Redefining Beautiful

I am doing some blog book reviews with Thomas Nelson and this was the first one for me to complete. This is a new book on the market and I hope that maybe this review will help you...especially if you have a teen girl in your life.

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Redefining Beautiful: What God Sees When God Sees You by Jenna Lucado

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I picked up Redefining Beautiful I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean, after all, it's a teen book and yet I am an adult woman. But being the wife of a youth pastor I figured it would be a beneficial read. What I didn't expect was for my own heart to be touched by several of Jenna's thoughts that she shared in such understandable ways.

I enjoyed the way she took our self image as a girl/woman and connected it to our relationship with our father. It is something you hear about often, yet never really explained and un-packed. And best of all, it does not matter whether you have the best of relationships with your dad or the worst because ultimately it's all about our relationship with our Perfect Father - God.

Each chapter of the book was easy to read and funny as well as being encouragement for the soul. I felt like I had just completed a Bible study and yet it's not obvious as you go through the book. I liked the format of questions - and space to answer them - woven through out the book along with little insets that really got the application across.

The only thing that I did not like was the use of "self esteem". While Jenna did do a good job of explaining that we are to see ourselves as God sees us, I think it is also important for us to realize that we can live life without having to feel great about ourselves. There is a careful balance in our self view as Romans 12:3 so well explains.

I recommend this book to young teens (and women) who are struggling to feel beautiful in God's eyes. It's a deep read, yet easy enough to do in about 4 hours.

Redefining Beautiful

Redefining Beautiful: What God Sees When God Sees You by Jenna Lucado

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I picked up Redefining Beautiful I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I mean, after all, it's a teen book and yet I am an adult woman. But being the wife of a youth pastor I figured it would be a beneficial read. What I didn't expect was for my own heart to be touched by several of Jenna's thoughts that she shared in such understandable ways.

I enjoyed the way she took our self image as a girl/woman and connected it to our relationship with our father. It is something you hear about often, yet never really explained and un-packed. And best of all, it does not matter whether you have the best of relationships with your dad or the worst because ultimately it's all about our relationship with our Perfect Father - God.

Each chapter of the book was easy to read and funny as well as being encouragement for the soul. I felt like I had just completed a Bible study and yet it's not obvious as you go through the book. I liked the format of questions - and space to answer them - woven through out the book along with little insets that really got the application across.

The only thing that I did not like was the use of "self esteem". While Jenna did do a good job of explaining that we are to see ourselves as God sees us, I think it is also important for us to realize that we can live life without having to feel great about ourselves. There is a careful balance in our self view as Romans 12:3 so well explains.

I recommend this book to young teens (and women) who are struggling to feel beautiful in God's eyes. It's a deep read, yet easy enough to do in about 4 hours.

Shouting Joyfully!

Did you read today's passage?

In case you didn't, let me encourage you to go read it - Psalm 100. It's only 5 verses long and yet you can't walk away from this one with out feeling like leaping around the room! Can you just hear a multitude of people singing this beautiful Psalm?

The meaning seems so simple. Basically you can sum it up by saying, "Be thankful". It's easy to read that and think, "yeah, yeah, yeah - I know this already...give me something I don't know". I don't know about you, but just because I know all about being thankful doesn't mean that I am always being thankful. So today I am going to focus on ways to be thankful. Again. Because I quickly forget.

I'm off to cultivate a heart of thankfulness...what are you going to go do?

Words By Emmy

I'm in the kitchen as I type...well, just before I began to type. I don't have a laptop. Yet. Anyway, I am working on getting a pot of apples ready to cook into applesauce and I hear Emmy singing in the bathroom.

Have you ever heard the song "Obedience Is The Very Best Way"? Well, it goes like this:

"Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe. Doing exactly what the
Lord commands... Doing it happily! Action is the key - do it immediately - joy
you will receive! Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe! O - B
- E - D - I - E -N - C -E Obedience is the very best way to show that you
believe!"

BUT...leave it to Emmy to mix things up. She's in the bathroom singing at the top of her lungs. But at the chorus where it spells "obedience", she sings:
"O - P - Q -R - S - T - U - V"!

From the trenches of motherhood...
where we mix our abc's with our obedience...
-Mandy

PS - Has anyone noticed how most of my "trench giggles" involve Emmy?!

Another New Plan!

Today I was able to spend some wonderful time in the Word of God and in reading some good books. Or should I say a good book. I haven't gotten that good at reading!

I finished up the book How To Study The Bible by John MacArthur and you can read my review over at my book review blog - To Read, Or Not To Read.

It was more than just a bunch of tips and list of "how-to's", it walked me through the why, how, and benefits of studying the Bible. Out of 4 chapters only the last one really talked about how to study. But in that one chapter Dr. MacArthur was able to cover a lot. One thing he highly recommended was to read through the Old Testament once a year. So I jumped on google and tried search after search for "Old Testament Reading Plans". Not much came up. Well, not much that met what I was looking for. Finally I googled "how many chapters are in the Old Testament" and then took that number and divided it by 356 to come up with my own reading plan. That plan is to read 3 chapters of the Old Testament each day. This gives me 44 "grace days". The next part of MacArthur's reading suggestion is to read through a book of the New Testament for 1 month. In other words read that book in it's entirety for 1 month straight. Bigger books, like the gospels, he suggests dividing into 2 or 3 portions and read each section for part of the month. According to his book How To Study The Bible it will take around 2 and a half years to read through the whole New Testament in this way.

So...all this to say...this is my new plan for Bible Reading. I want to wash, renew, refresh, and saturate my mind in the Word of God and this is the way that I have decided to go about doing just that. And a good cup of hot chocolate sure makes it even more enjoyable!

Frog Power

Frog Power by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Cul-De-Sac kids are learning again! This time it's about God's creatures - even the ones we don't like - and about friendship. Abby Hunter proves to be a kind friend when Stacy needs her support while struggling with the fact that her parents are divorced.

This book was another funny story for young kids that had a meaningful purpose in the story line. It was also a good introduction to the word "divorce" as it dealt with the hurt that a child feels when his/her parents are divorced. I also liked how it talked about the fear of certain animals and the tenderness that was shown in the end by understanding friends.

Another cheer for Beverely Lewis and a good book for kids!

How To Study The Bible

How to Study the Bible by John MacArthur Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I bought this book because I know anything by this author is going to be good. However, I did go into reading this book with the expectation that it would be the nuts and bolts of how to study the Bible; like tips and how-to's of what to do to get the most out of your daily Bible reading. While there were many tips and practical suggestions, this book was way beyond a simple self-help book. Dr. MacArthur digs deep, yet in a simple way, of how to study the Bible. From the why we should study, to the benefits of study, and who can study, along with how we study...you will refer to this book over and over again.

I am ready to jump into studying the Bible with an excitement I have never experienced before due to a new and more in depth understanding of how I can study without spending all day trying to understand.

This book has prompted me to start a new pattern in my daily Bible reading and also helped me understand even better how to use the resources I have to compliment my reading.

Whether you are a veteran of intense Bible Study or a newbie trying to learn the ropes, you will both benefit and enjoy this easy reading book that packs a powerful punch!

How To Study The Bible

How to Study the Bible by John MacArthur Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I bought this book because I know anything by this author is going to be good. However, I did go into reading this book with the expectation that it would be the nuts and bolts of how to study the Bible; like tips and how-to's of what to do to get the most out of your daily Bible reading. While there were many tips and practical suggestions, this book was way beyond a simple self-help book. Dr. MacArthur digs deep, yet in a simple way, of how to study the Bible. From the why we should study, to the benefits of study, and who can study, along with how we study...you will refer to this book over and over again.

I am ready to jump into studying the Bible with an excitement I have never experienced before due to a new and more in depth understanding of how I can study without spending all day trying to understand.

This book has prompted me to start a new pattern in my daily Bible reading and also helped me understand even better how to use the resources I have to compliment my reading.

Whether you are a veteran of intense Bible Study or a newbie trying to learn the ropes, you will both benefit and enjoy this easy reading book that packs a powerful punch!

Delcaring God's Holiness!

Psalm 99 is a beautiful Psalm of praise to God for being Holy. The last verse does a good job of summing up the basic meaning of the passage:

"Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy hill, for holy is the Lord our God." - Psalm 99:9 (NASB)

In my MacArthur study Bible, Dr. John MacArthur says this is in the foot notes:

"The psalmist also exults in the truth that such a holy God has had an intimate saving relationship with Israel through out her history."

So what can we learn from this Psalm to today? How can I apply it to my life as I clean my house today or as you are in school today? Last night I encouraged my Sr. High Girls to keep reading and spending time with God even when it's hard. There will be days that you walk away wondering if it was worth your time. Sometimes with the Psalms you have to "step back" so to speak. Don't try to find something that isn't there.

When I read this Psalm today I noticed how much it talked about God being holy. So the writer is telling us about God's holiness. So how does that pretty broad thought apply to the here and now of this day...this moment? This is what I wrote:

"Today I am going to focus on the fact that God is Holy. I will praise Him for it as I clean my house; as I care for my family. I will declare His holiness to others by my words and my actions."

At the bottom of my page in my WOL quiet time it said this:

"As a Christian you are called to declare His holiness in both your words and actions. What actions or words do you need to choose not to use today?"

I am going to focus on speaking gently to my children even when they are not obeying. What are you going to focus on today?

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What did you "get" from today? How can you "get" more out of the more difficult passages? If you want something to help you I highly suggest a good Study Bible, a good Commentary, and a little study guide like "The Bare Bones Bible Handbook For Teens".

There Is Always Something!

There is always something going on! Isn't there? You know, there is also always something you can praise God for! Even on the worst of the "always something kind of days", you can still praise God for something.

Psalm 95 talks about praising God because He is the rock our salvation, because He is a great King above all gods, because the mountains and the sea are His, and the list goes on....

So will you join me in praising Him today? There is something you can praise Him for!

The Lunch Of A Champion

Okay! So this may not be the lunch of a champion...but it is the yummy lunch of a mommy!

Who else really, really, really, reeeeeealy likes Queso dip and chips????

Leave me a comment! It's the Queso Dip shout out!

My Hair Stylist

Meet my hair stylist. Emily.

This is me blogging while getting my hair done by my 4 year old! The one who wants to be a "Pesty Rat"...if you follow my twitter. {Sigh} I have NO idea what she's talking about or where this idea came from.

Anyway...I just had to show you what I'm doing right now. Meanwhile my 2 year old just spilled his plate on the floor. So I guess I should go clean it up. Although, Emmy wants me to sit still so she can do my hair while she tries to convince me to leave it like she made it when I go to the store later today.

I don't see that happening!

I know. I'm such a party pooper. Well, if you had 2 hair bands and about 4 hair ties in your hair...would you go out?!

Poor Mandy!

There are some days when all I want my husband, my children, and anyone else to do, is to say, "Poor Mandy!" I want them to simply hug me and feel sorry for me and my hard day.

Do you ever feel like that? Do you have hard days when you just want people to either hug you or leave you alone? Maybe days when you want people to understand that you have just had a really hard day?

We all have had days like that! And God knew all about them even back when the Psalms were written. So it should be no surprise to us when we read Psalm 94:19 -

"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." (NASB)

Though it is only one small verse found in today's passage of Psalm 94:12-23, it carries a lot of comfort to us. I looked up the word "consolations" in my NASB Exhaustive Concordance and learned that it means "change minds, comfort, comforted, comforter, console, give rest, have compassion, and moved to pity".

In other words, when I feel upset and worked up over what is going on in my life, God's Word brings comfort to my feelings. Knowing that God cares, even when I'm upset, comforts me and helps me handle the situation in a way that better glorifies Him.

It's okay if you are upset about something. Yes, it really is! Your anger becomes wrong when you handle it wrong. If you go to God and pray when you are angry it's okay. But if you yell at your Mom or your sister or brother because they "just don't understand", you are sinning.

God can comfort you in ways that others can not and never will be able to. But He does it through his Word...the Scripture....the Bible...the verses that you memorize. When you are feeling upset, sad, lonely....you name it!...God will comfort you by bringing to your mind His Word that you have hid in your heart.

SO....now it's time for a big question! What Word have you hid in your heart for God (The Holy Spirit) to use in comforting you in those anxious moments?

Okay, so maybe you better get off the computer now and go grab your Bible. It's time to put His Word in your heart so that He can "hug and hold" you with it in those moments when you just want someone to say "Poor Mandy"! (Insert your own name instead of mine!)

Need help memorizing the Word of God? Click here for an easy tool to help!

When Emmy Grows Up

The other night our family was sitting around the dinner table having a wonderful dinner together. Like most nights.

There were no spills, no fights, just normal "little person" conversation and a whole lot of giggles.

Justin turned to me and said, "Thanks for the meal, you're the best!"

The girls excitedly echoed out their own "Thanks Mommy! You're the best cooker in the whole world!" and then burst into more giggles. They talked about how much they liked the meal and how much they love me - their Mommy.

Emmy then grew more serious as she said, "Do you know what I'm going to be when I grow up?"

From across the table I felt the tears spring to the back of my eyes as I anticipated her answer. After all the talk about what a good Mommy I am, I was assuming her answer would be something to do with being a mommy.

Then Emmy, with eyes wide and sparkly said: "I'm going to be a cowgirl when I grow up and do hard work!"

In that quick moment my tears turned to giggles as I realized again that being a Mommy is part of "the good stuff" in life. You never know what may come out of your child's mouth next...your biggest cooking critics are only 4 and 6 years old...and even if the meal is bad you still get gooey kisses and hugs!

God's Timing - Not Mine

Psalm 94 takes a completely different direction that the Psalms we have been reading in the past few days. The writer here begins by recording how it seems that the wicked are winning...they seem to be triumphing over those who are doing what is right. Do you ever feel like this?

Is there a situation in your life where you feel like someone is getting away with doing wrong? You pray about it and yet it doesn't seem to make a difference. The point of this Psalm is how God is in control even when it seem that He is not. When we think now is the perfect time for Him to do something, it may not be. Only God knows. He sees what is happening. He hears what is happening. He was the One who made sight and made us to hear! He knows how we feel about the things going on, too!

We are responsible not for making sure that justice is served NOW...but that our response to what is happening is glorifying to God. No matter what others do or do to us, we still have no right to respond sinfully.

Do these things sound hard? They are. I know. I'm not exempt from these Biblical principles. I have situations in my life that are hard to handle, and yet I have to trust God that He is in control and not me. "His ways are higher than mine."

Oldies But Goodies: All Things Aldi

Be sure to visit Tim for more Oldies But Goodies!

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"All Things Aldi"
originally posted on October 5, 2008
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It all began when we lived in Central PA and became parents for the very first time.

You see as newlyweds we lived on $50 a week for groceries. That's not just food...that is everything you could possible buy at Walmart and the local grocery store.

Need a new toothbrush? Put it on the grocery list.

Need to stock the pantry with more soup? Put it on the grocery list.

Need bug spray, hairspray, cooking spray? Write it on my grocery list.

From basic food to special treats, from cleaning products to hygiene products - $50 a week covered us. Until...

Abby came along.

Ten months into our marriage and 3 months into building our house our grocery budget no longer fit our family.

I began to drive the extra mile or 2 and shop at the closest Aldi Food Market. I saved a lot on our grocery bill and like their brands just as much as the local "name brand grocery store".

I've had my moments when it wasn't convenient to shop at Aldi's, but over all we've developed a close relationship.

So when I found out that they were building a new store only 4 miles from my house, my heart began to race as I thought of the sweet convenience and the green dollars I would save!

It was a stay-at-home-mom's dream come true!

Off I went for the Grand Opening. I didn't need anything but with special, grand opening coupons in hand I had to make the most of my dollars.

I toted Emmy and Micah with my quarter in hand. It didn't matter that it was full and that the line to shop was one continuous stream of people from the entrance to the exit. I took my time and enjoyed slowly learning my way around my new favorite store.



They even gave me a "cool" key chain to hold a quarter so that I'm never without. Which normally is not a problem for me. In fact the idea of not being prepared is repulsive to an obsessive person such as me...but even me - Mrs. Prepared - has her moments of unpreparedness. So it was with great gratitude that I accepted the key chain already stocked with a cart-renting quarter.

As much as I could go on raving about how much I enjoy shopping at Aldi's and how nice the new store is, I have to confess that even this cheapskate mommy won't buy quite all things Aldi.

Because I forgot to buy toilet paper at Walmart on Monday during my bi-weekly shopping trip I had to grab a pack during my grand opening tour of Aldi's.

Once home and put on the toilet paper holder I realized that it was only 1 ply! Oh my!

So while I sing praises of good buys and great deals, I will not buy their toilet paper. There are just some things that are too good to be true. Cheap toilet paper is just one of them.

For me, while I like shopping the isles of Aldi's, I will still be faithful to good ol' Cottenelle.

You have to draw the line somewhere!

Ephesians (MacArthur Bible Studies)

The MacArthur Bible Studies: Ephesians by John MacArthur Jr.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This study of Ephesians helped me to grasp an overview of the book while at the same time digging into the depths of it's many riches. Ephesians shows us who we are in Christ as well as how it affects our daily life. The helps that John MacArhtur has put in this study guide, along with the cross referance passages were a wonderful aid in helping me dig deeper, yet in a simple way, into the book of Ephesians.

Show Me Your Glory!

I took this picture this morning, but last night at 11:00pm this is what we saw on our back porch. A crazy mess!

I had been reading in my chair, wanting to go to bed, but I figured I would stay up until Justin came to bed. Around 11pm I heard him click off the TV and come walking down the hall. Then I heard him go to the back door to double check it was locked and turn off the light. And that is when I heard him groan.

He was upset to see this mess. I had made sure I told him last night when he came home from work that I had set garbage out, and he said he would take care of it. But he had not done it in time. So he grabs a garbage bag and steps out onto the porch to begin cleaning up when I hear a loud, "OH MY GOODNESS! MANDY GRAB THE FLASHLIGHT! NOW!!! GET ME THE FLASHLIGHT!"

I scrambled to get him the flashlight expecting to see a whole family of raccoons or something of the sort since we have them in our yard a lot. But instead I saw the beam of the flash light on a large bear. A. VERY. LARGE. BEAR!

We shut the door, locked, and bolted it. And then watched as he came forward and stepped up onto the porch where we had just been! The only thing separating us was a simple metal door!

We ran to the girls room and woke them up to see the bear. They came out and were able to see him rummaging through the can before he walked off the porch and around the house. We ran to the front of the house and watched from our living room as he climbed up the bank and mossied on past the van to our neighbors yard and into the shadows of the night.

Here he is walking away from us...

And here he is with his head in the garbage can. Makes the garbage can look small!

He is climbing up the porch...his head was HUGE! He was probably around 500lbs.

This morning, after finally getting some sleep last night, I thought about the whole situation in relation to my own life.

Sometimes I get bogged down with the mess of life and I forget to look up and see something BIG. Way bigger than a black bear in NY! God wants us to look up from our mess of life and see Him and His way-big-awesome glory!

So this morning, ask God to show you His glory...and look up from the mess of life. God may be waiting to show you something big! Like bigger than a 500lb black bear!

From the trenches of motherhood...where I need to get back to my normal, every-day duties...which seem to involve some zoo keeping....
-Mandy

P.S. - We have now seen in our back yard...
(We are not really in the country either...we have neighbors all around us!)

• Skunks
• Opossums
• Raccoons
• Deer
• Hawk
• Turkeys
• Cats
• Dogs
• Moles
• Frogs
• Mice
• Groundhogs
• Rabbits
• Fox
• Black Bear
• Anything else want to be added to our list?

"I Need 2 Horses!"

This is Abby.

Abby is 6 years old and 2 weeks into the first grade.

Her class at school is made up of 8 girls. Yes, all girls! From what her teacher says, they get along great. For now. The other day her teacher shared 2 stories with me about things that Abby said that I thought would bring a smile to your face today. (If this picture below doesn't already!)

The first little story was about how the girls just love playing with a little bin full of Polly Pocket stuff before the school day officially begins. Abby must have had to go do something else really quick and when she was walking away from the group she called back to the girls, "Don't marry my boyfriend while I'm gone!" I think this is absolutely hysterical! Where did that come from?

Now that I have picked myself off the floor...! Then at lunch the other day everyone is nicely eating when Abby says, "Who wants to be my horse? I need 2 horses for recess!"

Now, I know she loves horses, but now she's drafting people to be horse for her! She cracks me up! (And I have no idea where she got her wild imagination from...I mean who does she take after? Must be her Dad! NO comments Hillari! {giggle!})

Having a hard day? Then click here to read more giggles from the trench!

The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery

The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is number 3 in a series for kids about the Cul-De-Sac Kids. In this story Eric is out delivering papers when he sees an old man who he thinks is scary. When the kids begin to spy on the man they devise a plan to help them "get closer" to his house only to end up becoming friends with the man! This is a good book for young readers or listeners to learn about fear, people you don't know, and being kind.

Might Is Our God

Today's Psalm, 93:1-5, is to praise God and His works of might and power. The writer is saying that God is more mighty than the powerful sea...which is pretty powerful! Let's face it, I'm scared of the ocean and what it can do in a storm! But my God - YOUR God - is so much MORE powerful and mighty than even the ocean. He controls all things. Mighty is HE!

Verse Memory Project

Next week in my small group of 7th Grade girls are going to make Verse Memory Boxes. I will post directions on how to make & use it AFTER next Wednesday so if you miss next weeks TGIC you'll be able to see here how to make and use it on your own.

Here is the list of things that each girl needs to bring in:

• 1 3x5 File Box (Whatever color or style they want.)

• 1 Pack of 100 3x5 Cards (Any color or style they want.)


• 36 Tabbed Dividers (Preferably the blank ones or ones where you can write on the back of the tab like shown in this picture. You will need 2 sets since they are usually only sold in packs of 26 and each person needs 36.)

Works For Me Wednesday: Alarm Clock

This is a picture of my kids alarm clock. It's a flat bottomed ball that sits on their dresser and sounds off every morning at 7:00 am with it's little chorus of beeps. The colored part that you see (green) changes to another color every few seconds. It fades from green to blue to purple to pink and back to green. Or at least some order of those colors!

This is my Works For Me Wednesday post because it is my new tool in dealing with 2 child raising issues.

Yes! It's a "kill 2 birds with 1 stone" deal....or in this case "cure 2 kids with one alarm clock for the low price of $9.95"!

Let me back up and give a brief explanation. Abby likes to sleep. Always has. Probably always will! Getting her out of bed is not overly hard, but when I am in a hurry I don't have 5 minutes to stand there coaxing her out of her deep slumber. Then there is Emmy. That is a whole different ball of wax to deal with! She likes to rise from bed early and when she does there is no going back to sleep. When she wakes up she's running on all cylinders! Cylinders that act like they are being fed by caffeine! Saying that she is "bright eyed and bushy tailed" is an understatement!

So let's recap. My 2 problems are: 1 child who won't wake up and 1 child who won't stay in bed. And now this is where that cute little $9.95 alarm clock comes into play!

We told the girls that they can't get out of bed until the alarm clock rings and then when it does that they must get up. It wakes Abby up, and it keeps Emmy in bed. Now...before you begin to think we live in a dreamy little world where we throw $9.95 at our problems and the fix themselves, let me clarify! Both have been told that if they don't obey there will be consequences. So, there is some "parental direction" involved...but it has - by far - made the mornings go much smoother.

Oh! Do you hear that?

{beep, beep, beep, beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!}

That is my "forum alarm" going off! It means that you need to go right now to my forum and leave your tips and tricks on making your morning routine smooth. What are you waiting for?! Share with us, girlfriend! Don't hold out! What works for your mornings?

And then when you're done there you can join up for more Works For Me Wednesday over at We Are That Family.

Our Faithful God

Today's passage:

Psalm 89:1-18

What is the writer saying?

He is praising God for His faithfulness even when he wasn't faithful and when the people of Israel wouldn't be faithful to Him.

How can I apply this to my life?

Today I will be faithful to love my husband and children...and others in my life...even if they are not faithful to me.

Several times through out the day I remembered the above thoughts right before I began to respond in a sinful way to my family. Especially at the kid's bedtime when there were not obeying instantly I started to become angry for all the wrong reasons. They were taking longer than I wanted them to be taking and it was then that the Holy Spirit brought to mind what I had read and my conversation with Christ earlier in the day about being faithful to Him in all things...even slow bed times!

It Was A MOPS Morning

Today was a MOPS morning.

No! It is not the day that I get out all my mops and mop...although I will admit that I did mop my house today! Didn't think about that until now! Ha! That is funny! Ha, ha, ha,...I crack myself up at times....Oh! Uhm, yeah...back to er...normal blogging. {giggle}

MOPS stands for Mothers Of Preschoolers and there are groups of these women that meet all across the U.S. and other places as well. You can visit their website MOPS.org to find out more and to join online.

I joined a MOPS group when we lived in PA right after I had Emmy and it was what got me through a really tough year of dealing with a child that tested me at every point. I had Abby who had been the best baby and then Emmy...who, well...would not have won that title!

Since moving to our new "area" 3 years ago and adding another child to our family I have tried twice to get back in the swing and attend a group here, but due to a multitude of reasons it just didn't happen. This year I really am praying that I will be able to attend on a regular basis. I need the friends outside of church and my normal circle and I need the simple encouragement each time to keep me going strong as a mom. Let's face it...being a mom is exhausting...no matter how good your kids are. There are stresses pulling from every side. And just because I can mop my floors before going to MOPS doesn't mean I have it all together. I have my points of weakness and failures, too. Trust me.

I need to hear the stories other women have about crazy days and feeling tired and eating too much chocolate just to cope! I need to know that it's okay to relax and refresh so that I can better handle the stressful moments.

So every few Tuesdays I will be heading out the door with my friend, Shakira, to go enjoy some MOPS time with out mops...just moppets!

If you are a MOPS Mom, have been one, or are joining up, too...please click right here to go to my forum and leave your own MOPS shout out! Introduce yourself and let's get to know each other a bit! We have MOPS in common...we're practically related!

The Chicken Pox Panic

The Chicken Pox Panic by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 2nd book in The CulDeSac Kids series, it features Abby hunter at the front of the story once again. This time she is trying to bake a special cake for her newly adopted brother...shhh!...it's a surprise, and she is also trying to solve a mystery for her best friend Stacy. Will she be able to do both? Will she be able to do even one?!

I read this book to my 4 & 6 year old daughters and they loved it. Good to read aloud to young children, but as a read-by-myself for ages 7-10.

Dry Skin's Best Friend

Do you remember the days when you came across a new product you just loved and how you would call up your best girlfriend and rave to her about it?

Well that is what I'm doing right now! Yup, that means you all are my best girlfriends! I know...no need to say anything...you are each so excited that I consider you my best friends, right?! What? Oh, okay...back to reality...

Anyway, a few weeks ago I had a coupon and there was a sale and so I picked up this new product called Soft Soap Nutri Serum and well...the rest is history. I tend to have dry skin and so I thought that it was worth trying this new product seeing it was also a great bargain. I now call it "Dry Skin's Best Friend"! I really like this stuff. It's fun to use with the little balls of whatever-they-are that make your skin feel so good in the shower and out of the shower.

So, I was just passing along this good info to my best peeps out in bloggy land! Do you have a favorite body wash already? Won't you stop by my forum to share with me your thoughts on this little wash subject? Thanks! I knew there were some of you out there that cared!

Deep, Dark Moments

Today in my Quiet Time or my TAG Time, (time alone with God), I read Psalm 88. It's a terribly sad passage. It's one of despair, sadness, and discouragement.

Have you ever felt like that? I know I have. Many times.

In those moments, no matter how low I feel like I am, I can still cry out to God and He hears me. He can hear you, too, if you have a personal relationship with Him. And in those moments that no other friend, acquaintance, or spouse can bear....God can. Not only can He bear your pain, discouragement, suffering, and despair, but He wants to hear from you about all of it.

Sure...He already knows...but He still wants to hear it from your mouth. From your heart.

Cry out to God today. Let Him know how you REALLY feel.

Who's In Charge Here, Anyway?!

Today I was typing away a blog post over at my Morning Moments blog when my 6 year old daughter, Abigail, asked me a question.

An interesting one to say the very least.

It started with this: "Mommy, is Daddy in charge of us?"

"Yes. He is." I replied to her...leery of where this conversation was going.

"Then why does it sound like you are in charge of us?"

At this point I'm starting to look for the hidden camera. I mean, surely this is one of those candid camera moments, right?!

I paused for a moment, still keeping my eye open for someone to jump out and yell "Smile!", and then responded to her. "Well Abby, when Daddy is gone Mommy is in charge of you. But Daddy is in charge of all of us together...including Mommy."

I thought for a brief moment this would be the end of a short little conversation.

I was wrong.

"Well, I know Daddy comes home on Sunday afternoons...but he's gone the rest of the week. So, Mommy....why don't you just ask him if you can be in charge all the time?"

I think I need to sit down and read through Ephesians with this child!

"Abby, God created the Daddy's to be in charge of the family, but Mommy helps him and is in charge when Daddy is gone. That's the way God wants it to be, so I don't want to be in charge all the time. And, Daddy comes home each day...too...but he does have to go to work!"

"Oh, alright...", she said with a sigh before walking off to play...and no doubt come up with some more interesting questions! That or go file for a contract with Kid's Say The Darndest Things!

From the trenches of motherhood...
-Mandy

Praise Time

Do you ever have situations where you aren't sure what to say?

I know that I do. Sometimes it may be in a group of people and everyone is talking and I don't know what to say. Other times it may while I'm riding in the car with someone I don't know very well. Then again, other times it's with someone or a group of people I do know well, and yet as the conversation lulls...it feels awkward.

Many times in those moments I find myself saying things that I shouldn't say. Like gossip or complaints. Oh, it may not feel or seem "that bad", but it is stuff that is not helping or necessary for me to say and therefore most likely falls into one of these categories.

I love today's passage for reading from the WOL Quiet Time - Psalm 86. David begins by talking to God and asking Him some things and then breaks out in just praising God. It's more than just being thankful...it's adoration of how wonderful our God is. In verses 7 through 15 you can read David's praise of the Lord.

As I read, it got me thinking about how little I truly praise God. I am usually asking Him to do something, provide something, help me with something, and occasionally I throw in what I'm am thankful for. But it's not too often that I tell Him how wonderful He is and begin praising Him for all that He is. When was the last time I or you said to Him, "You alone are God"? (Psalm 86:10)

So the next time you are in an awkward situation and don't know what to say, try praising God! I know...that sounds a little far fetched and even more awkward...but stick with me a second! Instead of bringing up something like, "So what did you think of what happened in church last Sunday?" to the person or group you are with, try something like, "God is so amazing! I looked up at the sky last night and was just awed again at His amazing creation!".

See, that's not so hard!

Will you join me in trying to use our tongues to praise and glorify God rather than cause ourselves and others to fall into sin?

Go read Psalm 86 and focus on verses 7-15 to help start you off praising God.

He is awesome!!!

At Gettysburg

At Gettysburg: Or What a Girl Saw and Heard at the Battle by Tillie Pierce Alleman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This small book serves in a big way to show us what it would have been like to have been living in Gettysburg on July 1st through 3rd of 1863. Tillie's account of the events is tragic and sad, yet it is a good thing to read to cultivate a heart of appreciation not only for the soldiers that fought for our freedom, but also for the townsfolk who sacrafices so much for us, too.

You can read this little black book in an afternoon and I highly recommend you doing so to get a short, but personal, glimpse into the battle of Gettysburg.

Hot Chocolate In Gettysburg

It's that time of year again when you pull out the tea pot and drink warm, frothy drinks to warm your insides on the cool and crisp days. This is a picture of my cup of hot chocolate that I had for breakfast on Thursday morning at our bed and breakfast we stayed at in Gettysburg.

We went away for our belated anniversary get-away and enjoyed some wonderful time together. More about that to come!

Brave Little Man

This is Micah standing on a rock at the zoo.

This is Micah being brave!

This is Micah learning to jump!

This is my little man growing up. {Sniff, sniff!}

No Grown-ups Allowed

No Grown-ups Allowed by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Jason's parents go away for the weekend, he decides to try and pull some fast ones on his grandmother. However, when he doesn't take his medacine things begin to get a little out of control.

This is a great book for kids to read on their own or with a parent. It's recommended for ages 7-10. I read it to my 4 and 6 year old girls and they liked it but I did have to skip over some of the more scary parts for my younger child. (when Jason watches the scary movie.)

Oldies But Goodies: '08 School Pics

It's time for an "oldie But Goodie" again! I hope you enjoy reading this post about Abby's school pictures again and then post your own "Oldie But Goodie". Join the fun!

Giggles From The Trench: School Pics 2008
Originally Posted in October 2008

Last Wednesday was picture day for Abby's school. Unlike some homes picture day is a very wonderful day in our home...especially with Abby. She loves having her picture taken!

Did I hear one of you say vain?

Well, yes. She is slightly! But this is something she was born with!

Seriously!

When she was about about 5 months old the Sears photo studio asked if I would bring her in for an employee training shoot because she was such a good baby to work with.

Of course Abby ate it up and showed her chubby little grin. Mommy ate up the free pictures out of the deal, too!

So back to last Wednesday...

(I was told this story by my friend who works at the school.)

Abby walks into the room and the photographer asks her what her name is. Abby pleasantly responds: "My name is Abigail, but you can call me Julie."

Helloooooooooooooooooo? Where did you go?!

Oh there you are...down on the floor laughing. Yeah, I don't blame you. I about bust my gut when I heard it for the first time, too!

What ever possessed her to say that?! I guess by the end of the session she was officially back to being "Abby".

I guess her school photo shoot went well and we'll soon get the pictures back of Julie. Err...I mean Abby...or Abigail. Whatever my child's name is!

As I lay in bed the other night, drifting off and giggling to myself as I thought about her doing saying that to the photographer, I also thought about how I try to do that, too.

My name is "A Daughter Of The King Of Kings", but sometimes I try to pretend that I am "A Child Of The World".

Fair Fun

Kids at the fair a few weeks back.

My Matching Men

My cute men. Matching too!
(My Dad is on the left...but it's Justin & Micah who are matching with CAT shirts.)

Life Through A Dirty Windshield

Sometimes the most profound lessons you learn in life are in the simplest of moments.

You might not even be in a learning mode.

Maybe it's while you're standing at the sink doing dishes - a simple task, yet your mind is running and in those moments you strike a gold nugget. Or maybe it's when you're in the car, driving down the road, listening to some good music...or maybe just the calming silence...that's not often for me!

But it is in those non-threatening, normal, and ever-so-ordinary moments that thoughts seem to form and out of those thoughts you hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit working to teach you something.

Today I had one of those moments. I was driving along the highway...thinking of nothing more than about how excited I was to be on my way to get a manicure for only the third time ever in my life...when I noticed how dirty the windshield was.

My notice of it soon turned into frustration and annoyance. The more I thought about it, the more I could not distract myself from it. Rather than my focus being out several car lengths ahead of me, I kept finding myself focusing on the 3 feet in front of me. I couldn't get my eyes to get past that filmy windshield and on to clearer territory.

Then in what seemed like a blur, my mind was flooded with realization of how I have trouble with my spiritual focus much the same way as I was struggling with the silly mini van windshield. Too often I find myself focusing on the here and now...the 3 feet in front of my face...rather than focusing out ahead...on the big picture which is always much more clear.

Sometimes it's a situation. Sometimes it's a frustration with myself. Sometimes it's a person and their ever so spotting faults. Whatever the object of my focus is, much of the problem is with my focus. I keep focusing up close...seeing all the water spots, sap drippings, and bug splatters. I struggle with depending on God for His power to look farther out...several lengths ahead...where the spots, drips, and splatters fade out of focus and the big picture becomes clearer.

When I focus on the big picture of God being glorified through any situation, any problem, any relationship, some of the splatters, drips, and spots fade and don't seem so important any more. God works in me to accept and love the situation, problem, or person because He is using it for His glory and for my growth.

Having those spots, drips, and splatters on the windshield today really made me work to focus out ahead and not get distracted...something that is easy to do when the windshield is clean. Having problems in life also force me to look out ahead at God's big picture and not get caught up with the emotion of little blemishes.

I'm not saying that I don't try to keep my windshield clean...'cause I do. And we should. But I am saying that good can come even when it's dirty.

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14

So, that's my life...through a dirty windshield sometimes...but always pressing on.

Say It Forward - Bonnie From Canada

This week I want to acknowledge Bonnie from "Where Did This All Come From" as my Loyal Commenter of the week. We've met at my place and her place a few times now and I am enjoying her adorable pics and posts at her place. This is what she has to say about herself...

"SAHM to four who wants to find more time for everything I love. But I am learning to accept the fact that there will never be ENOUGH hours in the day to give love to everyone and have what I need for myself. I am learning to be happy with what I have been blessed with and savor the kisses, hugs and everything else that goes along with raising a family. I love to read anything that inspries me to be a better Mom, Wife, and person in general. I love learning new things and meeting new people. I am dedicated to my family but also to myself."

I hope you will click on over and enjoy her blog from Canada. And be sure to leave her a comment and let her know you heard about her here. It's always fun to know how people find you...so do the same for her. And be sure to check out the adorable pictures of her little boys being police men! Too cute I say!

Then when you're done with a little visit to Bonnie's, you can click here to go over to 5 Minutes For Mom and see who else is honored in this week's edition of Loyal Commenters! Hey, maybe it's you!

The Double Dabble Surprise

The Double Dabble Surprise by Beverly Lewis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was very impressed with these books. After reading secular kids books from the local library it was very refreshing to find this series that includes and centers around God. The characters are easy for young children to relate to and both my 4 and 6 year old enjoyed these books. (Both girls.) The center of this book was third grader Abby Hunter who was looking forward to getting 2 new sisters through Korean adoption. When a mistake is made and 2 boys are placed in their home instead, Abby learns to love and accept.

Thankful List

I'm still in Psalm 78 and today I read verses 45-58. It's basically a list of what God did to save the Israelites. It made me think about how I need to be better at keeping a thankful list. I have a Praise Journal and some days I write down a few things I'm thankful for. Some days it's simple things like food, clothes, house, etc...but then other days it's more specific like safety when traveling home on icy roads, or for a good conversation with someone. It's just a way of journaling the things that so quickly get forgotten. Yes, even big things are easy to forget. I'm not very faithful at it. I tend to go in spurts. But when I have a faithful run of it I notice how my attitude tends to be more thankful overall. Keeping a praise journal or a thankful list is a tool that keeps my attention on being thankful. When I focus - or when you focus - on God more than the problems of life those things seem to fade away and not plague us.

I'm off to list some things I'm thankful for today. What are you thankful for?

The Horrors Of Purple Crayons In Dryers

This is Abby's little fleece jacket. It's now Abby's play jacket! I went to pull the wash out of the dryer and found this purple mess. She had left a purple crayon in her pocket and it made a mess of not only her jacket, but the dryer and the other items in it too. Thankfully it was a load of towels, underwear, and socks. So other than throwing away some "new" purple socks...I didn't lose anything else. I now have a "note to self" to check all children's pockets so that no more wax gets heated up in my dryer! Not fun! I said something in my Facebook status about this mishap and got some fun comments about other's experiences with crayons and someone also left a remark about worms in a dryer...so I was wondering...what interesting dryer stories do you have to share?

Please share them with me!

WFMW - Christmas Theme

My husband and I grew up in homes that celebrated Christmas in 2 very different ways. Extremely different. So when we got married we had to begin the process of building our own way of celebrating. Last year we did something that was so much fun...I proclaimed it the best Christmas ever in my memories. We slept in on Christmas morning and then I fixed a huge breakfast including homemade cinnabon cinnamon rolls with a copycat recipe. Then we went out and visited some folks from our church that were home without family to visit them. It was by far the neatest experience to see their faces light up when we showed up on Christmas morning. It also was neat to teach our children that it's not about getting presents and not about them. It's about Jesus and celebrating Him as our gift from God.

So I came up with an idea to celebrate our Christmas days in a creative way. Each year I am going to come up with a theme for Christmas and then buy just a few gifts for the kids centered on that theme. For example, this year's theme is "Go Tell It On The Mountain".

The theme came to me when I found their joint gift - Kids Walkie Talkies. I bought two sets of two so that they could each have one and then there is one left for me or for a friend to use. They can use them to "go tell it on the mountain"! For Abby her other gift will be a set of biographies called Little Lights for young kids. For Emmy I want to get her something musical, and for Micah I will get him something to go along with the "go".

This keeps our expense very low, builds great traditions, and helps them understand that it's not about them. We want our children to grow up focused on others and not themselves. This is what works for our family...what works for yours?

Wordless Wednesday - Redneck Farming!

This is Justin using the log truck to bring hay from the fields to the barn on his Dad's farm. A little bit of redneck farming!

Pained The Holy Spirit

In Psalm 78:41 you will read the phrase (in the NASB) "They pained the Holy Spirit" which means that they doubted His power. Their doubting caused pain to the Holy Spirit. That is something to think about.

You and I know what it's like when someone does something that hurts us...causes us to be pained. It's not something that goes away quickly...it stings. This is just a human example of what the Holy Spirit felt due to the Israelites doubt.

Sometimes I doubt. Okay, maybe a lot of times I doubt. I cause pain to the Holy Spirit. As I think about that, it hurts me to realize how often and how deeply I have been the source of great pain to the Holy Spirit. The opposite of being a pain to the Holy Spirit would be to bring Him glory. We do that by letting Him live through us so that others may see our actions and words and think good of our God.

I don't want to pain the Holy Spirit, I want to bring glory to Him.

Oldies But Goodies: Goals For The New Year

It's Tuesday and it's time to share with you an old post...but one that is good enough to post again. So here is my "Oldies But Goodies" post for this week. Enjoy! Click on the icon above to join in the old, yet good fun over at Fort Thompson.

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Goals For The New Year
Posted on 12/31/08

Have I ever told you how much I like this time of year?

No?

Oh me, oh my! Then do let me share!

I don't like driving in snow. I don't like the cold temperatures. I don't like having to bundle up every time I even think about leaving the house. BUT, Oh!, how I enjoy this time of year!

I like the beauty of the snow. I like drinking steamy hot chocolate with a mountain of white whip cream to warm up. I like having candles lit all around the house to make it cozy. AND....I like how the first of the year brings with it the chance at a fresh start. You know...the overwhelming word...GOALS!

I'm a person who needs to set goals. Not that I do really well at always following them, but I enjoy at least having them. Without them I just seem to meander through life. I'm kinda like a butterfly - flit here, flit over there... flit, flit, flit!

The word goal means "an aim or objective" and that is exactly what having goals does for me: it gives me something to aim for; an objective to reach.

I remember when making my bed each morning was one of my goals. I've never had a perfect year, but now my bed is made more often than not and just like the books say, it creates a bit of order even if the rest of the room is in shambles.

It's easy for me to set goals. I'm just that type of person. If you like Gary Smalley you will know what I mean when I say that I'm a Beaver/The Navigator. I'm the person who actually likes to be alone at times...who enjoys a project...a task...who can't function without order. But it's also got it's big downside. I'm shy with people I don't know well. I can't do something unless I know why, how, the purpose, when, and with whom. (etc, etc...!) I also have a hard time being spontaneous. (In fact, I have to use spell check to even spell the word!)

So this is why I enjoy this time of year so much: because I get to set my new goals! And while I have had years that I was very upset if I didn't get a 100% on my "goal test" (my own expectations!) I now have matured enough to be flexible...er... a little bit more flexible...and satisfied with just making progress with my goals even if it's not perfect.

God has been working in my heart, teaching me, again and again, and again,...and again!...that I will never reach perfection this side of glory, and that He's not asking me to either. He's asking that I obey Him. He's asking that I follow Him. Step by step.

God has opened my eyes and helped me to set aside goals as the objective and helped me to see goals as aids to reach His objective - a life that glorifies God.

So with that all in mind...

Here are my 2009 Goals for myself and 1 I have for me to work on with each of my children.

ABBY:
To calm down, think, and respond. Not react. (I have no idea where she's gotten this problem from! Wink, wink!)

EMMY:
To obey the very first time I say something. Not the 2nd, 6th, or 20th time.

MICAH:
To obey Mommy happily.

ME, MYSELF, & I:
(taking a big gulp of air....holding it.....big sigh.....here we go!)

1. Read through the Bible in 90 days. (Thanks Natalie!)
2. Do and COMPLETE the Book "Becoming the Woman I Want To Be" which is also another 90 day study...that I've started multiple times and never finished! (Since I posted I was checking out Donna's website and found out she is doing a pilot program for her new book Becoming The Woman God Wants Me To Be starting January 5th. It's an interactive thing and it's free! Need I say more?)
3. Keep growing in my walk with God...and hopefully be tithing of my time again by the end of the year.

So that's it. I have a whole host of books I want to read and I'm sure that they each will lead to more sub-point, secondary goals. But this year I'm keeping my expectations simple and taking one step at a time.

Happy New Year!

{9/1/09 - Update to this post: I have done my goals...and I also made the goal to read 52 books this year. I am currently on book 44! You can click here to see what I've been sticking my nose in! The kids goals...well, we are continuing to work on them! :-) }

Zoo Birds!

Feeding birds at the zoo.

A Wilderness Christian

In today's passage of Psalm 78:17-31 I read about what the Israelites did in the wilderness - grumble, complain, and whine. I don't want to be a "wilderness Christian". I want to be a vibrant Christian - one who is bringing glory to God. So today I am choosing to be thankful and grateful.

• I'm thankful for my home even though it's not perfect.
• I am thankful for food and the fact that I'm never hungry.
• I am thankful for where we live.
• I am thankful for my 3 healthy children.
• I am thankful for the house that needs cleaned because it reminds me that I have 3 active children.
• I am thankful for my husband who loves me no matter what.
• I'm thankful for a husband who takes care of his family and provides for our physical needs.
• I am thankful I can read so that I can learn more about my Savior.
• I am thankful that I can hear so that I can listen to messages and hear music that worships God.
• I am thankful that I have the choice to be thankful.