Lately, I have been reading quite a bit of Ann's writing at " A Holy Experience". Her way with words is so soothing to my troubled mind. Here's something I read today that I really wanted to share with all of you. Mothers or not, we all have these days. Click here and find grace.
♥Julie♥
Showing posts with label being real. Show all posts
Showing posts with label being real. Show all posts
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
~a God stop~
Last night, I was thumbing through my new Bible I had just received in the mail. What I already LOVE about this Bible is the 1 minute thought starters that are placed throughout the book! This is what the packaging box says about those, "Throughout this Bible you will find fifty-two one -minute thought starters that let you dip into God's word for a minute of refreshment. To go deeper, each one of these Thought-Starters is followed by an option for a five-minute Reflect and Pray or a ten-minute Study to help you to learn even more about what God's word has to say to you today."
Anyway, as I was going through it trying to find something that applies to my right now, I came across this one:
RESTORE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
What's that, again, God??????
Restore your Relationships.
And, it continued on and I knew I was out of my comfort zone:
1 minute: "If you ...remember that your brother has something against you...go and be reconciled to your brother." Matthew 5:23-24
'Forgiveness from God coupled with responsibility toward the other person are key to restoring relationships. In Jesus' eyes, broken relationships are always our responsibility. If someone has something against us, He calls us to go and make it right. If we have something against another, we're responsible to take the initiative to settle our differences (Matt. 18:15). It's not always comfortable, but it is always the right thing to do. Do whatever it takes to restore the relationship. Do it because it pleases God and because your relationships will be richer for it.
5 minutes:
Reflect and Pray: What are some ways you might need to reconcile your relationship with God? What relationship did you once enjoy that has since unraveled? What are steps you could take to restore that relationship?
10 minute: Study:
Turn to pg. 1151 for additional verses on Your Relationships. Look up and pray through some of the verses to learn more on this topic.
Word to take with you today: RESTORE
Wow. I could write a book on my struggles with relationships. I try, really I do but sometimes I give up. But, according to the study I am doing, it doesn't matter to Jesus. I need to get over myself and my hurt feelings and reach out. Even if I get kicked in the teeth (which is the case with a few people) I need to keep trying. For my sake. For my husband's sake. For the sake of my children. Because God says to do it. And that should be enough motivation to try.
This being a Christian stuff is hard sometimes. But oh-so-ever worth it!!!
♥Julie♥
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
~in my opinion, it's the man that makes the clothes, not the other way around...~
"The clothes make the man"???? In my opinion, not hardly! Thoreau has some very interesting things to say about honest work and true manhood. Read on:
"No man ever stood the lower in my estimation for having a patch in his clothes; yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched clothes, than to have a sound conscience."
"I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes. If there is not a new man, how can the new clothes be made to fit?"
Above quotes from Walden, by Thoreau.
I found these quotes, although I have read them before, at Transformations, a lovely little blog. It would be worth your time to hop on over and read for a bit. Very encouraging lovely blog!
"No man ever stood the lower in my estimation for having a patch in his clothes; yet I am sure that there is greater anxiety, commonly, to have fashionable, or at least clean and unpatched clothes, than to have a sound conscience."
"I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes. If there is not a new man, how can the new clothes be made to fit?"
Above quotes from Walden, by Thoreau.
I found these quotes, although I have read them before, at Transformations, a lovely little blog. It would be worth your time to hop on over and read for a bit. Very encouraging lovely blog!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Please pray for me....
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Proverbs 26:3 NIV
I would truly appreciate your prayers for me today. I am having a very rough week, struggling with anxiety and overall, just not being able to get it all together and feeling terribly tired and stressed and just really needing a break! I know, it is not anything terrible or life altering but I just really feel that I need prayer. I feel like I am grasping at straws and I really HATE that feeling!
Anyway, so please if you can spare the time, pray for me today. I am driving an hour and a half to take all 3 kids to the pediatrician and it's just going to be a rough day.
Love you all and always praying for you!
~Julie~
Friday, January 22, 2010
Reasons why I am not a perfect mother,but my chilren love me, anyway...
*Disclaimer: I say this not to be proud but actually, because I have been extremely hard on myself, lately and my husband, being the encourager that he is, suggested I write a list of why I am not perfect but my children love me anyway...LOL...so, here it is!! Enjoy and I would love to read your list, as well!! :)
(Image from Allposters.com)
* I occasionally feed them chocolate cake for breakfast (oh, yes, I have...and many other "sugary" delights, at times!)
* We do NOT do "proper" sit down school every day of the week. We are lucky to get "sit down school" done 3 days a week. The rest of the time, we read. Yes, we read. Whatever the girls want to read and even now, Drew will climb in my lap with his book of choice for reading and cuddles on the couch. :)
* We get happy meals. :)
* I let my kids watch movies...(not PG-13 or R movies...children's movies and some classics) and we eat popcorn and have snacks...we do this at least twice a week :)
* We make huge messes! We play LOUD music! We have music and art,almost every day!! This is one of my favorite times with my children! We put on some Christian music and we dance and/or create while listening to the music...you would NOT believe the wonderful discussions we have (especially as Claire gets older) and the beautiful artwork they do for "God and Jesus"..it's precious and so amazing to me!!
* My kitchen is sometimes a huge disaster! My kids help me cook almost every single meal and snack! Claire will be 5 in just 3 weeks...sniff. She already knows how to make so many things! She has recipes almost completely memorized!!
*My house is not spotless. At all. I have various "collections" of rocks, flowers, anything my kids find that interest them and they want Mommy to have! I have watched many kid's faces fall when they bring a new found treasure to their mom and she says in a stern voice, "Put that down" or "Just what I need, more junk!" I have found that my children are much more likely to share with me their thoughts and dreams and we are just closer if I just take that little bit of time to recognize and acknowledge their gift to me. When they give you something they found or picked, they are giving you a part of themselves. They are giving you a glimpse into their soul. Take the time. Appreciate their thoughtfulness. You are the most important influence in their little lives. Be gentle and let them know they are worthy of your time. :)
* We have our moments. My kids are kids and they try me, at times.I am learning right along beside them. Sometimes, I yell. I am too harsh with my words or punishment.(Rachel has a post worth reading about this) At times, I have wondered why in the world God ever answered my prayers for children! But, in the end, my children love me. I apologize when I am wrong and I sincerely try to correct myself and do better. I try with all my being to be the mother they need me to be. And, if I were a betting woman, I would say that you do, too. You are a WONDERFUL mother. You are the mother your children need. BE that mother. Don't let the world tell you otherwise!!! You have all you need to do the job-you are a child of the ALMIGHTY GOD!!!! Nothing is impossible with HIM!! If you mess up (and we all do) HE is there with HIS amazing GRACE!!! Now, go, ......be the Mama you were created to be!! =D
~Julie~
(Image from Allposters.com)
* I occasionally feed them chocolate cake for breakfast (oh, yes, I have...and many other "sugary" delights, at times!)
* We do NOT do "proper" sit down school every day of the week. We are lucky to get "sit down school" done 3 days a week. The rest of the time, we read. Yes, we read. Whatever the girls want to read and even now, Drew will climb in my lap with his book of choice for reading and cuddles on the couch. :)
* We get happy meals. :)
* I let my kids watch movies...(not PG-13 or R movies...children's movies and some classics) and we eat popcorn and have snacks...we do this at least twice a week :)
* We make huge messes! We play LOUD music! We have music and art,almost every day!! This is one of my favorite times with my children! We put on some Christian music and we dance and/or create while listening to the music...you would NOT believe the wonderful discussions we have (especially as Claire gets older) and the beautiful artwork they do for "God and Jesus"..it's precious and so amazing to me!!
* My kitchen is sometimes a huge disaster! My kids help me cook almost every single meal and snack! Claire will be 5 in just 3 weeks...sniff. She already knows how to make so many things! She has recipes almost completely memorized!!
*My house is not spotless. At all. I have various "collections" of rocks, flowers, anything my kids find that interest them and they want Mommy to have! I have watched many kid's faces fall when they bring a new found treasure to their mom and she says in a stern voice, "Put that down" or "Just what I need, more junk!" I have found that my children are much more likely to share with me their thoughts and dreams and we are just closer if I just take that little bit of time to recognize and acknowledge their gift to me. When they give you something they found or picked, they are giving you a part of themselves. They are giving you a glimpse into their soul. Take the time. Appreciate their thoughtfulness. You are the most important influence in their little lives. Be gentle and let them know they are worthy of your time. :)
* We have our moments. My kids are kids and they try me, at times.I am learning right along beside them. Sometimes, I yell. I am too harsh with my words or punishment.(Rachel has a post worth reading about this) At times, I have wondered why in the world God ever answered my prayers for children! But, in the end, my children love me. I apologize when I am wrong and I sincerely try to correct myself and do better. I try with all my being to be the mother they need me to be. And, if I were a betting woman, I would say that you do, too. You are a WONDERFUL mother. You are the mother your children need. BE that mother. Don't let the world tell you otherwise!!! You have all you need to do the job-you are a child of the ALMIGHTY GOD!!!! Nothing is impossible with HIM!! If you mess up (and we all do) HE is there with HIS amazing GRACE!!! Now, go, ......be the Mama you were created to be!! =D
~Julie~
Monday, January 11, 2010
a bit of wisdom from the late President Reagan...
“To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last — but eat you he will.” Ronald Reagan
thoughts, anyone?????
thoughts, anyone?????
Friday, January 8, 2010
The garden of our children's hearts...
From Today's Proverbs 31 ministries devotional:
What if we considered our children's hearts and lives as a garden? The principles of sowing and reaping apply as well. Every day we sow into those "gardens" through our words, behavior, and the disciplines we teach them. However, just like a vegetable garden, if we plant carrot seeds, we will reap carrots – not corn. Consequently, if we sow negative seeds of discouragement, we will reap despair. If we sow seeds of impatience, we will reap frustration. If we sow seeds of laziness, we will reap stress.
Conversely, if we sow healthy seeds of good choices, we will reap self-discipline. If we sow seeds of patience, we will reap peace. If we sow seeds of perseverance, we will reap success. Our children's hearts are rich soil prepared by God to receive good seed. As conscientious gardeners, we need to plant those that will reap a harvest in our children's lives and prepare them for service in the kingdom of God.
What if you don't see results right away? That's normal. After a few days, the farmer doesn't get frustrated with slow growth and rip the seeds out of the ground. No. The farmer continues to water the soil, shoo the birds away, and pull the weeds. The farmer protects the seed until it has a chance to grow in its own time.
God designed our children to grow and flouris h with love and care. However, failure can be the weeds in our children's lives. Weeds don't destroy the good seed, they just leech the nutrients out of the soil limiting the growth of the plant. Failure doesn't destroy our children's potential; it just removes the enthusiasm from their hearts.
In order to overcome the pain and heartache of failure, children need a parent who will step in with fresh water and bright sunlight, while replacing the weeds with healthy seed. With this tender care, perseverance and self-discipline will grow and develop. Then in time, our children will produce a harvest of confidence. May we be gardeners who don't give up until the harvest.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your almighty power and wisdom. Thank You for making me with potential to grow and change. Help me to see that same potential in those I love and to become a gardener of healthy seed in their lives. Help me to see failure as something to overcome, not stop me for a live of obedience. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
*Now, I am off to sow some good seeds!!! Have a blessed day!!
~Julie~
What if we considered our children's hearts and lives as a garden? The principles of sowing and reaping apply as well. Every day we sow into those "gardens" through our words, behavior, and the disciplines we teach them. However, just like a vegetable garden, if we plant carrot seeds, we will reap carrots – not corn. Consequently, if we sow negative seeds of discouragement, we will reap despair. If we sow seeds of impatience, we will reap frustration. If we sow seeds of laziness, we will reap stress.
Conversely, if we sow healthy seeds of good choices, we will reap self-discipline. If we sow seeds of patience, we will reap peace. If we sow seeds of perseverance, we will reap success. Our children's hearts are rich soil prepared by God to receive good seed. As conscientious gardeners, we need to plant those that will reap a harvest in our children's lives and prepare them for service in the kingdom of God.
What if you don't see results right away? That's normal. After a few days, the farmer doesn't get frustrated with slow growth and rip the seeds out of the ground. No. The farmer continues to water the soil, shoo the birds away, and pull the weeds. The farmer protects the seed until it has a chance to grow in its own time.
God designed our children to grow and flouris h with love and care. However, failure can be the weeds in our children's lives. Weeds don't destroy the good seed, they just leech the nutrients out of the soil limiting the growth of the plant. Failure doesn't destroy our children's potential; it just removes the enthusiasm from their hearts.
In order to overcome the pain and heartache of failure, children need a parent who will step in with fresh water and bright sunlight, while replacing the weeds with healthy seed. With this tender care, perseverance and self-discipline will grow and develop. Then in time, our children will produce a harvest of confidence. May we be gardeners who don't give up until the harvest.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your almighty power and wisdom. Thank You for making me with potential to grow and change. Help me to see that same potential in those I love and to become a gardener of healthy seed in their lives. Help me to see failure as something to overcome, not stop me for a live of obedience. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
*Now, I am off to sow some good seeds!!! Have a blessed day!!
~Julie~
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Please pray for me....
"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past." Isaiah 43:18
Please pray for me right now!!! I am having some major struggles and I desperately need healing from the past...God has redeemed me but Satan is trying to snare me in and make me feel unworthy and angry. I truly do need your prayers and thank you so much for taking the time to pray for me!!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
my fervent prayer..
Father,
I want so much to be consumed with YOU. Not with blogger, facebook, internet, the latest and newest things. I want more of YOU and the blessings you have poured upon me. Not more of this world and the emptiness it brings. Lord, heal me, mold me and shape me into your image. In Jesus most precious name,
Amen.
I want so much to be consumed with YOU. Not with blogger, facebook, internet, the latest and newest things. I want more of YOU and the blessings you have poured upon me. Not more of this world and the emptiness it brings. Lord, heal me, mold me and shape me into your image. In Jesus most precious name,
Amen.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
silly lily...
Oh, how I LOVE this baby girl!!! She is definitely proving to be a challenge to raise but you got to love her strong will and innovativeness! One thing's for sure, it's definitely NEVER boring around here! :)
Menu Plan (revised)...
I hate it when I mess up my menu plan! It really stinks. But, I think this will turn out okay. I took a package of steak out of the freezer to thaw instead of a roast and didn't realize it until it was too late so we went ahead and had some ravioli I had in the freezer on Monday night(I will explain why in another post!). Tonight we are having the steaks and well, I didn't get to go to the grocery store until today, I had to shop without a list (I left mine at home) and well, here's the revised version! Just keeping it real, folks! :)
Monday: Cheese Ravioli w/spaghetti sauce, french bread & salad
Tuesday: Grilled steaks, baked potatoes and salad
Wednesday: Red Beans & Rice, salad
Thursday: Angel Chicken, brown rice, salad
Friday: Breakfast for supper or sandwiches
Saturday: Calzones, salad
Sunday: Sour cream & Bacon Chicken, stir fried broccoli, baked sweet potatoes w/cinnamon butter, apple dumplings
well, that's it!! Just keeping it real. It was a real circus around here on Monday and not much got accomplished! So, we are doing easy peasy this week!
~Julie~
Monday: Cheese Ravioli w/spaghetti sauce, french bread & salad
Tuesday: Grilled steaks, baked potatoes and salad
Wednesday: Red Beans & Rice, salad
Thursday: Angel Chicken, brown rice, salad
Friday: Breakfast for supper or sandwiches
Saturday: Calzones, salad
Sunday: Sour cream & Bacon Chicken, stir fried broccoli, baked sweet potatoes w/cinnamon butter, apple dumplings
well, that's it!! Just keeping it real. It was a real circus around here on Monday and not much got accomplished! So, we are doing easy peasy this week!
~Julie~
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
PCOS...
Kids are napping and I have a few minutes so, I am going ot write about something that has affected my life and the lives of many other women, many who do not even know what is wrong or that there may be anything wrong with them...
I HATE the above initials. I really do. PCOS has caused so much grief in my life and in the lives of a lot of people close to me. If you want to read more please click on the link above. My PCOS was in a sort of "remission" for a few years, thus, all 3 babies that I was able to have after hormone treatment during my pregnancy with Claire. Currently, it is back in FULL FORCE!!!
I have been doing research and taking some herbal things. Currently, Vitex and a Vitamin B complex. I am trying really hard to figure out a way to do mostly a low carb diet without killing myself & my family (Charlie has high blood pressure) with a lot of high fat stuff. Low-carb diets have proven very beneficial to PCOS sufferers and I am firmly convinced, as is my doctor, that is how I conceived Claire in the first place!
RIght now, I am struggling with about a 20 lb weight gain (in the past 3 months!!) excess facial hair, acne (I haven't had acne this bad since I was 14), depression, anxiety, mood swings, always hungry, SOOOOO tired, achy, bloated and a sore tummy (from the ovarian cysts) not to mention a few other symptoms. :( I am NOT a happy camper... so, I am trying some new things:
*Exercising with either walking DVD (3-5 miles a day) or "The Shred" 3-5 times a week, at least!! I would do it every day, but I am being real, it's probably NOT going to happen every.single. day. with 3 kids and homeschooling!!
*Sam-E- for depression and anxiety.
*Low carb diet...the best I can do.. it's expensive and hard to do with small children but I am going to do the best I can. Some things I am going to try: *keeping deviled eggs and cheese sticks in the fridge, chicken salads and egg salads made up for lunch, trying to STAY AWAY from the breads and desserts...I will allow myself to cheat only on the weekends (by doing this before, it was the only way to stick with it, to allow myself "small" cheats on the weekends, I could make it through the week and saw results quicker).
If any of you suffer from PCOS, do you have anything to share that has worked for you?? More people suffer from this than they know so if any of the symptoms sound familiar, please have it checked out. Although, to warn you, some doctors are not very good at diagnosing this. I went for YEARS without knowing what was wrong with me!!
Hope this helps someone and if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer what I can.
~Julie~
I HATE the above initials. I really do. PCOS has caused so much grief in my life and in the lives of a lot of people close to me. If you want to read more please click on the link above. My PCOS was in a sort of "remission" for a few years, thus, all 3 babies that I was able to have after hormone treatment during my pregnancy with Claire. Currently, it is back in FULL FORCE!!!
I have been doing research and taking some herbal things. Currently, Vitex and a Vitamin B complex. I am trying really hard to figure out a way to do mostly a low carb diet without killing myself & my family (Charlie has high blood pressure) with a lot of high fat stuff. Low-carb diets have proven very beneficial to PCOS sufferers and I am firmly convinced, as is my doctor, that is how I conceived Claire in the first place!
RIght now, I am struggling with about a 20 lb weight gain (in the past 3 months!!) excess facial hair, acne (I haven't had acne this bad since I was 14), depression, anxiety, mood swings, always hungry, SOOOOO tired, achy, bloated and a sore tummy (from the ovarian cysts) not to mention a few other symptoms. :( I am NOT a happy camper... so, I am trying some new things:
*Exercising with either walking DVD (3-5 miles a day) or "The Shred" 3-5 times a week, at least!! I would do it every day, but I am being real, it's probably NOT going to happen every.single. day. with 3 kids and homeschooling!!
*Sam-E- for depression and anxiety.
*Low carb diet...the best I can do.. it's expensive and hard to do with small children but I am going to do the best I can. Some things I am going to try: *keeping deviled eggs and cheese sticks in the fridge, chicken salads and egg salads made up for lunch, trying to STAY AWAY from the breads and desserts...I will allow myself to cheat only on the weekends (by doing this before, it was the only way to stick with it, to allow myself "small" cheats on the weekends, I could make it through the week and saw results quicker).
If any of you suffer from PCOS, do you have anything to share that has worked for you?? More people suffer from this than they know so if any of the symptoms sound familiar, please have it checked out. Although, to warn you, some doctors are not very good at diagnosing this. I went for YEARS without knowing what was wrong with me!!
Hope this helps someone and if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer what I can.
~Julie~
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Oh, how I needed to read this!! ....
*The following was taken from an article I had clipped from something and placed in my housekeeping binder (more on that later, if you want the info, it's really easy & helpful). As I read this today, I became more convicted of my actions at times and how God restores me time and again! Thank God for His abundant GRACE that is anew every morning....(the highlighted ones are what I have struggled with recently).
~if Mom is sour, the children are cranky;
~if Mom is irritable, the children are antsy;
~if Mom is angry, the children live on eggshells;
~if Mom is distracted, the children run amuck;
~if Mom is undisciplined, the house becomes unkempt;
~if Mom is ungrateful, the children develop a sense of entitlement;
~if Mom is addicted to tv or internet, the house, the children, and her husband suffer;
~if Mom despises herself physically or any other way, her husband suffers for lack of intimacy;
~if Mom is petty or obsessed with material things, her children are shallow and her husband feels used;
~if Mom lives in a world without forgiveness, her children and her husband will never experience the deepest love she may have to offer
~if Mom is sour, the children are cranky;
~if Mom is irritable, the children are antsy;
~if Mom is angry, the children live on eggshells;
~if Mom is distracted, the children run amuck;
~if Mom is undisciplined, the house becomes unkempt;
~if Mom is ungrateful, the children develop a sense of entitlement;
~if Mom is addicted to tv or internet, the house, the children, and her husband suffer;
~if Mom despises herself physically or any other way, her husband suffers for lack of intimacy;
~if Mom is petty or obsessed with material things, her children are shallow and her husband feels used;
~if Mom lives in a world without forgiveness, her children and her husband will never experience the deepest love she may have to offer
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
what my children need from me....
pg. 33 "The Ministry of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson
"What matters to them is my loving presence............ And that's what my children need from me. If I want them to be open to my messages, I need to be willing to serve them-to voluntarily give up my rights and my time to meet their felt needs-just as Jesus was willing to give for his disciples."
This gave me something to think about for awhile... actually, from now on, may I never forget these words. Something I really needed to hear today.
"What matters to them is my loving presence............ And that's what my children need from me. If I want them to be open to my messages, I need to be willing to serve them-to voluntarily give up my rights and my time to meet their felt needs-just as Jesus was willing to give for his disciples."
This gave me something to think about for awhile... actually, from now on, may I never forget these words. Something I really needed to hear today.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
8 things about Julie.....
*I've read these on a few different blogs before and I have been tagged at some point and just didn't do it but today I just felt like I needed to relax and do something mindless, so here goes:
These are not neccasarily in any particular order, just what popped in my mind first! :)
8 TV Shows I Watch:
don't have 8. we don't have cable(gasp!) But, here is what I do watch, when I watch T.V.:
*Food Network
*Project Runway
*What Not to Wear
*Jon & Kate plus 8
*Sports/ESPN/Nascar
Favorite Restaurants:
1) Papa Pablano's
2) Pete's Place
3) Red Lobster
4) Olive Garden
5) Steven's Gap
6) Ringold Cafe
7) Lin Cuisine (seriously, it's not Lean Cuisine, either)
8) don't have one... we don't eat out much!
8 Things that Happened to Me Today:
1) I got up at 8:30 am (which NEVER happens).
2) It started my day off terrible.
3) I made a loaf of apple pie bread with Claire & Lily
4) I rocked Drew to sleep multiple times because he wouldn't go to sleep on his own today (he feels bad with a cold and his gums)
5) I did 4 loads of laundry this morning in between everything else
6) I put chicken breasts in the crockpot for supper tonight(I think) I will post that recipe later
7) I read my Bible(Psalms 2 and Proverbs 2) and a chapter of Created to be his help meet and my days in The Love Dare
8)sang church songs with the kids.listened to Claire "read" the baby Jesus story to Lily. :)
8 Things I Look Forward To:
1) Having a fun day with the kids tomorrow. We are going to get Daddy's check and out to lunch. Also to buy "Fireproof" as one of Charlie's romantic surprises (see :The Love Dare)
2) Reading Psalms tomorrow; LOVING Psalms!
3) Getting my running shoes SOON!!!
4) Date night with Charlie this weekend (hopefully) we haven't gotten to have one in over 2 months. WAY overdue!
5) Going to see my sister and her family soon!
6)Going to church & seeing family(hopefully) tomorrow night or this weekend!
7) Claire's 4th Birthday (February 15th) Having a Princess party!!
8) Going shopping in Texarkana & in Tulsa/Fayetville/wherever with my little sis!!!!
9) My sister coloring my hair (AGAIN) when did I start going GRAY?!!!
8 Things I Wish For:
1)that my children will love Jesus more than anything in this world!!!
2) God to give my husband a CLEAR direct answer on some things he is praying about right now!
3) For a NEW computer (probably will get one in the next couple of weeks; YAY!!!)
4) That God will use me to make a difference!
5) For God to help me not take the attacks of others so personally. For me to be more understanding and forgiving when others attack me or have something against me. To pray for them and look into myself to see where I may have caused this reaction from them and if I did nothing, just let it go...
6) That I could show my husband more and more how much he means to me. He is the most important person in my life. He is my ROCK.... He is the most amazing blessing God has ever given me.. I love him so very much....
7) That my children will grow up to be best friends. Always.
8) That I can love ALL types of people. Even those who don't love me.(see #5)
8 People I Tag:
*Denise
*Crystal
*Darcy
*Sarah
*Paul (made you blog, didn't I?) Ha! :)
*Charlie (you'll do it for love, right, baby? lol) :)
*Lori Anne
*Rebecca
*Frazier Baz
*Amy
*Tara
*Malisa
(That's more than 8 but well, whatever! And, whoever else wants to, go ahead & do it! Let me know so I can read it & comment)
Ya'll have a great day!
Love,
Julie
These are not neccasarily in any particular order, just what popped in my mind first! :)
8 TV Shows I Watch:
don't have 8. we don't have cable(gasp!) But, here is what I do watch, when I watch T.V.:
*Food Network
*Project Runway
*What Not to Wear
*Jon & Kate plus 8
*Sports/ESPN/Nascar
Favorite Restaurants:
1) Papa Pablano's
2) Pete's Place
3) Red Lobster
4) Olive Garden
5) Steven's Gap
6) Ringold Cafe
7) Lin Cuisine (seriously, it's not Lean Cuisine, either)
8) don't have one... we don't eat out much!
8 Things that Happened to Me Today:
1) I got up at 8:30 am (which NEVER happens).
2) It started my day off terrible.
3) I made a loaf of apple pie bread with Claire & Lily
4) I rocked Drew to sleep multiple times because he wouldn't go to sleep on his own today (he feels bad with a cold and his gums)
5) I did 4 loads of laundry this morning in between everything else
6) I put chicken breasts in the crockpot for supper tonight(I think) I will post that recipe later
7) I read my Bible(Psalms 2 and Proverbs 2) and a chapter of Created to be his help meet and my days in The Love Dare
8)sang church songs with the kids.listened to Claire "read" the baby Jesus story to Lily. :)
8 Things I Look Forward To:
1) Having a fun day with the kids tomorrow. We are going to get Daddy's check and out to lunch. Also to buy "Fireproof" as one of Charlie's romantic surprises (see :The Love Dare)
2) Reading Psalms tomorrow; LOVING Psalms!
3) Getting my running shoes SOON!!!
4) Date night with Charlie this weekend (hopefully) we haven't gotten to have one in over 2 months. WAY overdue!
5) Going to see my sister and her family soon!
6)Going to church & seeing family(hopefully) tomorrow night or this weekend!
7) Claire's 4th Birthday (February 15th) Having a Princess party!!
8) Going shopping in Texarkana & in Tulsa/Fayetville/wherever with my little sis!!!!
9) My sister coloring my hair (AGAIN) when did I start going GRAY?!!!
8 Things I Wish For:
1)that my children will love Jesus more than anything in this world!!!
2) God to give my husband a CLEAR direct answer on some things he is praying about right now!
3) For a NEW computer (probably will get one in the next couple of weeks; YAY!!!)
4) That God will use me to make a difference!
5) For God to help me not take the attacks of others so personally. For me to be more understanding and forgiving when others attack me or have something against me. To pray for them and look into myself to see where I may have caused this reaction from them and if I did nothing, just let it go...
6) That I could show my husband more and more how much he means to me. He is the most important person in my life. He is my ROCK.... He is the most amazing blessing God has ever given me.. I love him so very much....
7) That my children will grow up to be best friends. Always.
8) That I can love ALL types of people. Even those who don't love me.(see #5)
8 People I Tag:
*Denise
*Crystal
*Darcy
*Sarah
*Paul (made you blog, didn't I?) Ha! :)
*Charlie (you'll do it for love, right, baby? lol) :)
*Lori Anne
*Rebecca
*Frazier Baz
*Amy
*Tara
*Malisa
(That's more than 8 but well, whatever! And, whoever else wants to, go ahead & do it! Let me know so I can read it & comment)
Ya'll have a great day!
Love,
Julie
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I quit!
My devotional from Christianitytoday.com. I thought it was great and so very helpful! Hope you benefit from it, as well!
Knowing Where to StartRenee Swope
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35 (NIV)
Devotion:
I was talking with friends who recently read my devotion about helping my son become a can-do-kid. One said she wanted to raise can-do-kids, but she didn't know where to start. Another shared how she wished she enjoyed being a mom as much as I do.
The truth is, I haven't always enjoyed being a mom. I didn't start out as a can-do mom with can-do thoughts and can-do kids. In fact, my son's "I-give-up attitude" that inspired my devotion earlier this month was probably inherited from me. I had stood on the sidelines of motherhood and declared, "I CAN'T" many times.
I would get so discouraged.Once my kids became toddlers who would not listen to me and obey like little robots, I panicked. I looked at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, "What is wrong with me?" Their children listened when they told them no. Why wouldn't my child keep his hands to himself in the grocery store or the toy isle? Why didn't someone tell me this would be so hard?I often felt like a failure.I compared how I felt on the inside to how other moms looked like they had it all together on the outside. My feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of insecurity were held up in comparison to moms who dressed their children in matching outfits and adorned themselves with attitudes of grace and wisdom. I wondered how in the world they pulled it off with a smile? I could barely get a shower, get my kids dressed, or get us out the door before lunch!I wanted to quit.One day I came home from running errands with two tired, fussy toddlers. I put them down for a nap and searched for pink construction paper so I could write "I QUIT" on it. I was going to hand my "pink slip" to my husband when he came home from work that day. It was just too hard, and I was tired of feeling like I would never measure up as a mom.And that's where I started. I didn't really start being a mom until the day I almost quit. Because that was the day I fell on my knees before God and choked out the words, "I can't do this."
And in that place of surrender, it felt like God bent down on His knees before me and spoke to my heart: "You are right, Renee. In your own strength and through your own perspective, you cannot do this. But I am here with you. With my grace, my promises, my mercy, my presence, and my power -- all things are possible. I will help you become a great mom."That day reminded me of Psalm 19:35, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."It was a new starting place for me. When I acknowledged that on my own I was a mess, God came to my rescue. He showed me that with His gentleness, grace, wisdom and guidance, I could become the mom He was calling me to be, the mom my kids needed me to be, and the mom I wanted to be!
Dear Lord, I need Your shield of victory to protect me from discouragement. I pray that You would extend Your right hand to sustain me; Your grace to strengthen me; and Your wisdom to lead me. Thank You for Jesus, who stooped down to make me great because of Your great love for me. Today, I find a new starting place with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Have a great Wednesday!
love,
Julie
Knowing Where to StartRenee Swope
"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35 (NIV)
Devotion:
I was talking with friends who recently read my devotion about helping my son become a can-do-kid. One said she wanted to raise can-do-kids, but she didn't know where to start. Another shared how she wished she enjoyed being a mom as much as I do.
The truth is, I haven't always enjoyed being a mom. I didn't start out as a can-do mom with can-do thoughts and can-do kids. In fact, my son's "I-give-up attitude" that inspired my devotion earlier this month was probably inherited from me. I had stood on the sidelines of motherhood and declared, "I CAN'T" many times.
I would get so discouraged.Once my kids became toddlers who would not listen to me and obey like little robots, I panicked. I looked at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, "What is wrong with me?" Their children listened when they told them no. Why wouldn't my child keep his hands to himself in the grocery store or the toy isle? Why didn't someone tell me this would be so hard?I often felt like a failure.I compared how I felt on the inside to how other moms looked like they had it all together on the outside. My feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of insecurity were held up in comparison to moms who dressed their children in matching outfits and adorned themselves with attitudes of grace and wisdom. I wondered how in the world they pulled it off with a smile? I could barely get a shower, get my kids dressed, or get us out the door before lunch!I wanted to quit.One day I came home from running errands with two tired, fussy toddlers. I put them down for a nap and searched for pink construction paper so I could write "I QUIT" on it. I was going to hand my "pink slip" to my husband when he came home from work that day. It was just too hard, and I was tired of feeling like I would never measure up as a mom.And that's where I started. I didn't really start being a mom until the day I almost quit. Because that was the day I fell on my knees before God and choked out the words, "I can't do this."
And in that place of surrender, it felt like God bent down on His knees before me and spoke to my heart: "You are right, Renee. In your own strength and through your own perspective, you cannot do this. But I am here with you. With my grace, my promises, my mercy, my presence, and my power -- all things are possible. I will help you become a great mom."That day reminded me of Psalm 19:35, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."It was a new starting place for me. When I acknowledged that on my own I was a mess, God came to my rescue. He showed me that with His gentleness, grace, wisdom and guidance, I could become the mom He was calling me to be, the mom my kids needed me to be, and the mom I wanted to be!
Dear Lord, I need Your shield of victory to protect me from discouragement. I pray that You would extend Your right hand to sustain me; Your grace to strengthen me; and Your wisdom to lead me. Thank You for Jesus, who stooped down to make me great because of Your great love for me. Today, I find a new starting place with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Have a great Wednesday!
love,
Julie
Friday, November 28, 2008
A sabbatical...
I am going to be taking a winter sabbath from blogging. I will hopefully be back sometime in the next few weeks. :) I am feeling some not so little "nudges" from God that I need to put blogging way farther down on my list this Christmas season. It's just consuming way too much of my time , time that I could be devoting to other areas of my life. I guess that "simplifying" would be the word. I just feel this deep need to be more "present" in the lives of these precious souls around me and I want nothing to distract me from that.Most of all, I feel like I have some problems and decisions that need an enormous amount of time in prayer and that doesn't leave much time for blogging. So, until I can become better at putting everything in my life into it's proper place, I must take a break.
I would appreciate your continued prayers throughout this winter as we are facing a lot of financial strain and just some very hard decisions as a family. I will not be able to post on the 1 Corinthians study because of my break. Please forgive me for such late notice for those who were planning to join me. I am grateful for your love and friendship. We will pick back up on that after I have worked through everything. :)
Much Love to everyone & I pray that you all have a Blessed Christmas & New Year,
Julie
*I will probably be back periodically to post pictures and I will be emailing, just not as much.
I would appreciate your continued prayers throughout this winter as we are facing a lot of financial strain and just some very hard decisions as a family. I will not be able to post on the 1 Corinthians study because of my break. Please forgive me for such late notice for those who were planning to join me. I am grateful for your love and friendship. We will pick back up on that after I have worked through everything. :)
Much Love to everyone & I pray that you all have a Blessed Christmas & New Year,
Julie
*I will probably be back periodically to post pictures and I will be emailing, just not as much.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
real update (for you, sis)
everybody up from naps. feeding drew. i took a nap too. still have headache. still have cramps. much better mood.my sweet little sister emailed me. luv you sissy. =) claire & lily "reading" books to each other. claire wearing tinkerbell costume. thanks, meme for fixing the tear. =) supposed to make treat bags tonight for our church to hand out to local kids. will not make it. also will not be able to go to town and buy groceries tonight. oh well, scaling back. had too much on my plate, anyway. sick headaches are what happens when i do that. maybe i will sleep more than 6 hrs. tonight. i need it. i did accomplish one thing today, supper is in the crockpot. love my crockpot. well, that's it for the update. going to read with the girls now. we are reading "Farmer Will" and the little house for kids series. try it. i even love to read them. =)
and the best of all: CHARLIE IS ON HIS WAY HOME; YAY!!!!!!!! =)
and the best of all: CHARLIE IS ON HIS WAY HOME; YAY!!!!!!!! =)
REAL
Sick headache. Bad time of the month. (Sorry if any guys are reading!). Lily on destructive rampage throughtout entire house. Claire wanting her way about EVERYTHING. Drew crying non-stop because he has gas. Wants Mama to hold him. Claire not peeing in the potty. Lily screaming at the top of her lungs when she can't get down from the chair she climbs up on. Repeat ever 5 seconds. Sent Jess to the store to buy lunch for the girls. Noting in the house and I am not taking them anywhere. Yelling entirely too much. Crying because I yelled and I am a terrible mother. Praying constantly. Almost naptime. HALLELUJAH!! Will watch them sleep and feel so blessed. Not spell checking and I am sure there are mistakes.
Just me. Just being real.
Julie
Just me. Just being real.
Julie
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