Summer, summer, summer time!

The summer is getting off to a slow start, just the way I like it. I prayed for a few easy days, God delivered!!
I have a few things on my mind, thoughts that are trying to consume me. I'm speaking to my heart and mind, peace be still in the name of The Lord!

Carrying your cross.

We all have our cross to carry.  It would be lovely if we could pick the one we wanted.  You know I would pick the light one with the cute pattern.  If only it were that easy.  The thing is, our cross to carry already has our name on it.  God knew what he equipped us with before he created us.  He knows how strong, weak, capable and incapable we are, we are his workmanship!! The very cross we carry will be the one he uses to change our life and others around us.  We didn't have to die on HIS, cross to know he is real, that it hurt, and that we are saved because of it.  It's the same with our assigned cross.  I will some day be able to share this story and help others because I carried my cross.

Be encouraged...

I started this blog to write about me evolving into a wife. Not only a wife but a wife that wants salvation for every member of my family. I have prayed, read countless books, I've stood on scriptures and talk to women that I felt were "good wives". I recently had a revelation that most advice assumes the position that the other person is a "believer". Sold-out undeniable believer, however in situations where the other spouses faith is in question, it makes it hard to know what to do. This all I can say is we MUST treat unbelievers with compassion. We can not hold them to the same standard as believers. We can't have expectation that they will just "know". We only "know" because we have God who directs our steps. We are saved by grace through HIM who loves us!!! Please be encouraged to pray for your spouse, meet him (or her) with a gentle spirit, treat them with compassion, love fearlessly, and trust that God loves them more than you ever could. 
I know it's hard at times because you know how much better life would be if they had God as the head.  God uses you as the example of how much sweeter life is with Him.  Make sure that you are making your Father proud with your actions and words.  I am praying for families, marriages and the unsaved. 

This is the reason I continue to Pray and Trust God!!

Can I sit down yet??

The days are getting busier as we end this year of schooling.  I hit the ground running this morning.  I had to take the "littles" to school, quick trip to the grocery store, oldest to a student council meeting ( yes they have those for homeschoolers), talent show for the middle, and I had to sit in on interviews for my son's school.  Whew!!! Then dinner, bible story and prayer.  I am so glad to be in my pj's and in my room sitting.  The day has been LOOONG, but I am grateful for the appointed position.  I am glad God saw fit for me to be a mother, leader,(a taxi driver, chef, nurse, veterinarian, cheerleader, soccer mom, and you know the list could go on)  I am so glad God is cultivating the talents he has put in me. I can't do these things in my strength it takes HIM!! 

The middle on stage getting ready to share her talent!!

Tomorrow is not slowing down.  I have another full day!! My mother who is the most faithful, dedicated, hardworking woman I know is having surgery tomorrow.  She never misses work.  She is a nurse by trade, but she is the director of nursing now.  She LOVES her job.  It was so hard for her to take time away to care for herself.  Please pray for her, I would appreciate it!!!

The perfect plan

I was reminded today that God is in control. We (the Mr. and I) had a perfectly planned morning.  Clothes were laying out, breakfast and coffee ready, hair done, and back packs were by the door.  We were more than early to drop the kids off at school and while driving down the interstate we had a flat tire.  Ugh, go figure! I had to chuckle, and thank God.  We can plan (we need a plan) but ultimately God is in control of our plan.  Nothing happens outside of his control.  I was so thankful we were safe, that the Mr. was in the car, and that we had a spare.  We called AAA but TDOT got there first and helped us out.  This proves that God does have a sense of humor.  I'm sure he was laughing at my well laid plan.  ( I forgot to mention our new puppy up chucked in the car)!!  Lesson learned. 
Here lately have had a few women come into my life that think I have it all together,HAHAHA!! That is SOOO not true.  The truth is I am a work in progress.  Everyday I need his grace and mercy for my foolishness.  I have struggles unseen, but God is so very good to me.  There are days I want to cry ALL day long but I think of how thankful I am for so many things.  I choose happiness. I consciously wake up thinking I will make the best of every situation. (Sometimes I do and other times my emotions get the best of me) Progress means that everyday I am a little better than the day before.  I am grateful for the work God has begun in me, because he is faithful to complete it!!!  Happy Monday folks!!

Pouring my heart out on this journey!!

I know I posted before about faith.  I live my life by faith, but there is one thing I left out.  I can believe God for ANYTHING except things for me.  I never doubt that he can perform miracles.  I know he takes care of me.  He ALWAYS makes financial provision for my family.  But those things are not "ME".  I have a hard time having faith for things like eating healthier, making time in my schedule to play with my kids more, working out,being more organize and being a GOOD wife.  The fact is faith without work is DEAD.  I have to do my part when God does his part (because he always does his part)!!  This requires something of me.  It requires me to bring discipline to my own life in areas that I rebel.  I am no better than a child who refuses to do what they know is right.  I know the right things to do.  The only thing is my physical parent is not standing over me "making" me do what I need to do.  However, the spiritual implications for these acts are far worse than theirs.  I am not beating myself up. I am just saying I have work to do!!!

So after our hospital fiasco.......

Things are calming down after a busy start to the week.. My little guy has been home all week.  I have secretly loved having my boy home with me this week.  This reminds me of the days I homeschooled all three and we would just have a LARGE time at home with each other.  God please give me strength, wisdom, unity, and clear direction. 
I've had a productive week cleaning, cooking and mowing the lawn.  Yes, mowing th lawn!! The Mr. said he couldn't handle it until the weekend. I couldn't stand driving up to the jungle one more day so I gave him a head start.  My yard seriously looks like the kids cut it, but at least the grass isn't up to my ankles.
I also got a chance to hang the drapes I made, it really changed the look of the living room.  I'm excited that our little home is coming together.  I am seriously trying hard to be faithful over this humble beginning.  I want to show God that I am thankful for the provision he has made for this family.  I want to use my time to honor him by keeping my house in order, use my talents as a resource to decorate and furnish our home and use my home as a place of refuge.  I know works is not what God requires of us.  I could never "do" enough to show him how much I appreciate Him saving me.  So, I just consider these things small acts of worship and thanksgiving.

I still have some things I want to do to our home (is a girl ever really done decorating) but as God provides!  Come on over and have some tea!