CELEBRATE OUR FREEDOM

This is a design that my husband created! He's very talented. Have a happy and safe 4th of July America. Remember why we celebrate and be thankful for the blood that was shed by our soldiers and by our Father, Jesus Christ. They are the reason we can say that we are free!

Be blessed my friends!

Freedom from the Cocoon

If you read my last post you'll know that I've had a lot going on lately. In my own words, I felt like "I was being ripped apart at the seams". Today I look at these struggles that I've gone through, with a different perspective. I mentioned that I wish someone would just tell me what to do because I just didn't know. Well, I made a major decision that will greatly impact my life and many others (unfortunately I'm not able to share this news yet), but after making the decision, I didn't have complete peace. I want nothing but to do the Father's will and I struggled with whether or not I was walking in His will. Satan was continuously whispering in my ear that I've made the wrong choice. I went up for prayer this past Sunday, for peace...and that's just what I received. Thank you Jesus!

The woman I prayed with told me that, had I not made this decision, there would've been something in my future staring me in the face and I wouldn't have even recognized it because I was too exhausted to even notice. When we finished praying, she reassured me that I had made the right choice.

Since the very moment of my prayer, I have felt this huge sense of relief, a burden lifted. And through my decision, I was able to tremendously bless a friend. Knowing that I am blessing her has brought me so much joy!

I now feel like the Lord has been trying to get me to come to this decision for quite some time, but I was too focused on what I thought was right. But now I can breathe easy and know that I put my trust in Him.  

Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". 

I am trying to fully walk in this as I face new obstacles. All these trials that I have gone through that led me to make the decision that I've made, were just God's way of preparing me. It was His way of helping me to let go of it when the timing was right. When I felt like I was being ripped apart at the seams, it turns out that the Lord was just ripping off another layer of the cocoon I've been living in. Now I am the butterfly who has been set free!  There was a change in me from the moment I prayed that prayer for peace. Not only did I receive peace, but I felt Jesus smiling down on me. I feel closer to Him than ever before. My mind has been cleared, wiped clean of Satan's lies! I have a fresh anointing and there's no turning back. The Lord's presence is so powerful in my life now. I give Him all the praise for bringing me to this point in my life and I look forward to all the possibilities in the future. 

Be blessed my friends!

I'm trying so hard to stand on God's Word and His promises to me, but today I feel like I'm being ripped apart at the seems. Satan keeps trying to tell me that I'm a total failure...a quitter. Deep down in my heart, there's a small space that doesn't believe his lies. But obviously there's a bigger part that does, or I wouldn't be here crying my eyes out as I type these words. I'm so confused and I know confusion doesn't come from the Lord. So what do I do? I pray everyday. I read the Bible everyday. What more is there? I've fasted plenty of times. I've sought counseling. Still, I feel useless. I feel unsuccessful. I feel the opposite of all the things that I pray to be everyday. Why? Why can't I get out of this rut? Why can't I feel like I'm making a difference in someone's life? Today I feel like a failure in my most important job, which is representing Jesus Christ. I need more clarity. I wish someone could just come to me and tell me what to do because I don't know anymore.

Day 3 to a Healthier Me

I'm not missing my chocolate milk as much as I expected, but I really want some pop...and my refrigerator is loaded with it. My head is feeling better today. It's not completely back to normal, but I am trusting God to get me there. I asked God to give me a scripture to stand on regarding mine and my husband's healing and this is what I opened up to, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." ~ John 14:12-14  I am standing on this scripture and asking God for mine and my husband's healing, in Jesus name. I know He is fully capable of restoring our health completely and because I asked, I am calling it done and I give Him all the glory!

Today I plan to start stretching, along with all the other steps I'm taking to better my health. I seem to carry all of my stress in my shoulders and neck, so I'm going to start stretching them out daily. I've also started using a special shampoo and conditioner from Garnier called Fall Fight. It's supposed to help me save up to 1500 strands of hair from falling out each month. Here's a video about it if you want to try it too. I'll let you know how it goes for me!

I also have kept my hair down for 3 days now. It takes a little extra time, but I'll do anything for my hair to grow back. I drank about 3 or 4 bottles of water yesterday and plan to increase that today. The thing I'm having the most trouble with is taking all my vitamins. At minimum, I need to take 4 different pills each day. I just don't do well with pills, and especially now that I'm not drinking my chocolate milk. I always started my day with the chocolate milk and it seemed to make the pills go down easier. Taking pills with water just leaves a yucky taste in my mouth.

Oh, I almost forgot! Since I'm drinking all that water and eating better, I lost a pound! I was so happy when I realized the number had gone down, instead of up in the direction it had been going. Yay! Be blessed my friends!

Day 2

Well, I made it through the first day of my major changes. I'm really proud of myself. I didn't have any pop or chocolate milk and I kept my hair down all day. I ate healthy foods like a pita pocket with ham, lettuce, tomato, cheese and ranch, honey nut cheerios, nuts, baked chips and eggs. I drank about 3 bottles of water, which is a lot for me. Today I'm going to work on drinking more. My head still has that feeling. I was thinking about how I can best describe it because numb doesn't really seem right. Have you ever had an IV and you start feeling it in your veins, the heaviness...the swelling of your veins that feels like a slight pressure? That's how the left side of my head feels. I just want to feel normal again so badly. For now I lean not on my own understanding, but trust in the Lord that He is in full control.

I receive updates from a group called Wisdom Hunters and so often, they are right on track with what I need. Well, this morning, not only am I dealing with my own health issues, but my little guy is complaining that his body hurts and he's running a fever. I feel so bad for him! But, as soon as I saw the title of today's post from Wisdom Hunters, I knew it was another one that would hit home with me. It was titled, "Humbled by Health". If you are fighting physical illness, I encourage you to read the rest of their post below.

“Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.” 2 Kings 5:13-14

Softening happens when sickness seizes the body. There is a sensitivity and tenderness of heart that may have been dormant in the behavior of a controlling Christian. But a body under fire from illness is asking to let go of control and cling to Christ. At first there may be an angry reaction, then succumbing to a sense that God’s got it—He is in control. Faith in the face of fiery trials is the fruit of humility. Sickness is an invitation to submission to Jesus.

Yes, there are acts of obedience that accompany a life smothered by a cloud of uncertainty. As we walk in humility we listen for the Lord’s voice. He speaks through His word, His teachers, His preachers, His children and experts in treating physical ailments. Prayer and modern medicine are a powerful partnership in producing positive outcomes. A humbled heart creates clarity of mind for wisdom in decision-making. Humility invites healing.

“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.” Luke 5:13-15

Your cure may very well be different from another suffering saint’s. It is a mystery why your body responds well to certain treatments while someone in a similar condition experiences a totally different result. So, you pray, research, and trust the Spirit to lead you in the Lord’s physical plan for you. Indeed, don’t miss the holistic approach of healing in your body, mind, will, emotions and spirit. Humility is the gateway to God’s grace and wholeness.

Allow the Lord to use health issues to bring vulnerability and intimacy into your relationships. Be real about your fears and ill feelings, allow friends to comfort you. Emotional awareness and engagement is a healthy outcome of a humbled heart. Renew your mind daily with the truth of Scripture and bend your will toward your biblical beliefs. Physical health is good, but spiritual wholeness is best. A humbled heart hears the Lord.

“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” Psalm 38:21-22

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I humble my heart, so I can hear from You and be healed.

Click HERE for the link to Wisdom Hunter's blog!  Be blessed my friends!

Day of Change

In the past several days I've become pretty concerned about my health. This stems back to 2010, when I started having some very bizarre symptoms that still remain a mystery. My symptoms would almost always start in the middle of the night. I would wake up with uncontrollable body shakes. My entire body would just shake, sort of like cold chill shakes, but worse. This usually lasted for several hours, sometimes up to 7 hours. Then the left side of my head would go numb and the numbness would creep down into the left side of my face. My left arm would tingle as if it were asleep. My husband and I would read the Bible and pray out loud almost the entire time my body would shake. The first time this happened to me, I thought I was having a heart attack or a stroke. I reluctantly went to the hospital...twice. The only thing they could find is that I was pretty dehydrated. I followed up with a neurologist, who set me up for an MRI. I didn't care for this doctor at all and when I realized that I was going to get an IV with dye in it and he neglected to tell me that part, I never got the MRI and I never went back to a doctor. Last June, I had a friend pray over me during one of these spells and I believe I was healed at that very moment. My body has not shook since then!

About a week ago, I noticed that I have put on about 10 pounds in the past 2 months. I also noticed that the left side of my head has had that numb feeling almost everyday. I try to ignore it. Well, yesterday when I looked in the mirror, it was a real wake up call to me. My hair was in a ponytail and as I looked at the left side, I could see a few lines that revealed my scalp. At that moment, I realized that the hair on my left side was thinner than on the right. I had my husband to look and feel my hair, and he agreed. I held back the tears. I will admit that the first thought I had was, "What if I have a brain tumor and it's preventing the growth of hair on that side?". Then I tried to convince myself that it would've shown up on the CT scan they did when I went to the hospital. The very moment we made this discovery, my husband put his hands on my head and prayed for me. It always comforts me when he prays for me. I know that illness does not come from the Lord, so I am not accepting this! I believe it is all stress related and that I need to make some major changes in my lifestyle.

Before noticing the hair loss, we were in the process of making out a grocery list. I told my husband that I have to make some serious changes. I can't afford not to. It was very overwhelming, but we managed to buy all healthy foods at the store.

Here are the biggest changes that I am making, and it all starts today:

More water ~ Since they found that I was dehydrated when this all began, I want to make sure that I don't allow that to happen again.
No more pop ~ This coincides with more water. Pop dehydrates you and prior to today, I have been drinking 1-2 a day.
B Vitamins to help my nervous system. I already take a prenatal for hair growth and calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Fish Oil ~ I've had trouble finding one of these that is safe for me to take because I'm severely allergic to seafood, but yesterday we found one (that's not a horse pill).
Eating a real breakfast ~ This is the hardest one for me because I have a habit of drinking chocolate milk, and calling it my breakfast. While it's not the worse thing in the world, it isn't very filling and I've read that chocolate can trigger migraines, so it makes me wonder. I plan to eat Honey Nut Cheerios, oats or pancakes for now. They are all quick and easy and I think they taste okay.
Less processed foods ~ Processed food can also trigger migraines and we all know they aren't good for you. Prior to today, my typical day would be loaded with processed foods. 
Keeping a list of stress relievers and working on it daily! ~ I'm keeping a running list of ideas that I come across that helps me relax and I'm going to try to implement them each day to try to shed some stress from my life. This includes things like taking a walk, a long bath (which I can't remember the last time I've done this), reading my Bible, calling a good friend, etc.
No more pony tails ~ I'm guilty of throwing my hair up in a pony tail about 6 days out of the week. This is going to be another major challenge for me, but I know that pony tails can lead to hair breakage. I'm going to try to go pigtail free for 3 months and see what happens.

So here's to a new day! If you have read this, I would appreciate your prayers and support. I know that Jesus will see me through. I just need to stay focused on Him and His promises to me. I know Satan is trying to throw me off track, but I'm not allowing it. Everything that he means to cause harm in my life will be turned around for God's glory. I can't wait to loose the weight that I've gained and come out more healthy than before! Today it all starts with a bowl of cheerios instead of a glass of chocolate milk. I can do this!

Be His Hands and Feet

I can't do Wordless Wednesday today because my heart has too much to say. We are SO blessed, yet we take so much of it for granted. My eyes were opened wider yesterday as I drove past a man holding a sign that said something about falling on hard times. He was out in the almost 90 degree heat with his shaved head exposed to the sunlight. I thought quickly, what can I do to help? I happened to have a ball cap in my car, so I yelled out my window and asked him if he'd like to have it. He was so thankful to have something to cover his head. I pulled away in tears. A ballcap...that I can easily replace. My thoughts turned to, "What else could I have done? I had an extra can of sunscreen I could've given him. I had some cash on me for once." But then the Lord spoke to me and said that I had done more than most people.

The Bible tells us to be prepared for the Lord's return in Matthew 24:44 (AMP), "You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him". As I meditate on this verse, it makes me think that God wants us to also be ready to be His hands and feet while we wait on His return. We were put on this earth to do the work of the Lord. If I had not thought quickly, I would've been just another car that passed that man by.

How can we be prepared to be His hands and feet?

I think I can answer this question with two simple answers. The first thing I believe, is to be obedient to everything you hear Him telling you to do. You know it's Him speaking to you when it lines up with His word. Sure, this man with the sign could've been playing people. He could be doing just fine and wanted to go out and make some money by playing people's heart strings. But, the Bible says in 1 Peter 4:8-9 (AMP), "Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him)". So as far as I'm concerned, I did what the Lord put on my heart to do and if this man were playing people, then he will have to face the Lord with his sins.

Secondly, be watching for opportunities to love others. Jesus says in John 15:12 (AMP), "This is My commandment; that you love one another [just] as I have loved you." How can you show love today? Maybe you should start in your own home! When is the last time you played a game with your kids? Fixed breakfast for them? Taken them somewhere special? Said, "I love you."? What about your spouse? Do you greet them with a smile and a kiss? When is the last time you spent quality time together, just the two of you? Do you wave at your neighbors as you leave, or do you turn and purposely look away? Have you given away any of your possessions to someone who might need it, or are you holding on tightly to what God has blessed  your life with? Opportunities to love are everywhere. All you have to do is take a couple seconds longer to start thinking differently. Start thinking about how you can be a blessing to someone today.

Be blessed my friends, and please let me know how you are being a blessing to others. I'd love to hear your stories!

FATHER'S DAY GIFT

This is the gift that I made for my husband for Father's Day! We are getting ready to move into a new home and we always wanted a "rock" theme to help us remember that the Lord is our rock. We never really decorated the home that we currently live in. I guess deep down I knew that we wouldn't be staying here very long. One day when I was reading the Bible, the Lord gave me this verse and told me to use our last name with it. I don't consider myself crafty at all, even though I desire to be. So I believe this was God's way of showing me that I am fully capable of being crafty when He is involved! I loved doing this so much that I'm thinking about doing this as a gift for others!

Father's Day

Today I'm thinking about Father's Day. That one day of the year where we honor the special men in our lives. To be honest, I'm having a hard time with it this year. My husband and I had an argument last night over one of the children and I didn't have a great childhood and it was mostly my dad's fault. So I have a decision to make; either I can dwell on what happened last night with my husband and 15+ years ago with my dad, or I can choose to celebrate the things they have blessed my life with. I choose the latter!

I'll start with my husband. He is one of the most selfless men I've ever met and I've always admired that about him. Even though I dread how often he is away from us, he sacrifices so much of his time to earn money for his family. He's so creative and inventive. Many times I've wondered why he can't just stay home and teach the children. I think they'd be better off with him over me because he's so intelligent and knows how to make learning interesting. He's also very supportive. He's been there for me every time I sang a solo, or had a huge decision to make. He stole my heart the very first time I met him. It was at church. I was so surprised to learn that he was interested in me too. I didn't feel worthy to be loved by such a great, Christian man. We dated for 3 months before we were engaged, and we said "I do" just 3 months later. It was on that day that my son got to call him dad. Six months after we were married, my husband adopted my son. That was one of the happiest days of my life. I was so happy for my little boy to have someone he could call Dad. We created many memories through the years and we now have a son who will turn 4 soon. The years just go by so fast. I love my husband with all my heart and can't imagine my life without him. I have something special that God put in my heart to give him on Father's Day and I can't wait to share it with you. I'll post pictures after I give it to him.

Me and my hubby

And now...my dad. He was an alcoholic during most of my childhood. But, as an adult, I just praise God that he has been alcohol free for many, many years. I have put the past behind me. I have let it go with the help of Jesus. Now I see my dad for who he really is. He is an extremely hard worker and always has been. As a child, I lived on a farm. We had chickens, cows, pigs, dogs, cats, ducks and a really big garden. Even though us kids had to do a lot of the work, my dad is the one who held it all together. It was a lot of hard work. He held down the same job for over 40 years. And now that he is retired, he hasn't slowed down a bit. He always finds something to do, which brings me to another quality that I love about my dad. He's so giving! He gives much of his time to his family by helping them mow their grass or anything else they need help with. He gives with money when he knows there's a real need. He's never been the best at showing his love, but I know my dad loves me with all of his heart and I love him just the same. My dad isn't feeling well today and anytime he gets sick, I think about what my life would be like without him. I don't like thinking that way. I'm not done making memories with him yet. The memories...working at the same place for 10 years and taking lunch breaks together, walking together at different parks for exercise while talking about anything and everything, living 1 mile down the street, moving away, dancing together at my wedding, graduating, holding his grandchildren for the first time. I love my dad and I rejoice in knowing that he's still here with me, even though we are miles apart. I look forward to creating so many more memories.

Me and my dad

Happy Father's Day!!!

THIRSTY THURSDAY

I enjoy listing things that I'm thankful for, but God has put it in my spirit to change it to Thirsty Thursdays instead of Thankful Thursdays. Daily I thirst for more of Him and I don't want my readers to stop thirsting for Him either. So these posts will be completely focused on God and what I'm learning in my private time with Him or from church.

I'll try to keep this one simple. Do you ever watch the show, Undercover Boss?

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One of our pastors at church mentioned this last night and it really spoke to me. This is a show where the CEO of the company goes undercover and works with the employees. The CEO finds out exactly what is going on at the lower levels of the company. Sometimes they are surprised by complaining and laziness and other times they are amazed at how hard some people are working and how much of a blessing they are to the company. At the end of the show, the CEO blesses the employees that they worked with while undercover, with things like new cars, college tuition for their children, raises, vacations, etc.

WHAT IF, we lived as if Jesus is the CEO of our life and He's working with us undercover and He just can't wait to bless us? Would you deal with daily challenges differently? Would you not complain so much? Would you be more pleasant to others? Would you be more diligent at everything you do? Would you stop wasting your time? Would you spend more of your time with Him? 

2 Chronicles 16:9 (MSG) says, "God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble - one round of war after another."


Do you feel like that? Do you feel like as soon as you catch your breath, more troubles come your way? More sickness, more overdue bills, more heartache? Could it be that your priority isn't completely focused on God? He wants you TOTALLY committed to Him! He is waiting and watching, ready to bless you. Stop looking to other humans to rescue you. God is your source for EVERYTHING! Your health, your raise, your breakthrough in relationships, your peace of mind, all those other miracles that you need to see in your life. He has them! He's just waiting for you to come to HIM. Put a stop to the rounds of war that you've been going through. Stop telling everyone around you how big your mountains are and start telling them (and yourself) that your God is greater! 

Be blessed my friends! 

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday is where I put a picture up of something that makes me chuckle for one reason or another. It's usually pictures of my own family. If they make you laugh, please let me know. Otherwise, I'll come up with something better on Wednesdays! Blessings to you my friends!

AWESOME GIVEAWAY

I've always wanted to try We Choose Virtues with my kids, but for one reason or another (usually money), I haven't been able to try them yet. Well, Homeschool Giveaways and Freebies is giving away a free set! I hope I win, but if not...I hope one of my readers win! Here are the details:


We Choose Virtues has such high quality products and they are so adorable! With We Choose Virtues you can ensure you will capture your children's attention while instilling the character and virtues they desperately need.

Let's be honest, instilling virtues in kids is hard work. But can it be fun too? We think so. In fact, there's no better way to learn. So We Choose Virtues brings memorable catchphrases, endearing characters, and just plain fun to simply inspire character that lasts. It's the best choice you can make for the kids in your life.




What's in the HOME SCHOOL KIT?
Well, for starters, it is the BIG package valued at $99.99! This kit is especially assembled with all the things a Home School needs to teach 12 Virtues. The Parenting Cards included in this set were created to help you inspire and demonstrate these Virtues and turn your home into a place where Virtue is valued in both attitudes and actions! The Parenting Cards and Virtue Flash Cards include scriptures from the NIrV Bible. The Teacher’s Handbook and Coloring Book are included at no additional cost as downloads!

Included:

• The Kids Virtue Poster
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• 100 Days of Virtue Chart and stickers

With only seconds of prep time, and only 10 minutes of teaching Virtues each day, you will be surprised how fast your whole family will learn to choose and use Virtue! Note: If you have older kids, allow them to teach Virtues to the younger ones. It is simply inspiring to see! These cards are our TOP PICK for homeschool and "family time".





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