It is all about my heart - first.

Lately I’ve been feeling kind of overwhelmed in my duties as a mother to share, teach and show my children this Jesus that I call Savior, King and friend.    And I have lost sight.  I’ve been so overwhelmed that sometimes it’s just been easier to do things the easy way.  And we all know that “easy”  is not always right and it’s not how God would want us to do things.

It’s the small things really.  Not the big and huge things that are easier to do as Christians, but the little things.  And you know what, it’s also these little things that stand out in the minds and hearts of our children.

Because of this I did what I know best to do, and that’s to come and rest – rest in God’s presence.  I needed a time out.

And while I was there I  realized, shamefully,  that I’ve been trying to do it on my own.  I’m trying to raise my precious children and run my home on my own strength.  Well guess what -  I can’t.  In fact I am convinced it can’t be done.  Because sure enough I become frustrated, loud, snappy and yes down right horrible – to my kids and my husband and I don’t like it.

I need God.  I need His strength, and His divine guidance.  And that only comes from His Word.  From spending time with Him.  And because I’ve been so busy lately I have neglected this important nourishment for myself.  I’ve not taken the time I need to nurture my heart, my relationship with God.    I’ve been starving myself of his Word and because of it I feel overwhelmed and I’m becoming this person I don’t want to be.

Really,  how effective can I be as a mother, wife, sister and everything else I’m expected to be if I don’t take care or my heart?

I’m grateful for this lesson.  And I’m so thankful for God’s Grace, again.  He is so Good.

 

Psalm 119:1-8 (The Message)

You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
   You're blessed when you follow his directions,
      doing your best to find him.
   That's right—you don't go off on your own;
      you walk straight along the road he set.
   You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
      now you expect us to live it.
   Oh, that my steps might be steady,
      keeping to the course you set;
   Then I'd never have any regrets
      in comparing my life with your counsel.
   I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
      I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
   I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
      don't ever walk off and leave me.

It is all about my heart - first.

Lately I’ve been feeling kind of overwhelmed in my duties as a mother to share, teach and show my children this Jesus that I call Savior, King and friend.    And I have lost sight.  I’ve been so overwhelmed that sometimes it’s just been easier to do things the easy way.  And we all know that “easy”  is not always right and it’s not how God would want us to do things.

It’s the small things really.  Not the big and huge things that are easier to do as Christians, but the little things.  And you know what, it’s also these little things that stand out in the minds and hearts of our children.

Because of this I did what I know best to do, and that’s to come and rest – rest in God’s presence.  I needed a time out.

And while I was there I  realized, shamefully,  that I’ve been trying to do it on my own.  I’m trying to raise my precious children and run my home on my own strength.  Well guess what -  I can’t.  In fact I am convinced it can’t be done.  Because sure enough I become frustrated, loud, snappy and yes down right horrible – to my kids and my husband and I don’t like it.

I need God.  I need His strength, and His divine guidance.  And that only comes from His Word.  From spending time with Him.  And because I’ve been so busy lately I have neglected this important nourishment for myself.  I’ve not taken the time I need to nurture my heart, my relationship with God.    I’ve been starving myself of his Word and because of it I feel overwhelmed and I’m becoming this person I don’t want to be.

Really,  how effective can I be as a mother, wife, sister and everything else I’m expected to be if I don’t take care or my heart?

I’m grateful for this lesson.  And I’m so thankful for God’s Grace, again.  He is so Good.

 

Psalm 119:1-8 (The Message)

You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
   You're blessed when you follow his directions,
      doing your best to find him.
   That's right—you don't go off on your own;
      you walk straight along the road he set.
   You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
      now you expect us to live it.
   Oh, that my steps might be steady,
      keeping to the course you set;
   Then I'd never have any regrets
      in comparing my life with your counsel.
   I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
      I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
   I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
      don't ever walk off and leave me.

Here’s One More Reason why I love my Man…

 

He said he would get me one, one of these days -  and today was that day.

Thanks Babe – I love it!

Here’s One More Reason why I love my Man…

 

He said he would get me one, one of these days -  and today was that day.

Thanks Babe – I love it!

Friday’s Fave Five – # 4

I love Fridays, not just because the weekend is here. But I am enjoying Friday’s Fave Five.  It’s a great time to reflect on the week.  To read more check out Living to Tell the Story.

1.  Emails.  Oh how I love to receive emails from friends and family.  Friends from all over.  And I love to read about how they and their families are doing.  And it especially makes my heart rejoice to know they are still going strong in their journeys with Jesus and that they are gathering with other believers in their new communities.  Awesome!!  Isn’t that what it is all about?

2.  Manicures and Pedicures.  I’m not a girly girl by any means and I don’t normally fit in a mani/pedi on my things to do.  But lately with the weather heating up and the desire to wear open shoes I thought I should make the time to get them done.  And I did.  And I love them.  I like that my nails look well manicured and cute.  And here’s the best part.  It only cost me 250 baht for both my fingers and toes.  That’s only 7 US Dollars.  Oh how I love this place!

3.  Family.  My mother came in last night from Papua New Guinea and I’m so thankful..  I know Dad is too.  I’m sure he is thrilled that now he can share with mum exactly what he is feeling and thinking, his anxiety and his fears.  There is truly a special bond in marriage that special something between a husband and wife.  

4. New T-shirts.  Cheap ones too.  Yes I went shopping again for my son because he is growing so fast. 

I saw these tees for sale and I couldn’t resist.  Not only do I think they’ll look cute on my son but also because they were cheap.  Super, super cheap.  59 baht!!

5.  Books, Books and more Books.  I love to invest in books.  Especially good books for my kids.  And this week I splurged.  It is hard sometimes to find enough English books here so when they bring the books to you (like they did at Tanysha’s school for book week – I took full advantage).  I look forward to bedtime reading in the next couple of weeks.  Although my kids will still bring out their favorites.

So what was your fave five this week?

Friday’s Fave Five – # 4

I love Fridays, not just because the weekend is here. But I am enjoying Friday’s Fave Five.  It’s a great time to reflect on the week.  To read more check out Living to Tell the Story.

1.  Emails.  Oh how I love to receive emails from friends and family.  Friends from all over.  And I love to read about how they and their families are doing.  And it especially makes my heart rejoice to know they are still going strong in their journeys with Jesus and that they are gathering with other believers in their new communities.  Awesome!!  Isn’t that what it is all about?

2.  Manicures and Pedicures.  I’m not a girly girl by any means and I don’t normally fit in a mani/pedi on my things to do.  But lately with the weather heating up and the desire to wear open shoes I thought I should make the time to get them done.  And I did.  And I love them.  I like that my nails look well manicured and cute.  And here’s the best part.  It only cost me 250 baht for both my fingers and toes.  That’s only 7 US Dollars.  Oh how I love this place!

3.  Family.  My mother came in last night from Papua New Guinea and I’m so thankful..  I know Dad is too.  I’m sure he is thrilled that now he can share with mum exactly what he is feeling and thinking, his anxiety and his fears.  There is truly a special bond in marriage that special something between a husband and wife.  

4. New T-shirts.  Cheap ones too.  Yes I went shopping again for my son because he is growing so fast. 

I saw these tees for sale and I couldn’t resist.  Not only do I think they’ll look cute on my son but also because they were cheap.  Super, super cheap.  59 baht!!

5.  Books, Books and more Books.  I love to invest in books.  Especially good books for my kids.  And this week I splurged.  It is hard sometimes to find enough English books here so when they bring the books to you (like they did at Tanysha’s school for book week – I took full advantage).  I look forward to bedtime reading in the next couple of weeks.  Although my kids will still bring out their favorites.

So what was your fave five this week?

Once Upon a Time…

Four little words that can take you anywhere you want to go.  This week was Tanysha’s Book Week and “Once Upon A Time” was the theme.

And now it has come to an end and I know she has enjoyed it immensely.  I too have enjoyed watching her get excited about the books that she’s been introduced to this week and having her come home and talk to me about them.  Absolutely Wonderful!! 

One activity that I know she really enjoyed this week was called D.E.A.R .  Where the children Drop Everything And Read.  It was exciting for her to stop what she was doing and to go get lost with her friends in their books.

I also enjoyed this week,  especially being able to be a Secret Reader for her class.  I love to read, but I love reading to children even more, being able to is share the books with the children.  Awesome. 

Here are the two books that I shared with the children this week.  I didn’t plan it but both books I choose taught the same lesson.  After we read the books we learnt that it’s okay to be different.  And we talked about how each one of us is special and unique although we are different.

I’m so glad they enjoyed the books.

Today is the Book Character Parade.  And this is who Tanysha choose to be . 

Anybody wanna  have a guess who she might be….?

  

Have a Great Weekend Everyone.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."

— Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Once Upon a Time…

Four little words that can take you anywhere you want to go.  This week was Tanysha’s Book Week and “Once Upon A Time” was the theme.

And now it has come to an end and I know she has enjoyed it immensely.  I too have enjoyed watching her get excited about the books that she’s been introduced to this week and having her come home and talk to me about them.  Absolutely Wonderful!! 

One activity that I know she really enjoyed this week was called D.E.A.R .  Where the children Drop Everything And Read.  It was exciting for her to stop what she was doing and to go get lost with her friends in their books.

I also enjoyed this week,  especially being able to be a Secret Reader for her class.  I love to read, but I love reading to children even more, being able to is share the books with the children.  Awesome. 

Here are the two books that I shared with the children this week.  I didn’t plan it but both books I choose taught the same lesson.  After we read the books we learnt that it’s okay to be different.  And we talked about how each one of us is special and unique although we are different.

I’m so glad they enjoyed the books.

Today is the Book Character Parade.  And this is who Tanysha choose to be . 

Anybody wanna  have a guess who she might be….?

  

Have a Great Weekend Everyone.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."

— Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Tired but Thankful

I’m worn out and beat.  Not just physically, but  mentally and emotionally as well.

Since Dad’s diagnosis, operation and chemo treatments I’ve just been on the move – constantly.  It’s been difficult being the primary caretaker for my father.  But even more difficult to make sure I spend enough time not only with my children but more importantly with my husband.  It’s been tough.  But you know what, things could be worse. 

So I’m not going to complain, I’m not going to whine.

I’m going to choose in my heart to be thankful.

Thankful that although I feel overwhelmed, fatigued and dog-tired I know that the God I trust in, is in total control. 

Psalm 121:1-2

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
   No, my strength comes from God,
      who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Tired but Thankful

I’m worn out and beat.  Not just physically, but  mentally and emotionally as well.

Since Dad’s diagnosis, operation and chemo treatments I’ve just been on the move – constantly.  It’s been difficult being the primary caretaker for my father.  But even more difficult to make sure I spend enough time not only with my children but more importantly with my husband.  It’s been tough.  But you know what, things could be worse. 

So I’m not going to complain, I’m not going to whine.

I’m going to choose in my heart to be thankful.

Thankful that although I feel overwhelmed, fatigued and dog-tired I know that the God I trust in, is in total control. 

Psalm 121:1-2

I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
   No, my strength comes from God,
      who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

Happy Homemaker Monday - #5

It’s Monday so here’s another Happy Homemaker.   To see what others are doing head on over to our wonderful host Sandra @ The Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.

On My Bedside Table:

My Bible & my lists of things I have to get done this week. (Try to get done anyway!)

On My TV:

Nothing – it’s off.

On the Menu for tonight:

Steaks, weight watchers vegetable Stir Fry.  (yes I’m counting again) & Rice.

On My To Do list:

Confirm mum’s flight to BKK.

Go to a gym practice this week with Renee

Sign up to be a secret reader at Tanysha’s school.  Book Week this week.

Walk every morning this week.

New Recipe I Tried Last Week:

Unfortunately have not had the time to experiment. 

In the craft Basket:

Will attempt to put together a book character costume for Tanysha's  Book Character parade.

Looking Forward to:

Having my mother here, again.

Book Week this week.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Don’t have any tips to share for this week.  Sorry.

Favorite Blog post of the Week: (mine of other):

Haven’t been surfing again so don’t have a favorite to share.

Favorite photo from last week:

  Lessons learned the past few days:

To spend more time with my children, especially my son.  I have a great nanny who loves to take care of my son and lately  I have been  taking  advantage of this a little too much.   This is a season, my son, my girls will all  grow up soon and I will have missed it.  So my lesson is to not be overly committed here and there and to purposefully slow down and chill at home with my children.

On My Prayer List:

Brenda in Paraguay

Husband & children

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

Proverbs 4:23 (The Message)

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that's where life starts.

With so much around us today, both good and bad we need to keep watch, be attentive, cautious, observant and aware.  Minute by minute, moment by moment.  Not only of our own hearts but also that of our children’s.

Happy Homemaker Monday - #5

It’s Monday so here’s another Happy Homemaker.   To see what others are doing head on over to our wonderful host Sandra @ The Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.

On My Bedside Table:

My Bible & my lists of things I have to get done this week. (Try to get done anyway!)

On My TV:

Nothing – it’s off.

On the Menu for tonight:

Steaks, weight watchers vegetable Stir Fry.  (yes I’m counting again) & Rice.

On My To Do list:

Confirm mum’s flight to BKK.

Go to a gym practice this week with Renee

Sign up to be a secret reader at Tanysha’s school.  Book Week this week.

Walk every morning this week.

New Recipe I Tried Last Week:

Unfortunately have not had the time to experiment. 

In the craft Basket:

Will attempt to put together a book character costume for Tanysha's  Book Character parade.

Looking Forward to:

Having my mother here, again.

Book Week this week.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Don’t have any tips to share for this week.  Sorry.

Favorite Blog post of the Week: (mine of other):

Haven’t been surfing again so don’t have a favorite to share.

Favorite photo from last week:

  Lessons learned the past few days:

To spend more time with my children, especially my son.  I have a great nanny who loves to take care of my son and lately  I have been  taking  advantage of this a little too much.   This is a season, my son, my girls will all  grow up soon and I will have missed it.  So my lesson is to not be overly committed here and there and to purposefully slow down and chill at home with my children.

On My Prayer List:

Brenda in Paraguay

Husband & children

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

Proverbs 4:23 (The Message)

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that's where life starts.

With so much around us today, both good and bad we need to keep watch, be attentive, cautious, observant and aware.  Minute by minute, moment by moment.  Not only of our own hearts but also that of our children’s.

I really Don’t Want to Be the Mum….

That puts so much pressure on her child to do well …….. in gymnastics!

So over the weekend Renee had a gymnastics meet and I found myself having to hold back and just let her go through the motions.  I want her to do well, I mean which mum doesn’t want their own child to do well?  Com’n.

Anyway as I sat there watching not only my child, but the other gymnasts with their coaches and their parents I couldn’t help but think to myself OMG I don’t want to be one of those mums that pressures and pushes and adds on to the coach every time the coach says something – especially at a meet.

Every time after a competition I will ask my kid to evaluate herself honestly and she’s always very honest about her efforts, and she’s tough on herself.  We talk at home but I have to work hard at holding back at the meets to speak to my child in front of every one.  I leave that to the coach. 

I’m being honest here, I have to make that extra effort to just let her go through the motions and hopefully she’ll want to be competitive on her own and not have my voice constantly in her head asking her to point her toes, look up and stick it!

She did better this time round compared to her last meet so I’m happy and so was she. 

Here are some pictures:

warming up for the floor exercise

Balancing Act

trying not too fall.

I was very proud of her effort.

I really Don’t Want to Be the Mum….

That puts so much pressure on her child to do well …….. in gymnastics!

So over the weekend Renee had a gymnastics meet and I found myself having to hold back and just let her go through the motions.  I want her to do well, I mean which mum doesn’t want their own child to do well?  Com’n.

Anyway as I sat there watching not only my child, but the other gymnasts with their coaches and their parents I couldn’t help but think to myself OMG I don’t want to be one of those mums that pressures and pushes and adds on to the coach every time the coach says something – especially at a meet.

Every time after a competition I will ask my kid to evaluate herself honestly and she’s always very honest about her efforts, and she’s tough on herself.  We talk at home but I have to work hard at holding back at the meets to speak to my child in front of every one.  I leave that to the coach. 

I’m being honest here, I have to make that extra effort to just let her go through the motions and hopefully she’ll want to be competitive on her own and not have my voice constantly in her head asking her to point her toes, look up and stick it!

She did better this time round compared to her last meet so I’m happy and so was she. 

Here are some pictures:

warming up for the floor exercise

Balancing Act

trying not too fall.

I was very proud of her effort.

Friday Fave Five – # 3

It’s Friday and it’s the weekend tomorrow.   And I’m sooo looking forward to it.

This week I purposefully slowed down.  I made a choice to really slow down, not to fill up my days but to just hang out with my son during the day and pay closer attention to my girls, their school activities and so on.   It’s been crazy the last couple of weeks and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, so I’m thankful for this slow week. 

Well it is Friday so here is my Fave Five.

1.  Spending time with my son.  Because I consciously made that effort not to have busy, overscheduled days I was able to spend a lot of time with my son.  He is growing, and growing way too fast.  He’s now crawling on his knees and at every opportunity pulls himself.  It’s been wonderful to just be together.  I have a great nanny who loves to be with him so she doesn’t mind when I’m busy so she can be with him.  I realize that it really is only a season.  He will be all grown up soon and will not need me so much so these are precious moments.

2.  Swimming in the afternoons with my kids.  Oh how we are enjoying the clean pool.  It gets so hot these days  that the only quick way too cool down is to get in the pool.  My girls and boy love it.  In fact I love it too, it’s so refreshing. 

3.  New Shoes.  Oh how I love to shop and shop for shoes.  Not only for myself but my son too.    Yes I bought new shoes this week for my little man and myself. (Below photo of my shoes.  My sons shoe pics to come - they’ve been misplaced… already!! lol )

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Nothing makes my heart melt more than hearing my children compliment me.  Especially when I least expect it.  Compliments from my children are priceless.  This week I got not one, not two but three from both girls.  Oh it made me be proud to be a mama.  We do so much and it’s nice to hear a thank you or a compliment.  It goes a long way.

5.  Joy in my heart to know that not only is my 9 year old doing okay at school and she’s doing just okay.  But to hear from her teacher that she has great social skills.  To hear that she’s able to get along with everyone, and that she is well liked.  I know it’s important to be book smart but I am one of those mother’s that wants my children to learn to get along with people of different cultures, and values than hers and to appreciate them.  To learn from them and be tolerant.  Not to necessarily agree with everyone and everything but to be able to respectfully disagree.  So to hear my daughters teacher tell me that she has great social skills made me happy. 

So these are my Fave five.  To share your Fave Five head on over to Living to Tell the Story.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Friday Fave Five – # 3

It’s Friday and it’s the weekend tomorrow.   And I’m sooo looking forward to it.

This week I purposefully slowed down.  I made a choice to really slow down, not to fill up my days but to just hang out with my son during the day and pay closer attention to my girls, their school activities and so on.   It’s been crazy the last couple of weeks and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, so I’m thankful for this slow week. 

Well it is Friday so here is my Fave Five.

1.  Spending time with my son.  Because I consciously made that effort not to have busy, overscheduled days I was able to spend a lot of time with my son.  He is growing, and growing way too fast.  He’s now crawling on his knees and at every opportunity pulls himself.  It’s been wonderful to just be together.  I have a great nanny who loves to be with him so she doesn’t mind when I’m busy so she can be with him.  I realize that it really is only a season.  He will be all grown up soon and will not need me so much so these are precious moments.

2.  Swimming in the afternoons with my kids.  Oh how we are enjoying the clean pool.  It gets so hot these days  that the only quick way too cool down is to get in the pool.  My girls and boy love it.  In fact I love it too, it’s so refreshing. 

3.  New Shoes.  Oh how I love to shop and shop for shoes.  Not only for myself but my son too.    Yes I bought new shoes this week for my little man and myself. (Below photo of my shoes.  My sons shoe pics to come - they’ve been misplaced… already!! lol )

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Nothing makes my heart melt more than hearing my children compliment me.  Especially when I least expect it.  Compliments from my children are priceless.  This week I got not one, not two but three from both girls.  Oh it made me be proud to be a mama.  We do so much and it’s nice to hear a thank you or a compliment.  It goes a long way.

5.  Joy in my heart to know that not only is my 9 year old doing okay at school and she’s doing just okay.  But to hear from her teacher that she has great social skills.  To hear that she’s able to get along with everyone, and that she is well liked.  I know it’s important to be book smart but I am one of those mother’s that wants my children to learn to get along with people of different cultures, and values than hers and to appreciate them.  To learn from them and be tolerant.  Not to necessarily agree with everyone and everything but to be able to respectfully disagree.  So to hear my daughters teacher tell me that she has great social skills made me happy. 

So these are my Fave five.  To share your Fave Five head on over to Living to Tell the Story.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Works For Me Wednesday – String Bags

And it’s probably not what you’re thinking!!

 

Okay so here is something that really works for me.   String bags.  Large string bags. 

I  use  them to put my son in to have his nap.  In fact I have used this for all my 3 children.  My mother used one for all 7 of us (yes even I use to sleep in one) and from where I come from this is totally normal.

I know it looks awkward, and I have had so many questions about it - but  it really does work.

And here is why it works. 

The bag is comfy and cozy. Put a pillow in it (either a soft or firm one) and then put your baby right in.  Then tie  it to the rope already safely secured from the ceiling (I have it hanging from the sliding door).  Hang it on up and swing.  It really is just like a hammock only this is a bag.

You know how we swaddle our babies and how they love that feeling in their first couple of weeks,  well when my son sleeps in his string bag it gives him that snug feeling.  And what’s really great about it is this,  he sleeps really well for at least 2 to maybe 3 hours.  It works for me because sometimes it is difficult to get my son to lie down in his cot -  because he just wants to keep on exploring this world around him.  So by using this he can’t really move about.  I also believe he enjoys the swinging. Who wouldn’t?

It’s great and it works for me.

For more “Works-For-Me Wednesday” head on over to We Are That Family.

Works For Me Wednesday – String Bags

And it’s probably not what you’re thinking!!

 

Okay so here is something that really works for me.   String bags.  Large string bags. 

I  use  them to put my son in to have his nap.  In fact I have used this for all my 3 children.  My mother used one for all 7 of us (yes even I use to sleep in one) and from where I come from this is totally normal.

I know it looks awkward, and I have had so many questions about it - but  it really does work.

And here is why it works. 

The bag is comfy and cozy. Put a pillow in it (either a soft or firm one) and then put your baby right in.  Then tie  it to the rope already safely secured from the ceiling (I have it hanging from the sliding door).  Hang it on up and swing.  It really is just like a hammock only this is a bag.

You know how we swaddle our babies and how they love that feeling in their first couple of weeks,  well when my son sleeps in his string bag it gives him that snug feeling.  And what’s really great about it is this,  he sleeps really well for at least 2 to maybe 3 hours.  It works for me because sometimes it is difficult to get my son to lie down in his cot -  because he just wants to keep on exploring this world around him.  So by using this he can’t really move about.  I also believe he enjoys the swinging. Who wouldn’t?

It’s great and it works for me.

For more “Works-For-Me Wednesday” head on over to We Are That Family.

Wordless Wednesday – It’s Hot Mama!

Like my i-fan?

Wordless Wednesday – It’s Hot Mama!

Like my i-fan?

St. Patrick !

St. Patrick !

Happy Homemaker Monday - #4

Although my Monday has come to an end I will still share.  For more head on over to Sandra @ The Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.

On My Bedside Table:

My Bible

On My TV:

nothing, it’s off.  Although I’m going to watch The Unit on my computer.

On the Menu for tonight:

had chicken again.  Monday’s must be my chicken night.

On My To Do list:

Didn’t do much today except spend the whole day at the hospital with Dad as he did his chemo treatment.   I also took Renee to her gymnastics team photo shoot.

New Recipe I Tried Last Week:

Nothing new. 

In the craft Basket:

Nothing.  Again.

Looking Forward to:

Sleep.  Sleep and more sleep. I’ve just been really  tired lately and this week I don’t have much planned, thankfully.   And also no more doctors appointments for a while.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Clean as you go – seriously this goes a long way and cuts out the need for big clean ups, although you need those every now and then.

Favorite Blog post of the Week: (mine of other):

haven’t been surfing much so no favorites this week.

Favorite photo from last week:

 

Home decor

Lessons learned the past few days:

Being modest and dressing modestly.  But the biggest thing I walked away with is this -  that I am an Ambassador of Christ. First to my family and then to my community.

It can be overwhelming but Phil 4:13 always encourages me.

On My Prayer List:

My husband and kids.

Dad

My Community

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

I CAN

Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength

Happy Homemaker Monday - #4

Although my Monday has come to an end I will still share.  For more head on over to Sandra @ The Diary of a Stay At Home Mom.

On My Bedside Table:

My Bible

On My TV:

nothing, it’s off.  Although I’m going to watch The Unit on my computer.

On the Menu for tonight:

had chicken again.  Monday’s must be my chicken night.

On My To Do list:

Didn’t do much today except spend the whole day at the hospital with Dad as he did his chemo treatment.   I also took Renee to her gymnastics team photo shoot.

New Recipe I Tried Last Week:

Nothing new. 

In the craft Basket:

Nothing.  Again.

Looking Forward to:

Sleep.  Sleep and more sleep. I’ve just been really  tired lately and this week I don’t have much planned, thankfully.   And also no more doctors appointments for a while.

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Clean as you go – seriously this goes a long way and cuts out the need for big clean ups, although you need those every now and then.

Favorite Blog post of the Week: (mine of other):

haven’t been surfing much so no favorites this week.

Favorite photo from last week:

 

Home decor

Lessons learned the past few days:

Being modest and dressing modestly.  But the biggest thing I walked away with is this -  that I am an Ambassador of Christ. First to my family and then to my community.

It can be overwhelming but Phil 4:13 always encourages me.

On My Prayer List:

My husband and kids.

Dad

My Community

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verse:

I CAN

Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength

Modesty – It’s more than just the clothes and my heart. It’s about Representing.

I really enjoyed last weeks series of  “Modest Fashion Week” hosted by Joy @ The Stay-At-Home Missionary.

In the beginning I wasn’t too sure how the series was going to be done,  but I must say I have enjoyed reading all the great posts along with the gorgeous and affordable outfit ideas and reading some if not all of the comments. 

There is a lot I have learnt this past week - not only about myself and my walk with Jesus but that there are some great companies out there run by God fearing and loving women who really just want to love and serve Jesus.  Also seeing and reading the dialogue from women all over who also want to love and serves Jesus the best way we can.  That makes my heart smile.

So like I said I learnt much this past week and I’d like to share. 

I’ve always been able to dress pretty modestly thanks to my culture and upbringing.  I’m so thankful for this because when I became a Christian dressing modestly wasn’t a big stretch for me. I’m not saying that all was perfect and I always dressed appropriately – no not at all.  There were days when I’d have this itch to push the boundaries.  When  my skirts would be a little shorter or my pants/jeans a little tighter.  Oh yeah I had those days. 

Even after I finished college and started working I continued to take care of the way I dressed and how I presented myself as a child of God.  But all this changed not when I got married but after my kids.  I continued to dress modestly but this modesty turned into frumpy and not nice.  I started to cover myself a lot – meaning I would wear that bleach stained t-shirts and stay in sweat pants all day.  I would wear baggy , over sized shirts and put on the shorts and skirts that were just not flattering.  I stopped taking care of myself.  I was so focused on my kids and husband that I forgot to take care of me.  I really just didn’t care how I looked. 

During the week’s series I was reminded that not only am I a wife, and a mother but most importantly I am a child of God.  A daughter of the King of Kings.  His ambassador here on earth.  And by not taking care of myself I am not representing the God that I call Father very well.

Yes modestly is an issue of the heart and it’s all about motive and intent.  And as God’s children beauty is skin deep – always.  But it must manifest, it must come out not only in our actions and the way we conduct ourselves,  but also in the way we dress.

As a mother I want my children to always dress well, to look pretty and cute and handsome because  in some way they represent me as their parent.  Now how much more should I as God’s child take care of the way I look and dress.  Am I not representing God, my Father ?

This is what I have learnt this week. 

That not only do I have to continue to dress modestly but I must take care of myself.  I must take pride in the way I look. Not only for my husband and children but more importantly because I have proclaimed that God is my Father and I am His child.  He is the King and I am his princess.  That wherever I am, I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ.  

Now I need to go out and dress like it……… and represent!

Modesty – It’s more than just the clothes and my heart. It’s about Representing.

I really enjoyed last weeks series of  “Modest Fashion Week” hosted by Joy @ The Stay-At-Home Missionary.

In the beginning I wasn’t too sure how the series was going to be done,  but I must say I have enjoyed reading all the great posts along with the gorgeous and affordable outfit ideas and reading some if not all of the comments. 

There is a lot I have learnt this past week - not only about myself and my walk with Jesus but that there are some great companies out there run by God fearing and loving women who really just want to love and serve Jesus.  Also seeing and reading the dialogue from women all over who also want to love and serves Jesus the best way we can.  That makes my heart smile.

So like I said I learnt much this past week and I’d like to share. 

I’ve always been able to dress pretty modestly thanks to my culture and upbringing.  I’m so thankful for this because when I became a Christian dressing modestly wasn’t a big stretch for me. I’m not saying that all was perfect and I always dressed appropriately – no not at all.  There were days when I’d have this itch to push the boundaries.  When  my skirts would be a little shorter or my pants/jeans a little tighter.  Oh yeah I had those days. 

Even after I finished college and started working I continued to take care of the way I dressed and how I presented myself as a child of God.  But all this changed not when I got married but after my kids.  I continued to dress modestly but this modesty turned into frumpy and not nice.  I started to cover myself a lot – meaning I would wear that bleach stained t-shirts and stay in sweat pants all day.  I would wear baggy , over sized shirts and put on the shorts and skirts that were just not flattering.  I stopped taking care of myself.  I was so focused on my kids and husband that I forgot to take care of me.  I really just didn’t care how I looked. 

During the week’s series I was reminded that not only am I a wife, and a mother but most importantly I am a child of God.  A daughter of the King of Kings.  His ambassador here on earth.  And by not taking care of myself I am not representing the God that I call Father very well.

Yes modestly is an issue of the heart and it’s all about motive and intent.  And as God’s children beauty is skin deep – always.  But it must manifest, it must come out not only in our actions and the way we conduct ourselves,  but also in the way we dress.

As a mother I want my children to always dress well, to look pretty and cute and handsome because  in some way they represent me as their parent.  Now how much more should I as God’s child take care of the way I look and dress.  Am I not representing God, my Father ?

This is what I have learnt this week. 

That not only do I have to continue to dress modestly but I must take care of myself.  I must take pride in the way I look. Not only for my husband and children but more importantly because I have proclaimed that God is my Father and I am His child.  He is the King and I am his princess.  That wherever I am, I am an ambassador of Jesus Christ.  

Now I need to go out and dress like it……… and represent!