Change Me Lord (So, That's Why I'm Struggling..)

Well, it's been a long time since I posted on this blog.  I purchased a domain last year and tried that for a year.  I decided not to pay for it this year.  So, I thought I would blog here from time to time, especially when I have something to share that God is teaching me.

I've had a rough month.  Why?  Two things, first we signed up both of our children to play t-ball and softball this summer.  Second, I started selling Nerium in May.  Both good things, but also new to us things.  I found during this past month that I was getting aggravated at people often and it revolved around two things - ball games and Nerium.  Go figure!  And then the Lord reminded me that I'm always asking Him to change me.  It's not a specific prayer of mine, but in general I ask God to change me to be who He has called me to be.  So, my flesh was frustrated.

I'm naturally emotional and often that involves getting mad.  So, when I get hurt, my temper flares.  Throughout the past month, I found myself hurt when family didn't attend the children's ball games as often as I thought they should.  I also got my feelings hurt when people didn't purchase the Nerium products when I really thought they would.  Silly?  Maybe, but this is real life.  We are supposed to treat others as we want to be treated.  Many of us gossip and get mad and don't even think about what we are doing.  I was getting so upset that it was obvious I was needing help from the Lord.  Regardless of what I thought the others should do, I have to receive my worth from God.  It doesn't matter if I feel like others are rejecting me.  God is not.  He wants to be my everything.  If I received everything I needed from other people, I probably wouldn't run to God. 

That's what it boiled down to.  I was feeling rejected when people didn't come to the games and when they didn't purchase the Nerium.  People will reject us.  That's the fallen world we live in.  BUT God does not.  We have to stand firm against Satan.  Reject the thoughts that God does not care about you.  Know that He does!  Does it hurt to be rejected?  YES!  But it doesn't matter.  God is big enough to heal the hurt!! 

Trying Something New

Excitement comes with springtime!

I'm moving over to www.simplywalkwithgod.com!  I thought it was time to try something new,

which is exciting for me.  I purchased a domain and am switching to WordPress.  It will probably

take awhile for me to get things a little figured out.  See  you there!

Tyndale Rewards: Earn Points for Free Books and Bibles

Tyndale Rewards is a program where you earn points to redeem for FREE books and Bibles.  Points

can be earned by referring friends, completing surveys, and reviewing products.  I just learned about

this program today, but it looks like fun! 


You will receive 25 points when you sign up here.

Growing Flowers

Planting paper mixed with flower seeds.

A week ago, we planted the paper the kids made at their homeschool science center class.  The paper was made from shredded newspaper and mixed with flower seeds. 

The flowers are coming up nicely!

Abraham Believed God

Image Credit

A few weeks ago, my pastor spoke about Abraham and the time where God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac.  I've read this story in children's Bibles and it is very difficult to even think about.  Can you imagine even considering sacrificing your child? 

As I sat in church that Sunday, I realized that Abraham knew God would spare Isaac.  He trusted God.  On the way home, I'm telling Dale my revelation and he says, "Yeah, it says that in the Bible, I just didn't use that part in my sermon."  Oh....so later at home, I took a few minutes to read Hebrews 11:17-19.  

      It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him.  Abraham, who had received God's promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, though God had promised him, "Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted."  Abraham assumed that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again.  And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.  Hebrews 11:17-19 (NLT)

God had promised Abraham in Genesis 17:19 that He would confirm his covenant through Isaac.  Abraham chose to hold on to that promise when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac.  I believe this was a very difficult time for Abraham, but he had God's promise to hold on to.  

Hold on to the promises God has given you.  In times of difficulty, remind yourself what God said He would do.  He always fulfills His promises.

Celebrating Easter

Coloring eggs

 Although this past weekend seemed very busy, we enjoyed celebrating the resurrection together as a

family.  We had several opportunities to visit with our extended families to share meals and hunt for

eggs. 

The Armor of God (from Dylan's Easter basket)

 Twice, we went through the Resurrection Eggs, which Dylan loves and is a great way to talk about

the purpose of Easter.  Dale used the armor of God (pictured above) in his sermon on Sunday

morning.  Dylan was smiling as big as possible.  The armor was a great addition to the sermon.  I

loved how I was able to picture how we are supposed to use the armor of God daily!

Celebrating Jesus at church on Easter morning.

$10 Gift Card to Educents

 Sign up now with Educents and receive a $10 gift card to use once

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featuring educational products at a discount.  Homeschool products 

will be available.  On their Facebook page, they mentioned a

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I Have Hidden Your Word in my Heart...

My husband I have both felt an increased urgency to really get the Word in our hearts.  Truthfully,

when we are faced with thoughts, conversations, or situations, the Word should come to mind.  But,

if we don't really know the Word, it will not come to mind. 

The areas we are feeling the need to concentrate on right now are finances and healing.  Yesterday I

copied a few verses from those areas using Joyce Meyer's "The Secret Power of Speaking God's

Word."

 The kids and I taped up the verses in high traffic areas in our house.  In the past, I've written verses

on index cards, but I thought a regular sized sheet of paper might work better (I can see it from

farther away!) 

Preparing for Spring

Filling flower pots with soil even though it's cold outside!

 

A couple weeks ago at a homeschool class at the Science Center, the kids made paper.  They loved

 

it!  The instructor helped the kids mix seeds in with the paper before it was pressed and dried.  Today,

 

we planted our paper. 



 

 

Putting plantable paper filled with seeds in the pots.

This past fall, we dug up two flowers from one of our flower beds and brought them inside to use for

our science discussion about how plants grow.  The kids have loved watching the flowers all

winter.  We are looking forward to seeing the new plants come up this spring.  I'm so thankful for

the spring season that God chose to follow winter. 

The Word of God Concerning Finances

God's Instructions for Us

In order to have a renewed mind, we must study the Word and let it sink deep into our hearts.  Do you desire to believe and trust God in the area of finances?  Then, renew your mind......

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.  Luke 6:38

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.  Romans 13:8

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.  3 John 1:2

Sign Up & Receive $15 Educents Gift Card

Sign up now with Educents and receive a $15 gift card to use once

the site launches in April.  Educents is a new daily deal site

featuring educational products at a discount. The site will launch

April 2, 2013, so sign up now!

Finances, Debt and God

One of our debts! 

In September of this past year, my husband and I felt God leading us to believe Him to be out of debt except for our home and van within one year.  At that point in time, in addition to our mortgage and van loan, we also owed on a 0% credit card, a zero turn lawnmower, a new desktop computer, and a credit line used to improve our home.  (Whew!  Looking back it seems worse than I realized!)  We were both in agreement and started believing that it was possible with God and praying for wisdom on what we needed to do in addition to believing.

In a short time, we started seeing money come in from various sources.  Knowing that God and not my husband's employer was our provider, we were believing for income in addition to what Dale received on his job.  This is what God did:
1) We received a large monetary gift.
2) Dale was able to work multiple overtime shifts.
3) Using Dave Ramsey's advice, we cashed in our whole life insurance policy and purchased a term policy.  We used the cash we received from cancelling the whole life policy to pay down debt.
4) We were contacted by the company whose pipeline runs through our property about a tree that needed to be removed.  We were compensated for the tree that they cut down.
5) Dale was provided with multiple side jobs.
6) We were able to use our tax refund to also pay off debt.

About six months after we began to believe God for the impossible, we have paid off the credit card, the lawnmower and the computer.  In the midst of that, we did once again use the 0% financing and purchase a new mattress.  After much prayer, Dale said that God told him it was fine, but he would have to work harder to pay off what we were believing to do in the year.

For years, I avoided reading anything by Dave Ramsey.  I had heard him a few times on the radio and it seemed so hard to live that way.  After purchasing our first home five years ago and going through many financial changes, we finally were ready to do things differently.

Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.  Romans 13:8 (NLT)

There was a time when I wouldn't dwell on this scripture.  I love the way God takes us from understanding to deeper understanding.  It often amazes me how at one point in your life you can't imagine doing something and then a few years later, you are doing what you couldn't even begin to think about years before. 

I pray that by sharing our story (more to come), you will be encouraged to let God be your provider.  Ask Him how to manage your finances and seek Him with an open mind.  He has many blessings that pour out on your life as you seek His face. 

What About Me?

I'm a big Joyce Meyer fan!  Her teaching has helped me so much during the past ten or so years to really put life in perspective and see "truth" in my circumstances that God has used to set me free from many things that hindered my life.  So, when I saw this book (What About Me?) at her conference this year, I really wanted it.  I was excited when my aunt offered to get it for my birthday.

The book is full of sayings that are sometimes common of us all and the truth that will set you free.  Here are a few from her book.

      "I'm not talking to you again until you admit you were wrong and I was right!"

       Truth - When you walk in love, you give up your right to be right.


      "All that stuff works for other people, but God doesn't know what to do with me!"

      Truth - You're no surprise to God.  He knew what He was getting when He made you.


      "I'm not confident enough to do something great for God - I don't like showing off and telling everybody how great I am."

      Truth - Real confidence is faith activated.  It is faith taking a step against fear.





    

Homeschool Life

Science experiment from A Reason for Science.

Well, we've made it so far!  We officially started homeschooling in August and we've made it half way through our year.  At first, it was a little rough, but the last few weeks I feel like we have made a change.  Dasia is flying through her work with a lot less complaining which makes it so much nicer for both of us.

After Christmas, we added a few new subjects.  We are now also using "A Reason for Spelling", "History for Little Pilgrims" and "Grammar & Punctuation".  Although we added a few additional subjects, she is doing great! 

I was thrilled earlier this week when Dylan started showing more interest in writing letters!  I think I've been a little concerned for no reason.  I often forget he is only three.  He is the same size as Dasia who is two years older. 

Homeschooling is a wonderful blessing to our family.  I am thankful to the Lord for opening up the door to allow me to teach my two little ones and spend so much time with them.

Memorizing Scripture - Why Not Start Now?

A photo of the snow we had last week.

Several months ago, I started working on scripture memorization with my children who are 3 and 5.  We finished all the verses on the list that we were using except for the ones that were too long for them.  I noticed that if the verse was way too long, I wasn't able to remember it as easily either which resulted in less practice for the kids. 

Dylan received a VeggieTales Bible Storybook for Christmas. So, I created a new scripture list for us to memorize using some of the verses at the end of each story.  Dasia and Dylan each have their own list with a check box to indicate that they learned the verse.  We will keep their lists on the closet door in our living room which is where we also keep our chore chart.  So far, this has worked really well for us.  It's a high traffic area so we are able to look at it often. 

We try to memorize one verse a week, but sometimes it takes longer.  Our verse for this week is

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.  Romans 8:28

Back to School!

After taking a week off for Christmas break and being sick for the entire week and part of the next, we slowly started back to school.  I admit, it was rough.  Not only were the kids used to playing all day, but I was not used to moving very fast either in the mornings.  Praying that this next week will be much smoother as we go back to our normal routine. 

I was very excited to find a Discovery Kids World Map today for only $5!  The kids and I enjoyed putting all the labels and animals on the map.  It was a nice addition to our school area for the new year.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

It's Almost Christmas!

Our Christmas Tree

Wow, I was suprised to discover it had been awhile since I've posted.  Anyway, homeschooling is going great!  We are getting excited for Christmas.  We decorated our tree this week.  That was the earliest I have ever decorated for Christmas.  Dasia noticed some Christmas lights while driving home this evening.  She said now she knows that Christmas is getting close! 

As Christmas draws nearer, the rushing of the season starts to set in with activities to attend, presents to buy and wrap and cards to mail.  I pray that God touches each and every one of our hearts.  That we not only remember the "reason for the season", but talk to God every day.  He loves you, every one of you!

Dasia hanging up ornaments.

Operation Christmas Child - Lesson in Giving

Our shoe boxes are packed and ready for Operation Christmas Child.

Several years ago, before Dasia was born, Dale and I started filling shoe boxes each November for Operation Christmas Child.  One year, we took our youth group to Wal-Mart and had the kids pick out items to fill shoe boxes.  We then went back to our church for an overnight party where we ate, played games and filled up several shoe boxes with gifts for the children who are blessed through Operation Christmas Child.  Every year, I look forward to participating in this ministry. 

This week, Dasia, Dylan and I made a trip to the Dollar Tree to purchase items to fill up four shoe boxes.  It's a good opportunity for the children to give to other children.  They both enjoyed picking out a few toys to put in the boxes.  That evening we wrapped and filled up our gifts.  It was an emotional time for Dylan who would really like to have some of the toys we put in the boxes.

National Collection Week is November 12-19, 2012.  If you would like more information on this ministry, visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ.

God's Ways....Are Not What We Would Think

My mums that I bought from Aldi either last year or 2 years ago.  Beautiful this year!

Last night, our story for the evening from "Little Boys Bible Storybook" was about Joshua and the wall of Jericho.  Every time I read about Jericho from one of our children's Bibles, I laugh out loud.  Here's an excerpt of what I find so funny (and amazing!).


     "God said we can capture Jericho," Joshua annouced.   "Alright!  We'll attack them so hard that they won't know what hit them!"  The Israelites cheered.   "No.  We're going to do exactly what God says: March around the city once a day for six days-without saying a word!"  Joshua was very firm.  "Huh? We'll look like fools," the people muttered...

      HA! Look at those crazy Israelites!" the men of Jericho laughed.  "What do they think they're gonna do...shake the walls so hard that they fall down?


I've heard this story many times, but nothing has done it justice like children's Bibles and VeggieTales.  Take a few moments and think about what it was like for Joshua.  The Israelites would assume they were going to fight.  Who wouldn't have thought that?  Joshua had to believe God and put himself out there.  And then once they started marching, can you imagine what the people of Jericho said? 

How can this relate to our lives today?  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  Isaiah 55:8  Years ago, God did things differently than  you or I would have.  And....He still does today.  Ask God what to do with the difficult areas and problems in your life.  Take time to listen for His voice and answer.  There's a pretty good chance that what He tells you may not be what you would have decided to do on your own or what you would learn from worldly magazines and tv. 

Old Train Tunnel - Family Fun Friday

An old train tunnel that has been turned into a walking and bicycle path.

 Last Friday, the kids and I along with my mom and cousin enjoyed a walk along a nearby trail where there is an old train tunnel that you can walk through.  We took a flashlight in case the kids got scared.  It's pretty dark in the middle of the tunnel. 

My cousin acted as science teacher for the day and pointed out the different types of rocks and trees along the path.  So, we were able to have science and get some exercise at the same time.  We all had a good time!

My cousin Kevin, Dasia, Dylan and my mom