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| On July 13, 2012, if you stop by Chick-fil-A dressed like a cow, you’ll get a free meal at Chick-fil-A. If you’re too chicken to dress from head-to-toe like a cow, you can wear anything cow-related and you’ll get a free entree. There are a bunch of pictures posted here from readers who dressed up like cows if you need ideas or inspiration for your costume. We have done it every year, but not fully dressed head to toe. I'm going to see what I can come up with this year and post pics. My older children say they are too old, but we'll see ; ) |
Dress Like A Cow and Get Free Chick-fil-A
7-11 Day is on Wednesday ~ Free Slurpees
7-Eleven is offering free 7.11-oz slurpees on July 11, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. We went in May for the special, so I guess we will just have to go back to our friendly, neighborhood 7-11 again. We love this treat!
When A Loved One Goes To Be With The Lord
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| Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15 |
She felt sick 3 weeks ago and asked to go to the hospital. They told the family that she had Ovarian Cancer that had already spread through her body. She was in and out of consciousness for a few weeks and then went into a deep sleep and slipped into Eternity. She wasn't in any pain or on any medications, just asleep.
I will treasure the memories that I have of her, the laughs we had and the southern dishes she taught me to prepare.
I love you, Mommaw ~ RIP
Money Saving Mom Article
When you guest post, they ask you to keep it to 500 words. I had to rewrite several times, omitting information as I went. If it seems pieced together, it's because it was. I read each comment and was pleased with most comments and can understand the uncertainty of others, believers and unbelievers alike. There was no "magic math" but needs were met. There is power in the word of our testimony and I thought there may be others that felt like I did. This post was to encourage those that felt like they followed Dave Ramsey's teaching and debt didn't disappear as quick for them as it did for others. It was written to get you to turn your eyes upon God who meets our needs and takes care of us.
When my husband gets his paycheck, we write out our tithe check, pay the bills and I look at the weeks ahead to plan our budget. As one writer commented, I do not sit back and do nothing and just wait for God to meet my needs, but I do believe my God knows what I have need of before I do. On the practical side, I teach piano out of my home, I started with one student, four years ago, and by the end of last year God had blessed me with 6 students. I sell my children's clothes at consignment sales and turn around and spend that money on the clothes they need. I have a seasonal job at a pumpkin patch and I will sell homeschool materials to earn some money for the upcoming year. We always put our tax refund check into savings (but hope to never touch it). On the side of Faith, we have had a person or two come up to us and say, "The Lord wants me to give you this money" and it did meet the need we had at that moment. I have gone shopping and been at the right place, at the right time to receive a blessing on items we needed. I have had clothing galore given to me. My husband has received unexpected bonuses at work. This is the God I serve.
Some people replied that our budget on paper should make sense, it's math, but it doesn't. It isn't every month, it's the months when unexpected things come up and they do come up. Two weeks ago my husband hit a pothole in the dark and bent both wheel axles, the cost is $776. Two days later, he sees my front van tire is almost flat. He goes to fix it and notices this is the tire he plugged before and it isn't going to hold another plug, the cost of 2 new tires (another one was bald) $187. Then, my dad comes over to pick up my kids to stay the weekend and he hands me a check for $1000 and says "This is for your birthday." I didn't want to fix my cars for my birthday, but it was perfect timing to meet our need. My dad is retired and isn't in the habit of handing us checks, but I believe God moved on his heart so we wouldn't have to dip into our savings.
This is the verse our family believes. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10. We tithe our time and talents, as well as money, working for the Lord at our church. We are striving to be good stewards of what God has given us. I love the teachings of Dave Ramsey and haven't given up at all. We have one car payment ($4000), our mortgage and $8900 in savings. We have been steadily plodding to be financially free and with God's help, we will be!
Sunday Moment ~ Our Church Mission ~ Miskito Indians
Our church is also building an orphanage and radio tower. They have 16 orphans they are helping. When the building is finished they will be able to help more. The radio tower is up, but they need to build a building to house the equipment and a room for someone to always stay there and guard. Our vision is to have messages from the US translated and broadcasted over the airways to the Miskito Indians along the Rio Coco River. They have their own language and don't speak Spanish. While there, they came in contact with a young Miskito Indian that went to the University and can translate all messages for them. Isn't God good.
I am taking back control of my home, one room at a time.
100 Day Clutter Challenge
I am at Day 50. I have gone through 5 rooms, using the 5s System
Sorting
Standardize
Shine
Systemize
Sustain
I have 8 rooms left to go. The Master area was probably the worst and I did most of the work myself. For the rest of the house, I am going to enlist the help of my children. I am going to share the expectations I have for my home and teach my children how to Sustain it. I am praying if they have a hand in straightening the area, pride in a job well done will help keep it looking nice and organized.
To see what I have accomplished so far, visit my 100 Day Clutter Challenge Page.
The Art of Marriage ~ Part 3 ~ Love Dances
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| Love Dances |
Love and Lead is my husbands new mantra. In dancing, it's the man's job to lead the lady around the dance floor. He isn't supposed to rush her or push her but gently guide her. He leads by giving clear signals for direction change and is there to support the lady. He needs to be technically capable to lead the dance and he must help her to have fun and enjoy it.
It's the same in a marriage. The husband is to take the spiritual lead in the family. He has the privilege of loving his wife as Christ loved the church. The husband is to rule over his wife in his leadership role, but for him to ultimately fulfill this calling it means he is to sacrifice himself, his dreams and his desires all for the sake of his family. To do this he has to know his wife, to nourish and cherish her. Some take offense at the thought of their husband being head over them but want a 50/50 relationship. I find it very freeing. My husband being head of our family has the burden of moving this family forward in the direction God would have us to go. Our decision to homeschool, or move, or take another job. We made these decisions together but ultimately he had to get before the Lord and make the decision. I trust him and his leading.
My new mantra is "Help him and Cheer him on". A wife is called to be the helper in a marriage. A helper doesn't just mindlessly follow, doing whatever she's told. A helper goes forward with vigor to come alongside her husband, her partner and willingly does what she needs to do for the family.
I am also his biggest cheerleader. My husband gets self-worth from the job he does. A man's biggest fear is failure and they need that confidence from their wife to know they are going to succeed. Everyone makes mistakes, but you can encourage him as he does his best to lead. Cheer him on!
We need to show respect for one another and try and fulfill the roles that each of us have been called to. We need to admire and cherish one another. Grow spiritually with each other and make your husband or wife top priority after God. Husbands strive to lead you wife sacrificially and lovingly. Wives strive to honor and support your husband.
Chores, Chores and More Chores
I Need Help
Chores are an everyday event. My 5 children are ages almost 5 - almost 16. I had a brilliant idea a year ago, my children need to help me more. I would give them chores every once in a while. Ask them to do things as needed or just pick up after their little brother.Their little brother was so good at helping when he was 2. He put everything in the trash, including bowls, cups and spoons. Then, one day he just started making a path of toys, trash and crumbs everywhere he went. I need help!
5 Days A Week, 5 Children
After asking the Lord for strength, wisdom and endurance, He gave me a great idea, along with the Duggars motto of "Many Hands Make Light Work". My children are old enough to have regular responsibilities around the house. As a homeschool family, we are always here. We eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at home most days.
My preschooler is always on the move, dropping toys as he goes. He used to love to unroll the toilet paper completely off the roll and when he could reach the bathroom sink, he loved to turn the water on and leave it running. He is still a little mess maker, but I am training him the way he should go and one day he'll get it. As for the others, there are a few things that happen everyday, Laundry, Dinner and Dishes. I assigned my children a day of the week. ReRe is Monday, Cy is Tuesday, Tado is Wednesday, CJ is Thursday and JJ helps me on Fridays. Everyone helps pick up the Living Room before Dad gets home, everyday. I get the weekends and everyone helps with a quick cleanup on Sat. I only gave them a few jobs to begin with, I didn't want to overwhelm them. They were jobs that I could help them manage.
How much allowance will you give me?
"Mom, how much money are we going to earn for doing these chores". I hear these words alot. I have wannabe shoppers in my family. I don't mind rewarding for jobs done well. We used to have a "General Store" with small prizes that they could earn for doing small jobs. This General Store had gift cards to a dollar store, little pet shop, polly pockets, earbuds and lots of candy and tattoos. It worked until they got older and wanted cold, hard cash. The only thing I ask is before they can earn a prize or money, they had to have their room clean.
Making Progress With Pinterest
We have kept this pace for about a year. Even after a year, I will still have to remind them it's their day and to bring down their laundry, but it was OK. Then, I saw this wonderful idea on Pinterest, a chore door hanger. What a great idea. They would definitely help with the bathrooms and floors, if I asked and asked and asked, but mostly it was on me. When I saw this chore door hanger, they were asking their children to do more things than I was requiring of mine. Hmmmm, they have time for a few more chores. I am only asking them to work one day a week and if they each do a good job, it makes it that much easier for the child after them. I'm going to do it.
A Load Off My Back
I may have given them a few too many chores, but it's a work in progress. I gave them
Making Progress With Pinterest
We have kept this pace for about a year. Even after a year, I will still have to remind them it's their day and to bring down their laundry, but it was OK. Then, I saw this wonderful idea on Pinterest, a chore door hanger. What a great idea. They would definitely help with the bathrooms and floors, if I asked and asked and asked, but mostly it was on me. When I saw this chore door hanger, they were asking their children to do more things than I was requiring of mine. Hmmmm, they have time for a few more chores. I am only asking them to work one day a week and if they each do a good job, it makes it that much easier for the child after them. I'm going to do it.
A Load Off My Back
I may have given them a few too many chores, but it's a work in progress. I gave them
- Their Laundry (they bring it down, I wash it and fold it, they take it up and put it away)
- Make dinner (I am encouraging them to plan a balanced meal and follow directions, I help the younger ones)
- Take out the recycling
- Clear the table (save leftovers for Dad's lunch)
- Wipe off the stove
- Wipe off the counters
- Load the Dishwasher (I unload it in the morning)
- Shine the Sink
- Sweep Floor
- Clean their Room
So far, it is working. I read in MoneySavingMom (a blog I love) that she wants to keep her house 15 minutes from having someone over. That is the expectation that I have for my home. I want it to be 15 minutes from having someone over. My brother-in-law is usually not in the area, but called and asked if he could bring a friend over. I said, "Sure". He was right down the road, but because my children had been helping out, I was 15 minutes from having a home that I felt comfortable welcoming someone into. That's why we work as a family, so we can be hospitable to others.
Thank you, Pinterest
A Sunday Moment
19 God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent; hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
I was so happy to hear that God is not a man. He is not limited to this earth, space or time. He is eternal. God shared some of what He is when He made man, but thank God, He is not a man.
God is not a man that He should lie. He can't lie, whatever He says, It Is. If you are wearing a blue dress and God says it's red, It will be red (this is just an example from the speaker. I am not diminishing my God down to a God that does parlor tricks, but it is just an example that if God says it, He will do it. He does not lie like man has a tendency of doing). God is God. He spoke everything into existence, with just His spoken word. With just a breath, he breathed life into the dust and we were alive. He is an almighty creator that sits on His heavenly throne blessing us and waiting for us. We were made for His pleasure and we are the apple of His eye. You are the apple of His eye. He loves you like you were His favorite and He is a big enough God, that we are all His favorites. I am so happy to hear, God is not a man!
The Art of Marriage ~ Part 2 ~ Love Fades
Our second session was Love Fades. Love can fade for different reasons, a natural drift, differences or weaknesses or sin. It never starts out that way. There is hope and joy of sharing ones life together. Then, life happens and some couples don't continue to make their marriage a top priority. This culture has conditioned us that our own happiness should be #1, our own selfishness.
What has caused you to drift?
Genesis 3:1-16 paints a picture of what is happening in the Garden of Eden. The serpent comes to Eve and asks the woman, "Did God actually say, You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?" Eve said, "We can eat of any fruit of the tree, except that one. If we eat of it, we shall surely die." The serpent said, "Surely you shall not die, but your eyes will be opened and you shall be like God." So, the woman saw it was good for food and took the fruit and ate and gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
The results of their sin were...Shame, Guilt, Fear, Blame Shifting and Battle for Control
We have fallout today, as a result of this sin. Another result of this sin was marital conflict. Do you blame your spouse or do they blame you when something isn't done right. Is there a battle for control in certain areas of your lives. Do you feel like you fight over the same things, all the time. Do your arguments start over something small, then grow. There is a spiritual battle occurring within marriage, but there is an enemy and it's not your spouse.
Ephesians 6 says,
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
- We need to learn how to resist that natural drift in marriage
- We must take responsibility for our own sin and reconcile with God.
- The sacrifice of Jesus allows us to live in peace with God and others .
- You must learn to walk each day by the power of the Holy Spirit in order to stay close to your spouse.
Not a Fan
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| Are you a Fan or a Follower |
Have you heard the saying, "You may be the only Bible that some people read". People are watching our lives. They listen to what we say and how we say it and they watch how we handle situations and people. If you are professing to be a Christian, will people outside of your church walls know it. This man Eric wasn't happy with what he saw after having the near-death experience. He made some very radical decisions he felt God was leading him to make. Most of all, he discovered that Love is what makes the difference. You can do the right things and say the right words but without Love, I am nothing (I Corinthians 13:2)
In some areas of my life, I am only a fan. I could always show more Love. Jesus isn't looking for fans but followers. Followers understand that:
- There is no forgiveness without repentance
- There is no salvation without surrender
- There is no life without death
- There is no believing without following
To learn more go to not a fan
The Art of Marriage ~ Part 1
At the end of each section, we answer questions that prompted conversations we hadn't even thought to talk about. How God has a purpose and plan for us? What it really means to be committed? It makes you question, if there are areas of your marriage that you have drifted apart or are there areas of conflict in your life and how do you connect again.
By Adam and Eve rejecting God, our relationship, intimacy and unity with God was broken. Sin now infects and affects everyone. The result of that sin was 3-part:
- Pain in work
- Pain in childbirth
- Pain in marriage relationships
The whole seminar pointed us to God and having Him in the center. That is what every marriage needs. We must learn how to resist the natural drift of isolation in marriage, and take responsibility of our own sins and ask forgiveness. We must realize the sacrifice of Jesus and walk in His Holy Spirit to live in peace with others and stay close to our spouses.
Have you asked Jesus to come and live in your heart?
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to fill you?
If you haven't please say this prayer.
Dear Father, I now believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came to our earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all my sins and the sins of this world. I believe the Jesus Christ then rose from the dead on the third day to give all of us eternal life. Lord Jesus, I now confess to You all the wrong and sinful things that I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive me and wash away all my sins by the blood that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I am now ready to accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour. I now ask that You come into my life and live with me for all eternity. Father, Jesus- I now believe that I am truly saved and born again.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9
Blogging 101
Blogging 101
I had no idea how much time went into blogging. I started blogging to hold myself accountable for the things I am involved in, homeschooling and the need to get my house in order. My husband got me to start this blog because he has heard me talk to other moms and encourage them. He said, "You have wisdom to share with other moms, for no other reason than you have been doing this for a long time. People can learn from you and be encouraged." So, I started this blog also.
For Homeschooling, my preschooler was getting left behind in his studies. I am running my teenagers here and there. I am getting my preschooler to watch a movie while I help his brother and sister with school. Poor guy. He has learned his shapes and colors from his workbooks and his phonics from LeapFrog. Some things he learned from some other cartoons I wish he had never learned. Blogging about his day, has made me come up with fun things to fill his school week. Most things we do aren't traditionally educational, just reinforcers. He's only 4 and wants to have fun.
For my house, I was just tired of looking at the clutter, feeling like my house was closing in around me. I figured if I blog about it, not knowing if anyone would even see my blog, it would hold me accountable. I was going to post pictures of my journey and work against the deadline of 100 days. I am praying for that fine balance to get everything I need to get done each day. I know eventually, I can write posts ahead of time and publish them each day. Right now, it's a little everyday.
If there is something you have been wanting to do, but haven't made it a priority, blog about it. Open a blog account at www.blogspot.com Come up with a clever name and start writing. Blogger has cute templates you can pick from and its all free. Please take your own pictures and write your own original material. If you like the ideas of someone else, most bloggers are happy to have you link back to their site. It has really been that easy.
It is time consuming but it has made a difference these last few weeks in my preschool and my home.
Robbers!
Right now, it's the computer. I limit my kids, but I don't always limit myself.
Robbers sneak up on you. I usually have to sit with my children during school. Sometimes, I can get a load of laundry or dishes done, but if I go too far, the kids stop working. While I'm sitting there, I will answer questions or teach my preschooler, but if he is watching a video, I will get out a laptop or tablet. I am not looking up helpful references or preschool worksheets. No, I am playing Words with Friends or Hidden Chronicles. Some play Farmville, Castleville or Bakers Life. You have friends that need your help getting a bucket of paint or they need some energy or it is my move and my friend is waiting for their turn. Before I knew it, an hour of my life was gone. The only way I can limit my time is to make sure everything I am supposed to do is done first. My "fun" computer time is a reward, after I have finished everything I needed to do for the day. I look forward to it, especially Words with Friends ~ can you say, addicted.
Whatever it is that keeps you from doing the things you need to do, need to be put in check. If you have a mental or written list of things you want to get accomplished at the beginning of the day and by the end of the day, you were only able to do 2 of them, your time is being robbed. You need to sit down and retrace your steps or even journal your day, to find out what is robbing you of your time. Everyday should be balanced with work and play. Make time for your husband and family. Make time for your daily routines. Make time for your chores. Make time for Yourself!
100 Days of Clearing Out The Clutter
Our winter has been so mild, maybe that's why I feel the need to start "decluttering." Each week, I will tackle an area of our home. I am using the 5s Method. I will post before and after pictures. Wish Me Luck!
100 Day Clutter Challenge ~ Day 1
I didn't do as well as I had hoped for my first challenge day. I started in my bedroom closet, because I knew that had the most stuff in it. In the whole downstairs, that is where I put most things I want to hide. I am tackling the biggest first. I sorted through my clothes, but my husband didn't get a chance to sort through his. I took out one bookcase and moved it to the entry way, with all the books. That was it, but it was a start. I didn't even get to the part where I establish good habits, a schedule or routines in the 5s System, but I need to come up with a good time during my day to spend some time on this declutter project. Let the juggling act of project, children, dinner, laundry, school and cleaning, begin.
It's Only By His Grace!
It's Only By His Grace!
100 Day Clutter Challenge
I am so excited about my new organization project. I have lived in this house for 6 years. We bought with the intention of doing our first "flip this house". It was in 1980 original style. We replaced some appliances, floor covering and a couple of window's, then we ran out of money and the market dropped. When we first moved in, I had streamlined our stuff. I had 2 large moving boxes, one we filled with the items we keep and the other with things to give away or yard sale. I know less is more with me. I have a growing family and I don't really like cleaning all that much, but it's necessary. My piles grew, what feels like overnight, but now is the time to take care of the clutter. Send me a comment if you are going to join me on this journey.
Make it myself - Lemon Hand Scrub
12 Oz. Mason Jar
2 1/2 Cups of Sugar
1 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice (add a little zest for an extra touch)
You mix everything together until you get a nice paste and scoop it into the Mason Jar. The next time you want some really soft hands, just get a small amount on the spoon hung on the ribbon. Rub around your hands and in between your fingers, then rinse completely with warm water. Rinse off your spoon and hang back on the ribbon until next time. They make really nice gifts for friends and teachers.
Minute To Win It Birthday
Decorations were bought from Dollar Tree or I printed anything that went along with the theme. My mom wanted to get the pizza and I usually make the birthday cakes, but this year she wanted an ice cream cake (I am going to make one on my own one year with the yummy crunchies) so we got that for her. She turned 12 so the rest of the time was filled with talking and giggling. I love it when they get older and I don't have to entertain for the whole birthday party. She is such a special daughter. She is artistic, kind hearted, loves animals and athletic. She will always be my little girl.
You can see it doesn't have to cost a lot to have a great party and a great time.
E-Meals
I try to streamline anything I can to make my life a little easier. We have been trying to live on a good working budget for a few years. I had gotten in such a habit of buying the same things for dinner that you would know what day of the week it was by what was cooking in the kitchen...boring. A friend tried e-meals and said she really liked it, so I thought I would give it a try. I have only used it for a few weeks, but the dinners I have tried have been pretty good. We went off plan this week because my kids really liked the taco pizza. I have a little trouble getting my menu on Sun., clipping my coupons and getting my shopping done before Monday dinner, but I'm working on it. My new dinner variety is worth the few extra bucks a month.
Grace for another day
Websters definition of Grace is unmerited, divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification. I prefer a second definition, seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, like when you watch an ice skater "grace" across the ice. That is the grace I look for each day. Beginner ice skaters wear "bunga pads" for protection when they fall, and they will fall. Grace is my bunga pad because I fall everyday. Everyday I come very short of the glory of God. Most days I get frustrated, feel like there isn't enough time in the day and hardly finish the things I start. I fuss about school work getting finished and messes being made. People are always watching you, like it or not. I want to make loving and serving others look beautiful, effortless and charming. I don't want to "fake it til I make it". I want to spend time, First seeking the Kingdom of God and then Him adding all He is unto me. It's His grace that will make all I do seem effortless. It isn't always easy, but with God's grace, it's always worth it.
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