Son It's Your Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to a boy who fills my heart with joy; and great anticipation towards his future.  He is a boy full of life, determination, and a drive to always do his best!
Most of all he loved the word of God since before he could read, is thoughtful; and for his age- quite the gentleman. 
I will never forget when I picked him up from kindergarden one sunny afternoon; his reading teacher pulled me aside with the biggest grin on her face.  She told me that when Brenden found out that they were going to begin learning to read that day; the first words that came to his mouth were "NOW I CAN READ MY BIBLE!!!"  She said he was ecstatic; and she was so blessed.
Brenden-
You are officially double digits!
Today you are 10; and I can't believe it's been a decade since God blessed your Father and I with  your sweet presence in our lives.
Don't ever stop being you,
you are a blessing to others in so many ways.
Keep reading that bible of yours
it is truly the book of life; and you will continue to gain so much wisdom from reading it.
Wisdom you can carry with you all your life,
and wisdom that will allow you to be a blessing to others;
even more than you already are!
I Love You so much!  

Oh and here is a Rockin birthday song for you!!!

"Well that's Because they are the Daughters of the President of the United States"!

Many of you have heard of the social network called "Instagram"; well it didn't use to be a social network.  At one point it was just a camera app to place on your smart phone to take really cool pictures; with all kinds of neat filters.  So you can imagine my upset as a parent when it quietly became a complete social network for kids and teens. Scary!
My daughter and a couple of her friends had secret instagrams; where they shared pictures- gossiped about people- and knew entirely too much about people they hardly know in real life.  Pictures were loaded with poses of attitude, some posing trying to look older than they were, and most having followers that were old men- this absolutely disgusted me!  My daughter doesn't even have a smartphone; but she was using her friends phones to check up on an account she created using a friends email address.

Many kids have an instagram; many parents don't even know; whats disturbing to me is that a lot of parents "do" know and find it to be okay.  
I am not the parent of anyone elses child; so what I write here are my own thoughts based on what I have researched.

We hear as parents that the stricter we are; the sneakier our children will become.  
To me this does not mean my children should be part of things that expose them to sinful actions, words, or inappropriate photos just because if I don't let them they will sneak it anyway.

As you may or may not have heard; Michelle Obama once stated that her girls were not allowed to have a facebook. 
As a side note you need to know that Instagram was bought by facebook, it is now no different; it's actually worse.  
She doesn't see the point in it; when most of the people they would be talking to are people they see in school everyday; or get together with often.  
Michelle Obama is all about the good old fashioned way of communicating with others, and thinks its very important her girls know those skills.  
I am right with her on this one.  
In fact when I mentioned this to my nearly 13 year old daughter her response was- "Well of course they can't have a facebook, they are the Presidents' daughters!"

This got me pondering her comment.  

My daughter is the daughter of someone much more important than the President of the United States; 
she is the daughter of a Mighty King who loves her very much; and so is your daughter or son.  

If the decision for your child to be on facebook or instagram, twitter etc. was based on biblical values (which it should be) you would find the following scriptures as instruction to us as parents of His beautiful creation to make an informed decision based on His word.

Ephesians 5:3-4

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for Gods holy people.  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Revelation 22:7

Behold, I am coming soon!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

  

Yes this is the real world; and it is unfortunate that our precious children feel the need to step out of Gods word and join it to fit in.  It's as if people think children and teens need to be exposed to nudity, sexual inuendos, and profanity to prepare them for it.  
It doesn't make sense to me; 
I, as an adult, have made decisions on my own; to not expose myself to the things of this world just because that's the way it is.  We no longer need to conform; 
God warned us of the patterns of this world; and urges us to stand out amongst all the sin and proclaim His love for all the world to see. 

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will". 

When my daughter and sons are grown adults; they may decide to join these networks; and they may- like me, decide for themselves like I did that it's an empty form of communication. Or they may use these social networks as a means to stand out; and use them responsibly like so many do. 
As for right now- 
when teens are so prone to temptation, 
and a desperate want for attention, I as a parent am not going to be the one who makes the choice to expose them to things they shouldn't.  
It is not necessary to expose ourselves to the things outside of Gods will for us to grow up; 
true growing up is found in His word; 
that's what prepares our children for the things they will be exposed to in this world of ours. 
His word is what prepares our children to know how to react when they are faced with vulgar situations.  
Bottom line is they need Gods word to prepare them for this world; not being purposely exposed repeatedly to poor language, un- biblical quotes, sexual sin, gossip, hatred and violence. 
Even as an adult; God shelters me- 
it's not a bad thing- 
He gives me a check in my spirit called discernment; which has shown me what not to expose myself, or my children to.  

Yes they may go astray; like I have done; but I will know I have instilled in them what is important in life, and why.  
And I thank my precious Savior for His precious hand is placed on the lives of my children; 
I strive to lead them; 
where He so patiently leads me.
Amen. 

Way to Kick Off Winter Break

My husband and I are two extremely proud parents!  Our son Brenden accepted the award of "Honor Roll" this past Friday at school.  What a great way to kick off winter break!  

We are so proud of his determination and hard work when it comes to school; he takes it upon himself to do his best.  We Love you so much Brenden!!!  Keep up the good work!!!

On his way up to receive his award:

Brenden receiving his award from his fabulous teacher:

Brenden with his classmates

Oh Christmas Tree

Evening View... Not completed yet

My beautiful helper!  See all that paper garland- she did it- and she is so happy she's done!

Still not completed; I was still in the process of snow flaking my pine cones...

LOVE the gift tags from my Mom; they look adorable on our tree.

Just one pinecone; can't wait to get more on!

YAY!!!!  PINE CONES!!!!!!

More gift tags

My favorite tree topper; it has never looked this good on any of my other trees!  I'm so happy!

Gotta Love Burlap!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Project Month

December has turned into an all out project month for this household; which completely explains my absence here in blog land.  I love the smells of Christmas; pinecones, and the smell of baked goods.  As I work hard on projects at my dining room table I am creating like my Grandmother.  My Grandmother (we call her Gi-Gi) owned one of the cutest country gift shops; when I was a little girl I got to work in it with her.  I have such special memories of that cute little shop of hers.
I remember going to her house and seeing a hot glue gun, doilies, lace, tacky glue bottles, dried flowers- you name it- she was making it!
This month I sorta feel like her; because my table is covered with projects; that bring me so much memories of my childhood.  I think I am finally over doing things just right; and instead not being so afraid to try to create new things.  So Far - so good!

A sign I made using a board, card board letters, and paint- I am loving the white on white:

A sign I painted over; it used to be red with a different message.  I made it based on the verse "Love Covers a multitude of sins" :

The angel is actually my tree topper; it's my favorite:

A Frame I made using frames, paint, fabric, hot glue, and timeless black and white photos of my children:

Not the best picture of this project because it was taken at night; (but you get the idea) I used an old frame, paint, book tag from my scrapbook supplies, hot glue, burlap, and Heidi Swapp date stamp:

 I frosted my pinecones with help from my daughter using epsom salt, modge podge, and hung them with twine:

I hung these from my chandelier;  cute and simple:

 LOVE LOVE LOVE

Pinecones:

What if you don't fit in?

Dr Seuss certainly got this right!
The desire to fit in has sadly caused parents to try everything in their power to help their child fit in.
While fitting in seems to send an idea to someone as inviting, comforting, and an easier way to get through life; it is just another one of the worlds biggest lies.
Why would I want my children to do what everybody else is doing for the sake of their popularity; instead of teaching them how to stand above the rest; and understand the dangers in life.
I don't want my children to be like everyone else, in a way this sometimes makes me the uncool Mom.  In other words I choose not to be afraid to say no to my children if they are asking about certain types of media, video games,movies, or photo sites that I have researched and found to be unsafe.
Since when did parents stop becoming parents?
Since when did parents start saying oh you can do that since everyone else is; I'd hate for you to be left out, I want you to be cool.
The number of parents parenting this way is extremely high; and I just don't get it.
This makes it very hard for us as Moms to help our children discover the benefits of standing out.
While it is harder- it is still worth it- and it is still possible!

I as a parent do not have any desire to be like the other parents just because they make those decisions, likewise I don't want my children to be like every other kid just because their friends are allowed to do certain things that I do not allow them to do.  
I as a parent seek Gods will; I would like them to do the same.  

Gods will is catered to us as we are His unique creation; He has so much in store for us individually that we may miss out on if we are too busy trying to fit in to this world.  We are called to lead others to Christ; and standing out is key.

God calls us to do our research, and be wise in our decisions; and know why we are making them.  Is it based on what others are doing? Or is it based on the safety of my child?  I choose the second.

Many would argue that the more you don't allow your children to do things; the more they'll want to do it.  
Look at Adam and Eve; they were told not to eat from the tree of life ; but it was in their nature to disobey; 
did that make God change His mind about the rule He set in place; so they could fit in the garden better?  So they could feel more comfortable?
Absolutely not!  
He knew the dangers in store for them; and He loved them.

Just as we love our children we need to be looking into the possible dangers of all things they are exposed to.  Especially in this digital time we live in.
Will our children struggle with obedience to the rules?
I'm sure they will,
but it is our job to keep on teaching, and keep on loving.

"Train a child in the way He should go and He wont depart from it"

Proverbs 22:6

I know this verse to be true,
I am living proof!

I grew up very sheltered (I now like to call it very loved).  :)

There were a ton of things I was not allowed to do; and there were many times I rebelled.  
That never changed my parents- the rules were the rules; if I chose to disobey them I had to live out the consequences of my rebellion.  

I was not a teenager who made wise choices; I carried this on to my young adult life- 
I was spiraling downhill for sure.  
I was experiencing the life of fitting in- 
I was doing everything everybody else said was cool; 
and that enticed me for years.  
I didn't even know who I was; because my identity was found in what the world said was fun and free.  
The worst part of it is the world seriously thought this kind of living was standing out and being yourself; 
and I believed the lie, 
I would insist This is who I am; 
but it wasn't.
It was who everyone else was.

Then the time came when God set me free from this bondage, and showed me who I was in Him.  He taught me how to stand out and not be like the rest.  

Even as a Mommy; I don't have to say yes to my kids just because every other parent has said yes to theirs; I instead have an opportunity to stand out, and point out possible dangers to other Mothers who may not see the dangers in the things their children are exposed to, because we all can be blinded by blending in to this world; just because everyone else is doing it.

But God has called us to be so much more!
He has called us to stand out; because only He truly knows our hearts;
and only He can bring out the best qualities in us.

He has created you and me as individuals with unique qualities that He so powerfully brings out in us; to serve a purpose;
to set free the lost, by our example
for Him.

Lets teach our children to stand out; because God knows their hearts better than the world ever will.  They were not created to fit in...
They were created to Stand Out.

Bacon! Yes- this Title really is Bacon!

It took ten years for me to figure out that bacon should be a content dwelling in my refrigerator on Satur weekend mornings, just waiting to be fried by groggy me, and my peppy in the morning husband.
You come to a point in your marriage where you take notice with each passing day of your spouse, and set yourself aside.  Only to feel that amazing feeling of knowing that you really know him.
Not just knowing him; but caring more and more about what it feels like to make him happy.
Selflessness is beautiful;
Selflessness sets us free,
and sometimes it takes more than 10 years for our eyes to be opened, as to just how beautiful selflessness can be.  
I pray this very night for more of it.  To experience the beauty in being truly selfless to my husband, children, family, and friends.
That we may all experience again and again
just how much being self- less
sets us free!
Even if it starts with just making sure there is bacon in your refrigerator!

Musical Sunday

Inspirational Saturday