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!