one of my favorites. "Christian Manhood" specifically for boys. There really are so many more books I have on character building but the ones I listed are a few of my favorites.
Dearest Lord,
I pray for any mothers out there who may be struggling with character issues in some or all of their children. I pray that you will open their hearts Lord. Give them the wisdom and guidance to help teach their children how to overcome these weaknesses with your help! I know all things are possible with you. May you be with each one and bless them in all their efforts. In Jesus name I pray Amen~ |
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Aug. 11, 2008
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The Joys that are Brought Throurgh the Smallest Acts of Love.....
The Joys that are Brought Through the Smallest Acts of Love........
A note of love from one of my younger sons.....
One happy mama who loves each and every note.....
I wanted to share another thing I have done with the many notes from my children throughout my many years of mothering.....
Whenever one of my children would write me a note, draw me a picture or give me a trinket I would grab one of my reading books and stow away the item I was given inside that book. I would be sure to write the name of the child who gave me the precious gift as well as the date I received it from them and their age. Whenever I would receive a new note I would take the time to put that note in one of my many other books. In doing so I get a new surprise each and every time I read a new book. Each and every note brings joy to my heart. So many times in the middle of reading a book I would stumble upon one of my notes I had stowed away. Other places I would place my notes is in my drawers, my make up case, my mommy planner or I tape them to my mirror. I place them in my kitchen drawers and even put them in my glove box in the car. You name it I store it there. Whenever I find these gems I cannot help but take a wonderful trip down down memory lane.
Everyone is different so please don't feel like you have to copy me. If this idea sounds like something you would like to do by all means give it a try. But everyone has to find their own nitch. But for me I find that I prefer to save the things my children give me in the form that I just shared with you. I prefer doing it that way over keeping everything in one box somewhere in a closet. The other amazing and wonderful thing I find in doing this is that I almost always seem to find those notes at times when I am in need of reassurance of my mothering because at that moment I may be forgetting what a blessing it truly is to be a mother. Sometimes I may just need a good dose of cheering up and a dose of reality.
My oldest son will be 21 years old this year. He is out of the house and living on his own but I am still finding notes he wrote to me back when he lived here and when I find those notes it is like having him here all over again. I find notes of all kind from him. Some are apologies, some just say I love you, some are notes of him asking questions. There are just so many numerous types of notes that my children write me and I enjoy each and every one of them.
There are also times that the notes are a reminder of just how precious my children truly are. There are times I may find a note from a child who just happened to do something wrong and I found myself feeling very displeased with them and their actions. It always amazes me how God seems to use those notes and moments as a reminder and as mini lessons for me to focus on treasuring each and every moment with each and every one of my children. It is so true that they really do grow up very fast and we only get one shot at raising them right and raising them with love. God uses those notes of love as a reminder to show me that my children's hearts are truly filled with love but they are also human too. Even though my children may do wrong they are still precious and because their hearts are so full of love and filled with God's love I need to remember that yes they will make mistakes because they are human but they deserve forgiveness and grace just like the rest of us. Through those notes I find God reminding me to just enjoy everything about them good and bad because they are only little once.
I challenge you mothers who find this is something you want to do with your children. to begin writing them notes as I suggested in my previous post. Then hopefully over time they will begin to write notes back. When they do remember to store them all over your house. Find places to stow them away so one day you will just happen upon them and believe me it will always seem to be at one of the most perfect times. Do it with pictures they draw, photos, trinkets and notes. I promise you, every time you find one of those treasures you will be blessed more than you can ever imagine! Enjoy your children and keep their love and childhood alive by leaving little pieces of them throughout your home and your life over the years. Even when they are grown and gone you will still be enjoying their childhood through the items you come across little by little. One thing to remember is that God is a God who is all for writing notes of Love to us His children. His Word is full of love notes seek and you will find. They are encouraging, full of love, peace and happiness. Writing notes you cannot go wrong. May you be blessed in your mothering sweet mothers and sisters! Happy adventuring!
Dearest Lord,
I pray you touch each and every heart of every mother who reads this post. May your will be done in each of their lives and their families lives. Give them peace and happiness. Give them guidance and fill them with love! Keep them in the palm of your hand and speak words of love to them through your Word as you guide each and every step they take! In Jesus name I pray Amen~ |
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Aug. 7, 2008
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Words of Encouragement Through Notes of Love!!
Words of Encouragement Through Notes of Love!!
(For you Holly)
I started the act of writing notes to my children a few years ago. I usually write them up at night and then I would leave them taped to their doors for them to find first thing in the morning after they had woken up. I would even leave notes for the children who cannot read. Their inability to read was not a problem because they just rushed to me with their notes waving in their hand asking me to read it to them. This made them just as happy as if they read it by themselves. They too were being encouraged and uplifted. I feel leaving notes is a great way to help your children start their day! ! A morning filled with words of encouragement and love.
In these notes I remind them of just how much I love them, I write things to encourage them especially if they are feeling down. I share scripture verses with them that are meant to inspire them and lift them up. I share with them what a blessing they are to our family. I remind them how each one of them plays an important role in our family unit and without them our family would be incomplete. I remind them how special they are and how God has created them for a very special purpose.
I share what good deeds I have seen them recently do. I also remind them that I am always there for them no matter what I may be doing. It is important to me that they know I am never too busy to listen to what is on their heart.
If there are areas I feel they need to be stronger in I write out scripture verses that apply to their areas of weakness. Every time they read those verses I know it is being spoken over them and into their lives. The WORD is being hidden in their hearts. I would also write out verses that focused on their strengths. Whenever those verses were read I saw it as a way of reinforcing the strengths they had within them.
In my notes I would ask them how they were doing and if there was anything on their minds or hearts that they wanted to talk about. I share how proud I am of them and how much I believe in them. I let them know I believe they can do anything they want to do as long as they applied themselves 100%. But most of all they need to remember to ask the Lord Jesus for His help. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
My notes are always filled with unconditional love, encouragement, blessings, words of belief I have in them and who they were created to be. Guidance, openness, my words are always uplifting and are never judgmental.
I never realized just how much my notes meant to my children until one day I stopped writing them. Something happened in my life that caused me to stop writing them notes and I just never started it up again. I had no idea just how much they truly enjoyed receiving those notes because they never told me so. Shortly after I stopped writing those notes I began receiving notes from my children. Sweet notes filled with love, encouragement and scripture verses. I enjoyed receiving them so much. Then I would be asked are you going to leave me a note too mom?
Then one day all my children began begging me to start writing them notes again. It was at that moment that I realized just how much of an impact my notes were really having on my children and their lives. Although they never indicated that the notes made a difference to them I later found out just how much of a huge impact the notes had on them and their lives! I completely understood because I myself was throughly enjoying receiving all the notes they were giving to me! Note giving and receiving is so loved by us all that it has now become a regular tradition among children and my myself.
Even though my husband and I have one on ones with our children as a way of allowing them to share what is on their hearts with us. These one on ones gives us alone time with each child allowing them to open up their hearts and share their most inner thoughts and desires with us when no one else is listening. It is a place of safety. Yet I find that I still like to write the notes because I see them as another way to share my heart and love with my children and it allows them another way of sharing their hearts with me. I also find that sometimes in the one on ones it is harder to tell your children where their weak areas are when you are face to face. It is truly a much gentler approach to share with your child the areas you feel they need to work on when you write it on paper.
As for my older children even though I write them notes we also like to text one another, email back and forth or chat via AIM. I find this as a great way to communicate especially when it comes to talking about something embarrassing that may be hard to talk about face to face. We do it if they are out with dad or in their room and they just want to chat. I enjoy these moments very much. I love that they are choosing to come to me, they are choosing to spend their free time with me, their mother and that is all that matters to me not how they are doing it. I love that they trust me so much and that they feel open enough to share their hearts with me.
So for any of you mothers out there that may be struggling with communicating with your children. If you feel a gap between you and your precious ones young or old, start writing them notes of encouragement and love. Do it every day. Build them up. Let them know how much you love them. Focus on their good. Notice what good you see them do. Fill them with scripture verses. I promise you if you do this everyday you will be tying strings of love with them. They may not show you at first how much they like it but believe me they will. If you did it for 2 weeks and then stopped you would find them looking for the note and they would seem quite disappointed if it was not there. Text them, email them, chat via instant messaging. Write hand written notes. Do what it takes and watch the wall come down brick by brick (note by note). You will be glad you did. Build your relationship first before sharing areas they need to work on. Writing notes is a way of sharing the good and the bad. It is also a way of preventing confrontations and it allows each person to share their heart without it turning into a fight or a battle of the wills. It is a safe way of working out issues that need to be worked out where both people can be heard without harsh words being exchanged.
When the time comes that you feel you can now share in the areas they need to be working on, always remember to be loving and gentle when writing your note to them. Be willing to also ask them what areas they would like to see you change in. Be humble and do your best to work on those areas! Give this system a try moms! I think you will be pleasantly surprised and you will have your child's heart back if you lost it or are in the process of losing it! Many may be saying you don't know my child. They are hard and cold towards me. Well don't give up mom. Every child wants their parents love and acceptance. If you start it and continue it I promise you it will bridge the gaps that have formed. Happy note writing and be blessed dear mothers! Share your praise reports with me! I would love to hear them!
Dearest Lord,
I pray for each and every mom out there who may be struggling with having a happy relationship with their children. I pray you help them take these steps necessary that will heal their relationship and build loving new ones. I pray for other mothers who just want to strengthen their relationships with their children. Let these note writing sessions build strong relationships that they long for! In Jesus name I pray, Amen~ |
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May. 14, 2008
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Posting in a Couple of Days....
Hello Dear Ladies,
I wanted to let you know I will be posting in a couple of days. We are alive and well! Sorry I have been gone so long! I thank all of you who were worried about us and asked how we were doing! I also appreciate all of you who let me know you missed my posting and that my posts are encouraging and helpful to you! It is always such a blessing to hear that.
I have missed posting and I have missed talking with you all! You are all the best!
See you in a few days!
Hugs and Blessings to you All,
Brenda |
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Mar. 9, 2008
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What are They Training to Be???
What are they Training to Be???
The Same yet So Different
My twins are very sweet in so many ways! Although they are identical in looks they are far from being identical in spirit and personality. One of them is very dainty in every way, a true girl in every sense of the word. She can spot something pretty a mile away and she just loves to be attached to me at the hip.
The other twin is also a girl but she has some tomboy in her also. She tends to be rougher, tougher and can spot an ATV a mile away (LOL) and she just loves to be attached to daddy at the hip.
My girls are always talking about how they are mommy training and training to be good helpers. One day the twin who is extra girly said, "I am mommy training" which caused the other one to pipe up and say, "Well I am daddy training." That was just too cute!
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Mar. 9, 2008
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Healthy Menu.......
Healthy Menu.......
Breakfast
Mega Fruit & Nuts Granola (Homemade) (super simple and fast to make)
Fresh Fruit
Snack
Avocados seasoned with herbs
Blue Corn Chips (organic)
Lunch
Chicken Whole Wheat Noodle with Vegetable Soup (Home quick and easy)
Whole grain crackers (you can home make these)
Baby Carrots
Cucumber Slices (sprayed with Braggs amino acids) (YUM)
Snack
Mixed dried fruit
apple slices
Dinner
Confetti Cajun Bean Rice (very quick and easy) Topped with Raw milk cheddar cheese
Baby spinach salad loaded with fresh veggies and topped with ginger soy dressing
Baby Carrots
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Mar. 6, 2008
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Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies....
Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies....
2 Cups of Freshly Milled Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp of cinnamon (freshly ground if you have some sticks to grind)
1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup of organic unsalted butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of (healthy) sugar cane unrefined crystals (such as florida crystals) NOT the white stuff!
1/2 cup of healthy peanut butter the ones without sugar even the freshly made one is great
1-1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
1 cup of healthy chocolate chips
1 egg free range (preferably organic)
Mill your wheat or just use store bought whole wheat flour. Combine all your ingredients into a bowl. Mix it well but do not over mix. I mix mine up in a Kitchen Aid. When your have your mixture roll the dough into approx 24 balls. Then roll each ball in some sugar (just pour some onto a plate) Place the balls on a tray and then slightly press them with a fork to leave lines on top of the cookie or just use the palm of your hand if you prefer. Do not flatten the balls of dough out too much. You can double this recipe if you wish and then freeze your dough balls in baggies for later use. It is a quick and fast snack when you want. Bake them at 375 for approx 9 min.
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Mar. 6, 2008
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Chicken Thai Curry in a Hurry......
Chicken Thai Curry in a Hurry.....
This was a very quick and easy recipe to make! Hi Lee I hope you enjoy this one too!
5 Tbsp of organic butter
3 Tbsp of Whole Wheat flour soaked
2 Tbsp of Curry Powder
2-3 Cups of Coconut Milk
1 tsp minced onion flakes
2 Cups of Cooked Chicken (cooked in garlic)
3 Cloves of Garlic minced
Celtic Sea Salt and Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon Wedges approx 3
1 Med Bag of Frozen sweet peas and
grated carrots
4 medium sized potatoes cubed into very small bites (cook them halfway in a pot of water then remove the water and add it to your mixture) or you can just add it to your pot and cover the pot so the potatoes cook. Be sure they are cut small so they cook quickly.
4 Cups of Brown Rice Cooked in Chicken Broth
Chicken broth (enough to cook rice in or add powdered chicken broth the healthy kind one WITHOUT MSG)
1 small package of organic chicken breasts
3-4 Tbsps of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Take your brown rice add it to a pot or to your rice cooker. Instead of cooking my brown rice in just water I always cook it in chicken broth or I just add water and add enough healthy powdered chicken broth to give it good flavor. Once your rice is cooked put it aside then proceed to the rest of this recipe.
Wash then cut your chicken into cubes. Put your olive oil in a pot heat and add your minced garlic. Add your cubed chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through. When it is cooked take it off the heat. Now in another pot melt your butter then add the flour and curry powder, cook and stir for about 5 min. Now add your coconut milk. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring. Add your small pieces of potatoes and cook for approx 5 min. Now add your onion and the cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for approx 5-7 min covered. Now add your peas and carrots cooking a bit longer until they are warmed through. Squeeze in the juice from your lemon wedges. Cook until your mixture is thick, bubbly and heated through. (If the mixture gets too thick just thin it out a little bit with chicken broth)
Serve this over the brown rice. This was a huge hit with my family. I love Thai food so I was so excited to come up with this dish. If you do not eat chicken you can use tofu instead it also tastes great. Feel free to change the seasoning according to your own tastes.
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Feb. 28, 2008
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Another Healthy Menu.....
Another Healthy Menu.....
Breakfast
Breakfast bars (homemade)
Oranges quartered
Apple slices
Snack
Sliced bananas with real maple syrup drizzled over the tops of them
Medjool Dates (dried)
Lunch
Seasoned Egg Salad Roll ups with sprouts (home grown sprouts) (rolled in whole wheat home made tortillas)
Veggie tray with some veggies drizzled with maple syrup the rest dipped in home made ranch dressing
Snack
Home made trail mix
Dinner
Italian Wedding Soup (has little meatballs in it)
Whole grain crusty bread (home made)
Baby spinach and Baby romaine garden salad with sweet mango dressing (home made |
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Feb. 23, 2008
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Healthy Menu......
Healthy Menu....
Breakfast
Cheesy Egg, Sausage and Tatertot Crockpot bake (bakes overnight)
Snack
Dried papaya strips and mango chunks
Raisins
Lunch
Veggie Sandwiches with Garlic spread and Mayo on Homemade Whole Grain Bread includes following but not limited to
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Baby spinach
Avocado
Sprouts (homegrown)
Peppers
Carrots
Red onions
Served with apple slices and or blue flax corn chips
Snack
Medjool dates
Orange slices
Raw Nuts
Dinner
Chicken Sausage Minestrone Soup (very easy to make)
Homemade spelt quick dinner rolls
Baby Spinach Salad with cucumbers, carrots, croutons and homemade Ranch Dressing
Dessert
Homemade whole wheat brownies |
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Feb. 22, 2008
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Menu for Yesterday.....
Yesterdays Menu.....
Breakfast
Eziekiel Raisin Bread with butter
Granola with Rice Milk (both of these can be homemade)
Snack
Raisins and Whole grain crackers
Lunch
Italian (chicken) Sausage Lasagna (homemade)
Whole wheat cheese bud rolls (homemade)
Baby Carrots
Cucumber slices
Snack
Raw Milk Cheese slices and Whole grain crackers
Dinner
Grill seasoned Oven Roasted Turkey Breast on Whole grain bread
with alfalfa sprouts (homemade)
Seasoned Cucumber slices
Whole wheat cheese bud rolls (homemade)
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Feb. 20, 2008
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Menu for Today.....
Menu for Today.....
Breakfast
Granola with Rice Milk (Both the granola and rice milk can be homemade)
Snack
Apple slices
Raisins
Raw Nuts
Lunch
Tocomare Seasoned Avocado Halves
Braggs Seasoned Cucumber Slices
Herbamere Seasoned Tomato Slices
Blue Flax Corn Chips to dip with
Snack
Raw Cheese
Whole grain crackers
Dinner
Spelt Quick Bisquits (Homemade)
Ceaser Salad (With Homemade Dressing)
Chicken Black Lentil Soup (Homemade) |
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Feb. 13, 2008
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Teaching Scriptures from When Your Children are Babies (Repost)
Teaching Scriptures from When Your Children are Babies (Repost)
(My precious children trying to come up with their own tune for a scripture passage)
Ladies do you teach your babies and your children scripture? Do you fill them up all day long with the wonderful Word of God? Filling our children up with the Word of God on a regular basis is so easy to do it is the most beneficial thing you could ever do for them! It hides the word in their heart from a very early age.
Ps 119:11 ¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
From when my babies are in the womb they hear scriptures that I play to music or they just hear it being read off in the far distance From the day my babies are born I always put them down for a nap to scripture songs softly playing in the background of their rooms or within my arms. At bedtime in the evening I put them to sleep with Sometimes I play the dramatized version for them when they are young but most of the time I play the read only version for the real little ones. (This is just to ensure that they the bible being read quietly on CD within the womb. or on tape by Alexander Scourby. Buying the scriptures on tape or CD will be one of the very best investments you will ever make. won’t possibly get scared from the drama sounds on it)
At the breakfast table I teach my children scripture (I am not musically inclined ladies so it is not like you need skill to be able to do this!) If I can do it anybody can! The babies are right there along side us so you would be amazed at just how young they are when you begin hearing them join in. Their sweet little voices jump right in on singing the scripture verses that you were already singing or reciting with your older children. My children have all learned the 23rd Psalm, and were able to sing it with us as a group, before the age of 2 yrs old. There are places that do sell bible passages already put to music for you. So if you decided to buy these tapes that are already pre-made, then the job is already half done for you. Our family has all learned I Corinthians 13 together as a family from a company that had it already put to music for us. But I must admit that I do still personally find it enjoyable and special to still make up my own tunes whenever possible. Take a moment mothers to watch your children giggle as they watch you try to make a tune that is catchy, one that is sure to flow just right and one that also must be remembered. Then the next day comes and you are all giggling trying out many different songs as you try to figure out which one it was that you decided on. Then you finally remember and you are back on track ready to sing those scriptures to the tune you have chosen. It is a total memory builder mom. It is a family time, a fun time, a memorable time, a learning time and a time they are taking the Word of God and placing it right in their hearts! You are giving them the gift of life mothers! You are such a precious mother!
There are so many creative ways to teach and learn scripture ladies. When you take the time to teach your children the scriptures from the very first day they can hear from in the womb and from the very first moment that they are born into the world that is such a precious, precious gift that you are giving them! They will always remember verses whenever they find themselves in any situation. But most of all they will always be able to fall back onto scripture in times of crisis. Gods Words will have always been a part of their daily life. How could they just dismiss it in times of need and in times of praise? You are filling those children with our Heavenly Fathers ways. They are learning Gods ways and how God wants things done. By giving them this mothers you are giving them a gift they will treasure for a lifetime! Gods word will never return void ladies, did you know that dear sweet mothers? He promises us in His Word hat His Words will never return void. What an awesome promise to hold onto.
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Steve Green has the Hide Em’ in Your Heart Vol -1 and Vol- 2 (audiocassettes, CD's and videos) that are great for children to learn scripture to songs. If and when I may put on a video for my children it is always a video like Steve Green, where they are learning scriptures or I will put on a creation video that teaches them about creation instead of evolution (which is usually always filled with scriptures also) The Moody Science Videos are great for what I just mentioned. Valiant Music also has some very beautiful soft, scriptures put to music by his lovely wife. He sells these by tapes and CD’s I believe. He will send you a sample CD to try and it is so very sweet. Very soft and gentle, I just absolutely love it. If you are interested in it at all email me and I will get the information on how to obtain it to you. Here is a good opportunity/memory builder to make up your own home video with the children learning and singing scriptures with you or with each other. Mothers please do be sure that they have lots of fun but also be sure that they keep it respectful because we are talking about Gods Word here ladies and I think it is good to teach our children yes have fun but be sure you are always respecting our Heavenly Father in the process! Making a video like that would be great fun and it would probably become their most favorite video to watch or their favorite audio cassette to listen to. Why not mothers, they know all the stars in the movie personally and so they feel very important, LOL. But remember anything over 30 minutes stifles creativity so remember to keep their video watching limited. But if they are making the video then time is not an issue. Making the video can be very creative and fun while still singing and reciting the Word of God. Who knows they may do such an awesome job that others may want to buy their finished product. When you are immersed in the Word of God you just never know where He is going to take you. What adventure He may have in store for you! My children love to take th | | | |
