Blessed Beyond Measure!!

I know I haven't written a blog in quite sometime. I'm not even sure if anybody really reads it but every once in awhile I like to sit down and put my thoughts out there. It helps me deal with things going on in my head.

Today, is such a beautiful Labor Day. I don't remember the last Labor Day that was quite this perfect! It is so nice to walk outside and feel a nice cool breeze. It was nice to put on my hoodie this morning and play with Halle while Daddy mowed the lawn. It is days like today that make me sit back and thank God for all of the blessings he has given us. I have done absolutely nothing to deserve any of it. But, that is the awesome thing about our God. He blesses us even when we are so unworthy!

I have a beautiful, healthy daughter! My husband is way more than I could have ever dreamed of. And we are both blessed with good paying jobs. I just don't know how it could get any better than that. There is no reason I should have any of those blessings other than MY GOD!!

As I was reading status updates on Facebook, I was kind of disappointed. Disappointed with all the negativity. I was always taught if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. Why do we get so wrapped up in drama? We get wrapped up in issues (political, educational, economical). People just LOVE to post about their views because it starts debate. D-R-A-M-A! It's disgusting! Why can't we just love one another just as Christ loves us? I will never understand why people like to debate things...TO me DEBATE=DRAMA! Why do we have to worry about what all of our so called friends think? And God forbid if someone defriends us! Big whoopie deal!! Is it really that important to have 600+ friends? Do you really have that many friends? No--what you have are that many people that you allow to Facebook stalk you! I'm as guilty as the next guy! I just wish that we could stop for a moment before we press that SHARE button. Think to yourself...is this worthy of SHARING with the Facebook world. Is this meant to be funny, make people laugh, or thought provoking? Or do I want all of my "Facebook Friends" to share in my misery?

There are so many issues that people are dealing with...heartbreaking issues. Instead of causing drama on Facebook, why don't we take time out and pray for one another. I like what Nikki Fincher wrote today about challenging everyone on her friends list to-- when you leave a comment on someone's post or wall--say a little prayer for them. You have no idea what they are going through.

I'll stop now. I am just having one of those "Positive Pearl" days that my friend, Annie hates!! HAHA!! I think it's this weather!! BEAUTIFUL!!

Happy Labor Day!!

Disciplining other Childern

While I was cleaning the basement this morning I started thinking about the issue of disciplining other children. I guess because my basement was a complete disgusting disaster and partly because we just let ALL the kids go down and have a free for all. Anytime you do that you are going to have a DISASTER!! It's not a huge deal because we don't spend a lot of time down there. There isn't a lot to destroy.

This has been a recent discussion of the family. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on the matter. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that. I guess the reason I differ in opinions is partly because my job is to "discipline" each and everyday. I feel there is a right and wrong way to approach it and if you get rules established from the moment they walk in the door it makes it a whole lot easier. I've never had any problems in my classroom with discipline. My students know exactly what I expect and generally they don't cross the boundry. However, if they do they know there are going to be consequences.

I believe this needs to be the case in our parenting. Halle is not a perfect child. I'm sure there are times when people have thought, "Why doesn't she do something with that kid?" It's a constant battle but one that I ALWAYS win!! LOL!! The parent should ALWAYS win the battle!

Back to my thoughts...I feel like if other kids are in my house and I see something that I disapprove of (ex: jumping on the couch, running in the house, throwing balls, etc.) I should be able to ask them to stop. I would expect anybody to do the same with my child. This is a matter of respect in my opinion.

Just curious what everyone else thinks on the matter. I know everyone probably differs in opinion and that is totally o.k. I respect everyone's opinion. Just know that when you are in my house...and I see something that makes my skin crawl...I'm probably going to say something! That's just me! We are getting ready to go on vacation with three of my nieces/nephews. I just want opinions before I attack (maybe not such a good word in this case) the task!! LOL!!

Such Bravery...and it scares me to death

I've always known that Halle is fearless when it comes to the water. It started last summer, she had just turned 2. She was very brave and would get in the water with just her arm floaties. I always stayed nearby because I was a nervous wreck.

Now, this summer she does great with just the arm floaties on. I feel comfortable enough to just sit outside the pool and watch. But, yesterday she decided she wanted to take them off and "try" swimming. She really wanted to go to the bottom and get the dive sticks because that is what the big kids were doing. We told her that she had to learn to swim before she could go to the bottom. So, I took her floaties off and Amber and I would stand about 3 feet away and she would go back and forth between us. It wasn't pretty but she held her breath and would kick and move her arms. I was pretty impressed.

Anyway, so I stood her on the steps and was just talking. Three adults were in the pool and two were right outside. All of a sudden I look down and it is Halle grabbing me from under the water. I about had a heart attack. She just took off on her own and didn't tell anybody that she was swimming to us. It really scared her too! She wanted to get out and go tell "Nina" that mommy didn't catch her.

Needless to say, I have to watch this child like a hawk. She is NOT scared of anything. If you all are on my facebook you probably saw her holding the cicadas. I don't know where she gets her bravery but is scares me to death. I just pray that God protects her and watches over her when I'm not!!

"What's for dinner?"

"What's for dinner?" I don't know about you other women out there. But, this question literally makes me want to scream! I'm serious!! I don't have good dinner ideas. Amber, my sister-in-law, ALWAYS has good ideas. She is the type that plans her menu a week in advance. She goes grocery shopping for all of her items and each day she has a meal cooked for her family. This is the type of person my husband should have married!! LOL!!

Now that I am a "stay at home" mom...I feel that I need to do a better job with this whole food thing. We have both been trying to eat healthy. Coming up with food ideas was hard enough before...now when you throw in the "health" thing it makes it that much harder!

UGH! I don't know what the solution is. But, I hate the fact that I dread 4:00 everyday because I know my phone is going to ring and when I answer, the voice asks, "What's for dinner?"

SHOOT ME NOW!!!

My Desire

I have a friend who posted a status update that simply stated how he was puzzled by the fact that a lot of Christians...that have a calling on their life... settle for less than what God has in store for them. Becoming unequally yoked... as the Bible clearly says not to do. As I was reading all 22 posts, I came across one that just boggled my mind. This man was challenging my friends' beliefs with Scientific theory. It was quite disturbing to me. No, you can't argue Scientific proven facts. But, can you argue God's peace, mercy and grace? How can you look at this Earth and not see that there is a God? How can you look in the face of an innocent child and not KNOW that God exists? Yes, having a relationship requires faith. Sometimes it takes time to get that faith that everyone always talks about. But it is our Faith that gets us through day to day and sometimes even moment by moment. As I read his postings my heart ached for him. Because according to my beliefs that man will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I posted this statement:

"Sad thing is some people will not know truth until it is too late! All we can do is live our lives pleasing to God in hopes that we can take as many people to heaven with us as possible." As a Christian that is our ultimate goal.

My desire is to be "REAL"...to be whole and have purpose inside...My desire is to be used by Him, my savior, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for me! I undoubtedly did not deserve what He did for me. So, what can I do for Him in return?

This reminds me of a song from a few years ago that Jake used in one of his messages to the youth. This truly is my heart's cry! Take a moment and listen.

My favorite verse is the end where it says "All my life I have seen where you've taken me...Beyond all I have hoped and there's more left unseen..There's not much I can do to repay all you've done so I give my hands to use."

Thank God there is more left unseen!!

Brothers and Sisters

Most of you probably already know this but I have two brothers. An older brother (Alan) and a twin brother (Keith). Growing up I always felt like I was missing something by not having a sister. Although my brothers could play Barbies with the best of any girls!! Funny thing is, they aren't afraid to admit that. I love that about my brothers. They were never to boyish to play with their lonely sister. They never left me out. Granted we fought...just as all brothers and sisters do. But, I loved my relationship growing up with Alan and Keith.
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Fast forward to now...our relationships have changed. We are all married now. We have kids. Both of my brothers are great fathers! They are both very strong in their faith. I am so proud of them. We still have a great relationship. They still know how to tease in fun. But, we don't see each other much. What I realized today is that I kind of traded my brothers (fun-filled, Barbie playing brothers) in for sisters! Finally! I have the sisters that I always longed for. But, instead of playing house, Barbies, and dress up. We go to lunch, shop and talk about life! It's exactly how I imagined it...even though we don't have the same blood running through our veins!! God sure knew what He was doing when He picked the wives of my brothers!!
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Today I thank God for His perfect plan in our lives. It is so easy to get wrapped up in life...work and finances. In the big picture none of that matters. It is our relationships with each other that make life fulfilling.
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Jer 29:11-"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
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Thank you, Lord for your plans for me...Past, Present and Future!!

Faith Shaken

I've always heard the sayings that, "God doesn't give us more than we can handle" and that "He puts us in situations to help us grow" and "When he closes one door he opens another (er, a window?") Something like that! Anyway, I feel that God is really dealing with me in my spiritual walk right now. As a matter of fact, He is dealing with both Jake and me. It's sad to admit this but for the first time in my life I am digging deeper in the word. I want to know truth! I need answers for myself. I don't want to know what the preacher on T.V. has to say...I don't want his opinions on what he thinks the scripture means. As a matter of fact I don't really want to know "opinions" from anybody. I just want TRUTH! I am seeking truth! All my life I have been taught one way. Just as Mormons, Jehovah Witness', Catholics, Muslims...and so on. They all believe they are right...just as I do. So, what is the answer? I am bound and determined to figure it out. Jake came in a minute ago and asked, "Have you figured it out yet?" All I know is there is one answer and that is JESUS! ***************************************************************************************** How in the world can so many "Christians" choose to believe one part of the Bible and then throw out the other? AND there is always a justification to back it up. "Oh, well that went out with the apostles." Really? This is exactly why we have so many different denominations. Everybody wants that "perfect fit." Some place they can feel comfortable in. Some place where they won't be offended. We have got to quit worrying about who we are going to offend...and speak TRUTH! ***************************************************************************************** I believe that God's word is the truth. It just amazes me how people can twist and manipulate scriptures to make them say what they want them to say. It's plain and simple!****************************************************************************************** So, I started my digging in Romans. I came across a few scriptures that I really liked dealing with sin. Romans 6:16-Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 8:6-8-Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But, letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace....8-That's why those who are still under control of their sinful nature can never please God. WE all sin. Nobody is perfect. The Bible says in Romans 3:23- ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But, are we still worthy of God's salvation? Are we still worthy of making it to heaven? ABSOLUTELY! Salvation is for everybody! Repent and you shall be saved! Romans 8:28- And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:31-If God is for us, who can be against us? ******************************************************************************************** I know that what I am going through is all part of God's plan for my life. He will see me through this and I have no doubt that he will reveal His truth to me. AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!! :)