Find it Joyous

I am melancholy. Most of you who know me know this. I tend to be a perfectionist. But on the same token, I am also phlegmatic; not a ton, but enough where I get lazy and just do NOT want to clean. I get overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I get frustrated and grouchy. Then I start the blame game in my head (sometimes it slips out of my mouth as well!). "Why can't he just pick up his clothes instead of leaving them on the floor?!" (while my clothes sit on the bathroom floor....) "If He would just...." "I could keep this house clean if He would just!" And on it goes. Then not only am I frustrated about the mess, I get bitter and resentful in my heart which yep you guessed it, seeps out in my actions.
Before I begin to talk about how I can change my actions, I need to realize the root of this issue....pride. It's as simple as that....though not as simple as one might think. By being prideful I am being selfish, I am spitting in the face of God and telling Him that the way He ordained my life and my days is stupid and wrong and I could do a way better job. Hmph! Sounds goofy doesn't it? It's like I am pitching a fit at the throne of God telling Him that He is mean and doesn't know what He is doing. If anyone had the right to do that, it would have surely been Job. He had everything stripped from him; he wasn't just dealing with socks on the floor or a broken mop. His family died, all but his nagging wife. All of his wealth was stripped away. His health was so bad his friends and wife told him to just curse God and die. When he did start to doubt, God gave Him quite the talking to. What did He tell Job? He didn't say you are right you deserve better, you have been so faithful. You are just awesome Job, you rock buddy and deserve better. Poor thing, look at the way I have been treating you. No, this is not what the mighty God of the universes who is sovereign over all says to Job. Let's take a look:

38 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began,

“Have you entered into the springs of the sea,

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light,

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,

“Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain

“Has the rain a father,

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades

“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,

“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,

But wait, God's not finished yet. He continues: 

“Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?

“Who has let the wild donkey go free?

“Is the wild ox willing to serve you?

“The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,

“Do you give the horse his might?

“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars

40 And the Lord said to Job:

“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?

³ Then Job answered the Lord and said:

“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?

Oh that I remember, even though it is something as insignificant as a clean house or organized bedroom, God is sovereign. Instead of being prideful and bitter, causing me to disrespect John (which is yet ANOTHER sin!). My prayer is that God helps me to fight my prideful self. A great book on Pride is "Humility: True Greatness" by CJ Mahaney. It is an amazing book that I think I need to read again!

Christmas Lights!!

Hi Everyone!
So a quick date night idea/update. I am taking John (and of course Levi has to come, but we can still smooch!) on a date tonight. I looked up houses that will have synchronized Christmas lights and music and we are going to be going to see them tonight. I am going to be making hot chocolate and popcorn for us. I may even dress in comfortable pjs. :) It is something simple, but something fun to do .It's somewhat free (just gas) and a great way to spend time together. I'm hoping we can read from John Piper's Advent book tonight as well as we are looking at the lights. :)

What are some free, creative date nights you guys do? Have a fantastic night. I'm going to go make homemade hot coco and popcorn. :)

Quietness

I am sitting here trying to figure out what to write. I will have blog post ideas pop into my head almost daily, but it seems when I go to actually write something.....nothin'. lol But then I decided that I am grateful for the time in the evenings to actually be able to sit here and have my mind quiet.



A quiet mind can be such a blessing. One doesn't have to have a quiet mind when everything around you is quiet, it is possible--difficult, but possible-- to have a quiet mind in the midst of the craziness of every day life.

Some examples of how I've striven--okay not striven  I was anything but intentional about it today, but still God blessed me--to have a peaceful and quiet mind today. I carved out time for devotions. I got a tall glass of white grape and raspberry juice, sat in John's massage chair (boy is that thing amazing, we are selling it because it was an unwise emotional financial decision to buy it, but if it doesn't sell I won't be sad either lol), with pandora playing softly in the background reading God's amazing and wonderful word. Later, as I nursed Levi, I sat in that amazing chair again, once again listening to pandora this time also listening to God's word on audio. Able to sit there relaxing, spending time with my heavenly Father and share God's word with my son along with some giggles as the massage chair made mommy shake. lol He enjoyed that a lot.

It felt good to get my to do list almost accomplished. There are still things needing to get done (for example, the dishes! Always dishes! lol), but knowing that it's okay. They will get done.

What are some ways that you can think of to have a quiet mind? Maybe it is sitting back while the kids play loudly in the background, cause yourself to just observe and thank God for them. Thank God that He has blessed you with those sometimes very loud and sinful children and that you get the chance to strive to fight back against this sinful world and hopefully--Lord Willing--bring up children who will be a witness and a light in this dark world. Even in the stressful times, I pray that both you and I are able to sit back and have a quiet and peaceful mind. So, tonight, strive to have that. Cuddle with your husband, hug your kids, drink a nice warm beverage of some kind, play some soft relaxing music (I highly recommend the George Winston station on Pandora), maybe light some candles. God is good and gracious. I am thankful for this quiet mind. :)

Faith like Abraham...What Does That Mean?

I was reading today in D.L. Moody's book "Spiritual Depression" on the chapter entitled plainly "Trials." First off, this book is absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend it. Yes, it is a challenging read and I have been slowly trodding through it for....well over a year. I started it when I was pregnant with Levi. Anywho, it's awesome. Don't be intimidated by how long it has taken me to read it. That is just my laziness and yet I'm thankful that it has taken me this long. It seems like each time I pick it back up, it is at just the right time.

As I was reading today, something brought to my attention Abraham and how he was very faithful. He trusted God....he really, really trusted God. His faith was real. God asked him to kill his only son!  Now, I know we have all heard this story, but let's think about it a bit more. For those of you with kids, what if God told you to kill your son or daughter? To make it even more significant (as if killing own of your own children isn't enough) let's say that you struggled to get pregnant and have children to begin with and it would be very unlikely that you would conceive another child. You were told my medical professionals that you would have no more children. This was basically their case. Yet what did he do? He trusted God. Now obviously, God probably isn't going to tell anyone to kill their children......but, what about families who have lost little ones "too early?" Or any situation really, whether it is the death of someone we love dearly or financial troubles, or the fact that all of a sudden your child refuses to eat anything at all (our minal trial at the moment), do you trust God? Obviously, that doesn't wipe away the pain, but knowing that we have an amazing God who is in control is so comforting.

If any of you are going through trials, no matter what they are, remember that God is there. Just as He was there with Abraham. Let us strive to respond as Abraham did. Let us trust our amazing God and praise Him through our tears and fears. Stay weak my friends knowing God is strong. :)

I found this poem in a book I read while still single and it really hit home. Ladies, I hope you take this to heart. Your heart is precious. Men, this isn't something to be toyed with for your own pleasure and pride.

"A Woman's Question

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing Ever made by the Hand above? A woman's heart, and a woman's life--- And a woman's wonderful love.

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing As a child might ask for a toy? Demanding what others have died to win, With a reckless dash of boy.

You have written my lesson of duty out, Manlike, you have questioned me. Now stand at the bars of my woman's soul Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot, Your socks and your shirt be whole; I require your heart be true as God's stars And as pure as His heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef, I require a far greater thing; A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts--- I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called Home, And a man that his Maker, God, Shall look upon as He did on the first And say: "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose may fade From this soft young cheek one day; Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves, As you did 'mong the blossoms of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and true, I may launch my all on its tide? A loving woman finds heaven or hell On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true, All things that a man should be; If you give this all, I would stake my life To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot be this, a laundress and cook You can hire and little to pay; But a woman's heart and a woman's life Are not to be won that way." — Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye)

He is REALLY trying!

I got home from doing a tutoring lessons late last night and I walked into the kitchen because I was hungry. I walked into a disaster. There was popcorn all over, a 50 lb bag of popcorn on the table, the popcorn maker on the counter, meatloaf pan on the stove, baggies all over, pot holders on the stove, pop bottles on the counter, multiple cups everywhere, may not sound like a lot, but in a small kitchen....it was trashed.

Why can't I just STAY joyful?

I was at work driving kids back and forth to their various after school things and I was in a great mood. We were having a blast, the sun was shining, I actually felt energetic for once, and I was pain free. I started to pray thanking God for giving me that wonderful day and then I thought I cannot WAIT to get home to see John!

Mundane Monday

It is Monday yet again. Yay! For us SAHM’s Mondays can prove to be difficult as well. Our weekend is over, our adoring hubby is back to work, there are chores to be done, and mundane things to accomplish.

Holocaust of Modern America

I have so many things I want to write about. Maybe I should write a bunch of blog posts now and have them post so that the days I don’t write, there will be something there...?

Thankfulness.....Tuesday

So, this is a day late, but we need to be thankful everyday, not just on Mondays, so I guess it’s not “late.”

What are some things you are thankful for? Here are a few of the things I am:

1) Chilly mornings
2) Cuddling on chilly mornings
3) Waking up a sleeping baby to eat
4) A very stuffed baby
5) Giggles from said baby trying to get his daddy’s attention
6) Bruises from carnival rides
7) Dreaming of Strawberry milk
8) A day of no errands
9) Lost Weight
10) Devotions early in the morning with my Lord


there is always something we can be thankful for, and on the days we don’t feel like being thankful, those are the days we need to strive even harder to be thankful. By grumbling, we are acting like the Israelites did after God brought them out of slavery and into freedom. They grumbled and complained about every little thing. Let us not be like them. Let us have a heart knowing God is caring for us and we have lots to be thankful for.

Mundane Monday

I know guys, it is Monday again. DRAG!! But guess what, God has created this Monday. He has created it specifically for the purpose of us bringing Him glory and honor. For showing others just how majestic our God is. For being thankful and sending praise to our God for what we have. I know it’s rough; it is Monday for goodness sake, but that is all the more reason to strive for a thankful and joyful heart this day. Let us be glad for this is the day the Lord has made. There is something we can find in it to be joyful about. :) I just know it.

Passing Children Through the Fire

Have you ever heard of Moloch? He was an ammonite god worshipped by the Cannanites and other groups of people. He was a god that parents sacrificed their children to. Now, if sacrificing kids doesn’t sound awful enough, let me explain HOW this was done. Children were placed on the idol’s outstretched arms and were burned to death, slowly. 

Are Your Tanks Filled

I love how God works. When it seems like He is teaching me something, I hear it over and over. :) The thing He has been working on me lately is filling my amazing husband’s love tank. I had read the book “The Five Love Languages” and knew about the different love languages. I even knew what ones John was. But, it seemed like his tank wasn’t being filled. I wasn’t doing a good job of trying to fill it and I wasn’t sure HOW to fill it. 

Only Momentary

I have been reading an AMAZING book called “This Momentary Marriage” by John Piper. This book has been so enlightening and helpful. Probably one of THE best marriage books I’ve read.

It has brought me to tears and has really helped me realize that this marriage of mine is only temporary. It is to show the world what greater things are to come. It is to be a great marriage showing others an example of the gospel and leave them longing for the things of Above.

Being Aware of Answered Prayers

I have been praying for John and his work for a while, not as consistently as I should be though I’ll admit. I had been praying that he would get some listings and that things would start to pick up. Well, he came home the other day and told me that he was hosting his very own open house this upcoming Sunday. My first reaction was to pray that it went well and he was able to get his name out there and get some potential clients. It is on a very busy road so he’s sure to get lots of people stopping in to check out the house.

Then it hit me. I had prayed that things would start to be more productive at work. And guess what, they did! But instead of praising God and thanking Him for not only providing but answering my prayers, I just asked Him for more things. How selfish of me! He had provided! He deserved to be thanked and praised! I sat right down and thanked Him for being providing such wonderful things and for taking care of us. He is so awesome.

Then, a few other things happened as well that are exciting. God is definitely providing.

So the point that I learned is we need to be aware of what God is doing in our lives. He is always working. When we pray for something, remember that He ALWAYS answers and we need to be thankful for His answers. I find it so easy to take for granted the blessings that He provides but to notice the negative that is in my life. I need to be more aware of the blessings and to shower my wonderful Lord with praise and thanksgiving for those things.

Praying that this lesson sticks with me and that I become more and more grateful. God rocks! Let’s make sure we tell Him that and that others know as well! :)

Thankfulness Mondays

Now I realize that today is Monday. But, that is why I wanted to start posting things I am grateful for on Mondays. It is the day that most people struggle with having a ho hum attitude or being depressed. I used to do Thankful Tuesdays because well...it rhymed...lol. It’s the melancholy in me I guess. But then I thought about it and decided Mondays were a much better day....though every single day is a perfect day to be thankful on.

Do we have broken fences?

I walk past this certain house when I run. It is a cute house with a lovely fence around it. But when I looked closer, I noticed that the fence was falling apart...on the inside. They had “jimmy rigged” it with ropes and posts like a tent from their yard, but on the outside, it looked great. But their yard (which wasn’t big to begin with) was over run with lots of ropes and posts all through it making it hard to enjoy their yard.

Smiling Babies

Levi went from being happy to having that pouty lip and whimpering in a matter of seconds. I sat there talking in that “parentese”to him trying to convince him that it was going to be okay and that he can be happy again.

As I did this, I started thinking that with babies whenever they are fussy or grumpy, we will talk to them in our squeaky voices, make funny faces, rock them, sing to them, or do whatever we can to make them content again. Why do we do the opposite with others around us? When they are in a bad mood or having a rough day we like to punish them by giving them the same or a worse attitude than they are giving us. I know that with older children sometimes they need to be punished for having a “stinky”attitude, but even on that note, we shouldn’t have a bad attitude ourselves while doing so. We should be loving and humble about it. With their best interest and God’s glory in mind.

I need to remember this when others around me seem to have a less than pleasant attitude. I need to remember Levi and his smiles/grumpies. The things you learn from babies. :) It’s amazing.

Who Did He Marry

This may be an unpopular post. I know it was/is a hard pill for me to swallow as well, but it is important.

From Smiles to the Grumpies

Levi went from being happy to having that pouty lip and whimpering in a matter of seconds. I sat there talking in that “parentese” to him trying to convince him that it was going to be okay and that he can be happy again.

First Year Anniversary Kidnapping

So, I wanted to share my amazing first year anniversary with my amazing hubby, but thought that writing a few lines in a status wouldn't give it nearly the importance nor do it justice. Solution...write a note/blog post about it. :)

So, for those of you who aren’t friends with my hubby on facebook, here is how it all went. :)

On the Potter's Wheel 2.0 lol

As I write this, I pray that my heart and true intent is heard. I write this humbly and graciously. I'm writing this for myself because this is something I struggle with and God is allowing me to see the other end of it and I have been very convicted.

I get worked up over things and get offended very easy and hurt just as easy. When I get hurt, I tend to get upset and angry. When something someone does or says hurts or offends me (whether they truly are wrong or whether what they say is true and that is why it is offensive to me because I know they are right but I get prideful and put up a wall being unwilling to listen), I tend to spew out things that are not helpful to the situation. I definitely am not doing what Titus 3:2 says: "...to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." This is very sad and not only because 1) I am being a poor witness to others, 2) I am hurting others who are people who are made in God's image, and 3) Ultimately and most of all I am not doing what glorifies and brings honor to God.