Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Surrendering To His Will

 
Surrendering to the perfect will of God is not always easy, especially when our will does not match His.
 
I want to share a very personal story with ya'll, in hopes of encouraging someone who may be going through a spiritual trial.
 
As most of you know I grew up in the church, and for many years have enjoyed and experienced some very powerful services. Services where the power of God was so thick in the air that if you reached your hand upward you felt electricity go through you. There have been services where people were running the isles, women were shouting their hair down, and at times tongues would go forth. I became so accustomed to these types of services that I took them for granted.
 
 We came to Virginia two years ago, due to my husbands' job, and we found a small, but good church to attend. The longer we had been here I realized that this church was not at all what I thought it should have been. We would have really good services one weekend then go a while without another powerful move of God. And because it wasn't fired up, and running the isles kind of church every service, I quickly became discouraged. I began to point out all the things that I thought was wrong with this church and the people. This took a major toll on my spirit and attitude, I became a very negative, unhappy person. I allowed it to eat me up inside and take away my joy. I would complain and push the blame on certain individuals. I would gossip about all the issues our church was having, instead of praying and then get upset when each church service wasn't up to my standards. I lost my desire to want to be in the house of God, and was not as faithful as I should have been. I was miserable for so long that I almost forgot what it was like to be happy. Wasn't I supposed to be joyful in the Lord? I have the Holy Ghost, was baptized in Jesus name, lived for God most of my life, so why was I so miserable? That question haunted me day and night. I didn't understand why I felt so down, angry and sad all the time. Why I just couldn't seem to have that true inward joy that the preacher speaks about, and that my bible tells me I was supposed to be so full of. This was not my ideal way to live, surely there must be something wrong with this church and we just needed to find somewhere else to go.
 
Finally, the Lord revealed to me the answer. I was miserable because my attitude and spirit were not right!
 
Matthew 7:16-20 ~
 
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
 
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
 
 
The fruits of my spirit were rotten, because the source, my spirit,  was rotten.  Oh yes, I looked the part of a perfect pentecostal woman, and my standards were high and in my opinion completely infallible. Boy was I wrong! Yes, standards are important and even necessary(I believe this with all my heart) but without having the right spirit and attitude my standards were lived in vain. All that I did meant nothing because my heart wasn't right before God. The Lord had to bring me to a very desperate place in my walk, or lack thereof, with Him, to realize the root of my misery. I didn't want to give in to what God was trying to teach me, what He was trying to do in me. I pushed against it! And then the reality of it all smacked me right between the eyes. It wasn't about having firey church and services where everyone was running the isles, although it's wonderful and awesome when those services happen. I realized that the fire was non-existant in my own life because I was lacking the personal closeness of a real relationship with God. And that relationship must begin at home in my quiet closet of prayer. I couldn't just depend upon "church" to give me everything I needed from God. The church is so important and plays a huge roll in our lives, we should be faithful to God's house and fellowship with His people. These things are vital, but if I didn't build a relationship with the Lord for myself, I wasn't making it to heaven. I couldn't rely soley upon the church to get me to heaven, or the church services. My salvation is dependent upon me, and my decision to fully live for God. The bible tells us that without holiness, no man shall see God(Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is mostly about our inward man, our spirit. A Christian can look so "holy" on the outside and seem like they have it all together but without inward holiness they are just as much a sinner as the ones in the world.
 
I am so grateful today that God is so patient with us, even when we are being stubborn. I have never been a patient person to say the least and I think I can finely say that through this trial God has taught me what it means to be patient and to fully trust, and rely upon Him. I had to remind myself that I am but only clay in the hands of the potter, and in order to be made into a beautiful vessel from which He can flow, there will be some molding. Molding a vessel takes time, patience, and love. I am so thankful I serve a God who takes the time, has the patience, and gives love so that I may be created into something that He can use for His glory.
 
I pray that this has helped someone today and that you will take some time to look deep within and pray for God to show you if there be any wickedness in your heart, that He may remove it. Creat in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10)

God bless~



Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Be True

 
Lazy mornings give me lot's of time to think....that might be dangerous, as my husband would say. I was reflecting on how I have changed and how we transform as we age. We were born with a certain personality that is given by God and as we grow it becomes more defined and lived.
 
If you observe someone who hangs around people not of their own personality type, they begin to mimic and eventually morph into these characters.
 
Don't let anyone change your personality, change who you are. You were designed by the creator Himself for a purpose and only He can change you. Be true to who you are. You are unique and possess a certain light and talent to help others. Each of our talents are different, and we have much to bring to the table.
 
Love who the Lord has made you to be and don't try to stick yourself into a mold that you were not created for. Be true to you, but most importantly and most of all be true to Him.


Monday, November 4, 2013

Changes

 
The fall season has come in so quickly and with a suddeness that was quite suprising. Usually around here, the season changes are gradual, but this year the warm summer lingered into the early "fall" months. Then when we weren't looking, the chilly days and nights showed up. I love the crisp air and the way the trees come alive with colors that glow in the dusk light of sunset. A cup of hot tea by a crackling fire and the warmth of my family close by feel so perfect. We are starting to miss our garden right now. We have run out of most of our homegrown produce, and it's kind of difficult to have a garden when living in an apartment. Even though we just moved, we are so ready to move for the final time. Settling somewhere and having a permanent garden, animals, and such. Counting my blessings everyday and looking forward to what's in store. Wishing you all a happy week~
 


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Cozy Living

Some people call it living in a small space, but I like to call it cozy living. We moved into a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment from a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house. Our apartment is cute and very cozy indeed! We definitely had to get creative with the limited space to fit all our house into much smaller living quarters. It has been fun and funny at times while unpacking and moving stuff around to fit our needs. I always enjoy a good challenge in the way of re-organizing and re-decorating a space. There are alot of ways to be creative when given a small space to work with. Although we are not completely finished decorating and organizing our cozy, little place, it already feels like home. Here are a few pics of creativity in small spaces ~
 
remodelaholic.com

 

crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com

cottagehomedecorating.com
 
 
 
 
 
 


Sunday, October 6, 2013

Sold!

 
We sold our house! Yes, we are moving. With a little bit of bittersweet fondness, we will say goodbye. Another chapter of our life is beginning to unfold and we are moving forward. For now we are in a temporary home until we settle somewhere permanently. So thankful for all the wonderful memories made in this house, I will cherish them forever. We are looking forward to all the wonderful projects and fixing up our new home will need. I will be sure to keep you all posted on our venture. God bless you and I pray you have a wonderful time in His house today!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Thrifty Friday

Both of my boys are peacefully sleeping, so this mama has a few minutes of quiet time. And of course I use my time wisely.....blogging, that's wise, right? I would have blogged yesterday but the day was busy and got away from me before I knew it. I am a frequent shopper of thrift stores. I love the little treasures I always come home with and are so much appreciated by my loving husband, ahem. I am just kidding, he really doesn't mind my once a month trips to the thrift store, it saves him money. Here is what I happened upon yesterday....
 
an adorable winter, knit hat for my little man
(which he wore, and would not take off for quite a while)
 

this lovely basket in need of some refurbishing
it will fit nicely somewhere in our house
 

a mustard-colored bag for the fall,
which is making it's delicious appearance around here
 

"It looks like spring" scarf for my hair
 

this comfy and oh so cute skirt
 

jacobs' Christmas train tin
of course he wanted to play with it right away
 
 
There are always treasures to be found when thrift shopping. I know not everyone enjoys it, but I am perfectly happy to buy gently used and much loved items. Giving them all a new home and knowing they still have a lot of life left in them. I hope your weekend has been pleasant and relaxing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Self Portrait

I love the creativeness of my childs' mind. He makes me laugh, cry, smile, and love him oh that much more. He decided to take his own photographs, as I like to call it, a self portrait. He expresses himself well. I love you little man, mamas' heart is overflowing.
 


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

A Call To Prayer

A CALL TO PRAYER

We are living in such perilous times, the enemy is seeking all of whom he may devour. The church is not exempt from the wiles and tricks of the enemy. Satan is on a rampage to destroy every and anyone he can that is trying to serve the Lord. As women who love God and desire to have more of Him in our lives, church, etc… we must stand and take back what is rightfully ours. The devil WILL NOT win and CANNOT win, when we make a stand through prayer to fight! Our fight is against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of the world and spiritual wickedness in high places(Eph. 6:12 ). As women, God has given us a special gift and calling spiritually to travail, we war in the spirit realm through deep intercessory prayer. We have a divine connection with Him and must access it daily. When there is war, there is noise. We cannot allow our war to be silent. We must let the enemy know we are here to fight and will not back down. We need the noise of war to break out in the army of God’s women like never before: the sound of prayer and praise. The noise of travail needs to rise from the camp of the women in all our cities and churches across the land as stated in Isaiah 32:9, 11, 15:
9.) - Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice ye careless daughters; give ear unto my speech.
11.) - Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins.
15.) - Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high.
We must strip ourselves from the things that would hinder the Spirit from being poured out in our homes and churches. It is time as never before for the women to pick up the weapons and go into spiritual warfare and fight for our homes, our children, our churches, and the work of God.
IT IS TIME TO FIGHT!
 
 
 

 



Friday, August 30, 2013

Living Fully For God

Our world is in so much chaos right now! I am sure that ya'll have been keeping informed through the news and such. We are seeing things come to fruition that the scripture speaks about. It is scary to see how blatantly people are turning away from God and choosing to live a very sinful life. Our world is not oblivious that there is something shaking in the spirit realm, alot of them just choose not to acknowledge it. We are living in the very last days and God is coming so soon! We must make sure we are fully living for the Lord in every way we possibly can. My heart is so troubled and burdened for our lost loved ones and close friends who are not living for God. We do not have much time to waste and play patty cake with God, it's time to rise up and get serious about your walk with Him. It's time to lay down all the things that are hindering you from getting closer to the Lord. THERE IS NOTHING WORTH GOING TO HELL OVER!!!! He is coming back for a church that is fully on fire for Him. I pray that we all take some time today to look inwardly and ask the Lord to search our hearts. 
 
Psalm 139:23-24 ~ Search me, O God and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
 
We must get a determination in our souls that we have never had before. An absolute resolve within us that we will not be shaken. The enemy is waiting for us to throw up our hands in desperation and give up. We need to let the devil know we are not going to give up, give in, and compromise what is right. In the times in which we live it is so easy to just let our guard down. Alot of us, myself included have become weary,so tired of fighting. But we must remember, the battle is the Lords' an He has already won! I pray for each and every one of you and that God will continue to direct you and your family. Stay strong in Him, pray, read the word and continue living uprightly before Him.~
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Today

 
Today was a really good day for Jacob and I. We have had a bumpy last few weeks. Getting settled into a routine with therapy and preparing for the fall season. Our house is still on the market. We have had alot of interest but no offers yet. So we have been keeping extra busy with cleaning everyday to keep the house in perfect shape for a showing. I have been in a bit of slump, emotionally, physically, spiritually and so on....today was like a breath of fresh air, and I am so thankful! As an update, we are still trying to conceive another little one. We are hoping and believing God for our miracle this month. Things are looking really good for me health wise so it might just happen really soon. Other than that, not much to report from our little corner of the world. Hoping you all are having a wonderful week so far. God bless~



Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Lord Loves a Fuddy Duddy

 
In today's world, going to the beach and seeing mostly naked women and men is normal. Because it is summer time alot of us want to take family vacations and get away from the heat. Alot of us like the idea of going to a swimming pool or the beach to cool off in the hot temperatures. Those of us who live a true Christian life abstain from certain articles of clothing that do not promote modesty, and going to the beach or a public pool that is littered with nakedness goes against every part of our beliefs of modesty. As mother's we desire to protect our children's eyes from seeing such wickedness, and going to public locations that display this openly are no longer good options.
 
Here is a little something that I found on a fellow blogger's page today ~
 
The Lord loves a fuddy-duddy. We do need to flee temptation, however uncool and over-sensitive our family and neighbors (and even fellow Christians) may think us. They may be less sensitive to nakedness, but that doesn’t mean you have to sear your conscience to make them feel good about it. In our hyper-sexualized culture, we are the weird ones for even bringing up the idea of modesty. We are probably going to be left out of these kinds of entertainments more often than not, even when other Christians don’t see the harm.
It’s OK to be left out of unwise doings. That might be a really hard lesson for a child or teenager to learn, but it’s an important one. There are, even within “Christian” circles, those who delight in dampening the morals of those around them.
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.
–Proverbs 4:14-16
 
 
Back to me now.....Don't be ashamed to be a fuddy duddy! The Lord loves a fuddy duddy! Remember this when you start to feel left out of certain activities that family members or friends may be partaking in that you know the Lord is not pleased with. Be a fuddy duddy for Jesus! God bless you and I pray your weekend is pleasant~

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Just Do It

Do you ever have those moments when you think about a goal or task that you set for yourself, and wonder when you will actually accomplish it? Most of the time those goals or tasks sit on a dusty shelf in the far corners of your mind without ever a second thought. Can I share a little secret with you? Listen very carefully.........
 
 
JUST DO IT!!!!
 
Don't wait for the perfect time, it won't come. Don't wait until you feel good or full of energy to do it, energy will come once you begin. Don't just think about starting, jump in with both feet and simply do it. I am so so so so bad about setting a goal for myself, or getting myself excited about a certain project, and then life distracts me. It get's tossed in the box with all the other wonderful ideas. If you wait till tomorrow to do something it may never get done. Set your mind and self to do it and DO IT!!!!
 
If I may, here are a couple of my goals:
~ memorize more scriptures
~ go on a road trip with my family, somewhere we have never been
~ learn to play the ukele
~ climb a rock wall
 
When was the last time you made a goal? Can you even remember? Did you leave it on that dusty shelf? Pick it up, smooth out the wrinkles of time and DO IT~
 
You Stand In Your Way~
 


Friday, July 19, 2013

Busy Little Bees.....

I am so sorry for the long silence on here. We have been so incredibly busy with house repairs and such. We have finally put our home on the market. So far we have had one showing, which is pretty good for it having only been one week for sale. More to come very soon I am sure. This was our first home together as a family and with fond memories and a little sadness we will eventually say goodbye to it. Treasuring each day and moment spent here and soaking up the blessings of God. Wishing you all a very happy weekend!


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

AUTISM

Autistic. This word has been the topic of conversation in our home, as our son has recently been diagnosed with Autism.  We knew for quite some time that things were not exactly "normal". What is "normal" anyway, each child has their own unique personality and process. Each child is special in the way God created them. God gave my husband and I this precious little boy, whom we love more than anything in the world. He brings such joy to  our little family and we are so grateful that God thougt we were strong enough to handle this diagnosis. Our son is a very special little boy, and I don't mean "special" in the derogatory term that some people use for mentally disable people. He truly is special and has given us the opporunity to see the world around us in a whole different way. We are moving forward with this diagnosis and will very soon begin the necessary therapy. We are confident that everything will be ok. We are completely and fully putting our trust in God, the one who created our child. God NEVER makes mistakes!
 


Saturday, June 22, 2013

A Journey

Hello all ~ We have been so busy around here with my husband getting home, working on the house and so much more, I have had very little time to post on this blog. I have a few minutes of down time and I wanted to take advantage. Hope you all have had a pleasant week and are looking forward to a lovely Sunday in the Lord's house. 
 
 We are beginning a new journey in our life and this journey really didn't come as a surprise. For the most part we knew that this journey would happen and we would have to walk the path set before us. For the sake of privacy I will not go into too much detail here. God has a way of entrusting us with things, that we at times, really didn't think we could handle. Whether it's a test of our faith in Him or simply a path that He has laid out for our lives, we will take this journey day by day and step by step fulling trusting His plan. We are blessed beyond measure and are so grateful for all that He has given us. Even in those moments of sadness and disappointment we will give thanks unto to Him. As the scripture says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Life doesn't always go exactly as we plan, but God's design for our life is always so much better than our human minds could ever dream up. Trusting God is the simplest yet hardest thing to do. Trusting is an act of faith. You are putting your hope in something you cannot see. You don't know the outcome, you can't see down the road, but we can trust THE ONE who does know the future because He has created it. Romans 8:28 -  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. If you find yourself struggling with something in your life, perhaps afraid to let it go and fully give it to God, I pray that you would find the courage today to relinquish your hopes and dreams to our perfect creator and allow Him to work a wonder in your life. God never fails and He will never lead you the wrong way. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. ~
 
 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Little Kingdom of Home



This is a lovely blog post that I borrowed from a fellow blogger. I wanted to share this with each of you mothers in hopes that it blesses you as it did me.

Mothers--What you do in your home matters. Never think otherwise! Are you weary in well-doing? We can't call in a sub when it comes to what we do--we are irreplaceable. Be encouraged that your toiling is not in vain. All the runny noses you wipe, sippy cups you fill and boo boos you kiss matter.


From “The Little Kingdom of Home,” copyright 1904

“What the home asks from the mother, from the wife, is not money, but influence, not things, but herself. . .

The husband’s key is in the latch; he looks up expectant, and is not satisfied until he sees the brightening of his day in the dear face that makes the sunshine of his world. A weary wife meeting him on the train with a host of business interests, not unlike his own, the absorption of the office in her bearing, and the dust of travel on her skirts, cannot be to him the comforter, the refuge, the rest that his home-staying, home-keeping wife is. . .

What the home seeks of the wife and mother is leisure to listen to its problems, discretion to guide its counsels, and serenity to bless its atmosphere.

There are times in the life of every young girl when she needs her mother; not knowing which of two or three paths to choose, it is all-important that she shall turn to the woman nearest her on earth, and dearest, for advice and help.

Perhaps a boy, at the transitional period between early youth and opening manhood, even more than a girl, needs some one at home, to whom he may carry his perplexities, some one untroubled by the whirl and rush of the hurrying tide of humanity outside the door, some one who can be to a lad in his first hour of temptation, his earliest time of trial, just what a mother and only a mother can be.

The biographies of men who have been eminent and successful, and have advanced the world’s work, show with remarkable uniformity that they have had mothers who were the strong forces for good in the background; mothers who thought, and read, and wrought, and prayed, and who were not mere workers in the open mart for wages. The world wants good mothers. It can do without clever money-makers. . .

Plain little mothers with the instinct of the hovering wing, they brooded over their children and, little known beyond their doors, diffused heaven’s blessing within them. Thank God for pure, sweet, capable, gentle sympathizing, old-fashioned mothers!

Ruskin says: ‘The best women are indeed the most difficult to know. They are recognized chiefly in the happiness of their husbands and the nobleness of their children; they are only to be divined, not discerned by the stranger, and sometimes seem almost helpless except in their homes.’

For the prevalent temper of the household, for its aroma of fragrance, its sense of proportion of what is owed to God and to one’s fellow beings, we must look to the mother. Her communion with the unseen permeates the visible life of the household, and freshens its every-day air.

The ideal wife and mother has higher and finer things to do than to be a breadwinner, unless, in the tempest of life, her husband has been swept away, and she is compelled to leave her natural sphere and toil for her children. . .

When all is said, and whatever the circumstances, the best a woman can give her home and her children is herself. Any other thing is merely second best. And whoever so lives that a strong, steadfast, unwavering personality stamps its hallmark on her family, will be remembered by ‘what she has done,’ long after the money that looms so large in her view has become of no value in the world to which we go.

There the banker’s strong box, and the millionaire’s securities, and the gewgaws for which men and women barter their souls, will be but as rubbish for the dust heap. For in that land are enduring values, and a crown that shall never lose its luster, a crown of life.

Great men have had great mothers. Yet we are mistaken if we limit the influence of mothers by the few examples that have come to us from history. In a generation, here and there, one man or one woman is conspicuous, forced to the front by opportunity, or by a talent for leadership.

The mass of men do their work and fill their places in comparative obscurity, and worthily or unworthily, often, according to their early training. Mothers have their innings before the world’s chance comes. It cannot be too often repeated, and mothers should not be hampered by wage-earning, if it can be helped.”

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Femininity is Always in Style

In our current society we are seeing such a loss of what true femininity means. Women, today are mimicing menswear and calling it fashion. It is seemingly acceptable for a woman to wear mens' trousers and be hailed as a fashionista. You rarely ever see a woman dressed like a lady now a days. There have been many times when at the grocery store, I have had to stop and look twice to make sure I was looking at a woman.  Our society has failed miserably in maintaining true femininity. As christian women we must rise to the occasion and take back what is rightfully ours, as God intended. He set us apart as woman from man, we must do all we can to uphold our differences. Women in our culture(especially in hollywood) claim to be feminine because they simply wear a dress. Femininity is more than just the clothes we wear. It is in our mannerisms and lifestyle. It is how we carry ourselves and treat others. It might be in how we cross our ankles when seated. How we do not shout at someone from across the room, rather walk to were they are, speaking gently and quietly. Making sure that we are covered in all the appropriate places and not wearing clothes that are too tight. We must care about our appearance, not to be confused with vanity. Simply respecting ourselves enough to make sure we are presentable and modest.
Fads are fleeting but style is classic and timeless. It is what remains when all the fads have gone and come back around. Femininity is always in style. It is what came first before our worlds' view of fashion polluted the female mindset. I hope to encourage each of you to take a second look in the mirror before leaving home. Make sure that what you have on is pleasing to the Lord and your husband. You represent your husband, your family, your pastor, and most importantly God. Ladies let us reclaim our femininity in a world that has forgotten what that word really means.
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

New Beginnings

Our backyard is filled with life these days. The honeysuckle vines are in full bloom and fill our garden with the sweet, faint scent of honey. The trees have reached over the small fence that divides our manicured yard from the wild and free foliage. Our neighbors roses are peeping over the fence line, affording us a beautiful glimpse of their crimson tone. The garden is growing at full force and soon our berries will turn into a lovely shade of red, black and blue (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries). I love these early weeks of new growth and beginnings for nature and it's wealth of edible delights.