Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wohoo!! Starting a new chapter in our lives.
Okay so we found out we were 1 1/2 months pregnant with our 4th child a few weeks ago, what a great Christmas present from above!
Right now my husband is getting ready to go to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in 3 weeks for BCT/AIT.
Although we discussed this decision for almost a year before (prayerfully) deciding to go ahead and move forward with this decision, I am still a little nervous and excited all at the same time.
In all honesty we have plenty of things going on in our life right now to add to this excitement. I spoke with a fellow homeschooling mom who was very negative about the Army experience (mostly spoke of infidelity) I know like in anything else there are ups and downs but I also know my husband well enough that I need not have any doubts.
Our kids are on board, they know the sacrifices that will be made and what a big adjustment this will be. What amazes me is how they all see it as a "new adventure," they look at the positive, focus on it and move with it. What an inspiration our children are!!
So with that said, I am also looking forward (along with my husband) to this new chapter in our life! Let the new adventure begin and the many blessings come!
Have a fabulous 2011!
Right now my husband is getting ready to go to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in 3 weeks for BCT/AIT.
Although we discussed this decision for almost a year before (prayerfully) deciding to go ahead and move forward with this decision, I am still a little nervous and excited all at the same time.
In all honesty we have plenty of things going on in our life right now to add to this excitement. I spoke with a fellow homeschooling mom who was very negative about the Army experience (mostly spoke of infidelity) I know like in anything else there are ups and downs but I also know my husband well enough that I need not have any doubts.
Our kids are on board, they know the sacrifices that will be made and what a big adjustment this will be. What amazes me is how they all see it as a "new adventure," they look at the positive, focus on it and move with it. What an inspiration our children are!!
So with that said, I am also looking forward (along with my husband) to this new chapter in our life! Let the new adventure begin and the many blessings come!
Have a fabulous 2011!
Monday, December 20, 2010
A Cheerful heart.
Wow can you believe it? Christmas is a few days away! As the excitement and anticipation begin it is very easy for us moms to let the hard loving work we do turn to stress. I know because I was there a few weeks ago. I felt miserable that I was behind, no Christmas tree, no cards mailed etc. I let those thoughts begin to creep up and dictate my mood.
I am sure you heard the old saying "if momma ain't happy nobody is happy", how true can that be! When I let my mood be controlled by the to do list it went down the drain! My mood is more then just a mood, it is an attitude and when I let the negative thoughts creep in I noticed it begin to affect my family. My husband became stressed about his unfinished to do list, my kids felt that they were not doing enough, the baby became cranky and it became a vicious circle!! After the third day of this I had to scream ENOUGH! (well mentally scream). I prayed and asked God for courage to know what He wanted me to do.
My answer came that night, I picked up my Bible and found a bookmark on the passage that says, "Martha you are worried about many things, but Mary has chosen what is right" OUCH! The thing is the last time I picked up the Bible was 2-3 weeks ago, I let the "busyness" get the best of me. I put that to do list before Jesus (the real reason for the season) AND my family.
After reading that passage I knew I needed to adjust not only my attitude but my vision as well. I apologized to my family for the craziness and we all had a longer then usual prayer night. The thing is sometimes we don't realize the HUGE effect we have on our families. So ladies please be sure to take breaks, just enjoy the season for what it is the celebration of our Lord and Saviour. Spend time enjoying your family and making memories. The rest will fall into place.
May God keep you and yours safe and happy!
Merry Christmas!!
I am sure you heard the old saying "if momma ain't happy nobody is happy", how true can that be! When I let my mood be controlled by the to do list it went down the drain! My mood is more then just a mood, it is an attitude and when I let the negative thoughts creep in I noticed it begin to affect my family. My husband became stressed about his unfinished to do list, my kids felt that they were not doing enough, the baby became cranky and it became a vicious circle!! After the third day of this I had to scream ENOUGH! (well mentally scream). I prayed and asked God for courage to know what He wanted me to do.
My answer came that night, I picked up my Bible and found a bookmark on the passage that says, "Martha you are worried about many things, but Mary has chosen what is right" OUCH! The thing is the last time I picked up the Bible was 2-3 weeks ago, I let the "busyness" get the best of me. I put that to do list before Jesus (the real reason for the season) AND my family.
After reading that passage I knew I needed to adjust not only my attitude but my vision as well. I apologized to my family for the craziness and we all had a longer then usual prayer night. The thing is sometimes we don't realize the HUGE effect we have on our families. So ladies please be sure to take breaks, just enjoy the season for what it is the celebration of our Lord and Saviour. Spend time enjoying your family and making memories. The rest will fall into place.
May God keep you and yours safe and happy!
Merry Christmas!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Neglecting to Instruct Your Children
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Neglecting to Instruct Your Children: "'If you neglect to instruct (your children) in the way of holiness, will the devil neglect to instruct them in the way of wickedness? No; ..."
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Dying to Self
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Dying to Self: "When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your..."
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wohoo FREE goodies!!
I must admit I am so excited for this season! We have Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas- I mean really? WOW!! Talk about a lot of great things happening at once!! So I decided to advance the presents to tonight!
Are you ready for all the free things I found for you? LOL okay, for Advent I got a great downloadable devotional. It begins on November 28th and takes you to the whole season. Absolutely wonderful!
You can find it here it is called Reasons for Hope. Thanks to OSV and Bishop Robert Baker for making it readily available.
Now for those of you that know I homeschool, one of my favorite magazines-The Old Schoolhouse Magazine- is giving away tons of FREE items! Plus they have a great black friday sale going on!
I enjoy the magazine because even before I became a homeschooling parent it offered a plethora of great ideas to help my children, manage my time, etc.
So check it out and remember even if your kids are not homeschooled there are plenty of articles and resources to help you as well.
Here are the offers
"The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is extending an extraordinary subscription offer to homeschool families. U.S. and Canadian residents can receive a one-year print subscription and a FREE Homeschooling with Heat tote bag, FREE Schoolhouse Planner of your choice, and FREE E-Book: Cranberry Christmas for just $19.95. One-year subscriptions start with the winter issue. It makes a perfect gift for yourself and a friend. There are a limited number of tote bags available from November 24 through midnight on November 29-once they're gone, they're gone! Hurry and grab this tremendous value today! It's over $80 in free gifts--one of them the gorgeous Cranberries & Cream tote bag. Plus, one person is going to Win Big--a trip to Great Wolf Lodge."
http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/BlackFriday2010.htm
A special listing of free resources to support you families!
Please visit this page to view the many resources The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine has available to homeschooling families. We hope you all are blessed by this!
Please don't hesitate to offer these wonderful freebies on your blog or website. You can use any of the graphics and links listed on the page to spread the word via Facebook, newsletters, or whatever route you use to share encouragement. Simply copy and paste the link to your blog to direct others toward these valuable, free resources.
Plus, have you seen our 2010 Digital Holiday Supplement?
It's 175 pages of Thanksgiving and Christmas ideas, recipes, articles, plus we've included content from the speakers at the 2010 Fall Schoolhouse Expo.
First off, have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Are you ready for all the free things I found for you? LOL okay, for Advent I got a great downloadable devotional. It begins on November 28th and takes you to the whole season. Absolutely wonderful!
You can find it here it is called Reasons for Hope. Thanks to OSV and Bishop Robert Baker for making it readily available.
Now for those of you that know I homeschool, one of my favorite magazines-The Old Schoolhouse Magazine- is giving away tons of FREE items! Plus they have a great black friday sale going on!
I enjoy the magazine because even before I became a homeschooling parent it offered a plethora of great ideas to help my children, manage my time, etc.
So check it out and remember even if your kids are not homeschooled there are plenty of articles and resources to help you as well.
Here are the offers
"The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is extending an extraordinary subscription offer to homeschool families. U.S. and Canadian residents can receive a one-year print subscription and a FREE Homeschooling with Heat tote bag, FREE Schoolhouse Planner of your choice, and FREE E-Book: Cranberry Christmas for just $19.95. One-year subscriptions start with the winter issue. It makes a perfect gift for yourself and a friend. There are a limited number of tote bags available from November 24 through midnight on November 29-once they're gone, they're gone! Hurry and grab this tremendous value today! It's over $80 in free gifts--one of them the gorgeous Cranberries & Cream tote bag. Plus, one person is going to Win Big--a trip to Great Wolf Lodge."
http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/BlackFriday2010.htm
A special listing of free resources to support you families!
Please visit this page to view the many resources The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine has available to homeschooling families. We hope you all are blessed by this!
Please don't hesitate to offer these wonderful freebies on your blog or website. You can use any of the graphics and links listed on the page to spread the word via Facebook, newsletters, or whatever route you use to share encouragement. Simply copy and paste the link to your blog to direct others toward these valuable, free resources.
Plus, have you seen our 2010 Digital Holiday Supplement?
It's 175 pages of Thanksgiving and Christmas ideas, recipes, articles, plus we've included content from the speakers at the 2010 Fall Schoolhouse Expo.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Reasons for the season.
Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is only 2 days away. Right around the corner we have Christmas. Wow, time sure flies!
Every year a new friend will ask me casually what my favorite season of the year is. I love this question, mostly I love watching their face of surprise as I say winter, they know I am originally from Mexico and so I think they expect me to be more fond of summer. I grew up without snow, so to me seeing the ground covered in a blanket of snow is a miracle from God all of its own.
In all honesty that is not the only reason I truly love winter. I love winter because you can feel in the air the sense that something wonderful is going to happen. I always wondered if our Blessed Mother Mary felt like this during the Annunciation? (Luke 1:26-28)
We are going to have one day specially dedicated to giving thanks to God for all His goodness, though I hope you feel inclined to do so more then once per year. Next we celebrate the most perfect and precious gift from God. Something far better then snow. The birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
I hope that as you ponder on the TRUE reason for the season, you find many things to be grateful for. I pray that you become a blessing for someone and as you celebrate God's love for all humanity, you find it in your heart and in your homes as well.
May God direct our steps everyday until we see His glorious face someday in heaven. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Every year a new friend will ask me casually what my favorite season of the year is. I love this question, mostly I love watching their face of surprise as I say winter, they know I am originally from Mexico and so I think they expect me to be more fond of summer. I grew up without snow, so to me seeing the ground covered in a blanket of snow is a miracle from God all of its own.
In all honesty that is not the only reason I truly love winter. I love winter because you can feel in the air the sense that something wonderful is going to happen. I always wondered if our Blessed Mother Mary felt like this during the Annunciation? (Luke 1:26-28)
We began our new season of Advent last Sunday. As we lit that first candle I can sense the peace and joy that come over me during this time of the year.
I hope that as you ponder on the TRUE reason for the season, you find many things to be grateful for. I pray that you become a blessing for someone and as you celebrate God's love for all humanity, you find it in your heart and in your homes as well.
May God direct our steps everyday until we see His glorious face someday in heaven. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
life spelled J E N: for the love of winnng
Please visit Jen's blog and follow her to help her reach her goal and eran FREE stuff in the process!!- Karla
life spelled J E N: for the love of winnng: "so i am doing another little lists of blog giveaways. i am only 2 followers short of hitting 21 and then i will host my very first giveaway...."
life spelled J E N: for the love of winnng: "so i am doing another little lists of blog giveaways. i am only 2 followers short of hitting 21 and then i will host my very first giveaway...."
Monday, November 8, 2010
Aggie Catholics: 40 Days For Life Supporters Stop an Attempted Forc...
Aggie Catholics: 40 Days For Life Supporters Stop an Attempted Forc...: "A pregant teen was taken to an abortion facility in Austin, where her parents tried to force her to get an abortion. Several witnesses saw h..."
Monday, November 1, 2010
To vote or not to vote that is the question...
How many people actually take voting seriously? Do you vote? Do you belong to a specific party? What is it that you look for in a candidate?
When I was younger I use to believe that you had to chose a political party that more closely resembled your opinions, that was the major importance on the political party I chose. Next came whether that political figure was candid or not, followed by a few issues and how it got along with certain idealisms I had. At that time I had also walked away from my faith to try others and well to put it mildly my life was disintegrating fast.
I bought into the bs of "a woman's choice", feminism etc. It could have been culture shock, after all only in this country will you find so many appealing "freedoms", but the truth was as I got older and realized I needed God, I went back to my home Church. I chose to really take a look at what I was taught in Church and realized every thing I so blatanly believed when I walked away was a lie.
The choices I made were based on me walking away from my faith to experiment with others that left me empty and confused at best.
No this is not to "attack" any one particular belief, what it is a self realization that we do need God in ALL areas of our lives.
When I realized that , I discovered that if I want to make a difference in the world my vote had the power to do so. So long as I voted under the right frame of "mind".
When I decided that sitting down and electing the next person whether a senator or a town mayor I needed to vote for those that truly resembled the beliefs I had about the worthiness of a human life, the care of the elderly, the rights of the people that so valiantly fought for this country among others.
In that moment of truth I realized how important voting is, and to vote well one must vote through the eyes of God so to speak. Disregarding the secular world view, the party affiliations and all other petty aspects we vote by.
I urge to take this seriously for the price we pay if we don't is too high a price to pay.
Go vote according to His will
When I was younger I use to believe that you had to chose a political party that more closely resembled your opinions, that was the major importance on the political party I chose. Next came whether that political figure was candid or not, followed by a few issues and how it got along with certain idealisms I had. At that time I had also walked away from my faith to try others and well to put it mildly my life was disintegrating fast.
I bought into the bs of "a woman's choice", feminism etc. It could have been culture shock, after all only in this country will you find so many appealing "freedoms", but the truth was as I got older and realized I needed God, I went back to my home Church. I chose to really take a look at what I was taught in Church and realized every thing I so blatanly believed when I walked away was a lie.
The choices I made were based on me walking away from my faith to experiment with others that left me empty and confused at best.
No this is not to "attack" any one particular belief, what it is a self realization that we do need God in ALL areas of our lives.
When I realized that , I discovered that if I want to make a difference in the world my vote had the power to do so. So long as I voted under the right frame of "mind".
When I decided that sitting down and electing the next person whether a senator or a town mayor I needed to vote for those that truly resembled the beliefs I had about the worthiness of a human life, the care of the elderly, the rights of the people that so valiantly fought for this country among others.
In that moment of truth I realized how important voting is, and to vote well one must vote through the eyes of God so to speak. Disregarding the secular world view, the party affiliations and all other petty aspects we vote by.
I urge to take this seriously for the price we pay if we don't is too high a price to pay.
Go vote according to His will
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The eye of the storm.
Nope I am not speaking of an actual weather related storm, although the weather in the country (specially the Midwest) definitely deserves mention.
If you know even a little about the weather, you might recall hearing how the eye of a hurricane/tornado is the quietest of places to be. I know, NOT a good enough reason to want to be in one, however it is a feeling I get often! It brings to mind several season in my life in which the storms were severe enough to uproot me had it not been for the One who holds me in His hand. I am speaking of the storms in life.
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe" Proverbs 18:10
Recently I found out a dear friend of mine is battling cancer again, yet what caught my eye is her attitude, in the middle of this battle she is vibrant, positive, and still as funny as ever!
"A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance" Proverbs 15:13
As I had a short conversation (through email) today with my friend, I wanted so bad to reach and touch her, sorry she is not near, and then it hit me-she has much to offer me after all, we can all learn to be like her; sitting still, with a smile on our face through the storm, as God reveals what He has in store for us.
I pray that God gives you the grace and strength you need as you "weather" through your storms, whatever their size.
If you know even a little about the weather, you might recall hearing how the eye of a hurricane/tornado is the quietest of places to be. I know, NOT a good enough reason to want to be in one, however it is a feeling I get often! It brings to mind several season in my life in which the storms were severe enough to uproot me had it not been for the One who holds me in His hand. I am speaking of the storms in life.
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe" Proverbs 18:10
Recently I found out a dear friend of mine is battling cancer again, yet what caught my eye is her attitude, in the middle of this battle she is vibrant, positive, and still as funny as ever!
"A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance" Proverbs 15:13
As I had a short conversation (through email) today with my friend, I wanted so bad to reach and touch her, sorry she is not near, and then it hit me-she has much to offer me after all, we can all learn to be like her; sitting still, with a smile on our face through the storm, as God reveals what He has in store for us.
I pray that God gives you the grace and strength you need as you "weather" through your storms, whatever their size.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
When my anxious heart forgets that He is my shepherd.
I have been reflecting on what to write. Simply put there is so much going on in my life and my heart, so I decided to pray about it and let the Lord guide me.
I received a call today from a dear friend of mine who lives in Washington and is going through some rough times herself. As I spoke with her and prayed for her and with her, I felt a call to write about something dealing with struggles.
The truth is we all have them. They are part of our daily life. For better or for worse they are meant to teach us something. We rarely know when something is going to hit. We get so carried away with joy when things are going great, but woe is me when they don't!
How do most people stay afloat on situations that could turn a normal person insane? Well I can't speak for most people, but what I do know for sure is that I turn to the LORD. He is my safe haven, my rock.
When I say there is so much going on I am not kidding. My husband will be leaving for the Army in 3 short months, we are trying to rush to renew our wedding vows, celebrating our oldest 7th birthday, financial hurdles and just your everyday struggles. It feels like things are closing in sometimes, but just when I feel myself about to cry or get overwhelmed I think of the words found on Psalm 23
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want...He leads me beside still waters: He restores my soul...Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I fear no evil for thou art with me.." RSV Translation.
It calms my anxious heart to know I can trust everything to Him, who walks with me ALWAYS.
I know sometimes when the stress (small or not) gets to us is hard to place our trust in the LORD, but as we walk by Faith and learn that God is not bound by human limitations, it becomes comforting to know that no matter the size of the problem He offers us His undivided attention and a readily available solution if we just let Him!
I pray that you keep searching and eventually find the comfort that only comes from working on your relationship with God. Until then, I will pray for you.
Karla
I received a call today from a dear friend of mine who lives in Washington and is going through some rough times herself. As I spoke with her and prayed for her and with her, I felt a call to write about something dealing with struggles.
The truth is we all have them. They are part of our daily life. For better or for worse they are meant to teach us something. We rarely know when something is going to hit. We get so carried away with joy when things are going great, but woe is me when they don't!
How do most people stay afloat on situations that could turn a normal person insane? Well I can't speak for most people, but what I do know for sure is that I turn to the LORD. He is my safe haven, my rock.
When I say there is so much going on I am not kidding. My husband will be leaving for the Army in 3 short months, we are trying to rush to renew our wedding vows, celebrating our oldest 7th birthday, financial hurdles and just your everyday struggles. It feels like things are closing in sometimes, but just when I feel myself about to cry or get overwhelmed I think of the words found on Psalm 23
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want...He leads me beside still waters: He restores my soul...Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I fear no evil for thou art with me.." RSV Translation.
It calms my anxious heart to know I can trust everything to Him, who walks with me ALWAYS.
I know sometimes when the stress (small or not) gets to us is hard to place our trust in the LORD, but as we walk by Faith and learn that God is not bound by human limitations, it becomes comforting to know that no matter the size of the problem He offers us His undivided attention and a readily available solution if we just let Him!
I pray that you keep searching and eventually find the comfort that only comes from working on your relationship with God. Until then, I will pray for you.
Karla
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
What do you get when you cross a polka dot with a monkey?
I know you have NEVER heard that before. Know how I know? Because I just made it up. Yep know you are wondering is she feeling inspired? Maybe she is trying to have a catchy title? Is she just plain nuts?
Although the latter resonates a little closer to home, they are all wrong answers.
I am going to tell you the misadventures in mothering today, ready?
Ok..
So it started like everyday, I woke up smiling. Worked out for like 2 hours. I took a shower and when I got ready, I looked gorgeous. (alright by know you figured this was the fictional part) then I stepped down stairs to make a breakfast fit for kings (yep still fictional) and I gently sang to the kids to wake up (scream? hollered? am I being spied upon?) and my wonderful son (who is almost 7 and to this day maintains the idea that he can play football inside the house without much damage..hmm...) stops and looks at me and grins....
Here comes the horror.
You know when people, specially little itty bitty people (namely your children) get that look on their face like there is something hilariously mischievous and they just can't keep it to themselves any longer? Well that was the looked he had on. Finally I could now stand it any longer so I said "Jeremy what is so funny?" he bursted into laughter and said "mommy you look like someone crossed a monkey with polka dots!!"
WHAT?!
So he thought my polka dot pajama pants were hilarious, add to that I happened to be wearing a Curious George tee shirt and well there is your answer.
What do you get when you cross a polka dot with a monkey? A mommy who has learned that she better get non polka dot, non monkey PJ's on or get dressed like a "normal" mother (does one even exist?) or else the little trolls I call my children might find something eerily hilarious about what I am wearing.
Off to plot..there is cloth shopping lurking around the Christmas list...oh revenge is sweet....
Just kidding....well maybe.
;)
Although the latter resonates a little closer to home, they are all wrong answers.
I am going to tell you the misadventures in mothering today, ready?
Ok..
So it started like everyday, I woke up smiling. Worked out for like 2 hours. I took a shower and when I got ready, I looked gorgeous. (alright by know you figured this was the fictional part) then I stepped down stairs to make a breakfast fit for kings (yep still fictional) and I gently sang to the kids to wake up (scream? hollered? am I being spied upon?) and my wonderful son (who is almost 7 and to this day maintains the idea that he can play football inside the house without much damage..hmm...) stops and looks at me and grins....
You know when people, specially little itty bitty people (namely your children) get that look on their face like there is something hilariously mischievous and they just can't keep it to themselves any longer? Well that was the looked he had on. Finally I could now stand it any longer so I said "Jeremy what is so funny?" he bursted into laughter and said "mommy you look like someone crossed a monkey with polka dots!!"
WHAT?!
So he thought my polka dot pajama pants were hilarious, add to that I happened to be wearing a Curious George tee shirt and well there is your answer.
What do you get when you cross a polka dot with a monkey? A mommy who has learned that she better get non polka dot, non monkey PJ's on or get dressed like a "normal" mother (does one even exist?) or else the little trolls I call my children might find something eerily hilarious about what I am wearing.
Off to plot..there is cloth shopping lurking around the Christmas list...oh revenge is sweet....
Just kidding....well maybe.
;)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Avant Garde Parenting: Dollars and Sense: Teaching Kids about Money
Avant Garde Parenting: Dollars and Sense: Teaching Kids about Money: " source I grew up with a banker father, so I had a savings account before I could even walk. As an adult, I’m so gr..."
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Oh Summer are you really gone?
I mean c'mon summer is the time we get things done around here! Know what I mean? We de-cluttered, we finish projects (and yes we add projects even when we are not 100% done..I know, I know) we do fun stuff, we have more family time but sometimes it all seems to go by so quickly!
Next thing you know Fall is here. Along with more work (for hubby outside the home for me, well in the home of course) more things that should have gotten done but didn't. Homeschool, visits to far away family members we did not get to see.
It can seem overwhelming at times but to tell you the truth I love fall. The way the leaves change colors, the way the air gets crisper, the Holidays around the corner...hmmm I can already feel it!
The truth is we will always have a to do list that seems to grow a mile every year but something I am learning as I go is to enjoy each season in life as it comes. It feel much more "freeing" to do so do not worry about yesterday and fret about today.
Enjoy your season in life, whatever that may be. I will even with the clutter and craziness that may come with it sometimes.
Grab a glass of wine (or you can use grape juice and pretend, hey don't judge is easier to use what we have on hand hehe) and celebrate today!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Return from Grouchland...
Okay so I have been postponing writing this entry for close to a week now. Why because writing it means I will take down the veil that covers my soul and you might read about my short comings. I know, I know but bear with me.
Okay this past week Tracy (hubby) and I have been busy talking to our Parish Priest about renewing our wedding vows. Things were going great until all of a sudden I found myself getting irritated about the small stuff. I mean like totally acting like Oscar the Grouch (well maybe even worse, who knows).
The thing is, this is not the first time. I can think back a few years ago when I was younger (if you can picture dinosaurs still roaming the Earth you went back too far) and as I was busy planning the wedding, excited with the start of a new phase in my life, I remember cringing every time I heard things like, obedience and submissiveness. I wonder why do I have to be submissive? Why do I have to obey him? I am not a dog!
The months before our wedding I really struggled with these. You see my mom (trust me when I tell you I love her dearly) is beyond a feminist woman. She tried her best to instill in my sisters and me a sense of "me" and only me. We saw this through her failed marriages and relationships. We saw this through friendships she took for granted, through the place she gave my sisters and I in her life. Don't get me wrong I love her, after all she is my mother, but all this added a "sting" so to speak to my heart every time I heard I had to submit myself to yet another person's will. I did the only thing I knew to do, I prayed.
3 months of praying, of reading the Bible. and finally it hit me when I read
Ephesians 5:24 "as the Church submits to Christ so wives should submit to their husbands in ALL things."
I found out the meaning of submissiveness-to surrender oneself.
Now that doesn't sound too bad does it? I can picture giving up all my struggles, all my worries, all my anxiety and having peace.
When we submit to our husbands in all truth we are submitting to Christ! I am to submit in ALL things to him, because in doing so I am honoring the One who has given it all up for me. I stopped my pettiness and was ready to be the bride God called me to be , to the man called to be my husband.
I wish I could tell you it ended there and I have never struggled but I would be lying. I still struggle with that more then I wished to sometimes. It feels like the enemy of marriages whispers in my ears things like "He doesn't appreciate what you do" , "why can't he do it, you are already SO busy" and many more.
The thing is as a human (yes I checked I'm still one..well on most occasions) we will always have struggles but you can take comfort in knowing God doesn't give up on us.
When I kept having this feeling trying to creep up one me I ran to His arms.
I read the verses that speak to my heart. I pray and yes I asked my husband for his forgiveness when I act like a woman of the flesh. My love for him is deep and if I am to be the wife God created me to be I am to surrender myself and become one with my husband so that He can lead us to be witnesses of one of His greatest master pieces, love.
So take heart if you find yourself struggling sometimes, put down whatever you are doing and run to Him. Read His Word. Let your Spirit be renewed and know that I am praying for you too. Marriage takes work but as wives we must remember we are "pillars" of our homes. Don't listen to the lies being whispered into your ears, instead chose to surrender completely to the man who God chose for you and take comfort in knowing God will be holding your hand as you leave Grouch land.
Feel the peace in surrendering yourself today...
Okay this past week Tracy (hubby) and I have been busy talking to our Parish Priest about renewing our wedding vows. Things were going great until all of a sudden I found myself getting irritated about the small stuff. I mean like totally acting like Oscar the Grouch (well maybe even worse, who knows).
The thing is, this is not the first time. I can think back a few years ago when I was younger (if you can picture dinosaurs still roaming the Earth you went back too far) and as I was busy planning the wedding, excited with the start of a new phase in my life, I remember cringing every time I heard things like, obedience and submissiveness. I wonder why do I have to be submissive? Why do I have to obey him? I am not a dog!
The months before our wedding I really struggled with these. You see my mom (trust me when I tell you I love her dearly) is beyond a feminist woman. She tried her best to instill in my sisters and me a sense of "me" and only me. We saw this through her failed marriages and relationships. We saw this through friendships she took for granted, through the place she gave my sisters and I in her life. Don't get me wrong I love her, after all she is my mother, but all this added a "sting" so to speak to my heart every time I heard I had to submit myself to yet another person's will. I did the only thing I knew to do, I prayed.
3 months of praying, of reading the Bible. and finally it hit me when I read
Ephesians 5:24 "as the Church submits to Christ so wives should submit to their husbands in ALL things."
I found out the meaning of submissiveness-to surrender oneself.
Now that doesn't sound too bad does it? I can picture giving up all my struggles, all my worries, all my anxiety and having peace.
When we submit to our husbands in all truth we are submitting to Christ! I am to submit in ALL things to him, because in doing so I am honoring the One who has given it all up for me. I stopped my pettiness and was ready to be the bride God called me to be , to the man called to be my husband.
I wish I could tell you it ended there and I have never struggled but I would be lying. I still struggle with that more then I wished to sometimes. It feels like the enemy of marriages whispers in my ears things like "He doesn't appreciate what you do" , "why can't he do it, you are already SO busy" and many more.
The thing is as a human (yes I checked I'm still one..well on most occasions) we will always have struggles but you can take comfort in knowing God doesn't give up on us.
When I kept having this feeling trying to creep up one me I ran to His arms.
I read the verses that speak to my heart. I pray and yes I asked my husband for his forgiveness when I act like a woman of the flesh. My love for him is deep and if I am to be the wife God created me to be I am to surrender myself and become one with my husband so that He can lead us to be witnesses of one of His greatest master pieces, love.
So take heart if you find yourself struggling sometimes, put down whatever you are doing and run to Him. Read His Word. Let your Spirit be renewed and know that I am praying for you too. Marriage takes work but as wives we must remember we are "pillars" of our homes. Don't listen to the lies being whispered into your ears, instead chose to surrender completely to the man who God chose for you and take comfort in knowing God will be holding your hand as you leave Grouch land.
Feel the peace in surrendering yourself today...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wow what a journey!!
Okay first of all I want to say I have been moved to write a blog for years now, but God finally had to go from gently pushing to full force shoving! So here I am, starting a blog. This blog is going to be full of inspiration, faith seeking but honestly mostly my ramblings. ;) I couldn't help it, but hey at least I warned you right?
As a homeschooling mom, I work from home by having my own Avon business. I love the products, but between that, homeschooling and just my every day life there is NO way I can blog every day so I am committing myself to posting once a week at the most. See now you can breath easier I won't be "rambling" every day, only weekly..hehe.
I know everyone who hears I am a homeschooling mom first gasps for air, then wonders why I did it. Well to tell you the truth I had the urge to home school since I was pregnant with our first child (Jeremy, now 7) however my husband is a big time athlete and the homeschooling idea did not "fly" with him so to speak. So what is a woman to do? I thought about kicking and screaming my way through it (hey don't judge it works for some people), thought of going on strike-after all 3 months with no cooking or cleaning sounded good right? Instead I got on my knees and...prayed! (geez what else did you think I was going to say?- scrubbed the floor? not since my grandma has that been done..hehe) and it took a lot of prayer and patience. God had to move my husband's heart BEFORE I could act on His conviction of our children's education and future.
It has none the less been a journey, we love it and there is no way we will stop homeschooling now. We have seen improved relationships, a closeness we once did not have plus the academic side of it is phenomenal. Mostly, though we did it for God. We wanted Him to be a BIG part of our children's life and unfortunately in the previous school they were in that was not really what was happening. We did not want to turn our kids over to people that were not 100% committed to their well being, so here we are. Our second year in this journey, sometimes is tough but at all times is WORTH it!!
As for working from home, well I love helping my husband and unlike the woman of Proverbs 31 I have NO idea how to garden, sew or any of her wonderful skills. So selling Avon worked for me lol. Don't panic I don't starve my family, thank God for grocery stores!! They are not naked-most of the time. JC Penny anyone?? I love learning and someday (probably when I have grand kids hehe) i will learn those skills, but for now I am working on a revamping of Proverbs 31.
How about you?
As a homeschooling mom, I work from home by having my own Avon business. I love the products, but between that, homeschooling and just my every day life there is NO way I can blog every day so I am committing myself to posting once a week at the most. See now you can breath easier I won't be "rambling" every day, only weekly..hehe.
I know everyone who hears I am a homeschooling mom first gasps for air, then wonders why I did it. Well to tell you the truth I had the urge to home school since I was pregnant with our first child (Jeremy, now 7) however my husband is a big time athlete and the homeschooling idea did not "fly" with him so to speak. So what is a woman to do? I thought about kicking and screaming my way through it (hey don't judge it works for some people), thought of going on strike-after all 3 months with no cooking or cleaning sounded good right? Instead I got on my knees and...prayed! (geez what else did you think I was going to say?- scrubbed the floor? not since my grandma has that been done..hehe) and it took a lot of prayer and patience. God had to move my husband's heart BEFORE I could act on His conviction of our children's education and future.
It has none the less been a journey, we love it and there is no way we will stop homeschooling now. We have seen improved relationships, a closeness we once did not have plus the academic side of it is phenomenal. Mostly, though we did it for God. We wanted Him to be a BIG part of our children's life and unfortunately in the previous school they were in that was not really what was happening. We did not want to turn our kids over to people that were not 100% committed to their well being, so here we are. Our second year in this journey, sometimes is tough but at all times is WORTH it!!
As for working from home, well I love helping my husband and unlike the woman of Proverbs 31 I have NO idea how to garden, sew or any of her wonderful skills. So selling Avon worked for me lol. Don't panic I don't starve my family, thank God for grocery stores!! They are not naked-most of the time. JC Penny anyone?? I love learning and someday (probably when I have grand kids hehe) i will learn those skills, but for now I am working on a revamping of Proverbs 31.
How about you?
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