Mission Trip to Bulgaria

My husband left this morning on a missions trip to Bulgaria.  

When he first told me that he felt God was calling him to go with our church on the mission trip, I felt calm, at peace, completely in agreement with him.  That alone confirms it to me!  Only God could have produced that kind of a response in me--it is NOT normal for me to act that way when my husband announces he is going to be out of town for over a week! Not at all.  (I'm still haunted by flashbacks of when he was in Saudi Arabia for nearly three months ^_^).  

In fact, I have had to fight to keep that first initial peace that God gave me!  My flesh has been screaming:  "Three kids and not a single break for eight days straight.  How will I survive?  I'll go mad.  They'll go mad.  We'll all go mad!"  If I listen to my flesh for too long, I'm sure that will come true ^_^  But the Truth is that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  God gave me a verse to hold onto during this time, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)  His grace is sufficient for me!  I just have to REMAIN in it!

It is a beautiful and fulfilling role being my husband's helpmeet.  There is nothing that brings me greater joy than to see him walk in his calling as an evangelist and as a missionary here or there or wherever God sends him.  There is so much I still have to learn about being the helper that is perfectly suited to his needs--but this much I have learned--it brings my God glory when I follow my husband wholeheartedly and believe in him unswervingly. 

 I am praying for him and for the people in Bulgaria that desperately need to hear of the hope that can be found in Jesus.

Yesterday, we all went to the park and loved on our man...

and I couldn't resist snapping some pics of my Sweetness...

and my Prince Charming...

and I chased Lil Man all over the park in an attempt to get a picture.  Just one.  But he won.

My Jesus, My Love

During this Passion Week, I've been cherishing the story of the Cross of Christ.  Every day my little boy asks me to read the story about Jesus dying on the Cross to Him.  Every day he is drawn to this story like no other.  We have hundreds of books.  Hundreds.  But He asks for this story in the Bible every night.  

There is something so powerful, so undeniable about the Cross.  Jesus promises that when he is lifted up, He will draw all men to himself.  He was lifted up on a cross.  And the cross can not easily be ignored.  It is the essence of LOVE.  The truest definition.  The most visual, most tangible display of Love the world has ever or will ever know.  All historians the world over agree that Jesus did not deserve to die on that cross.  And even more importantly, He chose to die on the cross--  for us who love him and for those who do not.  He paid the price for sin, even though he himself never sinned.  And the price was steep.  The cost was everything.  

I was visiting Graceful Abandon the other day where Lisa, one of my dear sisters in Christ, had written a tremendous post about the Cost of the Cross.  It was such a precious reminder of the lengths God went to to save us.  If you have a moment, you should read her post on the collision of God and man.   

On this Good Friday, I am filled with love for my Savior, the Sacrifice for my sins.  My heart is just bursting with it.  I'm not sure if I will ever fully understand how much my God had to sacrifice for me, but I know that I am FOREVER GRATEFUL.  He purchased my freedom with his life and he has made my joy complete!

My Jesus, My Savior,

I long to anoint you today and every day, with my love!  I want to bring you joy, to bless your heart.  Thank you, my Jesus, for loving me.  You have withheld nothing from me--not even your very own life.  I want to love you with that same abandon!

Bargain Decorating Files

Bargain Tip #3*:  Buy used furniture and get it professionally cleaned.

I love my avocado chair.  I've been searching for it forever but I needed to find one that was practically free.  (Don't we all?)  So, when I saw this one at a used furniture store I just knew it was THE ONE.  Love at first sight...

Bargain Tip #4:  Paint your own Picasso.

I've never taken a painting class, just basic art classes, but I love to paint.  I'm not the most original artist, however, and you might recognize this painting from the design on a Wal-mart thank you card.  I loved it and I couldn't come up with anything better.  The colors in this painting complement the aqua blue of my walls.  To find out which colors are complementary, pick up a color wheel from your local super-mart, hobby, or paint supply store.  Most color wheels come with instructions on how to find complementary colors.  I've found this to be very helpful in decorating my home!  Eventually, your eye becomes trained to recognize which colors complement each other the best.

Bargain Tip #5:  Don't be afraid of color.  Embrace it.  Color is the single most inexpensive way to give your home a make-over.

Still afraid to "commit" to color?  Try this:  find colors you like in nature and match your paint colors to them.  This is what I did and I haven't regretted it.  Everyone (meaning my husband) was worried about my color choices at first, but when they saw the color on the walls it just looked and felt so natural that they ended up loving it.  Nature is full of color and no one can argue that being outdoors lifts our spirits and rejuvenates us.  Nature is peaceful.  Our homes should be as well.  Bring the colors of the outdoors into your home and you will enjoy it more.  After all, God was the greatest Designer, wasn't He? ^_^

The Fragrance of Faith

I was reminded today what it truly looks like to live at the feet of Jesus.

"When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." Luke 7:37-38

It cost her everything.  Matthew and Mark recount this story as well and we are reminded that this alabaster jar of perfume was costly.  Very costly.  So much so that the Pharisee rebuked the woman for wasting it and not giving it to the poor.  But Jesus defends her saying that "her many sins are forgiven--for she loved much" (Luke 7:47).  And then He looks right at her, love pouring from his eyes, and tells her, "Your faith has saved you, go in peace" (Luke 7:50).

She understood her need for Jesus.  She was desperate for Him.  And nothing was more dear to her than hearing those words come from Her Saviour,

"Your faith has saved you, go in peace."

I watched a beautiful friend of mine go through an intense time of heartache and loss.  Yet she still clung to her Jesus and realized that this loss was her alabaster jar.  It cost her greatly, yet she didn't hold onto it.  She gave it to Him.  This is a poem that God gave me for her.

For You, My Daughter

from Your Father

I have smelled the scent of sweet incense rising

The fragrance of faith filled my throne

When others rebuked her for her abandon

She broke her heart's treasure alone

I gather the tears that puddle my feet

Each one I hold tenderly

The value I place on my daughter's faith

Is found in my own suffering

I have been the scent of sweet incense rising

The fragrance of faith filling the throne

When others rebuked me for my abandon

I broke for you, my heart's treasure, alone

My beloved, the path you trod is not even

And scars you may bear on the way

But your faith is precious to me in my Kingdom

And for your every tear my heart aches

Love, Jesus

At His Feet or On Our Own

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.

 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10: 37-42

While reading this passage in my One Year Bible I couldn't help but notice my rug.  It has stains on it...and it's off-white.  (I know, I know, what was I thinking??)  All day long I've been chasing the twins over that rug, wrestling my Lil Man, vacuuming up crackers, and barely noticing the spots.  I decided I would scrub it tonight, no big deal.  And tonight came and I forgot.  Until I opened my Bible.  Now, suddenly the stains on my rug were on the verge of becoming an obsessive distraction.

I could feel Jesus patiently waiting to have my attention, to hold my eyes in his gaze, to sense that I was truly listening and hearing what He would say.  How often does this very same scenario play out all day?  He's here.  In my home.  And everything I'm doing I'm doing for Him, right?  Or does He only require one thing from me?  To be enthralled by Him.  To be captivated by Him.  To sit at His feet and hide His Words in my heart.  Everyday of my life.

My Dearest Jesus,  

I want my heart to have a Mary attitude.  I want to focus all my love and adoration on you, my Saviour.  I want to always be found at your feet, eager to learn of you, eager to love you.  Come and teach me, Lord!

Jesus Lives in the Heart of a Boy!

"Mommy, read me the story about Jesus dying on the cross again."  It was the fifth night in a row that Lil Man had requested this story, and it was all he could talk about during the day.  I had prayed since before he was born that he would know my Jesus but I was surprised that he was showing so much interest and understanding so early, even though I was saved at the age of three too  (more about that in the previous post).  I just assumed that he was too young.  But the Holy Spirit kept prompting me to share the whole story  (and Lil Man was begging me to!)

Last night, while I told him the story, I decided to ask him some questions to see how much he understood.  I asked him why Jesus had to die and in a very serious and sorrowful whisper he told me "Because of my sin."  I asked him what sin was and he told me.  His little heart was so concerned and the Holy Spirit gently tugged at me.  I shared with him again that once he confessed his sins and asked Jesus into his heart, all his sins would be washed away and that he would belong to Jesus.  I told him that if he ever wanted to ask Jesus into his heart he could pray on his own or come find us and we would be happy to pray with him.  I was ready to move on to the next story  (not wanting to put any pressure on him), when he stopped me and said, "I want to ask Jesus to come into my heart."  My heart soared hearing those words come from my little boy!  We prayed and Lil Man asked Jesus for forgiveness and told him how much he loved him and believed that he died on the cross for him.  He asked Jesus into his heart and it was the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard!

At What Age Can A Child Be Saved?

I found this wonderful Bible tract on children's salvation. It is a must-read for every mother of young children! It is so easy for us sometimes to take simple truths from the Bible and overcomplicate them.  I found myself doing this very same thing concerning my son's salvation.  I have prayed for it daily and shared with him often but I didn't want to overly influence him.  I wanted it to be a choice that he understood well and made independently.  I struggled with how much to share, concerned it would be too hard for him to understand.  But God kept bringing Mark 10:13-15 to my mind, "When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."  

Of course, the age a child is ready to accept Christ will be different with every child--but we should do our best not to assume one is too young to come to Jesus.  I, myself, was saved at the age of three and I remember asking Jesus to come into my heart.  From that day forward, Jesus was my best and closest friend.  We did everything together.  I remember swinging on the playground and inviting Jesus to swing with me.  I even remember telling my friends about Jesus.  I cherish that childhood relationship I had with Jesus and I pray everyday that my children will have the same uncomplicated relationship with Him.

CAN CHILDREN BE SAVED?
Bible Tracts Inc.
------------------------------------------------
Yes! The Lord Jesus said so, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea," (Matthew 18:6).

Jim Moritz was suddenly taken to Glory at the age of four, June 28, 1969. He grew up under the constant hearing of the Gospel in word and in music.

His parents, Pastor and Mrs. Fred Moritz, dedicated him to the Lord before be was born. He knew John 3:16 before he was two years of age.

Saturday, March 15, during evangelistic meetings the evangelist, Allen Northrup, and pastor were still at the church after the service when Mrs. Moritz phoned and said: "Your son says he wants to become a Christian."

The pastor and evangelist tried to talk to the boy that night, but he was very timid and just went to his room.

After the series of meetings, Jim began to speak of having been saved. His father said, "Jim, when were you saved?"

His dad thought that because Jim had raised his hand during the meetings, he might have the false impression that be was saved. But the boy replied: "Dad, when Allen Northrup was here in our church, I went into my room one night, and I sat down by my bed and asked Jesus Christ to save me and be my Saviour,"

After that, whenever his dad or anyone else would question him about his salvation he would say, "Dad, I told you when I was saved. You remember, don't you?" Jim always had the right answers when anyone questioned him about salvation.

On June 9, 1969, Jim came to the door with a little friend and said, "She wants to be saved."

Jim's father led the little girl to Christ. She was saved as a result of Jim's witness.

After Jim's sudden home-going, his testimony lived on, and his parents know of at least eight who have been saved since then because of Jim's salvation and his witness.

How important it is that little children are taught the Gospel. How wonderful that even little children can witness. The plan of salvation is so simple that even a child need not err therein!

Yes, anyone, young or old, who "believes in" Christ has eternal life!

Our Lord said, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life," (John 6:47).

See Matthew 18. In verse 2, we learn that our Lord loves little children, for He "called a little child unto him."

Also, little children can learn to love Him, for when the Lord called this little one to Him, the child came. The little boy was not afraid of the Lord; he did not run from Him-he came to Him!

Now read verse 6 again, and let these words sink into your mind: "these little ones which believe in me."

Yes, thank God, little children can be saved. I was saved at my mothers knee when I was four years old.

Some say, "No one can be saved at the early age of four."

Well, my mother didn't know that, so she just went ahead and led me to Christ! And I didn't know it either, so I just went ahead and received Christ and got saved!

I can't tell you the exact time. I know it was warm enough for us to be out on the front porch, so it had to be sometime between May and October.

I don't remember whether it was morning, noon, or night; I know where it happened-1848 41st Street, Rock Island, Illinois! -

Parents, be sure to lead your little children to Christ. If you explain salvation to them, over and over again, they will understand.

If your little child were suddenly called from this world, what a comfort it would be to say, "I had the joy of leading him or her to Christ."

Remember, our Lord said, "Suffer (allow) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven," (Matthew 19:14).

Yes, you can lead your children to Christ. They will understand if you carefully explain the plan of salvation to them.

Don't say, "If you are a good boy, you'll go to Heaven."

No, he won't!

NOBODY goes to Heaven by "being good" or by being "religious."

By the way, mother or dad, are YOU saved? You know you are a sinner, for God declares, "All have sinned." (See Romans 3:23.) And you know you are a lost sinner, "For the wages of sin is death," (Romans 6:23).

You know that, "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8).

And now that Christ died to bear your sin and rose again, you can be saved forever by trusting in Him and in what He did for you on the cross.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name," (John 1: 12).

Children are saved by receiving the Lord Jesus and trusting in Him. And adults are saved the same way!

Mother and daddy make sure you are saved, and then set. out to win your children to Christ.

Do it now! Before this ungodly, wicked world with its fierce temptations, snares, and pitfalls drags your child into the cesspools of iniquity.

Do it now! Before Satan, through his many agents and helpers, deceives them with false teachings of evolution, new morality, situation ethics, sensitivity training, and sex without morality.

Do it now! Then get into a good, sound, separated, Christ-exalting, Bible-preaching church and see to it that the whole family is there at all the regular services.

Do it now! And begin a daily "family altar" in your home, when you read the Word of God and pray with your family

You will pay an awful price if you don't. You will reap many blessings if you do.

Please read, "7 Important Questions Boys and Girls Ask." You can use it to help you explain the way of salvation to your children, Others have used this tract to lead children to the Saviour. If you will make up your mind to do your best to point your children to the Lord, Then---from your heart, please say this prayer. God helping me, I will do my best to lead my child (or children) to-Christ.

Taken From:  Bible Tracts Inc.
P.O. Box 588, Normal, IL 61761-0588
Free as the Lord provides

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The Way He Holds My Heart

This song has been playing in my heart all day...

See The Way
by Misty Edwards

With just one word from your mouth were the heavens made
with just one breath from your lips the foundations were laid
with just one dream in your heart you have wanted me
with just one pulse of your heart you are wooing me

see the way he holds the stars in his hands
see the way he holds my heart

God is a lover looking for a lover
so he fashions me
God is a lover looking for a lover
so he forms my heart

with just one pulse of your heart
I'm in love


You've Got to Hear it Here:

My Jesus, My Lover, 

You are my desire!  I've been so busy and so weary lately and you've been whispering to my heart, wooing me.  How can I resist you?  But I do.  So often.  I even read my Bible today--but I forgot to invite you to speak to me--I forgot to just LOVE you, to just sit with you and gaze into your soft eyes.  To lean into your loving embrace.  To feel your heartbeat.  There's so much JOY in these moments!  So much peace.  So much strength.  Jesus, your love overwhelms me.  And my tears are tears of joy.  It is amazing to be loved by you.  I'm in love...I'm in love...I'm in love.

All Things Springy

Spring!  What a perfect word.  It just sounds so sprightly delightful.  For once, I agree with the inventor of the english word.  (so many words just don't 'fit' their definitions...like blog?  come on, we could have invented a better word for it than that!  how many of you truly enjoy calling yourself a "blogger"?  ugh.  completely without imagination.)  Anyways, back to Spring!  It is lovely this year.  I don't remember enjoying it half as much last year.  I am immersing myself in all things Easter because I am determined not to miss it!  I always have the best intentions when it comes to holiday decorations and craft projects, but those crazy holidays have a way of sneaking up on me (what?  you mean Christmas was in December again this year???)  So, we've been hunting easter eggs and talking about Jesus bringing new life.  Every day.  And Lil Man and I can't get enough of it.  I want to naturally dye our eggs this time and my Mother-in-law mentioned that this flower (below) will dye eggs a pretty yellow.  So, I'm going to give it a try and hopefully we'll find some other natural dyes...otherwise we'll have dozens of yellow eggs.

 I had to post a picture of these positively endearing little peeps I picked up at a thrift store for a nickel a piece. (cheap. cheap.)

O Wisdom, Where Art Thou

I still have the Bible that my church gave me as a gift for my eighth grade graduation.  I grew up on a ranch in the middle of nowhere  (no, really, you've never been to nowhere until you've been there!)  Our nearest neighbors lived a couple miles away and the nearest town (i.e. small village) was over 30 miles away.  Cattle outnumbered people 10 to 1.  We're talking r-e-m-o-t-e.

Wait, it gets even better.  We didn't have cable, or satellite, or even internet.  Shocking, I know.  I grew up completely out of the loop on Saved by the Bell and Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Everyone I knew was watching 90210 and all we could catch was Bill Nye the Science Guy on the local station.  So, I had a choice.  Either become an avid reader or count cows in the pasture.  I became a bookworm.  I devoured every book I could get my hands on.  I even read the dictionary.  Well, ok, maybe I didn't really read it, but you get the picture.  Looking back on my life on the ranch, though, I wouldn't have changed a thing.  Because it was during that time that I developed a strong foundation in the Word of God.  I pored over the Bible.  I read it and re-read it.  I studied it, slept with it, wept with it, rejoiced with it.  I had such sweet times with my Jesus out there on in the middle of nowhere.  Life wasn't perfect on the ranch.  We had a lot of family issues, to put it very mildly.  But the family problems only drove me closer to Jesus.  He was my rock, my shelter from the storm.  I still have the Bible my church gave me for my eighth grade graduation and inside the cover I wrote this saying that I found:

"I want to master this Book so that the Master of this Book will Master me."

It was sweet to find that old Bible, to re-read my teen and pre-teen scribbles in the columns and the highlighted verses.   I'm so thankful that I will always have that foundation that I built in the Word.  I don't have hours to read like I used to.  I have more responsibilities and demands on my time.  Reading the Bible is now a luxury for me.  But I know what an important luxury it is!  

My spirit must be fed.  And if I don't feed it the Word of God it will starve.  

I meet starving Christians all the time.  I've been a starving Christian many times in my own life.  The bible talks about a famine in the land in the last days of hearing the word of the Lord. (Amos  8:11 )  I believe we are in that famine.  And when you're hungry, you'll eat anything.  False doctrines, worldly wisdom, and new age "spirituality" are springing up everywhere!  And many brothers and sisters in Christ are sinking their teeth into some dangerous lies.

We all desire wisdom...and the enemy of our souls knows this.  That is why Satan's first attempt to destroy Adam and Eve was very well calculated.  He used wisdom as the bait and we all know that they took it-- hook, line, and sinker.  They wanted to be like God.  And we are no different.  We want to understand things that only God will ever know and our pride wants the accolades of wisdom.  God wants to give us wisdom.  But it is a humble wisdom that He bestows on those who ask for it.  Christ was full of the wisdom of God and He "...being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing..." (Phil. 2: 5)   As Christians, we should imitate Christ and hold unswervingly to the message of the gospel as it is written in the God-inspired, living, Word of God.  

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:   "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?"  I Cor. 1: 18-20

The gospel of Jesus is so simple.  So very simple.  God made it simple for a reason:  so that all may be saved and rescued by His Love.  The message of the cross is one of incredible sacrifice, unheard of love, undeserved mercy, and amazing grace.  The message of the cross is that  "...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)  And that is the most important thing we will ever know or understand.

Misadventures in Mothering

Boss Man looking so innocent...and clean!

Thankfully, the twins are in separate cribs right now.  They shared a crib for only about four months and then they got too wiggly and I started to worry that they might kick each other in the head.  So, they each have their own crib and incidents like this morning's make me all the more thankful for that!!  When we went to get Boss Man out of his crib, we were met with quite a surprise!  He had pulled his diaper off and was playing in the poo. It was everywhere!  Luckily it wasn't in his mouth...YET!  Mothering is not for the faint of heart!

Rainy days and egg heads

It's been raining lately and we've all been a bit out of sorts...

but we're still crafty...

and made these lil egg heads.  We planted beans in them.  Afterwards Lil Man ran outside with the rest of the beans and buried them (I have no idea where, but will soon find out).

We named them of course.  Ed and Ted the Egg Heads.

Then we brought a muddy bike inside  (please, mom, the rain will ruin the engine)...

While Boss Man (Mr. Personality) managed to escape being dressed...

and eat paper. ^_^

And I failed at Spring Cleaning in the Spirit (see earlier post) today.  I've been partying a little too late (BLOG partying, folks!  sheesh ^_^)  I've just met so many amazing women and I can't wait to post links to the beautiful blogs I've discovered.  But, there is a balance and I didn't achieve it today.  I'm just so glad my God's mercies are new every morning!

My Jesus,  I can't wait to start over tomorrow, to put you first so that you can fill me with your joy, flood me with your peace and guide me with your Holy Spirit.  Thank you for your mercy and your unending patience with me.  I love you, my Jesus.  I can't wait for the morning.

Alphabet Crackers

We've been getting crafty at our house.  I'm always looking for more "hands on" learning activities and  I've found a definite winner--Alphabet Crackers!   We've done this one twice now.  I discovered it in the back of our Preschool Pencil-Pal Workbook (2008 School Zone Publishing Company) and my Lil Man loves to make these (and eat them!)

The Ingredients:

1/2 c. flour, 1/8 tsp. garlic salt, 2 T. sesame seeds (or flaxseed), 3 T. cold butter, and 2 T. ice water

The Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl and cut the cold butter into it.  Stir until crumbly then add ice water and mix into a ball.  Roll out pieces of the dough to form tubes about as wide as a pencil.  Create the letters of the alphabet and place them on a cookie sheet, flattening them slightly.  Bake for 15 min.  Let  'em cool and make names and words with the letters (quickly--before you eat them all!)  Have fun!

Praying for Stellan!

I just became aware of an urgent prayer request!  My prayers are with little Stellan and his family! For more information just click on the picture. You can grab this button and post it on your site as well--let's join together as the Family of God and pray, pray, pray!

Spiritual Spring Cleaning

I could post some inspiration for spring cleaning...

But it almost seems a sin to stay inside all day when the weather outside is so beautiful and downright springy! 

My house definitely needs some elbow grease and could use a very healthy dose of organizing, but it will have to wait.  Just a little bit longer.  Because my spirit is in need of some spring cleaning as well.  God is showing me just how important it is to let Him shine His light into every room of my soul and clean some things up!

Here's my Spiritual Spring Cleaning List:

1. Throw away some junk.

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you."  James 1:21

It is so important in my relationship with Jesus to make sure I am serving Him out of a pure, undivided heart.  It is vital that I know the Word of God--what He stands for and what He does not.  The enemy of my heart has a very specific agenda and his opinions are being spouted everywhere and accepted as the "norm"  all too often.  It's easy to let the lines get blurred and start allowing ungodly attitudes, mindsets, and cultural beliefs to creep in.  They gotta go!

2.  Deodorize and Prioritize.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6: 33

I smell something funny.  Oh!  It's me burning time and misplacing my priorities!

I get so busy and lose track of time very easily.  I say I'm going to read my Bible, but before I know it, half the day is gone and I haven't gotten my Word time in yet.  No wonder I start to crash--I really can't make it without God's spirit breathing life into me.  God's been whispering, "Put me first and I will sustain you."  I have to be intentional about my time with God and guard that time.  God comes first, my husband should be second, and then my children.  I have to be honest, the last couple weeks it's looked more like this:  my children, me, God, my husband.  That's gotta change--and quickly!  I've decided to make a little schedule that specifies what time each day I will spend reading my Bible and chatting with Jesus, and what time of the day I can get on the computer and for how long.  I've also made a list of my husband's favorite meals, and I've planned little surprises and notes to send with him to work.  I'm going to try extra hard to greet My Honey with a smile and a cheerful disposition when he comes home.

3.  Rest!

In the words of Jesus, "Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  Matthew 11: 29-30

Living freely and lightly.  That's what spring looks like in the spirit.

Jesus and a boy

"Mommy, I see Jesus riding on the clouds."

My Lil Man sees Jesus everywhere.  And I love it.

"Mommy, Jesus must get wet when it rains.  Does He like to get wet?"

"Well, honey, I don't know.  Let's ask Him."

So we did.

"Mommy, Jesus likes to whisper, doesn't he?"

"Yes, the Holy Spirit is sometimes a still, small voice."

"So we have to listen."

"Yes, baby, we have to be quiet and listen."

I always want my children to know that they can ask Jesus anything.  And expect an answer!  

I think Jesus wants me to know the same thing.

Get Your Party On!

Are you ready to PAH-TY? (for all you moms--that is slang for party not potty!)

I'm gettin' my bloggin' groove on and gearing up to win some great prizes!

Yes, PRIZES i.e.  free loot!

Check it out and join the fun!  You don't have to be a blogger to win some great stuff.

Welcome to my place!  I'm a relatively new kid on the blog block.  I'm a stay-at-home mom of a preschooler and twins.  I fight evil laundry, eliminate boogers, rescue lost toys from the toilet, and save the world one day at a time. 

I get a kick out of meeting new people.

I love my Jesus, my hubby, my kids, the color of the sky, decorating and creme brulee ice cream.  Yum.

And about saving the world...this is a random picture my beautiful next door friend took yesterday of me and a globe.  Which is another story...

Here are the top three prizes I'm crossing my fingers to win in this year's Ultimate Blog Party:

* Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer by Moms Who Think  (value of $349.99!)

* Custom Blog Design by Sweet 'n Simple Design

* Handmade Retro Apron by Kati @ Country Girl, City Life, and BoojiBoo

These are some other great prizes I'll be keeping my eye on: INTL 23, US 21, 22, 23, 53, USC 32

Most of all, I'm looking forward to meeting you!  

Look Who's Walking!

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I love it.  Astair and Boston are walking!  Boston is practically running (hence the blurry pictures above)!  My mommy heart is so proud of them, but there's a bittersweetness in this milestone as well, this graduation from babyhood to toddlerhood.  I'm reminded again how fast time flies when you're having kids!  I find myself rocking them a little longer, holding them a little tighter, breathing in their baby softness.   

It just seems natural for them to accomplish milestones together.  Astair crawled before Boston, but after watching her scoot around a lot faster than he was, it didn't take long for him to catch on.  This time Boston was the first one to walk, and of course Astair couldn't resist getting the loads of attention Boston was raking in with every step.  Their little hearts are so eager to please.  

I'm beginning to notice that the twins really do have a special bond.  They are always together.  They follow one another around everywhere and are so amused by the other's antics.  When I nurse them  (and I do nurse them simultaneously for the most part) they love to hold hands and poke each other in the face.  Astair usually wakes up a good bit before Boston but when she hears him start to rouse, she gets so excited and hustles her little self into their room.  She giggles and grins when she sees him.  But, alas, what would love be without war?  I play referee all day!  They always want what the other one has!  Never mind that they already have the exact same thing.

Mmmm....my babies are walking.  And they have such sweet little feet.

Potty Training?

Yes, I made it small for a reason!  I can't believe I'm posting this!  I can't even believe we took a PICTURE of this!  It's horrible, I know.  We are awful parents.