Praying for our children

Securing Protection from Harm

"The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie OMartian.

Being a praying parent doesn't mean that nothing bad will ever happen to your children.
Pain is a part of the fallen world we live in.
When we pray we are asking God to use painful situations for our children's betterment rather than their destruction. Things happen when we pray that will not happen if we don't- protection.

I have a husband today because his parents prayed:
Eric, my husband was in a terrible and horrific car accident when he was a teenager. The car rolled two times and Eric was ejected from the car, through the glass t-top. He flew fifty feet and landed in the highway median. He had a severe concussion that took him six months to fully recover from. The impact jarred every nerve in his head. In the backseat of the car, sat Eric's brother Joe, who was covered in glass and walked away from the accident. Can you imagine the thoughts of Mom and Dad as they drove to the hospital not knowing if they were alive or how severely they were hurt?
God spared both their lives that day. What amazes me more than the gift of life, is the extended miraculousness of the fact that Eric is an engineer. His ability to process facts and figures, his memorization skills and intelligence astound me. I am constantly poking fun at him for being a geek or nerd. It wasn't until I started thinking more on this subject of protection through prayer, did I fully realize what blessings he has received from the Lord.
It is a steady reminder to pray for my children and the importance of trusting our Heavenly Father with their care.

Add to your prayer list:

-Eph 6:11 says put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
-Protect their mind, body and spirit from evil.
-Eph 6:17-18 says: Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is work of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit; being watchful to this end will all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
-Help us to cling to these promises you have given us in petition for our children’s protection from things that was greatly harm them.
-Help our children to always walk beside you under your umbrella of protection.
-Just as you promise in Psalm 18:48 that you will rescue them from violence, we ask that children would be saved from those who rise up against them, that they would be exalted above their foes.
-We pray that when you bring trials into our children’s life that you would use them for their betterment.
-Remind us not to live in fear, but assurance of your promises
-Keep us living according to your word, by your example, and in constant prayer to you.

Journal:

Continue your prayer journal with the list above, add specific requests for your children.
Read Psalm 18:31-50

Praying for Our Children

Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift up your hands toward him for the life of your young children. -Lamentations 2:19

Praise God for:
Erin
to God be the glory!
(Visit her site, just click on her name, and see what she is doing in the Prayer Challenge)




Have you prayed today?

Praying for our Children

I am very excited to be sharing my new-found love for praying for our children.
"The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie OMartian.

Chapter 2
Releasing My Child into God's Hands
-When we release our children into His hands we should feel joy and peace.
-Don't limit what God can do with our children by clutching them to ourselves
-If we are not positive God is in control of our children's lives, we will put ourselves on the path to a life of fear.
-Surrender your children by living according to His word, His ways, and in Prayer.


Starting your list:
Handing Over Our Children into God’s Hands

-Lam 2:19 says: Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward him for the life of your young children.
-Show us how to release our kids under your control, guidance, protection and counsel.
-Guard us from clutching our children to ourselves and our will for their lives that we limit what you have planned for them.
-Help us to remember these are your children that you have entrusted in our care while here on earth, a privilege for which we are so challenged and blessed.
-Proverbs 22:6 says: Train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it.
-Remind us not to live in fear, but assurance of your promises Keep us living according to your word, by your example, and in constant prayer to you.

Take the challenge- start praying for your children, if you already pray, take this opportunity to renew your love of prayer.

*****Add personal and specific prayers for each of your children.
*****Read 1 Samuel 1-2 about Hannah, a woman who entrusted her son, Samuel, to God.
*****Start a prayer journal. Write down these requests, scripture and learn from Hannah.

A study on Salvation

In the fast paced, world today it seems like church has just become one more "appointment" to be kept during the week. On our last trip home from Texas we saw a banner advertising '30 MINUTE SERVICES' stretched across the office building of a skyscraper. We laughed and almost went back to take a picture, had we not been in traffic.

It also seems that more and more churches are geared towards getting bodies in the pew rather than enabling followers to further the Kingdom while on earth. Services are more about entertaining than what we are truly meant to do in worship.

It's easy to perceive that there are preachers who measure success by the number of members "dunked" and re-clothed in white robes. I get a funny picture in my head of an amusement ride with people getting on, the conductor clicking in each person one by one, as he sets the dial in his hand. They go in dressed in brown, then come out of the ride in white shirts with shiny faces. Now comes the part I find most interesting. As people exit the rides they don't have a clear direction to go and stand around confused and looking for anyone to latch onto.

It's easy to get stuck just on 'believe and repent' that we are only getting one third of what salvation is. We are starting in the middle rather than the beginning and by only having someone confess, baptized and then left to their own, we miss the bigger picture of salvation.

Just as in this past Sunday's sermon: God's kingdom is exclusive (not all will enter), inclusive (many are going to be saved), and inevitable (God finishes what He starts).

In our family we've been studying salvation. We used a wonderful tool, The Chain of Salvation.

Election- God predestines who He will call to His kingdom. We don't know who that will be; we are called to share the gospel with any and everyone. Rom 8:29-30; John 6:44; Eph 1:11; Gal 1:15

The Fall- Adam and Eve's sin in the garden. Our sin separates us from God. Eph 2:15; Rom 3:23

Gospel Call- God softens our heart, gives us ears to hear and eyes to see His word. John 3:16; Matt 13:16-18; Is 6:9-10

Regeneration- We become a new creation through Christ. It is only by giving your sin to Jesus and His sacrifice is our relationship renewed and we are united with our Father. 2 Cor 6:21; Titus 3:4-7

Faith- this is what we are to believe concerning God in your new identity as written in His word. Rom 3:21-5:5; John 20:30-31; Eph 2:8-9

Repentance- you must turn away from your old habits, ways and self to live a new life for Him. You were once dead in your sin and now have been healed and made new by grace through faith in Christ. Eph 4:23-24; 1 John 1:9

Justification- God's promise and act of permanently putting right your previously estranged relationship. Rom 5:1-5; Rom 8:30; Eph 2:8-9

Adoption- now that our relationship has been restored with our Father, we are heirs to His promises, adopted into His family and a child of God. John 1:12; Gal 4:4-7

Sanctification- continually striving to be holy and Christ-like. This is a process completed only when Christ returns. John 8:31-32; Rom 8:29; Rom 6:22; Eph 4:22-24; Heb 6:9-20; Rom 8:38-39; John 10:29

Glorification- when Christ returns we will be made perfect Phill 4:31; Matt 5:8

In studying the chain of Salvation in its entirety I was able to renew my vigor for serving my Father and share His love and mercy with all who read this. This is the first of many hours of studying.

This is my beloved, my friend...

As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men.

With great delight I sat in his shadow...
My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand.

His head is the finest gold; his locks are wavy, black as a raven.

His eyes are like doves beside streams of water, bathed in milk, sitting beside a full pool.

His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet-smelling herbs.

His lips are lilies, dripping liquid myrrh. His arms are rods of gold, set with jewels.

His body is polished ivory, bedecked with sapphires.

His legs are alabaster columns, set on bases of gold.

His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedars.

His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable.

This is my beloved and this is my friend...

---From the book of the Song of Solomon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eric and I will often have conversations during the late evening hours. It is during these times that I try to convey my apprecation for the things he does for me and our family. Recently, I found myself saying 'I love you more' in response to his 'I love you'. It is a constant reminder that I need to love him MORE. I need to remind myself to be the Proverbs 31 wife that I so strive to be. I have fall short many days, many times. Last night was one of those times. Today is a new day and a perfect opportunity for me to spend in the counsel of my Father. Whenever I have one of those NS31 (not-so-proverbs 31 )times, I take the time to mediate on the book of the Song of Solomon. It is what fills my heart with love and fuels my passion, for the man God gave me.

Thank you, Lord for your living word.

Eric hates the pictures when he's half smiling half laughing, but it reminds me so much of when I first met him (when his dimples weren't hidden by facial hair).

Proverbs 31:17

Body image is a term which may refer to the perceptions of a human's own physical appearance, or the internal sense of having a body which is interpreted by the brain. Essentially a person's body image is how they perceive their exterior to look, and in many cases this can be dramatically different from how they actually appear to others. -From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Eric and I had a discussion last night I just can't get off my mind today. Three weeks ago we decided to get in shape and lose some extra weight. We have been working out together since we got married 10 years ago. Just a two months after Luke was born we were back in the gym with Luke asleep in the carried between the treadmills. With Kayla, I was more tired during pregnancy and didn't work out as much, I was chasing Luke around for exercise, really. I haven't worked out since having Kayla and am terribly out of shape. I finally realized how out of shape I was when the family was playing backyard baseball and I couldn't run the bases--IN OUR BACKYARD! So for Father's Day I cleaned out the garage for Eric and a friend gave us a workout video, 13 actually. I wanted to commit myself to him and be an abling (rather enabling) force for Eric's desire to get in shape.

It's a big commitment, 6 days a week, resting on Sunday, for two hours a night. We have adapted the plan to suit our needs and lifestyle, but have still seen results. Eric is trimming up and tightening (even if he doesn't think so, I've taken it upon myself to do an in depth study hehehe). I've also found that I'm losing the extra weight and have found my leg muscles again! I'm feeling good and better than I have in a long time.

Now on to the topic of body image. I hit a nerve with Eric last night when I took the wrong approach to our conversation of working out. I meant to give him "props" for staying so active over the weekend with the Relay for Life and softball practice, by telling him I was working out to try and catch up with him. This clearly was one of those moments when a woman just needs to say what she means. It should have gone something like this, "Eric, I think it was awesome all the stuff you did over the weekend." I won't share the details of our discussion. I will share my thoughts on my own body image.

According to the definition, body image is how we see ourselves verses how the world sees us. In my mind, I LOOK GOOD! I feel that I have some changes I still need to make, but for having three kids, I LOOK GOOD. So my human goals for working out are simple:

1. To feel good/better/healthier.
2. To see some muscle definition.

My third goal is something that is very personal. I don't know what I have decided to share it.

3. To look good enough for Eric to notice.
3a. To look good enough for Eric to say something.
3b. For Eric not to want to keep his hands to himself. :-)

My own personal conviction is that I need to be desirable for my husband. Let's face it, my job as a mom is not easy one. It means most days not putting on makeup, relying on my friend the ponytail, tshirts and workout shorts. I spend my time at home WORKING between the kids and the house. Thankfully, Eric is not shallow and finds me attractive when I'm the dirtiest :-). He never tells me "Boy you stink like puke." He always finds a way to "show me some love" by rubbing my head after a long day or taking the kids outside so I can clean the kitchen.

I just realized that I painted a picture of myself as one that doesn't shower for weeks, yikes! I shower, let me assure you. I am merely stating that I need to care for myself in ways that I know will please my husband. I feel that I am on the right path and will continue to challenge myself to be healthier and more pleasing to Eric's eyes.

The greatest motivation for this new life challenge is that of my Father and His teachings. Our bodies are temples, housing the Holy Spirit. If taken to the extreme I could find great hopeless fault in myself. However, I have chosen this view: my body and health is a gift from the Lord. I need to be a good steward of His provisions. I need to be more thankful for the blessings and a better caretaker.

I think that I need to be cautious of my choice of words when I share with other that I am working out. I need to take the opportunity to instead, praise God and share my conviction to take care of the body He has provided while here on earth. I also need to take the opportunity to share my passion for my husband and the desire to please him, as God instructs in His Word.

Proverbs 31:17- She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

So how do I see myself, and how does the world see me? My body image is that of a loving wife and grateful child.

His Light Shines

I am sorry that I've waited to long to write this post.

Everyday I get on the this wonderful computer I visit many 'fun places and friendly faces'. Among that those places and faces, I've found a friend from my past. A friend who has become near and dear to my heart, although years and miles have separated us.

Aubs,
I look forward to 'catching up' with you and the boys whenever you have a new post. I thank you for the time you take to write and share your life with me and others.

The life of a military wife is not an easy one. Those who serve our country and their families have touched my life in may ways. I'd like to share this with you:
Tabitha (Bode) DeLaney and I have known each other since Kindergarten. We've kept in touch all these years and we are proud godparents to Jace and Zach. We flew down to Texas for Jacelynn's baptism when she was months old. At the time, Craig (Tabitha's husband) had been deployed and had been gone since Jacelynn was 3 weeks old. The things that I have seen Tabitha and the trials she faced as a new/single mother is the very thing that binds my heart to hers. Craig was allowed to return for 3 days for Jace's baptism.
As Eric and I witnessed this new family being separated it touch our lives forever. It was that day we learned just how selfish we had become. The greatest thing we discovered was just how precious time is. We were overjoyed to begin our journey as parents that day and 9 months later Luke was born.
It was through the military that Eric had to learn to put away childish things and learn what kind of man he wanted to be. It was also the driving force for our wedding.
The Lord uses many means to execute His perfect plan and will for our lives.

Even now I find the military a part of my life, though we do not serve. It is through your strength and courage that I find inspiration for my own strength and courage. There are days that I remind myself of the promise that 'He will not give me more than I can handle.' There is a reason God designed the family structure to be that of two- both a husband and a wife. We do not have the strength of our own to face the challenges of motherhood single handily, life for that matter. 'With God all things are possible.' God intends for us to rely on Him.

It is in you that I see His light and His strength. I know that you are special for our Father has called you not only to the greatest calling, that of a mother, but that of a single mother (when He calls your husband to serve). It is a wondrous testimony of your faith in our Father, dependence on His strength and the glory brought for His name sake.

Praise God for YOU, Aubs. Glory to our Lord God most high who gives strength to His people.

Trading my frustrations for His peace

Frustration is an emotion that I deal with on a minute by minute basis for one reason or another. When I took time to really sit and share my frustration with my Father, I took the time to listen to His calming truths.


Frustrating....
A boy who grows up in a disfunctional home: taught how to make bad decisions more than good ones. For we all know that children learn by example. What will happen to this boy? He will one day become a man and thus a member of our community and head a family. So the cycle will continue and be passed down from parent to child.

Peace....
Was there any point when they cycle could have been broken? I want to say yes, for I am an example of a broken cycle. Is it God's will? Not right now. God answers my prayers with a 'not right now'. It is His will for this boy to be where he is. Sadly, God lets us make mistakes (for I have made many), to mold us to what He wills for us.



Frustrating....
Being on the outside of a situation and seeing the future outcome of poor choices being made in the present. Seeing another repeating cycle and not having the power to change it.

Peace....
I'm thankful that I am NOT in control and everything works to His honor and glory.



Frustrating....
"For all sin and fall short of the glory of God." Losing my temper at my babies yelling at them to pick up the toys. I brought disappointment to my Father.

Peace....
Thankful for His mercy and forgiveness.



Frustrating....
Seeing my Dad live a life without the Lord. My Dad is my Dad, and to see him almost homeless, disabled, low and struggling---all the while leaning on his pride and stubbornness---is heartbreaking and draining.

Peace....
Again, God answers my prayers with "MY PLAN not yours."


Frustrating....
Learning to lean on God and let go. Letting go of a good friendship because the Lord is calling me and she has different priorities right now. Wanting to talk to her but something holds me back....?

Peace...
I am leaning on God for wisdom and clarity- both of which He has already promised.

A Virtual Drinking Game

Back in my younger days I played a drinking game called
"Have you ever..."
Here's how it works one person starts out with "Have you ever..." and then adds something to the end. Everyone who HAS, takes a drink. Let's play shall we?!

HAVE YOU EVER:

-woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

-thrown a temper tantrum because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

-said things you didn't mean to the person you love the most because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

-been so angry with yourself for not getting your chores done that you took it out on someone else, maybe because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

-wished for more romance?

-wished for more romance, got an entire evening full of romance, then turned it into "taking time away for the chores you were doing" by saying things you didn't mean because you were mad at yourself, possibly because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

-treated someone badly?

-treated someone so badly, that when they apologized to you, you couldn't wait to "let them have it" with the selfish sinful thoughts on your own self-centered mind and thus stomping all over their apology, because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

-witnessed first hand what self-sacrificing means?

-witnessed a husband not say a word to his wife when she behaves like a BRAT?

-witnessed a husband who is willing put on a dirty undershirt and wear it to work because his wife didn't do the white laundry, not say an unkind word to his wife (who is a BRAT, by the way), apologize for waking his wife up on the wrong side of the bed, and still go to work FOR HER so that she can stay home to do her work and provide her with everything she could ever need or want, all by God's grace?

-played a game (hypothetically) and could possibly have alcohol poisoning when it's over?


Have you ever?

One of those days

Here I sit in the bedroom with a wonderfully old movie from 1955, with my thoughts and tears.

What's wrong with me I just don't know..... or do I? Self pity? Not enough time spent with the Lord? Too much to do? Not working out enough? Tired? My broken sewing machine? Hormones? Girlie-ness?

It's just been "one of those days."

Funny, just as I typed that last sentence I reached for my water and ended up dumping it all over my night stand and the floor. And so it continues....

You'll have to excuse me for a minute as I sit here an have a piece of PITY PIE.

To save myself a little embarrassment I'll loose myself in "The Tender Trap" and put a cover on my PIE.

Moments

I was so disappointed that I went off and left my camera, thus missing this special day with the kids. Oh well, maybe next time. At least I'm taking the time to write about it, right?

Today was an on and off sunny day, a little chilly around 50 degrees, and somewhat disappointing after having several days of 75 degrees. The girls and I headed to town to pick up Luke at preschool and found the diggers working on the road just across the parking lot of the school. It took me twice as long to get the girls inside because Kayla was engrossed in the digger action. With all three buckled and back in the car, my little preschool reporter proceeded with his rendition of the day's activities. Mid story, he asked if we could have a picnic. My heart was heavy as I explained that it was too cold to have a picnic in the park. I wanted to go to the park too. Just then I recalled a chapter from a book we are reading in the mom's group entitled "Jump In". The chaptered challenged moms to find an activity to "jump in" with your kids. After a quick "thank you" to my heavenly Teacher, I turned the car around and headed towards McDonald's and proudly screamed out "CAR PICNIC" !!!!!
Much to my delight I head a "Yay" and a "WooHoo".
We picked up McDonald's and drove back to Luke's preschool. We parked on the edge of the parking lot and opened up the back. I spread out the picnic blanket and we piled into the back with our food to watch the digger. It was such a precious memory counting the many dump trucks that came and went, laughing at the silly way Krista ate her fries and just taking time to really ENJOY my kids. All the thoughts of spending $8 on lunch (when we had a full fridge and pantry at home), faded away with every point and wave at the machines and the workers. With one last little "ByeBye Digger" we ended our lunch and headed home.

It wasn't until later that afternoon that I truly took time to reflect.
With the time spent on our picnic I was behind on the daily chores. I piled two overflowing baskets of unfolded laundry on the bed. I was about half way through when a little princess head peaked around the mound of clothes. "Hi Mommy", and with that Kayla climbed up. She crushed my fears of "helping" and was content just to sit next to me while I folded and folded. With just two shirts left to fold I felt a little hand on my back, followed by a pat. I sat there as my two year old ran her hand sweetly up and down my back, all the while praising God for her. It is awesome how God gives the gift of affection to women and to see it displayed at such a young age moved me to tears.

These are the moments that make life worth living, and it is these precious moments that I need to seize and treasure, because they are just that- moments- that will pass if I don't.

How fitting the Motivation for Moms today:
Show your children that you appreciate them by doing something special just for them, like making their favorite meal, or taking them out for an ice cream.

Submission

I have so many wonderful things to share, but will only choose just one for now.

It all began with the sermon on Confessing and Following Christ (http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=33008208227). Throughout the message Pastor Olivetti discussed the very topic of selflessness. Needless to say this has been a hot topic around our home for a couple of reasons, which I will gladly discuss in another post on another day.
I never want to miss an opportunity to share about my husband, Eric. I'd like to preface this by saying, HE IS NOT PERFECT, and I'm NOT proclaiming him to be. Having said that I will say he excels in the area of selflessness. He is constantly forgoing his own pursuits of happiness for the betterment of our family, and some days just for the simply things that make me happy. This is not to say that he lives miserably. Far from it. :-)

I met with a friend recently who said this, "You always put him on a pedestal." Her words have been on my mind and I cannot seem to shake them. So.....

I began to explore just what a pedestal is:
—Noun

1.	an architectural support for a column, statue, vase, or the like.

2.	a supporting structure or piece; base.

—Idiom

1. set or put on a pedestal, to glorify; idealize.

In thinking more on this He revealed many things to me. In reflecting back on the words of my friend, I found myself placing him on a pedestal more often than I realized. Eric is the leader and supporting structure of our family. If you think in terms of a building, God is the structure in which our family is build on and under. Eric is our column that upholds the structure. Let me clarify, Eric is not supporting God, in the sense that God needs to be held up. Eric supports His ways, plans, instruction and will for our family by bearing the weight. Without a good support system the building would crash. There is a reason Eric is the man and leader of our home and I am the wife, not the head.
I also realize that I need to be careful not to put Eric in a position of idolatry. The only reason Eric is who he is, is because of his Heavenly Father. I need to make it clear to those I talk to it is He that has made us and now we ourselves.

It is a wonder what God has done in Eric's life and the man He has made Eric to be. I truly marvel at God's plan and His way to execute without fail. When I describe our marriage the best word I've found is fascination. He fascinates me because Eric is an outstanding example of God's grace, in the flesh. The Lord brought him out of a pit and restored him to be a proclamation of not only His grace, but His power over this world. Hallelujah, I say.

I realized that I should put him on a pedestal. God chose this man for me to follow, is molding him daily, helping him to mold me daily and allowing us to glorify Him while here on earth.

Submission, for me, becomes as easy as waking up in the morning. In the beginning of our marriage, I packed up and followed Eric to Indiana. Through the years I resented him for it. I've had to asked for forgiveness on more than one occasion for this. I've also realized that it wasn't just me fighting Eric, but me fighting God's will for my life.
As stubborn (strong-willed) as I was and sometimes still am, God had to pick someone truly amazing for me to follow. Not only that, but God has given me such a deep love and respect for Eric that I don't have trouble following him. That doesn't mean that I don't have opinions, nor do I have trouble expressing them. However, true submission can only be taught by Christ through His relationship to our Father, and then for me to mimic through my marriage to Eric.

I shared of making Eric a top priority. I have met my three challenges better on some days and have fallen short on others. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. :-)
Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go improve by giving my man the longest back-scratch he's ever had! Did I mention he reminds me of an old bear?! :-) HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Priority - The Hubby

Last night Eric and I discussed what it means to be a stay-at-home mom. I won't quote him because this is a "g" rated site ;-). Having to take care of the kids for the past two days while I was sick really had an impact on him. He was more than happy to return to his "desk job and his computer" today. I was filled with love!

Today as I was running around trying to get caught up on the laundry, I stopped and stared at our wedding picture for a minute. Eric looks so young without his goat-tee. (Pretty sure that's not the correct spelling of it). I said a little prayer of thanksgiving for Eric and turned my prayers to our children. Mid prayer, I felt a little thought creep in. 'What do you children see?' When I look at that picture of our wedding day it reminds me of how much I truly LOVE Eric.

I dropped to my knees and begged my Heavenly Father for forgiveness.

I read somewhere that "Marriage is falling in love many times...with the same person." This is so true! I find myself falling in love with Eric over and over. But when I really stopped to think about it, I don't always SHOW Eric that I love him, especially in front of our kids.

I made a list of things that I am determined to improve on.
1. Improve the atmosphere.
Eric always calls when he's on his way home. I need to take that time to create a positive atmosphere that he is glad to come home too---despite the circumstances. I will greet him at the door with a hug, kiss and welcome home. I especially want to teach this to my kids. Daddy coming home is going to be a celebration everyday---despite the circumstances.

2. Spend more time together.
I am constantly complaining that 'we don't ever do anything together'. Which is not true. I need to use everyday opportunities to spend time with him, and make them enjoyable. I've decided to start working out in the evening and I know this is something that he wants to do, too. So I'm going to formally invite him to join me in exercising. Every time. Not an open ended invite.

3. Show a little PDA from time to time.
I don't want to scar my kids for life by making out with Daddy at the dinner table, so instead I've decided to offer a little peck from time to time. I married my prince charming. (Even if prince charming can clear the room with his farts). :-) Seriously, our kids need to know love is wonderful and God's love is even greater.

So here are my three new challenges to make Hubby a priority.

Priorities

Having to stay in bed alone with my thoughts I've started to re-think my priorities.

I've teetered on the edge of throwing my hands up in the air and giving up. It's a hard job for me, being a mother of three. I find that I have been keeping a tally of good days and bad days, without even realizing it. My fuse has become shorter and shorter and my despair greater and greater. For some reason I'm struggling to find a balance with three kids most days. In thinking more about why I keeping feeling this way I discovered that it was not everyday that I felt like I was fighting a losing battle. The bad days are those days when my housework has fallen behind or I haven't been able to have my special time with the kids. One thing that has greatly helped me has been to re-focus my priorities. Fun things for myself that I enjoy, time with my kids, time with Eric, a good attitude, my mom's group, bible study, the house, and different things I do for our church are some of the large catagories on my plate. Sound familiar?

I found my family suffering because I had too many things on my plate. I love to serve. Mike Holmes said, "Jack of all trades, master of none." When I looked at my plate and the things that filled it, I found that the things that I wanted to focus on where being pushed aside to make room for the small things that were of some "less" importance. I have since cleared my plate of some of those small things and I've turned my focus back to the ministries I feel God is leading.

Our merciful God promises not to give us more than we can handle. It's easy for me to feel that I should bear the load. When, in truth, God gives me the load so that I turn to Him to help me carry it. God has blessed me with three children. I need to rely on Him for strength instead of a can of Coke ;-).

To be honest, when I really took the time to think about why some days seemed so much harder than others, I was ashamed at what He Revealed. On those bad days I look at my job as a mother as a burden instead of a blessing. I love being a mom and I need to find that joy on the dark days of despair.

I need to see my role as a mother as a challenge. A challenge from the Lord to glorify Him, lean on Him, grow in Him and teach His children through all this. How? I've decided to use the "brainwashing" method proposed by Rebecca in a previous post. I need to change my thinking and replace my negative thoughts with His word.

Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."

Here is the first verse of many, I'm sure, that I will hide within my heart for the days that I feel burdened instead of blessed.

A friend from far coming near

I have put off posting about my excitement with the approaching events of next week, but after reading the words from a friend most dear to my heart, I feel the time has come.

I have the pleasure, and I mean pleasure, of meeting a gal who has been a mentor to me for some time now. My mother-in-law, (though she is not referred to as such) has graciously given me a wonderful gift; the opportunity to meet Rebecca. I love the way Mom sees a time when she can do something for someone else, seizes that opportunity and takes it beyond expectations.

So I bring the question to those who are married.... What is your relationship with your mother-in-law? I have the pleasure of seeing this woman, show love to my children that can only be compared to the same love I share with them. It's an amazing thing to witness how much they truly love her. She has made a home for them within her home. Not only for my children, but for me as well. It is my home away from home. It's the silly things that touch my heart like forgetting to get corn bread mix at the grocery store. I just called Mom, and of course, she had some and brought it over. Did I mention the only way I even made it to the store was because she was watching my kids? She had earned my respect instead of demanding it. She built our relationship on the foundation of our shared love for my children, a bond that is stronger than any girl's lunch, shopping trip or gift. But I will admit when we do those lunches and shopping trips I "force" myself to have a good time :-). HA!

Now that I have been blessed with this opportunity to finally meet the Rebecca (I only know through her writings and photos), I am excited and nervous. Christi Mary Warner said "A true friend is one who know all about you and likes you anyway." I have learned so much and have grown so much as a person because God has used her to mentor me in a time when I needed it most. I am thankful she is not perfect. I have found great comfort in knowing that she shares the same struggles.

1 Thessalonians 5:11- Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

How can I let this person know how much I respect, admire, love and cherish our friendship? I have this opportunity to meet my mentor, what can I possibly say to express my appreciation? Can a hug say too little or more than words every could? I hope the latter.

As she reads this I can imagine Rebecca's thinking that I'm putting her on a pedestal. There is no room for disappointment because God doesn't make disappointments.

So there! ;-)

Friends far and near

I received a card in the mail that I just couldn't pass up the chance to talk about. It was from a girlfriend of mine that I truly love. She is so beautiful (she'd disagree). I love being around her and wish we lived a little closer. I used to work with her before we had kids. Now that we both have kids we have more in common and have more excuses to see each other :-).

Anyway, this card was filled with encouraging words and how thankful she was for our friendship. I sat there holding this card in my hand, staring at the words she had written in disbelief. I always place myself on the other side of the fence: in admiration of others.

I have two great new friends that have blogs, Rebecca & Tracy. Though I have never met either of them, both have impacted my life. Impacted. On the days when I am most down I pull up their blogs and feel my spirit soar. It is in Tracy's blog that I find myself marveling at this woman that God has transformed from her difficult past into a glowing flower of encouragement. One one particular occasion she decided to get up early for church and "dapple" in the kitchen to create a beautiful cheesecake. How wondrous! It is in Rebecca's blog that I find a sister to share my aspirations of being a better mother and christian. I laugh, I cry and I thank God for her. When she shares her struggles I REJOICE in sharing in the same struggles in my own life. I cannot count the lessons that He has revealed through her. Every night I sit reading their blogs. When I finish reading I sit there with my hands on top of the laptop and pray for these women thanking the Lord for them and the technology of the Internet to learn from them. I love both these women like sisters.

So I sat there staring at this card I received in utter shock, not knowing what to say or do. To have touched someone's life the way others have touched mine is remarkable to me. It is a reminder that I need to get off the pity-pot and remember who I am, a daughter of the King, witness to His goodness rather than self-glorification.

Thank you, Jennifer, I hope you read this. You sent that card to tell me how you appreciate me, but in the end, I find myself in appreciation of you.

Where's my gold star?

I had a very planned, detailed part this past week. The guest list was small but significant, ME MYSELF & I. I took a lot of time to spend on decorations of self-doubt, selfishness and complaining. I feasted on lies and misconceptions. I took part in the daily activity of pity for days on end.

I decided to give the Great Doubter, who had been my guest of *honor* this past week, the boot! I swiftly turned to a mirror and gave the host a good swift kick in the rear-end. (You should have seen that).

I received the much needed strength for the swift kick from our awesome God in more than one way.

I read recently that some of the great cathedrals in Europe were carved by (one) men, whom no one remember, (two) the builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished, (three) they made great sacrifices and expected no credit, and (four) the passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

There are so many days I unappreciated. Doesn't anyone see how tired I am.... see the sacrifices I make... see the struggles I overcome... the great things I do (in my mind)... see the small things... see the large things.... doesn't anyone see what I've done? Where's my gold star? (A job well done).

God does.
Today I decided to please my Heavenly Father and really learn the meaning of pleasing Him rather than earning self-glory. I need to maintain my home because God gave me this home. I need to maintain myself because I am a beacon for His light. I need to maintain my children because they are His children.

I'm going to try an experiment. My hypothesis is that I will feel silly sometimes. Every time I set out to complete a task, something that no one else but me will notice, I'm going to show God. I'm going to have a conversation with my Lord and SHOW Him what I've done for HIM. So the next time I get the kitchen cleaned I will show my Lord that I have taken care of what He provided for me. "Look how shiny I made this stove that you provided for me to cook the food that you provide for our family." I want to change my thought process, and the only way to do that is to change the way I think inside my mind. How can we break a habit? Start a new, better habit. How? Practice, practice, practice.

A Bright Sunday

Today during our morning service we listened to two of our young people give public testimony and take their vows of membership. As per most of the covenant children, their testimonies began the same, 'raised in a christian home', but as they went on it began to really set in. The younger of the boys shared how at the age of three he asked the Lord into his heart. At the age of six he was talking to his mother about suffering for growth. At the age of 10 he was really growing in the sermons.

As I looked around the church during offering time I was filled with such a different sort of emotion. I didn't want to cry nor shout for joy, but it was an emotion of.... I guess stillness. I looked at each family and thought about all the testimonies I'd heard in years past from the Covenant children. They were so very much alike, 'raised in a christian home', 'there's not really a time when I didn't know Christ', phrases like this rushed back into my head. I sat there in awe of the knowledge and depth of truth taught in our church to our children at such a young age.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. Deuteronomy 6:6-8

How true these words became for me today. As I bowed my head in thanksgiving for truth of God's Word in the church, I glanced over to the young gal sitting beside me.

Eric stayed home sick today and I took the kids to church. I was vastly outnumbered as you can imagine. Sweet little Anna, who is not so little anymore, came and sat in our pew to help. I remember her, and maybe always will, as the little three year old Anna. Now she is in high school, helping me with my kids. Anna is so blessed with long dark brown hair and the thickest eyelashes (I'm a little envious). She is really beautiful not only on the outside, but on the inside. For the first time today, I saw a young woman of Christ. I count myself blessed to have been able to get to know Anna and the rest of her family better, now that we are all in the same bible study. And I praised God for her and her way with Luke as I watched him smile at her and laugh with those big blue eyes all a sparkle. I'm so looking forward to hearing her give her testimony.

Our church family has become so precious to me in so many ways. Today was a extra special service filled with many who were brightly shining with Christ's light.

Breaking down a wall

Wow.

With so many wondrous things filling my heart I will try to make sense of them in this blog. It's all so much I feel I might just burst with excitement to share them with you all.

Let me start by asking you this:
Remember that first moment when Salvation became so real that you were left stunned. I do. If you haven't, let me share with you. Salvation is the very word that causes my heart to race and my hands to sweat. Every time. Eph 2:8, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of your own doing, it is a gift from God.

What does it actually mean to be saved? How would you answer this? Feel your heart racing.... hands sweating..... hair on the back of your neck standing up....

For me, those reactions used to be fear. God has turned my fear into pure excitement. I cannot put into words the full impact how that change, from fear to excitement, feels. The 'backspace' key has become my new best friend, as I can barely control my fingers just thinking the words I want to type.

Oh to be a child of God.... NO.... A Daughter of the King.

AS HE REVEALS.....
I finally discovered what was holding me back from sharing the gospel with others at any given opportunity. Embarrassment. Am I a people pleaser? No. I have such wonderful friends and family. I am secure with who I am and have little fear of being considered "acceptable" to strangers. My wardrobe or lack thereof the latest fashions will attest to that. :-)

I'm afraid I will embarrass my Father with my lack of knowledge or the right words. Being here on earth, I'm also afraid I will embarrass my husband. I have respect for Eric, more than anyone else on this earth, and to embarrass him is something that would crush me. Satan has used these two fears to subdue me. No more. I let the Great Deceiver hand me the first brick, and today I begin my work of tearing down that wall that I have built between me and my Father.

I sat down and made a list of some of my gifts.
Hospitality- Parties/get togethers.
Creativity- Simple details.
Organization- A well kept home (most days).

These are things that I use to show the world that God has blessed me. I love having people in our home. When we put an offer on the house, I vowed to the Lord that if He would provide the home I would use it to host His people. Having bible study in our home is important to me, and Eric. We both love to have parties and have people in our home, because it is an opportunity to share how the Lord provides for us.
When we made the decision of follow the Lord's path to come to West Lafayette, we had to not only sell our home in Flora, but also find a home here. We knew the area we wanted, but found only one home with the things we needed and wanted. The house was out of our price range, but had the space and land. Eric went through the house by himself and knew I would love it. We put an offer on the house below the asking price. I looked at the house and we received a call from the realtor within 24 hours. There was already a better offer on the table. I cried and sobbed as we withdrew our offer, and the tears continued through the night. Eric's wise words, "It's just not the Lord's will," did comfort me enough to finally fall asleep that night. James 5:16 says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." All through the night and into the next day every time I thought about the house, I prayed, 'The Lord's Will Be Done.' (Feeling goose bumps on your arms? .... God's providence). We got another call from the realtor 24 hours later, the first offer had fallen through and they were ready for us to submit our low offer. Within 3 months the Lord brought us a buyer for our Flora house and we moved into our new home in August 2006.

God sets before us many choices, but simple choices.
Life or Death
Blessings or Curses

Can this really be considered a choice?

Pray for me this week as tear down my wall of fear:
Confidence to use every opportunity.
Assurance that He has equipped me.
Thankfulness that it is not my words, but God's and He saves by His choice.

The Mom's Group

I started a Mom's Group for our two churches back in September of last year as a "trial". I have found that this group has become very dear to my heart and such a tremendous blessing. I prayed that if God would send just two moms to our group I would pour everything into them. God answered my prayer and then some, give me contact with sixteen gals. I am so thankful for each and every one of the mothers. I pray for them daily and for myself. I am not perfect and this is my first commitment to something I feel God is leading me to be a part of, (that I'm doing on my own). If you think of me, pray for me: for courage and wisdom, because what I thought was just a trial has now become a journey.

Below is the annual report that I submitted to our church:

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Psalm 31:28

The Mom’s Group is a ministry of the Immanuel Reformed Presbyterian Church not only to the mothers of both the IRPC and the Lafayette RPC, but also as an outreach ministry to the mothers of the entire community.

Our Mission is to:
· unify, strengthen, encourage, and embrace one another as sisters in Christ
· grow as Godly mothers in faith and wisdom
· lift up one another
· be a testimony of our faith and love in Christ Jesus, to all we come in contact with
bring God glory


We meet at 7:00pm the second and the fourth Tuesday of the month at Lafayette RPC with babysitting being provided for those who need it.

We open the evening with prayer and then have dessert where we discuss any upcoming community/church events along with any relative announcements from the churches represented. Following this we have our time of faith and fellowship. We are currently working through the book, “The Mom You’re Meant to Be” by Cheri Fuller. We cover two chapters each meeting. We encourage, but do not require these chapters to be read prior to the meeting. We then close the meeting with prayer, asking for requests from the group, and then always remembering to pray for our children in a specific area of their life. To aid in this, we are using a prayer list from the book “The Power of a Praying Parent” by Stormie OMartian.

Currently, there are sixteen moms the group has contact with on a regular basis, twelve of which attend regularly. Also, of the moms that attend, we have been blessed to have five from the surrounding community. We welcome any and all moms who want to attend.

Romans 12:15 says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
The goals set last year for the group were simple goals, but some of the most important. We wanted to create a unity and bond between all of the mothers through openly sharing our strengths and struggles. Also, we wanted to establish a foundation of knowledge and love, built upon our Lord and savior. It was such a wonderful gift to see all the mothers share tears in times of sadness, laughter in stories of our children and lean on one another in times of struggles.

The goals set for the upcoming year, having accomplished the goals set for last year, are to start implementing activities during the meetings to help all the mothers grow in wisdom and godliness.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it..” It is a difficult task that God has graciously granted to all the mothers, while here on earth, to raise His children. I ask that you pray for our mothers for strength during the days that seem long, patience with the child that is having difficulties, understanding and clarity for the things the Lord is teaching to help raise His children.

The Beginning

Proverbs 19:21 says, For many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

I was born and raised in the Great State of Texas, where Southern pride is at it's finest. My mother cleaned houses and my father was a bricklayer. To this day they are both still at their skill of trade. My mother took us to church every Sunday that I can remember and our church family was of course, our second family. There were always many hugs, kisses and love seemed to overflow from the windows and doors.

My home church split when I was in Elementary School and being too young to fully understand everything it had little effect on me at the time. In attending the "new" church I grew into a teenager and all the problems that come along with that title. My parents divorced when I was in Middle School which brought more freedom to do things that I should not have become involved in. My mother remarried a loving man who supports and loves her to this day. During this time of freedom I attended church, but was not walking with the Lord.

In High School I was your "all american girl" and even became Homecoming Queen. Still my life lacked spiritual discipline in every way other than attendance on Sundays.

It was by the providence of God and His grace that I met my husband my Senior year of high school. A story so miraculas that it's a testimony in of itself. (See http://bibbyfam.blogspot.com/2008/02/our-story-gods-providence.html). We were married just seven months after meeting on February 7, 1998. God is so good.

The day after graduation we packed up all my things and we moved to Indiana. My first move.
My plans were not God's plans, as was the lesson I would learn over the next six years. Our first two years we lived with my In-Laws, though they are not referred to as such. Mom and Dad graciously took us in until we were able to stand on our own feet financially. Eric, my husband, attended Purdue University and was a full time student majoring in Electrical Engineering and striving for a minor in Japanese. Bitterness and anger found a way into my heart towards Eric and his family. I was selfish and immature and wanted to go "home." I chose to wallow in self-pitty, behind closed doors, and selfishly lost many opportunities to learn from the wisdom of Eric's mother.

We moved to campus where I formed life changing friendships with the other young married couples from our church. It was through a particular friendship with a Godly woman named Beka who opened my heart to the Lord and taught me of the precious gift of assurance. I finally found the path that I need to be on. Once I found that path and started my journey, it became rocky and uphill. I found the nearest bench and parked myself there for nearly four years. Sitting on that bench I received much knowledge while attending the Reformed Church, but I sat that knowledge next to me on that same bench on which I sat. Though the Lord was urging me to "take up my bed and walk", I would occasionally rise ready to 'hit the trail', but found myself sitting back down.

Our first born son, Luke Jonathan, was born in January of 2004. It was again God's providence and perfect plan for our lives. We were visiting my oldest girlfriend in Texas after celebrating the birth of her first baby girl, Jacelynn (my god-daughter), when her husband was called away on active duty. Being there to witness this family separated for nineteen months and the love we had for this new baby girl, was more than we could both bare. It was the day we decided not to 'wait' any longer that I became pregnant with Luke. Again, God showed me His plans were better than mine.

Luke's birth and his first year was the most challenging and joyous time in my life, second only to that of my marriage. God used the announcement of pregnancy of our second child, Kayla Marie to bring me to my knees.

God again used, Beka, to show me an example of a what a Godly mother is supposed to look like. And I found my face buried in my hands and tears, at my lack of strength to do it on my own.

I finally rose up off the bench I had planted myself on for so long and dusted off all the knowledge the Lord had equipped me with.

Eph 4:1-2 says, I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, patience, bearing one another's burdens.

I have found my path, my calling, my gifts, my assurance, my love for my children and husband, my humility, God's grace and mercy, His forgiveness, the forgiveness of my family and Eric's, and my strength.

Praise our mighty God, to Him be glorified with this life He has so graciously given to me.