God's James Gang

Praise!

2012-01-27T09:00:00.003-05:00

So I asked prayer for a few things last week. Here are the prayer requests and praise updates...

Old prayer requests--If you want to pray for me:

1. Pray I'd get caught up on my reading.

2. Pray that I'd spend time EVERY day so that I don't have "catch up" to do.

3. Pray that God would speak to me like never before.

4. Pray that when God speaks, I will listen and obey.

I just wanted to check in real fast. I did get caught up on my reading last week and it wasn't as daunting of a task as I'd imagined. :) Thank you for praying. I have also (God willing) been faithful to spend time is His Word every "week day", but I'm struggling with the "week-end" days. I guess it's because our schedule is different on those days and the "routine" is off. I don't know, but I don't want to make excuses. I WANT to be in God's Word EVERY DAY...and that means faithful on weekends too. God has been speaking to me and so far I have been praying about how to obey. Please continue to pray for my faithfulness in reading EVERYDAY, that God will speak in a mighty way to me, that I will listen and obey. Thanks again for praying with me! It's encouraging to have you praying for me!!!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Sarah

A New Challenge

2012-01-16T08:34:00.004-05:00

Today I started a new challenge with Hello mornings. I'm in #HMC10 via twitter. I was encouraged this morning in the Word, but also to see others in the Word alongside me. It was an awesome experience! My kids were up before I even got started, but I sent them back to bed for an hour so that I could have some uninterrupted time...alone with God, listening to Him speak to me. I'm reading through the Bible in a YEAR! I've never finished this task before, so I'm excited to do it this year...at least God willing and if my flesh of laziness doesn't get in the way. I thought I was right on target and doing well until this morning during my time read/listening (I listen via YouVersion Bible reading...and read along)...anyway, I realized that there is evening reading too! ACK! I have some catching up to do now!!! I was thinking it seemed easy without much trouble getting it done...now I know why...I wasn't reading it all! I am slightly discouraged at the moment because now I'm not up to speed like I thought, but I will get there. I'm also reading Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. I've heard it's a life changing book. I'm excited! Gerrad and I started reading it a few years ago, but then life got in the way (the flesh of some sort) and we stopped. So now I downloaded the audible version and I'm listening as I read along. I've figured out that's the best way for me...listening and reading along. And with the new IPhone my husband just bought me (I love him!!!), I can listen at different speeds to "hurry" or if the reader is slow I can "hurry him/her up". :) I really LOVE it! Just give me a few days to do it.

If you want to pray for me:
1. Pray I'd get caught up on my reading
2. Pray that I'd spend time EVERY day so that I don't have "catch up" to do.
3. Pray that God would speak to me like never before
4. Pray that when God speaks, I will listen and obey.

Today I was challenged by Matthew 6:33-34. "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." God wants us to enter each day seeking Him. Out of that relationship, we will experience Him guiding our lives. (Blackaby) It was a good morning in the Word and walking with my Lord.

Have a blessed day with God!
Sarah

2011-05-22T14:30:00.003-04:00

Well, here I am again... I realize I haven't written in a long time, but things have been busy...REALLY busy. Our family has been on a journey to change what we do and how we do it. We have been overhauling our ENTIRE lively hood. I'll admit, it's been nuts, crazy, chaos, insane and somewhat peaceful in the midst of all that! I know those two sound like contradictions, but they really aren't. Because Jesus has been in the midst of the leading what we do everyday. You see, we have these four little blessings in our house...Denae (8 yrs.), Austin (6 yrs.), Avery (3 yrs.), and Deja (will be 2 yrs in a couple wks). Our blessings have "issues". Some is just our inborn sin nature. Some is our degenerated genetics passed down. Some is how we were eating. Some is how we disciplined. And the rest is the lack of discipline with how we were living our lives. Well, we are on a journey to change...BIG CHANGES ARE HAPPENING HERE! We have one blessing with Dyslexia, one blessing has ADD, and one blessing has Autism. Our house feels very crazy a lot of the time. BUT GOD... Those two words say a lot to me... BUT GOD...

God started working in my heart to figure out exactly why my kids were acting like heathens and why I was loosing my sanity! As I prayed, He lead. We have changed our diet, changed our discipline system, changed our ways of curing our illnesses, changed our way of schooling, changed our thinking, changed our time spent with God and HE (yes, God) has changed our lives!!! He has given my husband and I strength, wisdom, patience and understanding. No, not every day is perfect or even good for that matter, but every day is from Him. We strive to do every day WITH Him and He provides what we need for each moment.

So as I was saying we have changed how we spend time with God...well, I'll tell you that that has been a huge part of making our family mesh. The goal is this:

At least once a day we set everything down. The kids and I crank up the worship music and jam. Yes, we rock it! (No mental pictures allowed here. lol.) We sing our hearts out and dance until we are out of breath...all while we are laughing and praising the Lord together. :) I LOVE this time everyday. After our worship time we sometimes just have book time (this is when I pull out my Beth Moore Bible study or just get in the Word for a minute), sometimes I read scripture or a devo book to the kids, and other times my three younger kids go play again while I get in the Word and our mommy/daughter devo book (Dannah Gresh's tween study...I highly recommend this! It creates an amazing connected relationship with your daughter. I thought I had one, but nope I really didn't. Maybe I'll write about this another day). Anyway, if the day is crazy book time doesn't work, so that nixes quiet time too, but our worship..."rock it out"...time is always able to happen. It's fun and active (and a good workout for this outta shape mommy).

Things have changed here and I am thankful. For a few weeks, I would have rathered give up or disappear. I am SOOOO glad that those weeks are behind us. Though we do still have many rough days, I am very thankful to have Jesus to call on. (For those of you that hear me complain on my bad days please remind me to call on Jesus! Thanks! :))

I may not be able to write for a long time again and I may write tomorrow...I don't know! That's the "schedule" we are on in the house...day by day, moment by moment. :) Thanks Jesus for helping me, our family, through this journey. I look forward to watching you continue to change us to be better used for YOU!!!

I'm SOOO EXCITED!!!

2010-12-22T15:02:00.002-05:00

So, what to know why? I got a Christmas present early! :) Gerrad and I haven't exchanged presents in a L.O.N.G. time, but this year we are! He presented mine the other night so that I would have time to "learn" before I really wanted to use it. Okay, wanna know what it was..is? A CANON REBEL! I've been asking for one for, um let's just say years! I finally have one! Thank you GERRAD!

I always said if I ever were to own such a thing I would learn how to use it...I mean, REALLY learn. Like as in learn how to be a professional (or at least somewhat of) photographer. So, now I'm on a mission...I have a hobby once again with my newest addition! Yes, it will be my baby for a while at least until I really learn it. :)

So friends of you out there with tips to share or wisdom to pass along...I'm all ears!!! I am looking to see if I can find some good blogs to follow with good photography tips too. Hopefully someday soon I can put my acquired skills to work as a small little side business...that would be a dream come true! :)

Well, everyone have a very Merry Christmas! And don't worry, if you happen to be at my family gatherings this year you WILL have my camera in your face...I'm learning, remember!? Have a good day everyone!

It's been a while

2010-11-03T09:50:00.002-04:00

I realize I haven't written in a L.O.N.G. time, but I've been busy... With what you ask? Summer, getting things prepared for the school year (that practically took every waking hour of summer), kids, still adjusting to my newest baby girl, God moving and directing in our family, and just general busyness.

God has been good to us this summer. He allowed LOTS of family time that was much needed. He enabled me to set up our new school system...the workbox system...which I have fallen in LOVE with!!! God has closed and opened so many doors for us this past few months. Life has not lacked excitement here in the James house!

We are settled into our school routine, I think Deja is finally sticking with the schedule she is on now, and I have been able to faithfully resume time in the Word and excersize! Things are good and I am thankful for all of it! Don't let me kid you, we still have MANY rough days and lots of discipline to walk through and growing to do, but God has sustained me through it. He has given me modes of discipline that are working and fruitful and each day I see fruit in my children...some small, some large, but fruit none the less.

I don't have anymore time for now, but hopefully I will be back in touch more often in the coming days. :)

Encouragement

2010-01-04T10:52:00.000-05:00

I know the last time I blogged I was frustrated and my heart was sad...well, I still am and it still is, but that doesn't mean that God hasn't taught me or that I am not encouraged. I am learning much and encouraged often, so I thought I would share a bit with you today...

God has used several verses to keep my focus on HIM and not on my surroundings, finances, or on others. Psalm 62:5-6 says, "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." And in Philippians 4 there are MANY encouraging words, but to share a few, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.....I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound.....I can to all things through him who strengthens me.....And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." I could go on and on...

I was encouraged in my parenting too when I received an email saying that we have trained up a very intelligent, god-centered, beautiful little girl! It is so very nice to get compliments on your kids! Sometimes I feel like we are getting NO WHERE REAL FAST when we are "training" them, so it's just good to hear positive feedback once in a while. :)

All the above encouragement was just from YESTERDAY! Isn't that great?!?! I just thought I would share quickly while I had a few minutes amidst our busy day. Thank you to those who have prayed with me and for me. I truly appreciate it! :) Blessings to you all...oh, yeah, and since I haven't had time to say it..."Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!"

Teaching Time

2009-12-08T13:37:00.001-05:00

My "world" has been crazy busy and in the midst of busy, very chaotic!

Overwhelmed

Discouraged

Tired

Loosing Focus

Anxiety

Lack of time management

Anger

Frustration

That is only a glimpse of how my path has been running lately. I have been challenged by God in just a few (I mean, A LOT) of areas. So...what I am striving for...

Change

God Focus

Joy

Thankfulness

Peace

Waiting on God

Rest

Compassion

Love

Again, that's only a glimpse of the path I am trying to walk in NOW. God is working. I am walking in Him, listening closely, and trying to be obedient the first time...

I fail sooooo often, but I am very thankful that God shows me grace and forgiveness and chooses to give me another chance to recognize my need of Him in the center of my focus.

Encouragement for my soul today...

II Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

And another,

II Timothy 2:7 "Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."

If You Give a Mom a Book

2009-11-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

So we read this the week before Thanksgiving, but I am just now able to post about it! Six crows by Leo Lionni!!! I, we love, love, love Lionni's books!!! I had read one of his books (by chance...The Biggest House in the World) a long time ago. My kids loved it...it was the first book to really capture my little Austin's attention. Then, I was asking a mom friend of mine, whom I admire, about her choices of books to read to her kids. She suggested the list from the back of Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt. She photocopied the years that would apply to me and I headed out list in hand to the library. To be honest I had not really used the library since highschool. We'd been there for movies and books, but to use the catalog online to look up books...not in a looooonnnngggg time! So I had to humbly ask for Gerrad's help to figure it out. As I loaded up the the "good" books I was a proud mamma and super dooper excited because I knew the books had some sort of substance to them, not just silly entertaining stories. We read and read and read! The kids LOVED them and sat more still than ever before. I still find that read a Sustaining Book proves to provide a calmer story time than any other type of book...they kids learn more and seem more interested in "what happens".

So for Six Crows...
I read a miriad of books that week and the kids all agreed and picked Six Crows as their favorite of the week! I was pleased! The book teaches many lessons:
1. Things aren't always what they seem.
2. It's never too late to talk things over.
3. It's better to use your words first to work out your problems or you can just end up creating bigger problems.
4. Happiness results when calm words and willing hearts are present.

We enjoyed this book very much and learned GREAT lessons from it!!! I hope you can too!!!

It's been a while...

2009-11-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

I know that my blogging has been far and few between, but my mommy-hood and wife-hood have been WAY more important these days! Things have been busy, busy, busy around here and I am feeling it! Baby teething (she's fussy and not nursing well because she's stuffy)...wait two kids teething, one loosing them; potty training a 2 year old; discipline coming out of my ears!; reading good books; shopping, shopping, shopping...not for me really, but for Christmas gifts; family dinners...two to be exactly, but in the midst of our busy schedule it has wiped us all out!; putting up the Christmas tree and my other pathetic decor (not complaining, I just don't really care for my decor at Christmas...Gerrad has given the okay to shop for replacements when I find good deals!!! YES!!!).

So as you see...life has just called me to other things besides blogging. I really have missed it, but it was a nice break. My goal today is to blog TWICE...a new record for me. I am posting about a book we read on my friends GIVE A MOM A BOOK post. I am excited about this post! I am encouraged and inspired to keep reading good books to my kiddos.

In a nutshell, things are going well for us (except for the poop I stepped in this morning...that's a story for another day). I am thankful that the Thanksgiving festivities are over because that means for a few weeks our normal routine comes back and we can relax into it for three weeks...just enough time to relax before our house will be full of family from out of town over Christmas!

God has been continually reminding me that I am not to focus on me or my kids downfalls or my husbands short comings (though he doesn't have many...and usually it ends up being me that was the problem)...anyway, I'm not to focus on those things, but to keep my focus on my Maker and He will prove faithful and sustaining each and everyday. I am truly being refined in my heart and actions these days...it's been wonderful!

Okay, I know that was jumbled thoughts, but I wanted to touch on a few things that have happened this past few weeks.

Frustration...

2009-11-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

I'm having a frustrating day...well, okay it's been a bit longer than a day that I have been frustrated...months and months really, but today it is very evident...yet again. I don't understand what God is teaching me and I am overwhelmed. I just want God to shine His light on my life and for me to understand why? and what am I supposed to do? What am I supposed to be learning through this trial?

So here it is...

I am feeling friendless. (I don't think that is a word, but it truly describes how I feel) Anyway, FRIENDLESS! You know, the REAL friends who want, I mean really desire, to know you inside and out. The friends who can't wait to spend time with you, who are available when you need them, someone who I can share my heart with and they don't judge me, they just refine me through scripture...where are you FRIENDS!?

I mean I have friends in the surface level sense of the word, but I just feel lost without a kindred spirit.

I have been praying. There are so, so many people that I have a surface level relationships with. I have been watching people, listening to their hearts, watching them raise their kids, listening to how they love the Lord or if He isn't even a part of their lives. I'm discouraged. I desire friends who are striving to raise their children in God's image...not just thinking that they can play pretend mommy and laugh when their children have rotten attitudes or think it's cute that the kids disobey. Or who play pretend good wife when they are husband bashing all the time! Or who play pretend at really loving God, but they haven't opened their Bible in weeks or prayed. I desire friends who encourage me in and through the Lord when I'm having a rough day or when I have a bad attitude they speak up and tell me!!! I really desire to honor God with my choice of friends, but I am having a hard time finding them...I'm not looking for perfection...honestly...just another woman striving for Christ-likeness.

Today...I am discouraged and moved to tears because I just want a God fearing, God loving, God seeking friend to come and be my kindred spirit!...but, nope...wait!...nope, no one is there...

(I know God is and my husband is, but I mean another mommy friend...)

So, with a heavy heart I will enjoy this day with my kids...alone...and continue to pray into my life a kindred spirit...

God please bring her soon...I just don't know how much longer my heart can handle feeling alone.

2009-10-23T20:21:00.000-04:00

We (mainly the kids) were having a rough morning...crying, fighting, the whole bit. So, I decided that we would head outside in between rain storms. It was such a neat day...rain, then sun, then pouring rain, then sun, then downpour, then blue sky and sun! So we were in and out, in and out! As we headed out we saw leaves everywhere. We couldn't even see the grass...just leaves!!! I sent the kids on missions to find red leaves, then yellow leaves, then green leaves, then left to collect all the beautiful leaves they wanted to pick up. We discovered more than I was thinking when we ran across mud, a spiders nest, flowers, and worms. The pictures below encapsulate the beautiful day we had exploring God's creation...First, they ran around the flag pole...some much needed energy release!
The beautiful blue sky...

Austin's find...

Avery's find...

Denae's find...

Thinking she was gonna throw leaves at me...

Boys exploring...

Denae's exploring...

the mud Denae found...her shoes enjoyed it!...

the spider's nest...

my flower from Austin...sweet boy! (sometimes:))...

result of exploring...he LOVES the sycamore leaves...

Denae's treasured finds...

Avery found that exploring was boring after 10 minutes and riding his bike down the brick sidewalk was more fun! Funny kid! He giggled and giggled all the way down each time!

Beautiful! God paints beautiful pictures in nature for us everyday!

Remembering...

2009-10-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

In April of 2008 I almost lost my life. By the grace of God He spared me. A product I used made me very ill. The problem is, the product didn't have the correct advertising...it said it was safe and wouldn't case this specific illness and upon using the product for the first time...I GOT THE ILLNESS it claimed was impossible. So,we are taking the company to court to make sure that they change their advertising so that no one else has to experience what I did.

That said, I am not looking forward to what I have to do a bit later today. UGG! I have to read the attorney's letter of demand to make sure it's all correct and make the changes I feel necessary. Daddy James has read it and says that I will have a hard time with it. NO! I don't want to relive that awful time!!! NO! I don't want to read it...but I must if we are going to continue to petition change from this company.

I am anticipating a hard day and I am praying that I can have the peace of God today as I go back and remember...

Boys

2009-10-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

Boys...a subject that baffles me...

I have two boys...Avery is two and Austin is four. They are busy, busy, busy. They tear things up. They get filthy dirty.

They are LOUD, LOUD, LOUD!

They don't seem to listen. They don't seem to respect my words. They are boys and I get discouraged with them. I don't seem to understand them, "get them". I have a hard time relating and being patient with them. I struggle daily with "boy" battles...

I have been encouraged a couple of times over the past month. Encourage by a few things I have read about boys.

One mom said, "...they just start out as these precious little babies, and then they go through this really messy, loud stage. Then they get a little older, and the next thing you know they are carrying all the heavy stuff, fixing things around the house, holding doors open for women, and learning what it really means to be a man.Of course in the middle of all that, they can just about give you a heart attack. Boys aren't content to just ride bikes; no, they have to "do tricks." They like to climb as high as they can in trees. They tear things up and get things dirty. They like to fish and hunt and want you to "ooh and ahhh" over the things they bring home. And all of it is part of the learning process. Learning to be a man. And as a mom, learning to let go. Learning to let them be men."

Another said, "We are not just raising little boys, but mature God-fearing men. And all of our decisions while they are young must be in anticipation of that time. No matter where they end up on earth, we want them all to end up in heaven. We may have a brick layer, a communications expert, a musician, a scientist, and an athlete among our boys, but whatever they endeavor to do with the gifts and abilities God has bestowed on them, we pray fervently that they will be men of character, conviction, and commitment to their Maker. Our main desire is not to raise immaculately clean boys, but to raise boys with clean hearts.

Yet another said, "Boy: a noise with dirt on it. We tell them to be careful, get their ducks in row, be responsible, and not to be so dangerous. Now, I'm not advocating the macho, lumberjack kind of men who can only do manly things, but I am saying we modern, homeschooling Christians have been training our boys to be "safe." We're not meant to be safe. God the Father was not safe, Jesus was anything but safe, and your boys aren't meant to be either. We need to train them to trust dangerously, love dangerously, give dangerously, and work dangerously."

So to train men, huh? To let them BE men. To raise them as God-fearing men. To raise dangerous men. A few new concepts to this mom, but some very good ones...very encouraging ones. I, daily, have a big responsibility to raise my "little men" to be godly men. Now, that is a BIG responsibility when I just don't "get them". I will strive to continue raising my little men in the right way, but can I ask you (all of you who read this) to pray for me? Pray that I honor God in my daily time with my little men?

Our First Date

2009-09-25T09:52:00.000-04:00

Well, it was a long awaited evening. A date night with Denae. Daddy James and I had been talking for a while about spending some much needed alone time with each of our kids, but it just hadn't happened yet. Why? I don't know...we just need to put actions to our words! So yesterday I was thinking about it again. I asked Denae and Austin if they could go on a date night with mommy or daddy who would they choose to go with first and where would they like to go? Austin chose to go with daddy and go play in the creek. Denae chose to go with mommy and wanted to go to Chili's for dinner, the library so I could read to her, and Starbucks for hot chocolate...like mommy, like daughter! She had her whole evening planned as soon as I mentioned it! She was SOOO excited! Since Denae is the oldest she got her date night first. So last night she and I went out. We ended up at Chick-Fil-A (Chili's was a bit pricey for our budget last night), to TJ Maxx to shop for a birthday gift for a friend, and then to Barnes and Noble for a Starbucks hot chocolate and stories. I could see the sparkle in Denae's eyes the WHOLE evening!!! She felt so special. As we were sitting down to dinner she said, "I love this date night and you are my best mommy ever!" Soooo sweet! And all through the evening she kept exclaiming how much she just loved date nights! It was all in all a success and we will go again. Now Austin is looking forward to his time out with daddy...although, after some conversation with daddy while the girls were out he has changed he plans and wants to go golfing...THAT should be interesting! I am looking forward to another date night with any of my four kids. I look forward to hearing their hearts spilt out on date nights, to having them chat about nothing and I can focus on JUST them, to having time for character building and godly training. Last night was joy and blessing for everyone!!!

Homemade Granola

2009-09-22T13:22:00.000-04:00

So the other day I decided to try a little something new...making my own granola! It sounded yummy and easy! It was easy!!!! The house smelled delicious and it tastes amazing! I was proud to know that we are eating great ingredients. I have gotten this recipie and others from www.granolamom4god.blogspot.com. Check her out! She has a week of give aways right now too because it is her blogs 1 year birthday!

HOMEMADE GRANOLA

INGREDIENTS
8 cups quick-cooking oats (I use regular rolled oats)
1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
3/4 cup chopped almonds (or any other type of nut you desire)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
1/4 cup olive or peanut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup dried cranberries, raisins, or dates

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the oats, coconut and almonds. Divide between two large baking sheets, and spread into an even layer.Bake for 7 or 8 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly toasted. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then return to the large bowl.While the oats are toasting, combine the coconut milk, coconut oil, peanut oil, and honey in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it comes to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla. Pour the syrup over the granola in the bowl, and stir until the dry ingredients are fully coated. Divide between the two baking sheets, and spread evenly.Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until fragrant and toasted. Cool in the pans, then mix in the dried cranberries or other dried fruit. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Please note: For every extra cup of ingredients add 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 Tablespoons of honey.

2009-09-22T08:37:00.000-04:00

Well, hello again blog! It's been a while and so much has happened...I'll try to fill you in. First, the picture of the kids...taken a while ago, but I just love that one. They are such beautiful blessings!!! I am soooo thankful for them each day.

I had a Tupperware party...it was sad. Only people came...my mom and my grandma. It was a bit depressing because I had 43 invitations sent out and no one came...not many have ordered either. Sad... Why don't people try to make efforts to support their friends anymore? Do I have real friends anymore???

After the Tupperware party I started working very hard pull, sort, price, iron and tag kids clothes for a consignment sale. As a first time consignor I had to have at least 30 items...this concerned me until I sorted boys shoes. Over 30 pairs of boys shoes to consign!!! WooHoo!!! My quota had been met so the rest was just bonus! I continued to sort and price, tag and hang up kids clothes and maternity clothes until I had 184 items. WOW! I didn't even put a dent in the things I have to get rid of! I realized I have collected toooooo many things over the years. I realized my kids wardrobes are WAY out of control! So as a result, this year they are only owning a FEW items...a few play outfits and a few "going out" outfits, two pairs of shoes (one pair of tennis shoes and one brown pair) and pj's, socks, underware and the like.

Then, off to Eddinburg Outlets to shop for the few things everyone needed. How fun! My mom and I spent a day out! That doesn't happen much for me so it was nice. Let me just say we have been blessed over and over to have been given so many clothes for our kids. I didn't even realize HOW EXPENSIVE things have gotten!!! A pair of jeans for my kids (which are 1/20 of the material that mine are) are the same price or more expensive! YIKES! So purchasing clothes is really expensive. And on a side note, what ever happened to little girls looking like little girls (not hookers) past a size 7! Again, YIKES! I just might have to follow my dreams and learn to sew so that I can make clothes for my girls. Anyway, I'll get off my soap box...for now. So, shopping was successful, but there are still finds to be found because it couldn't all be done in one day.

Avery, my 2 year old, started speech therapy. He communicates with, "da, da, da, da, da." Tell whole stories or scenarios that way. He screams and acts out in anger a lot too because he knows what he wants and needs, but no one else understands him. Speech therapy is helping. The therapist comes once a week on Thursdays. Her name is Katie and I am very, very thankful for her. She is helping me and Avery get through some rough things! Avery is responding well so far and making some great strides during the week between sessions with Katie.

Mid month we went to a new doctor. We LOVED him! All those details will have to be in another post or this one could possibly become a book! :)

We enjoyed having a family from church over to get to know them better. They are a blessing to us and they probably don't even realize it! Our kids fellow shipped well...and very loudly the whole time! Other than the bees at dinner it went without a hang up and we had a great time!

I worked "shifts" at the consignment sale two different times so that I could earn more money back on the items I was selling. It was good, but exhausting.

Last Saturday we headed down to New Song (www.newsongmission.org ). A beautiful place being built to gives homes to the hurting children in central/south central Indiana. Again, more details about this can be in another post soon. Please check out their website though and pray for them! You can also sign up to be on their mailing list.

Yesterday was Gerrad's (Daddy James) 30th birthday!!! It was a good day. We had my mom and dad over for dinner. We enjoy homemade bbq...one of Gerrad's favorites and German chocolate cake for dessert. The kids worked hard on getting cards made for daddy (and everyone else at the party). Gerrad said he enjoyed his celebration! We are thankful for another blessed year and look forward to what God will do with us in the next!

So...after all of that this past month you can understand why today has been declared a day or rest in our house...a much needed one! If I don't rest I'm just sure I will be sick soon. My body, mind, emotions and spirit are just exhausted. So today we rest, rest in God. Have a great day everyone and rest in God too!!!

Thankfulness

2009-09-02T12:11:00.000-04:00

I am just wanting to say that today I have sooooo much to be thankful for!

I am thankful for...God's saving grace, His Word to guide me, my husband, my four kids, health, my parents, my brother, friends, seeing my kids proclaim the Gospel because THEY love it, the calling to teach my kids at home, watching them learn new things, being able to nurse my baby, kisses from sweet little lips, the words "I love you!", smiles, sunshine, cooler days, the sounds from the wooded area we live in...God's creation, this house (we are so blessed by this house), God's provision for our finances, job security, children that repect and obey (well, for the most part...they are still sinners)...

I could go on and on and on, but my "time-limit" for writing today is up. Until next time, God bless you and may you find things in your own life to be thankful for!

3 Hours

2009-08-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

We were blessed by three simple hours today! A single girl from our church called me at the end of last week and asked if I wanted her to come over and play with the kids sometime so that I could have a break...well, today was that day! Miss Sarah came! She came with an upbeat spirit, an encouraging testimony, a smile, laughter, a helpful and willing hand and a white bag.

My kids were most excited about the white bag...it contained puzzles, stringing beads and patterns, books, and stencils! WOW!!! My kids were excited! They have all of these toys and activities here too, but these were NEW! Miss Sarah took all four of my kids to the basement to play and left me alone to do WHATEVER I WANTED TO DO! What? Time to myself??? I honestly wondered around for several minutes not knowing what to do with myself! The house was sooooo very quiet and peaceful. How nice! What a blessing...ALL THREE HOURS of it! I got my Tupperware guest list done, caught up on work emails, and took a shower. Ahhh, nice... Then, I made lunch. That was the odd part of the day. I was still being blessed, but making lunch was strange...no one was whining and falling apart, no one was fighting, no one was arguing, no one was hanging on my legs, no one was climbing up on the counter eating the lunches before I could get it on the plates. I put 3 lunch plates on the table and headed down stairs to call everyone up to eat.

To my delight the kids were all doing their own activities. Denae was drawing and coloring princess...her favorite thing. Austin was building with his "little" legos (a special activity that is only out at certain times). Avery was counting money with Miss Sarah and Deja was calmly sleeping in her pack n play. We all worked quickly to clean up and headed up stairs. Everyone was hungry and eat nicely. Miss Sarah read to the kids over lunch while I nursed Deja. It was wonderfully peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

All 3 hours of our morning blessed each one of us a different way, but we were ALL BLESSED today!

Life is a Gift

2009-08-19T11:01:00.000-04:00

I am a healthy person. I have not had any major health issues and I am rarely even sick. I was 29 years old and KABOOM! KABAAM! God had other plans:

(the following note was written on my face book page shortly after the events)

I am going to make this the SHORT version, but it will hopefully shed a little light on what happened to me. On Sunday March 30, 2008 about 3a.m. my husband had to take me to the ER because I was very, very sick. We thought I had the flu, but the flu meds weren't helping. When I got to the ER my blood pressure was 70/19...the docs said I shouldn't have been alive let alone conscious! They worked on me and tested for EVERYTHING because nothing was making sense. They stabalized me a bit and admitted me to the ICU. After much testing they concluded I had Toxic Shock Syndrome. The toxins attack my abdomen, blood (I was septic), kidneys (I had kidney failure), and my joints and muscles (I was in extreme pain). I was in very critical condition for 5 days in the ICU. I was then moved to a regular room and spent the next 5 days there. I came home this past Wednesday, but will still not be fully recovered for about 2 weeks. I have to do physical therapy because my strength, mobility, and balance are very weak. God definitely allowed me to live and I have lots to be thankful for!!! I have a NEW perspective on life and everything in it! God is SO GOOD! Please continue to pray for the restoration of my health and strength. Thank you to all who were praying while I was in the hospital.

Well, it's almost been a year and a half since I was admitted to the hostpital...this time last year I was still recovering from the illness' side effects...WOW! What a miracle that God has allowed in my life for the past year and a half!!! I AM SOOOO THANKFUL! Hold on...

Okay, I'm back. I just had to stop and hug my little Deja and thank God for her. She is the product of a miracle and I know she will be used for great things as well.

I know God used this when I was in the hospital to touch many and I pray that He continues to use it to touch each of you and myself. I pray that I don't take Him or His works for granted...ever!

A Great Day

2009-08-18T18:27:00.000-04:00

Today was altogether a good day...

I woke up BEFORE Gerrad headed off to work (this rarely happens...he is usually waking me with a kiss as he leaves). I sat at the breakfast table with Gerrad and all the kids and chatted about how our day was "supposed" to shape up. And as planned we started school right on time...right after breakfast (another great feat for the day...we usually start right after lunch-during naps-and it drags out ALL afternoon). We finished two days of school in one because things were running so well and all before 10a.m.!!! WooHoo!!! I was very excited and Denae even mentioned that she felt good about getting so much done. Then I relaxed and caught up on my time in the Word, emails, face book, and my time with Avery. Wow, it's already lunch time! We ate lunch and everyone napped AT THE SAME TIME (yet another great feat!)! During nap I caught up on some work and phone calls I enjoyed. :) Then, everyone was up again and we played and cleaned up to prepare for Gerrad to come home. I welcomed Gerrad in and he is fixing dinner for us (breakfast...I know, sounds like we are confused, but we enjoy breakfast for dinner) and I am relaxing, blogging, and masquing all at the same time! WOW!!! What a blessed day! A GREAT DAY FROM GOD!

Being a Stay At Home Mom

2009-08-03T09:41:00.000-04:00

I got this from a friend, but I am so touched each time I read it that I wanted to share. It speaks so perfectly about my mommyhood and how God put me in the best place to honor and serve Him even when I'm doing the "dirty work"...I choose to honor God in my every minute. It is a choice to be a God honoring mommy...yes, mistakes will be made and God does forgive, but the choice is still yours every minute of your day. I have been CALLED to serve as a mommy of four and I am thankful for the opportunity God puts before me each day. Enjoy reading about my friend's mommyhood too...let it challenge your heart as it did mine.

"As I rush to fill three cereal bowls, I hear my tennis shoes sticking to the kitchen floor. Bending down, I see that hair is stuck to the spots where apple juice has been spilled. I pour the last of a bottle of cleaner into a bucket of water and open the garage door to dispose of the container, but the trash can is still at the curb. I wheel it in and open the lid. The smell almost knocks me over. Tipping it on edge, I begin washing out the mess with the hose. Behind me, my 2-year old escapes out the door and begins splashing barefoot in the 'ick' oozing down the driveway. I shriek in horror, which sends him trotting down the sidewalk. I say goodbye to all my pride and run after him in my half-drenched nightgown, tennis shoes and wild hair. As I lug my wailing child back home, I smile sweetly at a group of neighbors waiting for the bus. Back inside, my oldest daughter greets me with 'MOM, I need more toilet paper!' I grab a roll and head to the bathroom. When I open the door, I experience the second faint-inducing smell of the day. I see the cause of the TP shortage. She has used half a roll to soak up overflow from the toilet. I run for the plunger and return to find my 2-year old scrubbin the bowl with toothbrushes. Often 90 percent of my day as a stay-at-home mom is spent in this kind of interrupted, reactive frenzy. Though exhausting, my work as Mom can feel very insignificant. This year, as I outlined each of our family member's achievements and activities in our annual Christmas letter, I was frustrated that the only noteworthy thing I could think of to include about myself was that this year I started packing lunches the night before. It's discouraging to come to the end of a day and realize that each of the things I accomplished will need to be completed all over again tomorrow. I keep looking for an on ramp to the highway of significance where I can offer something really important with my life. But the roadblocks and detours of sticky floors and plugged toilets burn up all my energy before I ever spot one. At the end of the day, I wonder if these toilsome efforts will ever add up to anything of value. Like many women, I feel compelled to make a mark in the world. We want to know that our life's work will result in noteworthy accomplishments. The cognizance that we can make something of ourselves, if we choose to, propels us forward. Little girls are told, 'You might be the first woman President! Reach for your dreams!' But what happens when the grow up and become mothers? This sky-is-the-limit perspective can make staying home to raise babies seem rather bland and unsatisfying. I recently ran into a friend from high school and asked about her life. She sounded apologetic as she said 'I've been so busy with the kids that I haven't been able to pursue a lot. I was thinking I wanted more children, but I've decided my life has been on hold long enough. With my youngest starting preschool, I'm ready to finally do something for me.' My friend's telling words revealed her perception of the avenue leading to significance-the one leading away from her home. THE BIG PICTURE: So how should a stay-at-home mom respond to her pent-up aspiration to contribute something great with her life? Should she resign herself to endless stain removal and crumb sweeping? Does her position allow her to accomplish anything of value? According to God's standards for achievement, the last shall be first, and being great requires learning to be a servant of all. As the Father sifts our accomplishments, He assigns the most value to serving. This tells me that an office with mahogany furniture and a personal assistant in not the only setting for great accomplishments. In fact, caring for small children in the home provides incredible opportunity for advancement. Sticky messes and smelly garbage cans aren't detours and roadblocks; they are God's highway of significance. My daily planner may not contain anything that would impress a highly paid executive, but my work has great worth before the Lord. He says that the things I have done for the least of these I have done for Him. Sometimes I try to picture Him sitting on the kitchen stool waiting for a bagel, smiling as I sing a worship song on my knees beside my toddler's bed or sighing with contentment as I zip a cozy sleeper over my infant's full tummy and squeaky clean skin. Pleasing the Lord wouldn't be enhanced by bringing home a paycheck or having a title before my name. I have just as may opportunities to please Him within the four walls of my family room as I would in a corner office. As I wipe a little bottom, I have the same wherewithal to gain the Lord's favor as does a top marketing strategist for Pampers. Tying little shoes, reading picture books and making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches grant me just as much potential to hear 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' as I would if I performed brain surgery. The significance of dog hair, trash cans and toilets is this: They each give me an opportunity to serve my family and pursue a life of great value before the Lord. As I cast off the burden of being ranked among the most accomplished and pursue his approval instead, I see the road that lies before me-and it leads me home." - Shannon Popkin

So, what will you choose? Will you choose to look past what God has placed before you to seek a title before your name, a corner office, a paycheck? Or will you be satisfied in one of the best jobs God designed? Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." We have an opportunity as moms to help our children see God, write the words of scripture on their hearts and learn to respect and seek the Word for the answers to EVERYTHING and to love as Christ loved. WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY!!! Enjoy your mommyhood...it's a real blessing to do the "dirty work"...it's an honor to serve as a MOMMY!

My new adventure

2009-07-31T17:39:00.000-04:00

So, I've been reading my friends blogs off and on for a few months and in the last few weeks I have become an avid blog reader. I have to admit I'm enjoying them so much that I decided to start my own! (I hear the hurray from some of you!) Well, I will write when I can to share my thoughts. If you choose to read this you might find enjoyment, you might learn more about me, you might not like what you read, you might be challenged by what you read...so read at your own risk!

I'm excited about my new adventure and looking forward to being able to express my thoughts. Blogging will help clear my mind. It will serve as my "adult conversation" outlet...I will write to all of the adults who might be reading in hopes of hearing comments periodically to suffice as our conversation about the matter at hand. Usually my conversations are just instructions to my kids, redirection, or pleads to my Helper...God! I feel overwhelmed with correction and instructions some days. I have a need to express in a "real" conversation to someone who really understands...an adult! So I hope that you enjoy if you choose to take part. And I will look forward to conversing with you!