A Heart of Worship

 

There is nothing like being in the presence of God! I've said it once and I'll say it a million more times. God is truly amazing! There is nothing He can't handle. When you take your burdens to Him and lay them at the alter, He picks them up and takes them away.

 

God is so Good!

 

It's very easy to get in what I like to call a slump. When the stresses of life begin to be too great, when you are under attack by the enemy, or when you just can't seem to catch a break sometimes you begin to feel weakened. Your flesh begins to take control. You begin to take your focus off of God and His promises and start looking at the situations around you. The storms start raging, the wind begins to blow, and the boat begins to rock from side to side. But there is ONE who is STEADY, CONSISTENT, UNCHANGING, and able to say "Peace. Be still." and the entire storm ceases.

 

When you don't know what else to do, when you've ran out of words to say, when you feel lost or alone, GREAT! Now you're at a point that forces you to stop trying things on your own. You're at a point of total surrender. You have tried it all and realized you have nothing besides a broken spirit and a sincere heart. You can sincerely cry out to God and He will listen to the cries of His children.

 

If you truly need to be encouraged and desire peace, start with acknowledging God, The Creator of the universe, and tell Him how Great He is. I know, it sounds odd. Why speak amazing words about someone else when you need the encouragement? But, it is something so calming, reassuring, and fulfilling about finding an inward place of worship. It's about approaching the throne of God with an open heart and receiving from Him those things that He promises us.

 

It's difficult to change gears from solely depending on yourself to completely depending on someone else. If you need help getting to that inward place of worship, try this (it gets me every time! :)):

 

1. Get alone.

2. Get rid of distractions.

3. Clear your mind.

4. Focus on God.

5. Begin to verbally acknowledge who He is.

 

I MUST get on my knees to get to that place with God. It's just a sign...a symbol...of respect, honor, and to show God I AM WEAK and in desperate need of Him. Steps 2-4 might be the most difficult. It might be especially difficult while you are going through a storm...which is why it's so powerful! Before you acknowledge God, you must be sure that He is all that you are thinking about. Don't approach His throne, desiring Him, but your mind is on something else...how rude! ;) 

 

When you are ready to acknowledge Him (don't rush the process...I've had to kneel in darkness for many minutes before I was able to even clear my mind and focus on Him), just start by saying who God is to you and who He has been. Be specific and don't be afraid to sound uneducated...it's just You and Him. Here's something I'd start with to help you get started, but please know when you approach the King, He wants to know YOUR heart...not mine.

 

You are Worthy.

You are Awesome.

There is none like You.

You are Mighty.

You are my Strength.

You are my Song.

You are Holy.

You are Righteous.

You are Just.

You calm the storms.

You are Love.

My trust in in You.

You are Faithful.

You are The Author and The Finisher.

You are Alpha and Omega.

Nothing is Greater than You.

You are my Rock.

`You are my King.

 

This is just a starter. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in your encounter with God. Find time to enter into His gates today! Spend time with Him. You'll be surprised at how amazing you will feel afterwards!

 

Love,

Ashley

 

Your Marriage is Much Bigger than You! (free download included!)

Over the past few years my husband and I have watched marriage after marriage end. Lots of marriages that are still holding on are just holding on by a thread and full of adultery, deceit, discontentment, hatred, and bitterness. That small percent of marriages that are not on the verge of divorce, have somehow forgotten their purpose. These marriages I speak of are unions that proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

What's happening?

What's the problem?

Surely this isn't what God had in mind when he created the institution of marriage. Marriage is meant to be a beautiful representation of the love and commitment between Christ and his church. Do you see love and commitment in most marriages? More importantly, do you see a representation of Jesus and the church? If the answer to those questions are no, than I think it's safe to say, we have a problem!

There really aren't that many scriptures in the bible that pertain to the union between husband and wife. But if we can look at the entire bible, it's a love story of the ultimate husband and his bride. The love and commitment He has had from the very beginning of time to His bride...the church...His children...the believers. We think it's clear what God wants of us: to glorify Him.

In surveying many couples and the issues they have, the problems aren't necessarily marriage issues. The problems are really issues that pertain to their walks with Christ. Our observations weighed heavy in our hearts and we thought of how we can bring the focus of marriage back to real focus.

In one of our morning studies we read Genesis 2:24:

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

The first instructions for marriage was established with the first union created, Adam and Eve. We asked each other, "What does that REALLY mean?" One Flesh? We know the scripture, but have we really thought about it?! We started with defining "one" and defining "flesh". There's unity and there's a body. A single body. We have 2 bodies coming together to function as one. For what purpose? Glorifying God.

We decided (being the science nerd that I am) to review the systems of the body. If we wanted to understand how flesh works, let's explore the flesh! We found that Jesus used a lot of a parables in his teachings that were about practical things the people would understand: gardening, fishing, etc. For the people to have an understanding of those things Jesus spoke of, he used things that they knew of. Can we understand the intent of the statement "one flesh" without understanding how flesh works?

In our study time, One Flesh the workbook was created. This workbook is a practical guide to use with scripture for both spouses to work together and growing in Christ for the purpose of edifying the entire body of Christ. What Chris and I have found is that the more we serve God together, the more enjoyable our relationship is and the closer we grow to one another - totally contrary to popular teaching these days.

So below is a link for a free download of the first couple of chapters of this book. Please sit down with your spouse, fiancé, good friend...whomever you are in a relationship with and are seeking growth together.

http://books.noisetrade.com/oneflesh/one-flesh-sample

Leave comments! Can't wait to hear what you think about it. Most importantly, can't wait to hear about how you and your spouse will work together in edifying the kingdom of God!

Homemaking: Focused on the Wrong Home!

So, I think I had this thing all mixed up!

Wake up. Spend time with God. Spend time with my spouse. Make breakfast. Teach the kids. Plan activities. Go on adventures. Make lunch. Quiet time for the kids while I read, catch up on homework, spend more time with God (especially depending on how "stressful" the first half of my day was). Have snack. Teach the kids. Outdoor time. Cook dinner. Play a family game. Study the bible as a family. Get kids ready for bed. Pray. Spend time with my spouse.  Bedtime. Repeat.

Nice, lovely, safe life. I worked hard to get it to this state of peace. Everything was AWESOME! So I thought.

What happened? If you noticed during my daily schedule, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with God and His Word. It's one thing to read the bible searching for answers, but it's a very different thing to read the bible searching for God. My eyes were opened to things I never saw before. I wasn't looking for answers to questions, I wasn't looking to solve conflicts, I just wanted more of Him. And as they say, be careful for what you wish for...

A Change of Heart

Well, my heart changed. While my home was safe, comfortable, and I followed what my favorite bloggers wrote about how my home should be, it all changed when I finally asked God how my home should be. I was full of a deep sense of sorrow and compassion. Sorrow as I paid attention, to more than just to the state of my home, but to the state of the homes of the world. I saw the injustices, the oppression, the lost, the fatherless and the motherless, the violence, the hunger, and even the spiritless and fruitless states of those who call themselves Christians.  Compassion as I physically and spiritually cried out for those people. It was a feeling that overtook me. It was almost a state of depression. Everything in my home and life seemed so perfect, yet I knew something was missing. The closer I drew to God and the more I worked on my temple so that His Spirit might dwell richly within me, the more clear I was able to hear God speaking to me. How could I call myself a child of God and know He lives within me and not have compassion for the things He has compassion for or not love (in deeds) the things He loves? (Get alone with the bible and READ IT FOR YOURSELF. From cover to cover.  It WILL change your life.) Even if I wanted to, I couldn't ignore this. The story of Nehemiah comes to mind. Nehemiah was living a pretty decent life near the King, but when he heard of the conditions of his people back home, his life changed. He fasted, prayed, and did something about it. God was with him the entire way!

A Change of Interests

After my heart changed, it was only natural that I was no longer interested in the things that the world says are interesting. (Still sounds like depression, huh? ;) ) I had a hard time every day sitting in my comfortable home, eating warm meals and drinking fresh water (maybe some juice on a good day ;) ), spending all of my money on me, mine, and my interests. The world says that's OK... that's the American dream, right? Work hard so that you can make a decent lifestyle for yourself and retire happy and comfortable. Well, all of a sudden my interests were no longer me, mine, and my interests. I was more interested in what God is interested in: righteousness, justice, loving people, taking care of others, sacrificing for others... the list goes on. I had to go further than my household. My household is a reflection of me, or so the saying goes. I wanted my household to be a reflection of Christ. And when I study the gospel it's all about love, sacrifice, and grace not just to those who are in my house. It's more so about the orphans, the widows, and the poor - in other words those who can't do, don't have, and need for themselves. That American Dream was not so much of a dream for me anymore. While those around me were so concerned with things of this world, I found out for myself that when you set your mind on God and his righteousness, He WILL provide all of your needs (but that will be in a later post).

A Change of Mind

After all of these changes, I still had to make up in mind that I was going to change. Some might feel a change of heart, in that they feel the emotions behind watching others suffer while they have it easy. Some might even feel a change of interests by not really enjoying the things they do knowing that God is calling them to something more purposeful. However, many still walk away from the change because, the change is. .. uncomfortable. It's dangerous. It's selfless. It's unorganized. It's unpredictable. And it requires you to love others more than yourself. You have to change your mind about doing something. I couldn't just walk away feeling compelled to do something, my mind was made up that I was going to do something. I knew God, my supplier, would continue to supply especially now that His mission is my mission.

And God is that good in that He will direct your path and align everything up just perfectly for you to serve Him. My husband and I have been on the same agenda. As God worked in my heart, He was also working in the heart of my husband. When the plans of both husband and wife are to serve God, I don't believe God would communicate different messages within the marriage. That would be disorderly and confusing, and those are not words that describe my God! Christopher has an amazing heart and just seeks to please God. (Which makes him all the more attractive!)

A Change of Life

So every aspect of my life has changed. My desires, my prayers, where I live, how I live, what I spend my time doing. . . It's seriously all about God. Yes, it's a radical change, but it brings me such joy! Completely opposite of what the world says! The teachings of the world are to accumulate more things to be happy. .. you NEED this car, you NEED this house, you NEED this job, you NEED this amount of money. .. all of those things to stay happy, comfortable, and satisfied. It wasn't until I started getting rid of things to better serve others that I have felt the most happy. People believe your children need things to have an ideal upbringing, your spouse needs tangible things to be happy, and you need "you time"... for whatever reason. More about the changes we've made to come in future posts.

So What About Homemaking?

Interesting we spend so much time storing up treasures in the world... 

I still have a family and a home that I'm accountable for. The way we do "home" has changed. My kids are learning how to be disciples through more than word, but in deeds and action. I'm still making a home, but the home that we are preparing for is the one in heaven. There was always that,  "if I had more time, I would..." or "if I had more money, I would..." so instead of waiting for that promotion at Christopher's job, that one less thing I needed to do, or that golden opportunity, I MADE time, I FREED up resources, and EVERY moment is an opportunity to share the gospel. Love is an action. Life is a journey and I can't wait to share more...

Early Days and Late Nights

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her households, and a portion to her maidens.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 

Proverbs 31:15 and 18

She rises early....her candle doesn't go out by night. What a lady! I'm getting angry just thinking about the fact I've been awake since 4:30 this morning and here it is 30 minutes to midnight knowing my day will start again in just a few hours. A day full of cooking, cleaning, teaching, disciplining, loving, nursing, honoring, reading, praying, chasing, running, wrestling. ... living!

Reading Proverbs 31:10-31 encourages me so much. Each time I think I've had a busy day, reading about this virtuous woman is ever so humbling. She is definitely my "woman crush". Anytime I feel that life is too much, I have to remind myself of this woman who truly feared the Lord. Three things that really help me get through:

1. Remembering who will provide my daily bread.
I give my all each and every day because I know I have a father in heaven who is my provider. He supplies all of my needs. I don't have to keep my time and possessions to myself because I know when I drain myself empty He will just fill me back up. And I love it when He fills me up with His spirit! The fruits of His Spirit are peace, love, patience, and joy. .. just to name a few and I desperately need those everyday!

2. It's all out of love.
I wake up each day and give my all out of love for my children, my husband, and most of all my love for Christ. It's something about working out of love that makes work not feel like work. When you enjoy what you do and find pleasure in your work, it's not so bad. I love all of the hugs and kisses throughout the day, receiving praise from my husband, and knowing at the end of the day God is satisfied with me.

3. I'm blessed because of it!
When you give, give, and give you receive, receive, and receive. Giving out of love, not expecting anything in return... just praying I find favor in God's sight and that He is pleased with me is more than enough! Oftentimes you don't receive gratification from those you give so much to or do so much for, but it's OK because someone is always watching. And trust me, you'd rather receive what He has for you more than what man can give you. He blesses me so that I can be a blessing to someone else.

So at the end of the day, I'm satisfied. I'm able to stay up late just to finish cleaning, review lessons, or just spend time with my Father just to wake up early and do it all over again!

How do you get through your busy days?

Spending Time in Our Secret Place

How refreshing and exhilarating is engaging in true worship of God! One thing I desire more than worship by myself, is for others to share in the experience with me! Praise is definitely contagious. And as if it couldn't get any better...it does...try giving yourself completely in unashamed, spirit filled worship with your spouse!

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." 

-Matthew 18:20 KJV 

Each morning my husband and I rise an hour and a half before our children do just to spend time, first together with God and then with one another. We usually start with prayer and lead straight into studying God's Word. When we are done, we then take the time to take care of whatever needs we may have...emotional, intellectual, physical, etc. A great way to start off a wonderful day! :) 

As if that wasn't good enough, we were recently given some advice by a wise old man (my father :)) who suggested that we find a small area of the house just for the two of us that is quiet and try to worshiping in that area together. We chose our bedroom closet. Usually that's not a place the children go. Just a secret place for me and my guy. 

So this is a new. Just trying something a little different to see what happens. Sit in the darkness in silence and just think about Him. And be crazy enough to trust that He would join us in the midst. We chose to really worship God there, first. Prayer, but instead of asking for things...just start with exclaiming His majesty! Reflecting on how good God has been, is, and will forever be. Thank Him for all things, think about Him for who He is, and if that isn't humbling enough pouring out our hearts to him surrendering it all to Him in just being satisfied in awe of Him! We don't have it all figured out, but we are excited about it!

WOW!

It was EXPLOSIVE!

Talk about a beautiful morning! Nothing more attractive than a man being vulnerable to Christ! How long were we in that closet? I don't know. What actually happened in that closet? Words cannot explain. I just encourage you to try it! :) Prepare for something amazing.

Please leave a comment describing an explosive worship experience you had with your spouse. I'd love to hear from you!

WEEK 30: Let the Countdown Begin

TEN MORE WEEKS till the due date! Of course, I know baby will come when God says it's time, but I like having a number in mind to make sure I stay on top of things. I still have so little, but so much to do. Let me give you a quick briefing of life...

Baby

Last appointment, baby was great! This little booger is still very active and is usually so active that it's difficult for anyone to snag a recording of his/her heartbeat on the doppler. However, the munchkin cooperated this time and was very calm, cool, and collected. More updates next week after the appointment! (I'm still thinking BOY, by the way :))

I'm in trimester 3 so now my appointments are every 2 weeks beginning next week! How exciting, but the birth center is about 45 minutes away :(. But I love every aspect of that place and I'm looking forward to delivery there!

Me

I feel much better this time around, this late in the pregnancy. The difference is, I believe, due to eating much healthier and exercise. It's very hot right now in Texas...but that's it. I still sing with my church's worship team. I'm even thinking about joining a water aerobics class at our local recreational center. I'm excited.

I attribute my desire to stay healthy and fit to the fact that I am wanting to have a natural birth. God's will, I want a no intervention, no medicine, no IV, no confinement to a bed, etc., vaginal birth! After 2 cesarean sections, I need to do all I can to be prepared.

Hubby

Talk about a wonderful guy! This guy seems to amaze me more and more everyday! We are growing spiritually, TOGETHER, under his authority...under God's authority. He has totally made me love him more this pregnancy. He has supported me 100% through this entire thing. He is even in his cute stage of over-protectiveness of baby and mommy. I'm loving every minute of it. He's such a great guy and I know I couldn't do it without him!

The Kiddos

 

 They are stoked about meeting this "Joshua". (I try to remind them that it could be a baby girl, but they are convinced this baby is a boy named Joshua.) I'm looking for really cool gifts to give to the big brothers and sister once the baby arrives. To: them, From: Baby. I think it will just make them love him or her even more. Jeremiah is ready to care for this baby...I'll have to keep my eye on that one!

Until he or she arrives, I've been keeping them busy with summer fun! I realize that we have outgrown our kiddie pool, but we still had fun.

Schooling

We haven't missed a beat. We are continuing to school throughout the summer. I didn't have the desire to get out much this summer to keep them occupied, so we carried the school year into the summer time and interrupted with field trips to here and there. So far, so good. Caleb doesn't know any better, so I'm not getting much fuss from him! ;)

Doula-ing

I wanted to take a client before baby is born. It still may happen, but mostly I will put off practicing until Baby comes. I'm reading, learning, and loving so much about helping others experience the type of birth their hearts desire. Such an amazing blessing to give birth!

I am praying to be apart of a volunteer service to better serve my community and the mommies who need the support the most!



So all in all, everything is AWESOME! I choose to not let the little things in life upset me, take for granted the bigger things in life, or the unfavorable things in life frighten me! Sometimes, I just have to sit back from asking and just worship God for all that he has already done! So here is my prayer today:

I thank You, Father, the author and the finisher of my faith,

for the many blessings You have already given me.

You are so good and worthy of all my praise.

All I have, all I am, and all I will be is because of Your love, grace, and mercy.

You are righteous in all Your ways and I humbly submit my desires to

You and Your will.

For Your Glory, I will do anything.

Amen.

It's Crunch Time

I am a little over the half way mark! This baby is very active! I'm still thinking it's a boy deep down in my soul, but I will be happy with either. 

I have 21 weeks to go until my due date and I still have so much to do! I have really enjoyed the past few weeks that I have had to spend with family and a few awesome friends and I finally feel some energy to get up and make some things happen!

I've been doing a lot of this lately! Hugs, love, and kisses with my kiddos. I want to show them as much attention as they need and not neglect them because of my own tiredness and/or willingness to be bothered. 

And there he or she is! I'm pretty sure I will be changing my medical care here shortly to find someone more on board with my decision to VBA2C. My OB seems a little wishy washy and I don't need that! Not at this point anyways. But, nevertheless, as much as I loathe the extra intervention from doctors when it comes to medical attention, I must admit I totally dig the ridiculous amount of ultrasounds they insist on giving. That little one wouldn't be still! I'm totally thinking BOY. :)

Here are the kiddos waiting anxiously to see their unborn sibling. The office visit with the munchkins...was interesting. At one point #2 and #3 were screaming at the top of their lungs followed by a very sweet and well sung rendition of Yes, Jesus Loves Me by Leah. I'll totally rethink scheduling nap time appointments next time.

Just a glimpse of them in the car.

While I've enjoyed this first half of pregnancy, it's time to get back to business! Mommy has a VBA2C to prepare for, prenatal yoga to do, doula courses to take, and lots and lots of up-scaling for our home. I hope you will enjoy the pictures and updates to come!

Catch Up Wednesday

As I told you guys on Monday, I am so behind on so many things.

Tuesday was Jeremiah's 3rd birthday and I didn't want to make that day all about catching up. So we enjoyed ourselves, played Legos, went to see The Lego Movie, ate cake and my baby enjoyed himself! He was just so happy. .. And if anyone knows Jeremiah, he isn't the most smiley kind of person.

I announced to friends and loved ones that we are expecting number 4. I'm 10 weeks! We were able to see The Fourth Edition on screen last week. Baby is doing great and has a strong heartbeat.

The roads have been icy, which means lots of random picture time with the kiddos. A few samples are shown below :).

So, all of the reasons why I'm behind, pretty much!

Today, my goals are to:

1. Get back on track with our studies. The kids with their schoolwork and mommy on my reading.

2. Exercise! We haven't gotten much physical activity because of the weather so we're feeling extra sluggish.

3. Make lots of phone calls. -_-

4. Laundry Wednesday! And I need to Bathroom/Mop Tuesday and Vacuum Monday ALL today.

5. Catch up on meals! Eat a warm homemade meal tonight!

6. Spend time with the love of my life!

7. Spend time with my heavenly father!

Now let's see how much of this I can get done! I'd really appreciate it if The Fourth Edition doesn't decide to ruin it all by making mommy feel so bad!  The challenge is on!

Dealing with a Bad Case of the Mumblings!

The past two weeks have been very trying. 

All three munchkins have been ill with a stomach virus (what schooling this week?), I've baked a little more than I would like for the business, I've fallen behind on...pretty much every aspect of life (laundry, groceries, cleaning, etc), and we shared the blessing that we will be expecting another munchkin in September! With that blessing came the tiredness, nausea, and loss of appetite - but so hungry syndrome. It was bad!

Of all those things, I believe I was still able to glorify God in my daily living. Every possible chance I have to share with my children about the goodness of God, I do. It amazes me when Caleb says that it's a great day because God made everything and it's all good. I was still able to sing songs of praise to an Almighty God. We still prayed together every night. Leah, 17 months, even mumbles a prayer to Our Heavenly Father with folded hands and lets out a very gracious AMEN!

But, yet, my heart is heavy.

Why?

I have been on a path of destruction! I have allowed my mouth to speak things that have been discouraging towards others, not edifying or uplifting, and possibly killing others - not physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. I have not edified the Kingdom of God in any way with the words of my mouth.

If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.  James 1:26 NLT

This would be a perfect time to use the ever so played out excuse of, 'Well, I'm pregnant. My hormones..." NO! Pregnancy is not an excuse to mistreat others! So I am not making excuses for my actions. Will I be able to stand before God one day and ask Him to blot out those times in life when my hormones were out of whack? Nope, doesn't quite work that way.

My goal in life is to follow Jesus Christ and be a fisherman of men. That is it. So when my actions do not line up with my goals, I immediately stop to reevaluate. I need a plan of action to rekindle my relationship with Christ, renew the right spirit within me, and mend those relationships that I have possibly threatened.

I think it's important to remember and visit often what God has done for you. Not the things that he has blessed you with during this lifetime, but the order of events that occurred over 2000 years ago. To be reminded why we don't want to waste time, as followers of Christ, on things that are not edifying the body. So here is a brief reminder that can get any believer back on track!

1. Recognizing the GRACE and LOVE of The FATHER

That's what's so good about Him. He loves us so much and He is always accepting His children with open arms. There is no problem that is too great for Him to fix nor is there any person who is too 'bad' for Him to love. We all sin and before you know it, you could be so deep in it before recognizing what's happening (Satan is very deceitful). 

God loves us and because of that love, he has granted us an opportunity to run back to Him when we wander away. He is faithful and just to forgive us...not because we deserve it, but because He loves us and wants a relationship with His children. Grace is just that...something we don't deserve, but are able to tap into. God forgives us. But don't just stop at this point, there's more to it (keep reading)!

2. Believing the SAVING POWER of The SON

Jesus Christ was born to die. He LIVED and DIED so that we might DIE and LIVE. He is our reconciliation to God. We, as a people, are so far in sin and a God has already set in place a Savior who bore it all so we can share an inheritance of eternal life. Hallelujah!

JESUS SAVES. You must believe that He died for our sins to even understand why we need Him so much now. Jesus took on the ultimate punishment of sin so that you and I, brothers and sisters, wouldn't have to. It's already done. Just believe it. 

3. REPENTING of my SINS

Knowing how much God loves me, the grace that is extended to me, the punishment Jesus took for me...I'm ready to just lift my hands and say "I'm Sorry!" Repentance is more than that guilty conviction of doing wrong. Repentance is a CHANGE. I can't reflect on those things that God has already set in place without wanting to TURN from sin.

We must stop living in sin. Once The Holy Spirit has convicted you of those wrong things in your life, STOP THEM! Aim to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to God!

4. Taking up MY CROSS and FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST

Now, what else is there to do, BUT follow Christ. He is our role model. The example we should strive for. The one we have to look up to.

I must bridle my tongue and aim to be Christ-like in all my doings! I also have a few phone calls to make to some important people in my life ;). But writing this post has definitely put me in the right mind to do so clearly and effectively. I pray it encourages you if you have some relationship building you must do.

After remembering why I'm here, who I'm doing this for, and what this is all about...there's nothing I won't do for HIM!

My prayer today:

My gracious and loving Father, 

You are so worthy to be praised and exalted

because you are so good.

You have already worked out a plan for my life

and have given me the blueprint in your Word.

And I thank you for it.

I thank you for loving me so much, 

to give your Son for my sin.

Lord, forgive me of my sins. 

Forgive me for not extending the love you've given me

to others who need that love.

Forgive me if I have made someone else stumble.

Forgive me, Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus.

Create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit within me!

I pray that you guide me through this day,

that your Holy Spirit dwells within me

So that I can do what you have called me to do.

Lead me, Lord.

In Jesus' name I pray.

Amen!

Pressing Towards the High Calling

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14, KJV

I cannot take full credit for this post this morning. I have an individual and an event from yesterday that sparked it: My pastor on a sermon taken out of Philippians 3 and The Grammy's.

I'm no minister nor am I television critic, but I am a godly woman who is striving towards that high calling and I have found myself a bit perturbed after last night's show. As I try not get into too much detail about the show, stay with me as I share the gospel reminding every born again believer that we have work to do!

I expect the world to get worse as the times go on. I expect Satan to be on his job everyday (because what else has he to do besides roam the land to find someone to devour (Job 1:6-7)). I expect the enemy, the Prince of deception and lies, to convince individuals that they have no need for a Savior and that all they need can be found in worldly things. I expect these things.

But what I do not expect nor wish to see is for the Peculiar People, the Children of the King, the Light of the World to lower standards of God that we did not and cannot set.

We are The Children of The Kingdom! We have a Father who we must answer to and we have a big brother who has set an example for us.

As Satan infiltrates the media, the music, the schools, the workplace we CANNOT allow his way to become OUR way! NO! We must stand up for what is right, for what our Father has called us to be.

Sin is sin. Wrong is wrong. Evil is evil. There's no gray area. When Jesus taught that if you allow your eyes to make you sin, then you better pluck them out because you'd be better off blind than allowing your sin to throw you into hell with both eyes (Matthew 18:9), He wasn't joking! Unrighteousness has no place in a righteous and Holy Kingdom!

Will you sin? Of course you will. We are so far removed from godliness that we sin against God unknowingly. But once the Spirit has revealed to you your sins, does that mean you continue to live in them? Absolutely not! You repent, which means to turn from those things and you continue to abide in the Lord so that you can become more and more like Him each and every day! That's how you strive toward that HIGH calling.

As we live in this world, we must not be conformed. We cannot view the world through the eyes of man. If God says move, we move. If God says be still, we remain still. When God says something is wrong and my children will not be a part of it, you better not have anything to do with it!

We see things wrong. We know that our televisions, our social media, our music is full of lewdness, indecency, and ungodliness. Please don't become comfortable with standards that are beneath the mark that was set in Jesus Christ. As Satan continues his work, do not forget that we are in a spiritual war. The enemy is working and taking over whatever he can. Remember who's team we're on and stay clothed in the full Armor of God so that we can stand during these times!

...that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; They will slander others and have no self control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride and love pleasure rather than God...

2 Timothy 3:1-4

Goal Setting for 2014

This year the Mr. and I want to set goals for our family. We want a productive year. With the kids staying at home most days and exciting new changes happening within our family (stay tuned), we want to make sure we stay focused!

I’m excited. I’m pumped. Let’s get started. Wait...how do we get started?

This is something TOTALLY new to us. We have always been that ‘go with the flow’ couple. We did what we wanted, when we wanted (within reason, of course) and enjoyed all of the curve balls that may have come our way.

That worked when it was just the two of us. Even when Caleb came along we managed. Jeremiah showed up...things started changing. Now that Leah is here we MUST have a set schedule for mommy to keep her sanity. :)

So in preparation to organize our lives, goals setting popped up. What exactly do we want to accomplish in 2014 as a family and as individual members? More importantly, what’s the first step?

So I head to the author and finisher of our faith to ask exactly what to do. Before we do anything this year, we want to PRAY! Ask God for guidance, assistance, and grace to get through. We want to make sure we are aligned with His will and not our own.

Our goal is to please Him!

Last year we were good about praying, but not so much when it came to listening! We prayed over situations and went forward with whatever we wanted to do. Never waiting on the Lord. We do believe that God is FAITHFUL and His Word is TRUE, so we need to wait on the Lord and not seek our own desires...but HIS desires. God does and will answer prayer!

Pray with us for direction, wisdom, and strength to make it through another year to give God the glory as we stay focused with being Ambassadors for Christ.

I look forward to sharing with you our goals very soon!

In This Season

In This Season

To every thing there is a SEASON, and a TIME to every PURPOSE under the heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV

Description: Understanding and embracing your time and purpose within your current season of life.

I am currently in a position in my life that requires me to love, nurture, and support. I have three young BEAUTIFUL children that require much of my time and energy. I am a wife to a very ambitious and purpose driven husband. I am working towards having a lovely, well kept home (please pray with me on this one ;)). Due to the positions of mother, wife, and homemaker I must be loving, nurturing, and supportive.

While all of that sounds good, I don't think my positions in life sat down to have a conversation with my brain because I was still trying to accomplish dreams of my own. I used to be that career driven, top of my game type individual who wanted nothing more than to excel in my industry. The seasons in my life shifted, but I was still caught up in the previous season. The weather had changed and I was not prepared.

Out of my reluctance to accept the temperature change, I found myself disappointed, unhappy, angry, difficult to be around...just to name a few. It was bad. I knew something was wrong...just hadn't figured out what that something was.

I think the Apostle Paul said it best when he wrote in Philippians Chapter 4 verse 11 "...in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." I couldn't effectively proclaim the gospel to my children in the moods I was in! Caleb is almost six now, not too much gets past him. Children have an interesting knack of recognizing phonies almost immediately.

So, here are some tips that helped me get through changing seasons. I hope they are a blessing to you.

Seasons Change

It's inevitable. Don't fight it. Things change.

Recognize in your life when seasons are about to change. The best way to prepare is to PRAY! Ask God for understanding, patience, and a right spirit to get through the times. Remember that God ultimately knows the why, we don't. Reflect on Romans 8:28:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."

This year, I am saying, "Yes, LORD!" Whatever it is He has for me, I trust that He has it in His hands and I don't need to worry about it! Worrying is not an option.

Value the Time

Have you ever complained so much about a certain season in your life, that when it was over you actually missed it? How CRAZY is that...I'm so guilty. When I was in college, I couldn't wait to graduate and start my true adult life. When adulthood started, I wanted to go back to my college days. It's something about our flesh never being satisfied. That's why I deem it very important to keep our minds on those things spiritual and not carnal. The enemy will try to make any situation look bad.

But there is always some good...lessons to be learned, love to be given, and always opportunities to show someone else grace and mercy as our Lord has shown us.

Embrace your season by valuing your time in that season...for it, too, shall pass. Enjoy yourself. Find joy in the small things, the smiles of your loved ones, the hugs and kisses, the cramped bed when all of your children decide to sleep in your bed... Turn this face -_- into :).

Know Your Purpose

Let's not forget what our purpose is! Each of us has a ministry, depending upon our own specific talents and experiences, with the ultimate purpose of bringing others to Christ. We often get caught up in the things of this world that we forget our purpose. Each season will have its specific purpose for you and your life, but also for the eternal lives of others. Whether we are to learn, act, or simply love in our seasons, it is all for the glory of God and His kingdom.

Solomon ends the famous passage in Ecclesiastes 3 with:

9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

14And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.

Now, if that doesn't make you happy...I don't know what else will.

Be blessed.

Christmas with the Greene's 2013

My hubby and I struggled this year with how we wanted to celebrate Christmas.

We knew we wanted to celebrate Jesus, but how?

We both grew up in families where we celebrated the holiday more so than The Savior. Lots of gifts, Christmas trees, all of the festivities. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with it, but for us it became an idol. We would be excited to open gifts, but not excited about a Savior who was given to us. We would anxiously await the delicious food, not anxiously await worship of The Christ. We looked forward to spending time with family,  but not spending time with Jesus. How can we claim that Jesus is the reason for the season, but never acknowledge Him on HIS birthday? Chris and I saw a problem with what we believed Christmas to be and what Christmas was truly about.

So in an effort to radically change how our family celebrates Christ on HIS birthday, we began searching for church services we could attend. To our shock, not many of the Lord's houses were open for worship on HIS birthday. Hmmph. I thought that's where the party should get started. . . In His House!

Well, that ruled out that option.

Why was this such a struggle? Why couldn't we figure out what to do for Jesus on His birthday? Why? ! Sadly, we never had to consider it.

It wasn't until two days before Christmas,  listening to Little Drummer Boy, we made the decision. The little drummer boy had nothing of worth to give this newborn King, so he thought. But he knew that he could play his drum. So he decided to give the King of Kings his best. . . His all! And I know the angels rejoiced with him because that's worship.

We knew we had to WORSHIP. If churches were closed, we will have a worship service in our home. We will invite Jesus in to watch us sing our best to Him, play our best for Him, and rejoice in Him!

And that's what we did.

It was amazing watching a 1 year old, 2 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, and 7 year old WORSHIP. (My nieces and nephew were with us.) Those children sang their hearts out! They lifted their hands and were excited to celebrate JESUS. We read the Word of God and discussed why Christmas is so important. We watched worship videos from The Planetshakers,  Chris Tomlin, Israel Houghton, Hillsong. .. to name a few. The children watched mommy and daddy praise and worship and they just followed along.

It wasn't about gifts, food, or people it was about Jesus Christ.

I believe we started a tradition this year that will just get bigger and better as the years go on.

Making disciples starts at home.

I Thank God!

What a wonderful week we had in The Lord! I thank God, daily, for this privilege. . . the honor I have to be able to teach my children, diligently, within our home.  It is truly a blessing and I have to give God all of the glory for allowing this to be possible.  

Each and every day this journey has seemed almost impossible, but God gives us all strength, courage, love, and the grace we need to continue. He truly provides us with our daily bread.

So, I had to take a moment to encourage someone else and share that it's by God's might that we make it every day. I lean not on my own understanding, anymore.  I don't trust in myself because over the years, I have learned that self will let me down. What self thinks is impossible, I serve a God who says through Him ALL things are possible. What self thinks is a bad situation, My God has the power to turn that thing around for the good and for His glory. What self stresses about, God says don't worry. . . it's already been paid for!

I trust in The Lord and I know that He can do exceedingly and abundantly above anything that I can do or think. I recognize His power and His authority in our lives and my goal is to exalt Him and lift Him up in everything we do. It's all for His Kingdom. Amen.

Week 1: God is Almighty

Our first week of our curriculum was AWESOME!

A little background . . .
This year, we decided to teach Caleb who God really is and why we serve and worship Him.  As most five year olds, Caleb has A LOT of questions! Lately, as he is beginning to ponder the why's and how's of life, he is asking lots of questions pertaining to our beliefs and God's characteristics.  So the first 26 weeks of this academic year are dedicated to getting to know God a little better.

Christopher and I started a study of God's word specifically for the purpose of giving our children a foundation that we can build on as they grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  We pray that they will understand why mommy and daddy willingly praise, love, live for, and worship God.  I want them to WANT to praise, love, live for, and worship God just as much as mommy and daddy.  (Of course I want them to CHOOSE to do these things - train them up so they won't depart from it when they're older. . . but as in the words of old Joshua . . . As for me and MY house, we WILL serve the Lord!) The hubs and I just want them to know why mommy and daddy truly love the Lord.

We created an alphabetical study of who God is based on His nature and characteristics. Do you know what the hubby and I discovered? God is so good! He is just awesome! We will learn about God starting with A for God is Almighty. Everything is built around our study of who God is for the purpose of putting God first.  To teach our kiddos that if you seek Him first and His righteousness, then everything else will work out.  We want to honor God with more than just our words...

What did we do . . .
This week was all about how mighty God is. We explained what Almighty means and focused on the story of the three Hebrew boys in the furnance (talk about a story boys love...I mean Caleb can narrate the entire story). We also had to share how God is still Almighty in our lives today.  How He is able to do anything and we don't have to worry. Caleb was able to tell us how God had been mighty in his life as well. We recreated the scene at the furnance and we praised God for being so mighty.

Our letter, shape, color, and number of the week were A, circle, red, and one.  We reviewed those things and identified them in our day to day activities. We went to the library and for lots of books to read.  We worked on -igh- words, for easy understanding I taught the 'I is bossy and tells the g and h not to make a sound' method (it works. ..Caleb told everyone about bossy I).

We exercised, sang, played music, counted, added/subtracted, read, wrote danced, laughed, cried . . . all for the glory of God. 

First Day of School

As I've shared before, one of the most wonderful things about homeschooling is doing what we want! :) We started today, AFTER Labor Day WITH a field trip. #BOOM. 

                                  

                                 

                                  

Leah will be one in a few weeks. This year of learning for her will simply consist of having fun! Jeremiah will start preschool material and Caleb is doing a merge of kindergarten and first grade...we have a few more objectives of kindergarten to finish up (we worked through the summer).

                                    This is how we do it!

We visited the C.R. Smith Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas and learned the history behind American Airlines and learned a lot about airplanes. The boys loved it!

Of course, the real reason we visited was because they have an exhibition that would be leaving soon and if PBS showed one more commercial about it and the boys asked me about going...I was going to lose it! 

Yep, Legos. A LEGO Travel Exhibition. It combined vehicles and LEGOs...two things my boys absolutely love...into a wonderful adventure for us all.

We began with a video about the history of American Airlines in a mini theater inside the museum. The screen was HUGE and took us all over the world. The chairs were airplane seats with seat belts. Made me feel like I was really on a plane flying high in the sky. My monsters enjoyed the video...and no, there were no LEGOs in the video.

So many vehicles built with LEGOs! It was amazing. Even Leah was amazed (See picture below)!

                               

                               

                               

                               

Ok, we didn't spend the ENTIRE day playing with LEGOs, ok maybe a big portion of the day. We did read the history, learn how airplanes operate, and were able to actually get onto one of the first American Airlines planes! We saw huge engines, propellers, and other random pieces of planes that made the boys go "WOW"!

                               

The kids were challenged to create vehicles that were capable of flying, floating, and driving in different terrains. I enjoyed hearing Caleb use the words propellers and engines. He really wanted to solve the problem. I encouraged him and probed with questions to challenge his thinking and while listening to his reasoning skills, I was rather impressed.

                           

They were good boys, as much as they could be, so they did receive airplanes from the gift shop. 

                            

As we walked out of the museum and I snapped this one last photo, I took a second to look at it and remind myself that here begins another year of learning, loving, and growing. I'll look back on these photos and think this is where it all started. Who knows what God may bring, I just know we're ready!

Here's to a blessed year full of learning to be Ambassadors for Christ! #a4c