Surprising Ways of Our Heavenly Father

This morning I went with my husband to help with a side job he had. Then we were to head to the store. While sitting and waiting for him to finish grinding some drill bits- my job being the painting end of it, I read more of my book Sun Stand Still. Today's portion was in regards to prayer.

I was sharing a section with my husband on our way to Walmart. When we got inside we did our normal routine, I left him at the deli counter and went and got some supplies, while he waited for cheese and meat. As I walked back some people started to walk towards him. Me being the probably more antisocial of the two of us, stayed over by the rolls for a few seconds to see if they were going to try and sale him something. Of course The lord was about to deliver a powerful message I just had no idea.

We would come to learn, after my husband so polietly made it impossible for me to walk away, that this group of 5 people were in Walmart today praying for people on their list. They sat in church sometime this week and had a list of qualities, names, situations. Each list being different to each of the five. One lady had Paul's name on there and that he needed encouragement. The other lady well she said that she was confused and felt possibly mislead by her name on her list- It was Jennifer, but the reason she questioned it was that her daughter's name was Jennifer, she felt she might be wrong. The lady that was with them had financial situations and sewing on her list. They knew they had found one of the many that the Lord was wanting them to bless today through the power of prayer. I admit I did read the paper and I personally saw the ladies own handwriting that said Sewing- under prayer of Talents. We allowed them to lay hands on us, two praying for my husband the other three praying for me.

The Lord sure impacted my life. I did not want to pray for financial blessings, even though my husband and I had just talked about that before walking in the store, instead when they asked for a topic I prayed for my business that I would continue to be able to bless others, that it in turn would continue to bless us. The prayers- healing to come over me as I sew each stitch of my next few quilts, that business would flourish and we would have income provided to meet our needs, she continued for quite some time about other things like feelings, emotions and needs. 

For me there are too many connections to not know that this was DIRECTLY our Lord. First it was a mother with a name of a daughter- who happens to match mine- I admit that with this next weekend approaching I am having such difficulty. I took such comfort in that.  Then I know that after my daughter's quilt is done I wanted to begin my mom's butterfly quilt. Hmm healing you think? I do..I marvel at the impression the Lord left on us today. I am so thankful for these faithful servants who spotted us and did not know us, who asked politely if they could pray for us, who invited us to their church if we are ever in the area, and who wanted to make sure we knew Christ as our savior.

Their footsteps amaze me. How often do we go through life and not reach out to others. How often could the Lord use us and we have no clue because we are not still and listening to him. I am thankful the lady listened to our Lord, that even though she doubted that she was hearing correctly she had my name written down, that she would share that story with me. I wish I had been able to explain some things to them and how much their kindness meant, however, I was trying so hard not to become a crying spectacle in the middle of hte produce department.

So if anything take from this story that the Lord does know, that when you hit rock bottom He will move mountains to make sure you understand that you are forever in HIS arms, that He cares and that you matter.

Etsy Treasury of Donations

Today I put together a treasury on ETSY for items where proceeds in percent or full go to different causes, from animal shelters to Japan to Different medical difficulties such as Autism or Breast Cancer. I love buying items where you know that a partial percent or all of what you spend benefits someone else. Its a great feeling to Pay it Forward for blessings we get in our own life by our Heavenly Father. It is a great way to spread the wealth and help him meet the needs of others.

Orindary to Extraordinary

Well as I mentioned this week I am reading this incredible book- which I will giveaway later in May. While sitting in the dr office I read this one portion this week and it really sunk in. I shared this same portion with my husband as it fit both of us, the same but differently. See often when I say that I am a SAHM people then just come back with oh. Its like its not good enough, like I don't do much. I just sit on a couch eating candy and chips all day long. Hmm not the picture at my house for sure. So when I read this portion I thought WOW that is so true, that is so us.

Steven Furtick writes, 

God may lead you to stay at home with your young children, forfeiting a second income. Ordinary. But along with diapers, dishes, and naps, you receive the gift of time- to model discipline, instill values, and speak life into your kids. They could grow up to be Joshuas in their own generation. Extraordinary.

He goes on to say,

God may have placed you in a line of work that seems to have no eternal value and provides very little in the way of personal fulfillment.Ordinary. But he knows you're the only Christian witness many of your coworkers and clients will ever meet. They'll observe what God looks like as you labor with excellence and integrity every day. Extraordinary.

This is what led me to make a difference this week. To take a simple quilt and donate the proceeds to a much needing family. The Lord planted the seed in my heart, I put that faith into action, now I will believe that this quilt will sale, it will go to a loving family and the money will help make another day or two a little easier for the family in need. If you missed the post about the Baby Genius Quilt please read Here

Furtick concluded the section by saying the following,

Look around your desert today. It might be your office, your living room, your church, your neighborhood, your classroom. If God is calling you to make a BIG DIFFERENCE, he usually starts in a small way- a flaming bush that only you will notice.

Will you remove your shoes, draw close, and receive your assignment? Will you give the Lord permission to ignite your ordinary? If you will, I promise it won't be long before your faith starts carrying you to  a level higher than you ever thought you could go.

Now all I can say to that is AMEN! Have a wonderfully blessed weekend. I am on Fire over SUN STAND STILL. Oh and please feel free to share the word about this quilt and donation. Word of mouth is the best advertisement and I would really love to help this family.

Baby Genius Quilt and a Donation of Proceeds

Purchase this quilt and the funds are donated for a great cause. You can get purchasing info at my ETSY page.

Discovery and Learning Baby Quilt Custom Made Sale of Quilt is donated to a great cause

This is a custom made quilt, yours can have your own family name or babies name on it- included in the price. It can also be made without a name.

This quilt sale will be completely (minus the cost of shipping) DONATED to my friend Joy, who's son has pars planitis in both eyes. This requires many doctor visits, medications, and other situations in which extra money is needed. She is a Sahm and I would like to help. I felt the Lord speak to me as I traveled the journey of her Blog. If you would like to read about her please convo with me and I will share with you how your purchase can bless this family.

This is a great playmat for new babies ranging from 5 months on. The cognitive stimulation is wonderful for their little growing brains. All the colors, shapes etc...
This particular playmat was made square because mommy wanted it for her little one's belly time. It measures about 42 inches. I also can make them rectangular if that is preferred.

It is also embroidered with a last name rather than a first name so that it can be used for future babies.

I use Warm and Natural Batting in all my quilts.

This quilt is backed with ABC flannel fabric which is soft and cuddly, or it can be made with a solid flannel.

It has a black and white polka dot handmade binding on it.



It comes from a smoke free home. Again this is a custom made quilt, it takes under 2 weeks for your order to be ready once details are finalized. Please contact me to know what you need and I will alter this listing to for you.
 

Thankful Thursday

Wow what a week. I am so thankful the weekend is almost here. We have had one busy afternoon after another. I have much to be thankful for.
1. I am thankful that I have had all these appointments and waiting time picking kids up etc, it has allowed me to work on my reading of an incredible book called Sun Stand Still. I am nearly done with it and I just have such a better outlook. I feel great. It is reminding me of some important biblical principles and helping to inspire me in life.
2. I am thankful for the 2 desk like chairs Paul brought home from work, they were clearing out an office so now Jakob and I both have these nice office like chairs- free of cost.
3. I am thankful that we have had a slow homework week, it has helped Paul and I get several nights of quiet time this week. With the end of the school year within 30 days now, I am thankful we were able to recharge.
4. I am thankful for the Deposit Paul made into my Love Bank last night, with two bags of Reisen Chocolate candies and some peppermint patties- I do still pray for Resses Peanut Butter cups for Mother's Day, I keep hinting.
5. I am thankful for the extra money Paul could make last night and will make again on Saturday, with all the dr appointments and Jakob's prescriptions we have spent an extra $100 I did not have planned. It is nice that the Lord met our needs.
6. I am thankful that today I finished the Tshirt Quilt top and I can work tonight on getting the backing made and the quilt finished so that I can hopefully deliver it sometimes between tomorrow and Monday. I pray that it will be a quilt that will give me some local business, since it is a woman in our school district that actually found me online through my ETSY page.
7. I am thankful that we pick up our pool tomorrow and get to do the delayed Easter Egg Hunt. I am looking forward to another weekend of family time.
Lastly, I am thankful that the Lord continues to speak to me. I am thankful that He continues to lift me up and nurture me. I am thankful for his warm embrace and the beautiful sunshine every day. I am thankful for the couple of friends that read my Blog occasionally and the communication gained from that. I pray for continued blessings and uplifting as a tough week approaches. I also pray for all the families and areas this week affected by the many storms. May their needs be met, may their hearts be filled with peace, may the Lord comfort them through this time.

Busy Afternoons

On Monday the younger two had to go in for their annual checkups and get their immunizations to start 7th grade next year. It made me very thankful to have insurance that is decent. Zekaryah is doing great. He has broke the 100 lb mark now and is right on track with everything. Mekenzei is growing well not quite 80 lbs yet but she is having some growing pains in her legs. The dr took a closer look and realized she has the same uneven leg situation I do, and her knees some in slightly which is why when she runs at times she has pain in various areas of her leg/s and or feet/ankles. For now we are choosing to just watch it. She will run track next year and if it seems to continue to be a problem I will go in and get a lift for the leg that needs that little extra adjustment for her. She does have to go back in next Monday for her Meningitis shot, as they only had one and both of them needed it.
Yesterday Jakob went to take the Compass test at the school, he was very discouraged afterwards because he needed a 6 on the writing essay and he only got a 5. He felt there were two problems with the test, one there was no tab button and so he didn't know how to manage the spaces per paragraph. Then Two it didn't discuss how long you needed to write. Well those two areas we learned is what made that point difference for him. He needed to write over 500 words, he didn't quite make 400 and there are no spaces for the paragraphs. I felt a little sad for him because I think if the test had not been electronic he would have gotten the 6. His quality of writing outweighs mine most days hands down. I am thankful though that there is a second placement test that he can take for the Essay portion, so we have a second shot tomorrow. He knows to just write and write- the counselor at his school seemed confident that he would pass, so my prayer is that the Lord intervene and help him out. In order to be on the Math track he needs this Dual Credit course for his engineering degree. It does seem silly for him to not take it, since he placed in PreCal College Math on the test last night. I guess for now there is not much we can do for pray. I feel a little helpless as a mom.
Today I took Jakob to the dr. I was a little nervous. He has been having near fainting spells. Heart conditions run in my family. I had trouble with mine in High School, I have since outgrown it and learned to manage the stress situation with it. Thankfully his EKG was excellent. The Dr gave him some medication for the Acne, and also his sinus', he does have to come back for blood work because I had fed him before the appointment and he needed to be fasting. It is hard to believe he is approaching 160 lbs.
I am very thankful they are all healthy and doing well. It is also nice that I decided to tackle all these appointments on a No Homework week due to state testing in school. It really has taken the pressure off all of us. It has been nice having time with each child too.

WordFilled Wednesday

My thoughts today are on Peace. My mind desires it, my body craves it and the Lord promises it.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

—John 14:27

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

—John 16:33

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:6-7

Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments!
Then your peace would have been like a river,

and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;

—Isaiah 48:18

The Ways of the Lord

Today I sit and ponder how wonderful our Lord is. My mind is everywhere this morning, it is full and occupied, so bare with me as we journey together, lately my blogs seem very all over the place. Unfortunately it is the life of the Bipolar, the thousand things coming at me at once.

So I start with this, He laid a couple of things, well really projects, on my heart last night and then this morning and I can say I am excited to be his clay to achieve those. I can't wait to share the finished projects too. I love it when you read something or talk with someone and the Lord does that tiny little whisper, "I need you", "This jobs for you", "What about..." Just spoken quietly to my heart.

I praise Him for continuing to work in our family. For allowing us to continue to get extra jobs so that I can continue to stay home. I woke up a little depressed that my husband would be late tonight, I had forgotten I admit that it was tonight that he would be late because he can make a little extra money on a side job after work. Means we eat dinner without him, means that we miss that little quality time we have, but it also means blessings because I know the bills that will be hard to pay next month will be a little easier. 

I am thankful for the idea the Lord placed in my mind about our EASTER Egg Hunt Pool. I knew that summer was quickly approaching. I saw that we didn't have enough money to do enough windows to run the big ac window unit we were given last summer- at least not just yet. I thought of the fact that as much as we love the beach with the price of gas we would not be able to go every weekend or even twice a month this year. I thought of the fact that we are digging hard into reading, writing and math this summer and I need a reward system that would be nearly free and also a way to cool down in the heat of the days. Then whispers of a pool sounded. It took some effort but I depleted some of the money from the window fund to pay for the pool.I admit the timing is off because it arrived at Walmart Monday morning, not over the weekend like expected.

I see the Lord continue to help us with the plans of the pool. Providing us wood for the privacy fence we will need, providing us wood for the decking we will need to build. Providing us with Time to till the ground so that it is more even. Providing us with a wonderful brother in law who will develop a filter system for us so that the cost is minimal to keep the pool clean.

I am looking forward to this weekend. A time where we can barbeque and spend some quality time together, a time where we can set up the pool after the kids do their scavenger hunt with eggs to show them what their prize is. Funny as it seems now I like the idea of doing the easter eggs the week after Easter. It kept our minds focused this past weekend and we all were in places in our life where we needed the Lord more lately. 

I look forward to this weekend also as we try out a new church. My heart is heavy with the idea. My husband and I were talking it over last night on the way to pick up Jakob from his college test. I mentioned how I was not quite ready to transition. Our church we attend now is doing a series on Noah, on anxiety, being overwhelmed. It spoke directly to my heart. The new church has services on every Wed night and then also Sundays there are three you can choose from. The current church has services on the first Wed of the month and then also Saturday nights and Sundays there are three to choose from. I had come up with the plan to attend Saturday night service at the current church alone each Saturday night for the next month. My husband looked over and said, "I will go with you, we will make it a date night" I just smiled and knew..we really are in this together. I need this series, I feel the Lord will work through me this next month like he never has before. I think that I have hit rock bottom and he is ready to do great things. I also recognize that we need a new church like never before. We need one where the cost to go to camp or be involved is not so high, we also need one that is closer to make it easier on us gas money wise and time wise so we can be more active. I will miss our church, we have been there since I was pregnant with Mekenzei, she will be turning 12. We have watched them grow and flourish, all three of our children have been baptized there, the youth pastor led the service at the funeral for my Mother in Law, we have so many good memories. Now we are on a path for new ones. I pray that the Lord will open my heart, that he will meet our needs, that He will direct our Paths as to if this other church is where he wants us for this journey in our lives. I see the potential for great things if we will give it a chance. For now I can just be thankful that my husband is walking beside me, not in front or behind but next to me holding my hand, wanting also for me to finish healing and find my footing once more.

Tackle it Tuesday

 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Psalm 46:10

This Tuesday I didn't do anything just spectacular. I should have worked on a quilt but I can't seem to get the fabric laid out right. I made sure dishes were done, did some wash all the normal chores that seem to be never ending. This afternoon I picked up Jakob from school, got him a snack at Mc D's and then helped him get settled over at the college to take the Compass test- this test is the college entry test, he has to have it to take a Pre Calculus Dual Credit class next year. In my heart I know he will do fine but I admit we were both a little nervous. It would be great if he passed all three sections the first time, then the test was free- always a very helpful bonus. 

Psalm 37:7-9
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

Today I felt like I am just going through the motions of life. There are brief moments of enjoyment but there is a craving for more. So I have been thinking on how to achieve more. I am so incredibly thankful that this is Taks testing week for the kids. We have no homework this week so its nice and slow. Its a great week to re-evaluate and become more at peace with myself. I guess sometimes that makes a good tackle it tuesday. Just time to be still and listen.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Yardwork and Garden

With the winter finally over it was time to do some much needed work in the Yard. Shrubs needed to be cut desperately, then some mowing and weed pulling too.

The hole we made when we took the tree down in the front has finally been leveled out so now the chair and bricks can go and I can just have grass grow in more.

This is the work so far. We still need to get to two more flower beds, but it was a good amount of time put in to make it a little better.

I am thankful for the 2 hours Jakob spent on push mowing the yard. I am hopeful we will get the riding mower fixed this year. It would make the job much easier.

Last year we didn't even have grass right through here, looks like the routing of the washing machine to this area is really helping to water the lawn. Can't wait till we do the kitchen sink so that it can also do the same.

The garden sure is doing well, there are three of these little bunches of tomatoes. I am already dreaming of Paul's green salsa. Have to wait a little longer as these are still too green.

I can't believe the size of this squash plant! It already has some buds way low so soon it will be time to pollinate them. I am hoping the deer continue to stay away. We have already had them eat the tops of the pepper plants. I look forward to next weekend and the work we continue to get done outside.

Easter Weekend Fun

Having fun in the tree. Funny because it makes me so nervous to see them up high in one, but they sure love it.

Good Friday Service at Church. I was a little upset because the wind was blowing and it was hard to get any good pictures at all. Hopefully we can get some better ones next weekend.

My son did a great job with this picture. I liked it alot- minus Paul having his arm behind his back. lol

Them posing for their last Church Egg Hunt- I am a little bummed but you can't egg hunt forever I guess. I am sure they will be grown adults still hunting eggs each year in our yard.

I love this years dress for Mekenzei. I bought it for my cousin's babies blessing that was a while ago, but it sure made a great Easter Dress too. We even found her this pretty flower Thur night to go in her hair.

Easter Day meant lots of fun- Paul put out carpet and plastic and made them a slip and slide. I was a little disappointed that our Easter Surprise is not here yet, so I was thankful Paul thought of something since we are waiting to do our Easter Egg Hunt at home until Next weekend. It will be worth the wait for sure.

Poor Jakob when all that 150+ lbs comes crashing down on the ground to slide it really tears up his knees, he kept going even though they eventually cut a little, he just decided to slide back first. It was funny to see the full length of him going across the plastic.

Little Miss, she is still small enough to enjoy the convenience of her own personal pool~! I love her creativity. I caught her slipping down and closing her eyes to taken in some sunshine. Just so serene. It was a great way to wrap up our Easter fun- before we did some much needed yard work in the beautiful weather.

This week's menu. Nice and simple mainly so that I could pretty much just use food we had since we spent some extra over the weekend having some extra special foods.

Monday

Shrimp Stir Fry- mom and dad

Tuna Helper kiddos

Tuesday

Blueberry Waffles and Bacon

Wednesday

Tostadas

Thursday

Quesadillas

Friday

Homemade Pizza

Saturday and Sunday- Easter Egg Hunt and Surprise

Smoke a Brisket and lots of sides.

Thankful Thursday

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (NIV)

 John 11:25-26 

With Easter in just a few days I am focused on the Thankfulness to live in a country where I can outwardly practice my Christian beliefs. I am thankful that my children all go to public schools where prayer is still allowed. In fact just this past week a teacher told her students in my daughters class that she would like them to be quiet during the moment of silence because she uses that time to pray each morning. I had to laugh but I thought it was a great example of a teacher standing up for Christ, in a world that does not always allow us to do so.

I can't imagine my life without Christ. There are so many times where it seems like its all I have to lean on. Friends come and go, family come and go, life can get lonely and you can feel in despair but the one thing that you always have in life is Christ, he never leaves, he is always there, he is your constant.

I am thankful that the Lord chose to give us His son, who would die for us and therefore in believing in him would give us eternal life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

John 3:16

   
According to John Chapter 19

The Crucifixion of Jesus

    So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. ¹⁷ Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). ¹⁸ There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

 ¹⁹ Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. ²⁰ Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. ²¹ The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”

 ²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

 ²³ When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

 ²⁴ “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

   This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

   “They divided my clothes among them
   and cast lots for my garment.”

   So this is what the soldiers did.

 ²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

The Death of Jesus

 ²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

 ³¹ Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. ³² The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. ³⁴ Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. ³⁵ The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. ³⁶ These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” ³⁷ and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”

The Burial of Jesus

 ³⁸ Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. ³⁹ He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.⁴⁰ Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. ⁴¹ At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. ⁴² Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Easter is Approaching

For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 

1 Corinthians 15:16-20

I am very focused on Easter this week. I am not focused on Easter Baskets, Egg Hunts, Chocolate or Bunnies, rather on Christ and Family. My focus this week is on the idea that one day Christ will return and am I where I want to be with my Family if that were today or tomorrow. My husbands work is thinking of him going to a 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift. That would dramatically alter our family life as most days- especially if we had school they would not see him. That got me thinking last night how important family time is even now. They all leave about the same time in the morning so they see each other in passing. The kids are all pretty much home by four in the afternoon. Most days we eat early before my husband gets home because they are hungry and ready to eat. That is especially the case if it is easy meals. We do the same routine each evening- lots of homework. We are on most days done by eight at night but sometimes like last night we were up until 11 doing homework. My husband arrives home between 7-9 on most nights so my thought was the time they have with him on school nights really is limited. I really am the one managing everything already. Thus, this new possible work schedule really won't change a whole lot. 

See I never realized how much I do, how much time I spend with them, how much influence I have in their lives. How much time we spend just doing homework together. There are many parents who leave their children to do their own homework. For the most part I sit right there and help them, read through the questions, help them when they need it on answers, help them find sources for papers, maps etc. I want them to learn how to do homework so they are prepared in life. So they know how to research, how to work hard how to succeed. I want them to live life to the fullest.

I think often that our lives focus on the wrong things, tv shows that repeat every week, video games, computer games, internet time...I want our home to resemble family. That's what it was all about wasn't it?

In the bible you saw everyone had their part. You had those that worked the fields, those that hunted, those that made the bread to eat for the meal, the wives that cleaned and took care of the little ones who had not yet left for their part. Our kids have their part too, their job to do until Christ will one day return. They go to school, influence those around them by their actions, they radiate the light of Christ through their lives and plant seeds in fellow students and teachers that they share their lives with. It makes me feel very blessed to have children who so outwardly speak of the Lord and the blessings he provides daily in their lives. I am thankful that Christ was raised so that all our time here is not just that of a sinful life but one that looks towards eternity being spent with our Heavenly Father. That family time will not even compare to the many joys of our family time now. The thought of that is very exciting.

Etsy and BNR

My quilt is in its first BNR on ETSY, come take a look. You might even like one of the great items from other stores as a gift for Mother's Day, or another special occasion. Thank you to earthwisemporium for featuring me!
I think this will be a great way for other shops to get some much needed promotion!

Menu Plan Monday

This week we don't have a full weeks Menu. Easter weekend will throw us off a bit. 

Monday 

Chili Dogs/ Hot Dogs

Tuesday 

Bean and Cheese Burritos

Wednesday 

Pancakes

Thursday

Movie out right after school so Sonic $1 menu

Friday- Church that evening 

Spaghetti Dinner

Saturday & Sunday

We will be outside most the weekend 

so probably BBQ something

The Hurt of Lying

It seems we have a wave of lying in our home lately. I don't want to go into details because that would not be fair to the people involved yet it made me want to research what the bible says about it because my heart is so saddened by it. It really does leave you hurt. It leaves you with less trust maybe, it leaves you with doubt. I think in all three areas it leaves Satan a door to cause further damage. I think that is why the Lord spoke on lying specifically. We all do it from time to time, little white lies etc, its the out right blatant ones that always hurt me the most, the ones when you absolutely know they are lying but they insist they aren't. 

"What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar."
Proverbs 19:22

"Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying.
Put away every form of hatred"
Ephesians 4:31 

"If you obey the Lord, you will always know the right thing to say but no one will trust you if you tell lies."
Proverbs 10:32

If you could please keep my house in prayer. We have some really tough decisions to make and I am praying that things will work themselves out as they are made.

 

Thankful Thursday

Today I reflect on my parents. This Sat, April 16th they would have celebrated 34 years of Marriage. The Lord continues to work in mysterious ways for us as all three children will be participating in activities on Saturday that reflect who they are and with something my mother would have celbrated in. Jakob will be a contestant for a Math Bowl, as an Algebra II entry. My mother always was so pleased with how hard he worked, how deligent and brave he was. She would always offer up a special prayer for him before things such as these. I know she would have been thrilled to see he made it. The Younger two are running in the Fun Run- 6th graders in their district will compete with each other for the top three spots. I am excited that this event corresponded with my parents anniversary. 

Marriage is such hard work. It requires communication, adjustments, consideration and most of all lots and lots of prayer on our knees so that we can have a good relationship with our mate. I can remember from a young child's age that my parents would take time most nights to take a walk after dinner. They woudl often leave us on Saturday's to tend to weekend chores- a list that we despised- so that they could shop, have lunch and spend some time together. 

My parents did not have it easy. We did not have much money and they sacrificed much to give us what we did have- such as opportunity to take advanced classes in school, girl scouts, band, choir, theater, my brother took wood-shop. We were deeply rooted into a church once I was in Jr. High, then moved to another during my High School Years. They emphasized the importance of family and love. While we may not have always seen eye to eye, and I know that as I got older there were times where I did things, made choices that gave them disappointment. I also know that they were always in my corner, they were always in each other's corners. Support was the backbone of our family.

I think of my mom's last 5 years, she continued to become more and more disabled, not being able to do some things that really frustrated her. To simply walk down the hall in the last year was a struggle. Yet, they still took time to vacation- to spend time with one another. They always went away for their anniversary, well once us kids were out of the home. That was something I always appreciated. I always prayed for them as they left, and during their trip. I prayed that they would fall even more in love for the next coming year than the year before. 

Today and throughout this weekend- I pray for my dad. I can't imgaine the pain of loosing a spouse so early in life. To be in your 50's and have life forever change. I feel a little hopeless as I am not close enough to spend the day with him, to provide him with some comfort. To maybe take that weekend trip with him in her stead, but I can offer prayer, and a phone call and my thoughts and care. I think the most important lesson I learned from my parents was that there is not always a tomorrow. They had so many plans that are left undone. That you shouldn't wait until retirement to start your TO DO List, your want list...Live for today as it is your last, create those memories because you will have them for a lifetime. 

Thank you mom for being such a wonderful mother, showing me the importance of caring for my children over a clean house or perfect yard. Showing me that my husband needs to be put before my job, my friends, my obligations. That Love is not just a feeling its an action.

Thank you Dad for showing me that I deserve wonderful things, that if I work hard and long I can achieve anything, That when you hit another path to take, you can take a while to decide which road you want to travel, the decision does not have to be made right away. May the Lord provide you comfort and wrap His arms around you as you continue to make it through the journey of this first year.

Part of Thankful Thursday Early

So I have much to be thankful for. The provision of lumber. In case you don't know what my husband does for a living let me explain a little. He works in a warehouse that receives huge server cabinets, they modify them etc and then they are reshipped out. Today he received these huge crates- Where we come in is that we needed to replace the privacy fencing in the back but we couldn't because we can't afford the wood. Same was true of the Pantry- the Lord had provided us the walls with wood from other types of crates. Its amazing if you look around our house, various projects come from these shipping containers. We are very resourceful! He has three more of these at work, so it will make a really nice fence line.

Here is what we are fixing. We had Hurricane Ike take out two trees, you would have to go back and see the posts from a couple years ago, well those trees took out much of this fence0 which we allowed the vines to overtake just to give us some privacy from the lot next door. We have lots of privacy in the back part of our 2 acres but the sides are more narrow. We are wanting to turn this whole area into our family fun zone- BBQ pit, Tables, a above ground pool etc, but I really wanted a fence so that people aren't staring at the kids etc. Amazing how the Lord works in mysterious ways. My husband is outside with his Sawzall taking apart the crate as I type, so he can bring another home over the next few days, so we can put it up this weekend. YEAH GOD!

Quilt Section Two

I am pleased to say I now have 15 Nine Patch Units. They look wonderful, they still need to be pressed but I won't do that until I am ready to add binding, backing and quilt them. The next step was to lay out 15 more sets.

Here are the next 15. I sure hope my last set of charms get here soon because I can't do the last five until I have them I am out of Extra Nine Patch blocks, unless I use her focal blocks to create all the last five. That could be managed. Anyway, today I felt a little torn. I would love to give this to her for her birthday which is May 10th, so there is plenty of time, however my fabric arrived for that Full size quilt order. So I really should work tomorrow on these 15 and then set it all aside and work on the paid order. Except that I really really want her to have this quilt. The order is needed by May 25th, so I could set it a few more days out but its not very business like. I guess I will have to pray about it and see what happens. I am sure I can get both done by the 10th, if I truly worked really hard.

Trick Dog

Every night when Paul gets home, he is met at the door or outside by Pilsner- who leaps up on to Paul's chest to give him a huge hug. We call it "Be the trick dog", today I had the camera to capture the after the jump moment. It is the cutest thing. It is funny to have Paul call at lunch or on break because if Pilsner is around and hears his voice he goes NUTS! He cries and calls and its like he is talking back to him, he wants him to be home because he always heads to the door. They are two really good friends for sure.

Raising Children in the Lord

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)

I have to remind myself that the Lord blesses us with children, to raise them in Christ, teach him His Word and guide them so that they can fulfill His Purpose. I say I have to remind myself because this week and the last two before it have been a real trial for me with one of my children, Zekaryah.  He is an incredibly loving, caring, sweet boy but wow is he forever stubborn!

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
(Matthew 18:10 ESV) 

 I love this verse, I can't imagine despising my children, I can imagine though despising their actions, right now that is exactly where I am at. We are having many trials with homework/classwork and the school system. They released Zekaryah from the Educational Program that gave him more help because he was doing so well. That has had its blessings- one that he has taken two AP courses this year- one of which he has an A in. You don't see me jumping for JOY! But I am. The downfall is that the other AP course- Math, he does fairly well in, but right now he is struggling to keep his head above the water. 

I do not accept lying in my house

I do not accept Laziness in my house

I do not accept hiding of things and dishonesty either.

These are virtues that I feel are very important so that a child can have great moral character and be a Christian adult following the Lord's Plan.

The bible tells us

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
(Proverbs 22:6 ESV)

Needless to say we have had some huge issues-missing homework, zeros on classwork, lies, excuses, laziness. I have taken away game units, television, friends.. there is not anything left but school work, eating and bedtime- oh and attending school. I felt we were on the right track until last week when I saw zeros in THREE classes. UNACCEPTABLE.

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
(Proverbs 22:15 ESV) 

I have been working closely with one teacher, the other two I contacted- which I have done a couple times this year, one was willing to work with me, the other was not. So we do what we can. We put in hours at home over the weekend- I took Mekenzei to a movie- he did not get to join us- this was an extra/reward, in this house we do not reward when we do not make the right choices at school/home. I had his Math teacher issue detention- at her suggestion. He will serve his first session this afternoon. I had let him use a Homework pass last Tue in math because we had a choir performance and it was late, he will do that work in detention and then sit and read. He will not get a grade for that homework- it was to prove a point.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
(Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV)

I find that he is pushing back as hard as I am pushing forward. It is physically tiring and mentally exhausting, however I refuse to give in or give up. I am in this for the long haul and will not be a parent that accepts less than his best 98% of the time. I do leave room for mistakes, I make plenty of my own. I sit with him the entire time he does homework- his lack of attention requires this. I do tend to work on dinner while he works right next to me at the kitchen table. Last night we worked for 4-5 hours. I found last night my biggest obstacle is that he has very low self esteem. I see this great smart boy, he sees something so different. I pray that this summer through homeschool, and me choosing to not take the job that would have really helped us, we can change that. I am open to any suggestions you might have.

My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
(Proverbs 6:20 ESV) 

I pray that one day he will realize, all the lectures, talks, grounding etc is not that I do not love him, it is not that I feel he is weak or stupid, it is that I truly care who he becomes. I want him to have the best in life and with that sometimes it requires us to work so much harder than the next person. I understand that he does just that, he works three times as hard as most children. He is doing something with these two AP courses that they said he would never do- he is succeeding. His teacher last year didn't believe he should be placed in these courses because of his learning issues. I believed he could do it and will in the future. I do not feel that because you struggle with reading you should be given a pass on Math and Science. I feel if you have strength in those areas we should nurture them-I would say that both teachers, he has this year agree he is in the class that he should be in.

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.
(Proverbs 29:17 ESV)

Last night when I went to bed I was drained. All I wanted to do was cry. Literally and figuratively. I feel so bad about always "talking and fighting" with him. I feel bad about issuing him detention. It was kind of a crazy idea, but I just don't know what else to do. I keep waiting for that little light to come on for him. For there to be a day when we work on the same skills in Math that it all just clicks. So far, it just hasn't. He still cant remember what 6X4 is, he is in 6th grade. Last night I apologized to my husband for dishes once again being in the sink, for the wash not being done. Its so hard to do things at night and I try to quilt during the day- then with the antibiotics this past week+ its been more difficult then usual. I just had to get myself a dose of commandments from the Lord about our children. My children aren't going to remember a pristine home but they will remember all the hours that I helped them get ahead and do well in school. So as I close I give that as my thought of wisdom today. I know several parents personally who do not even know what their child's homework is each night, don't take the time to play a game or watch a movie. When is it that you last took time to be a part of their live and let go of yours to give that to them?

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:9-11 ESV)