Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Fine China Plate

Wow! I have been really excited when I stop in the local Christian bookstore about the new "I Can Read" series by Zonderkidz. So many options for a such a little price. We picked up this book at a Christian discount store at the beach. It is a great story with great illustrations, based on 2 Timothy 2:21, which says, "If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold - the very best in the house - so that Christ himself can use your for his highest purposes." I am not sure what version that is from, I am used to the NIV which says, "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." I have been delighted to read this book about being "set apart." It gives a very biblical reason about why parents sometimes need to say no, to keep their kids "set apart" for God and His purposes. Princess LOVES this book - she considers it to be a bible story, and it is a parable of sorts. This book is by Robin Jones Gunn, author of the popular Sisterchicks series (which I've never read and may have to try now). Currently, there are three other Mrs. Rosey Posey books in the series. Happy reading to your children!

Blogoversary

Yesterday was my blogoversary, and I totally forgot about it. Go figure, and I was even somewhat excited about it, but oops, I forgot. Oh well. I have been blogging for a year! I have kept a hobby for a whole year and managed to keep up with motherhood and wife duties too. Thanks for reading. I know most people are not able to commit to read every time I post, but thanks for stopping by anyhow. I hope that I am a blessing to you along the way at some point. You definitely bless me by reading and commenting. This blog has really helped me process my thoughts over the last year.

For Clete

I've had a lot of thoughts and not much time to write lately, so I'll be attempting to get some more meaty posts on here soon.

Today, my mind is on Clete Sipes. This blog is Happy Harper Stories, and this is another story, about another person who shaped my life.

Shortly after I turned eighteen on Easter Sunday, I "joined" the church and was baptized. Through my years going to church, I saw a lot of disgenuine people who talked about God on Sunday, but I never saw it lived out loud, so when I finally did, it was a major commitment and decision.

I became a believer as a child. When - I cannot say because I asked Jesus into my heart numerous times. I remember asking as a youngster if I could be baptized, but at the time, I was told I was too young, so Sunday after Sunday, at every invitation to accept Jesus, I prayed the sinner's prayer. When you are in the present, you can hardly see God working, but looking back, I can see how He held me in His hands in safety so many times.

So I was eighteen, and I had finally obeyed God and followed my belief in Him by telling the rest of the world and getting baptized. I had defended God before that point in time, but following Him in obedience was definitely a turning point in my walk with Him.

Almost two months later, I graduated high school, and after the summer, I started to college at Auburn University. I was determined to do the right thing and not fall astray during college so I immediately got involved with the Baptist Campus Ministry. That's where I met Clete. He was the campus minister, and I had no idea that he would shape my life so much. It's funny because it is not as though I spent a lot of time with him one on one, but he believed in discipling college students, so that they would in turn go out and disciple others. I went to TNT - Tuesday Nights Together where we had the best worship music I had ever heard in my life (at the time) and a speaker. Then I went to Freshman Insight bible study on Thursday nights. It is amazing how much time I had to play around back then. Yes, I studied, but I did whatever fun bible study activity I could - yeah, for you guys who really played in college, I was (and still am) a Jesus freak, and I don't care either. My insight leader was Brooke, and she married Joey, in the summer that year, who was also an Insight leader.

As I mentioned earlier, Clete was a discipler, so at the end of freshman year, I decided to join a discipleship group, and Brooke was my discipleship leader. What is discipleship you ask? It is where a mature believer teaches a less mature believer how to grow in the ways of Christ, and it is done in a very small intimate group of 2 or 3. Due to Clete and my own experience, I believe it is the single most important thing one can do after a person receives Christ. I learned how to spend time with God every day reading His word, praying, spending time with other Christians, and reaching out to nonbelievers too. More than anyone I had ever known, Clete encouraged me to be what God wanted me to be. It's as if he could see Jesus's potential in me, which I certainly could not see. And even though I was socially awkward and was not necessarily popular, he believed in me.

Ugh! Those days haunt me - life with Christ sure has its ups and downs. When I did summer missions, I received opposition from what I thought would be the least likely place. I was very naive about my family life, and I could not believe mom and dad did not totally support me to follow God. And when I went to NY the summer after my sophmore year, I was under the impression they did. I went on to lead a discipleship group, and senior year, little ole quiet me became the first ever evangelism leader for the BCM at the time - I wonder if they still have that position. I'm not sure I did much, but I sure have had a heart for people who do not know Him. Little did I know that after such an awesome time growing and seeing and even hearing God's voice, I would go into a spiritual valley.

Clete believed in his students. He loved God, and he taught his students how to in turn grow and become missionaries for him, spreading the truth throughout the world. I wonder just how many lives he alone helped change. Most of the students there from my class went on to full time ministry, seminary training, served as missionaries overseas, etc. He got sick while I was dating Daniel, and I believed he passed away shortly after we were married. One of the things we learned from MasterLife, the discipleship material we used then, was that believers can be grown exponentially through discipleship. If you invest in 2 lives in a year, and teach them to do the same, then you could potentially change over a million lives in 20 years. And not just a little bit, but the kind of change that lasts for a lifetime. Amazing isn't it?

I have not discipled every year that I have been out of college, not even close. And the lives I've changed? I hope I have been used in some way every year, but man, I sure do want to be like Clete, investing in lives and causing life change around the world.

What about you? Who has influenced you the most for Christ?

Princess pics

Ms. Wendy helping Princess dive under the water

Ms. Wendy getting Princess to kick and make splashes with her feet.
The other kids are on the "boat."

Princess eating a snack in a box while brother is napping (and the new floor), taken today.

A closeup of the happy girl

Scripture Memory for Children

Since I have been memorizing Scripture and praying Scripture for my children, I have been encouraged to teach my children to memorize Scripture as well. I am no expert, so what did I do? I googled it, which I know you can do too, but I thought I would list my favorite resources for you for your benefit. Most of them are free, but I also found a couple of books that looked useful, but I do not personally own them and cannot say from personal use.

Here's the list of websites:

• Natural Christian Parenting: Bible Verses for Kids - four lists of "ABC" verses to memorize
  
• Kids Talk about God: Scripture index cards with child art and verse to print out
• Kidprintables.com: Scripture verses to print out
• Hubbardscupboard: Bible verses set to a familiar child's tune
• Ministry to Children: 10 easy bible verses to memorize
• A Kid's Heart: Coloring pages
  

Here's a couple of children's books to aid in Scripture memory:

• My ABC Bible Verses
• The Memory Bible
  

I hope you enjoy these resources. You are probably one step ahead of me of this, but when I find something I enjoy or think is useful, I want to share.

In Memory of the Fallen

Because we so often forget what Memorial Day is really about...

MC-Memorial Day Master with Scripture from David Sanchez on Vimeo.

MC-2009 Memorial Day from David Sanchez on Vimeo.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Lord, for my sweet Princess, I pray that she would be joyful always, and while I am at it, I pray that as her parent, and I too, would be joyful always, giving thanks in all circumstances. I pray that Princess will have the attitude that 3 year old Jesus must have had. (Side note: Can you imagine what toddler Jesus must have been like? Hard for me to even imagine!) I pray that Pea will have the same attitude that almost 2 year old Jesus must have had.
1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18; Philippians 2:5

I pray specifically for Princess that she would be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for her anger does not bring about the righteous life that You desire.
James 1:19-20

I pray that both Princess and Pea would grow in the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
Galatians 5:22

Lord, I pray that both would come to know you at an early age, and that we could continually be available to teach them your truths even in our own sins. Lord, give us wisdom as parents that we may teach them your truths for them. Don't let us exasperate Princess or Pea, but help us to bring them up in the training and instruction of You!
Jeremiah 33:3, Ephesians 6:4

As the momma, I pray especially in general and in particular for the Arizona trip that I would be strengthened in all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to You, who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints. Help me to walk in a manner worthy of You, fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You.
Colossians 1:11-12, 10

New Floors and updates

I am loving my new floors. Ladies and Gents, I got new hardwood floors and that nasty old carpet is gone. I can be proud of my home once again and stop stalking the housing websites every so often, because mine is home once again. This week was a busy one. On Monday, we got new floors in the foyer, living, room, hall, and dining room. How I wish you could come over and enjoy them with me. I totally rearranged the dining room, and feel like I have a whole new lease on life. Amazing what a little clean spot can do for you.

Wednesday, Princess had her last swimming lesson, and the kids and I headed to the beach with my mom and sister. We stayed at Orange Beach, and I don't have any pics, because the weather was not ideal. I couldn't wrangle the kids in the freezing water and take pics of them too. :( Princess really took off in the pool. During the lessons, she was not near as confident, but with me, she was a fish, totally confident and swimming mostly on her own. I am a proud mama. Pea on the other hand had forgotten about the pool and was a little skittish this year compared to last year. We stayed on the beautiful beach in a beautiful, spacious condominium, and I got to sleep in a king bed with both of my babies. I was so tired that I probably did not appreciate the sleeping with the kids like I should have. I greatly missed my teammate and all things the better half of me, my hubby, Daniel. I've got it good - I've got it real good to have him as my partner and friend. We had fun hanging out with mom and Jenn and eating seafood and shopping. We got home yesterday.

After church today, I put together some quiet time bins that I saw on Keeper of the Home. I am really excited about getting to use them on Tuesday. The new floors have really helped me organize, and the house feels so spacious. The kids are sharing a bedroom, and life is all coming together. I mean Princess is still a drama queen, and Pea is still a whirlwind of motion, but I'm figuring it out, slowly but surely... :)

Wanting to Hear Your Thoughts!

I'm out of town and thus my blog will be quiet this week, but I've been doing some thinking, and I am still thinking. I would love to hear your thoughts on the following questions. Please leave me a comment, even anonymously if you would prefer, about your thoughts on the following question.

When you think about your circle of influence, the people you come into contact with regularly, your friends, your coworkers, your family members, Christians or non-Christians, do you think most people really care about others over themselves? Do you value others over your self? How do you feel that you display your caring or value of others to them? Do you notice a difference in this selfishness or lack of selfishness in your Christian circle or do you feel it stretches equally over Christians and non-Christians alike?

Please please participate. Think about this and leave me some feedback. Please feel free to leave an anonymous comment.

Praying for Their Footsteps: Thankfulness

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17

This weekend I went to the Extraordinary Women's Conference, and I was so blessed by it. One thing that stood out to me was that although I've had my own set of hardships, I've experienced hardly any suffering compared to a lot of women. And though I am certainly not asking for a trial, I wonder if this is because God can not yet trust me with one. First I heard Angela Thomas speak, and she spoke about being able to see God's glory. She had women with different situations stand to display God's glory in their testimonies, such as healed from cancer, broken marriages healed, was infertile but had kids because of God anyway, etc. Later, Karen Kingsbury spoke and then read her book, "Let Me Hold You Longer." This book will break your heart, but it is SO good. As a result of these messages, I began to think that I am not always grateful for the good gifts I have, including whatever fits my daughter my have or how rambunctious my son is.

This week, I just wanted to remain simple and focus on thanksgiving for my children. I feel like I noticed a big difference in my children, my attitude toward them and theirs toward me and Daniel, and toward one another this week due to more focused prayers, although I've gotta say this is definitely an area that I need a lot of work in. How did you do this week?

Dear Lord,
Thank you! You have given me a great reward and gift in my children. You have given me a legacy. Lord, I thank you for these good gifts. I will always remember my sweet Princess and sweet Pea in my prayers and thank you for every moment, every hug, every kiss, every fit, every cry, every need, every heartache, every song, and every scream. I will thank You for my babies in every circumstance, for this is God's will for us in Jesus. I thank You that You considered me faithful and appointed me to be the mother to Princess and Pea, for it is You that gives me strength in the difficult moments. Strengthen me as the mom in your power, so that I may grow in endurance and patience and be joyful in the thanks I give to you.
From Psalm 127:3, Ephesians 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Timothy 1:12, Colossians 1:11-12

Random pics

The first pic is the only clear one I have right now of Princess at swimming lessons.
The second one shows Pea also at swimming lessons.
The last two show Princess's new haircut!
(I am painfully aware of the spills/dirt on my walls - please overlook this!
I do not know how anyone keeps a clean house with two toddlers!
but I'm getting hardwood floors next week! Woohooo!)

A Name like No Other

So I feel that I have to tell the whole story, just to be clear. Princess is strong willed, it is true, but there are times that she can be truly sweet and fun to be around. She is funny and has a sense of humor that is delightful. She has always been easy to take to the dentist, to the doctor, to get her hair cut. She is obedient usually in those situations and does not mind others taking care of her in that way. So it is not as if the strong willed behavior is at all times, which it could be and it may become. I hope not though. Anyhow, it is more like she has a Dr. Jekyll - Mr. Hyde personality, as opposed to continually being crazy woman. I could refer to her as "Princess" and "Tornado." I could, I really could, because that's how I feel, but then I would be perpetuating the "Tornado." No, her name is Princess! Her name is Beautiful! Her name is Grace! Her name is Wisdom! She sings as the Harper (one who plays a harp) to her Lord in her sweet little three year old voice. We often call her "the psalmist" like David, because she loves to sing to the Lord, and she loves to "write" her own song for Him.

"The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow." Isaiah 62:2

"No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (my delight is in her), and your land Beulah (married);
for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married." Isaiah 62:4

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Have you ever given any thought to your name, what it means? And what about what the Lord calls you - He knows your name, He knows your name like no other, and He calls you by your true name - the name that is YOU and your reflection of Him. More than likely He calls you His Beloved!

LPM Siesta Scripture Memory

Because I need Scripture running through my mind and because I'm not currently in a bible study, I have decided to participate in the LPM Siesta Scripture Memorization.

They started in January and are memorizing 24 verses. I am going to try to catch up so I am doubling up for a while.

Here are the two verses I've chosen:

"I will give them one heart and one way, that they fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul." Jeremiah 32:39-41

"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11

Mommy Do You Love Me?

Before I begin this review, I just wanted to say that I have been so blessed by your comments and your support of my blog and the "Praying for their Footsteps." Thank you for the emails and comments you have left me saying you will pray. I am blessed by you.

"Mommy Do You Love Me?" by Jeanne Willis, Illustrated by Jan Fearnley, 2008

I love this book because it shows the child reading the book that no matter what he does, mommy will always love him. It is about a mother hen and her chick. The chick does various things to see if mommy will still love him, and mommy always says she still does. She says, "Sometimes you make me mad, and sometimes you make me sad, but no matter what you say or do, I will always love you."

I find books like this one really speak to my daughter's heart. It is a message that I have to continually let her know. I don't think that it is a "Christian" book, but unconditional love is a Christian message. We are only able to love our children unconditionally because Christ loved us first. So I highly recommend this book. Also, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful and aid in the story telling, especially for the little ones. Great book!

I'm a little Crazy today...

On a whim tonight, I decided to move Pea's bed into Princess's room and make it "their" room. It took about 10 minutes longer than usual to settle them down, but they are quiet, and I think, asleep right now, so that is a positive sign. There are a few reasons why I did this. The main reason would have to be that I need a room where there are absolutely NO toys. Why you ask? One, because I need Pea to go to asleep when it is nap time, and two, I need a safe place to put Princess during timeout. It has no reason whatsoever about a possible third child.

Princess is very aggressive when upset. I know you think she's sweet and smart and all that stuff, but thankfully God has given me wisdom to see that she likes to fight me and that she wants me to give her negative attention. Thus, I know that I have to separate myself from her or I will be driven to "fight" her so to speak. I can ignore her behavior, but she will attack me anyway. I walked away from her one day after she got upset, and she came after me to hit me. However, the ignoring of it seemed to do much better than reacting, so my main goal is to never yell and always remain calm, which can sometimes be hard to do. She does not stay on a naughty spot. When placed in a room to calm down, she will leave the room and come after me again. Sometimes the best thing is for me to lock myself in my room. I'm teasing, but only slightly. In all seriousness, her room is child protected, so that she cannot leave it now, and I will have a place to punish her so to speak. I pray that all of you reading will never have to go through what I do with her, but then again, I wish you had an inkling of what it is like too. I am trying to focus on positive rewards and give high praise as much as possible.

Please leave a comment letting me know that you will commit to pray for me for three things: one our mission trip to Arizona - I need lots of prayer about the plane ride with Pea and Princess's continued behavioral problems. Two, that Princess will learn to go to the potty all of the time consistently. She has regressed so much, I don't know what to do most of the time. I actually put her back in diapers for a few days, which she hates. It is on days that she has an accident that she rebels or on rebellious days that she has "accidents." The two seem to go hand in hand. I've stopped any kind of discipline associated with the potty other than the wearing of diapers. Third, and the main thing, that Princess would just want to obey. If she would obey, we would not have potty traumas. She would go when I asked her too instead of waiting until she can no longer wait.

I thank the Lord for YOU, my readers, even when I don't know you are reading, :)

Praying for Their Footsteps

These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me." Proverbs 119:133

"My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped." Psalm 17:5

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7

I mentioned in a previous post that I wanted to start praying for our children. I am so excited to begin this meme, but realize that I may not have many join in at first. I will be doing this every Monday, because it is the beginning of the work week, a good way to start the week since we spend many hours teaching our children, especially if you are a stay at home mom, and the blog scene is usually quiet over the weekend.

This meme is created to specifically remind and encourage one other to pray for our children and to do so using Scripture. It is meant to be for a mom of any age with children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren of any age. Of course, if you are a woman who does not have any children at all, please join in and pray for both the children you desire and for the spiritual children you already have. In fact, anyone, mother or not, feel free to pray for your spiritual children and for those you mentor on here as well. The main purpose is to use Scripture to encourage and uplift while learning to pray diligently as well.

Randomly, but not so randomly, because God is Abba Father and in control of all our "random" things, I found a website which encourages you to pray seven prayers for your children seven times a day. Here is a link:


Aside from all the formal details, each week my prayers will change based on my children's changing needs, but here is a sampling of our prayers for this week:

For their salvation:
I pray that both Princess and Pea will come to have Christ dwell in their hearts through faith. I pray also that each one would be rooted and established in the love of Christ that they may not depart from the teachings they will learn now. I pray that one day they will have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and that they will know this love that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
From Ephesians 3:17-19 and Proverbs 22:6

For their jealousy and brotherly love:
Let Princess or Pea be at peace when either feels that one gets something he or she deserves and wants, so that each one may have life and rejoice with one another. Let them be devoted to one another in brotherly love, honoring one another above themselves.
From Proverbs 14:30, Romans 12:15, and Romans 12:10

For obedience:
Father, allow both Princess and Pea to have a heart of obedience that they would obey us, for your word says this is right. Let each one honor both mommy and daddy in they way they are created, so that it may go well with each one and each may have a long life. Help mommy and daddy to consistently teach them your ways so that they are not exasperated and frustrated.
From Ephesians 6:1-4 and Psalm 139:14

Specifically, let Princess grow in grace, beauty, and wisdom from the Lord, for that is what her name means and why we gave her that name. Let Pea be a man whose God is Yahweh and thus is known for loving and obeying Him for that is what is name means as well.

Now, it is your turn. Either leave me a comment on how you are praying for your children, or grab my button on the right of my page, blog about what you are praying for your children on your site and come back and leave a link here. Also, if you are just discouraged as a parent, cannot think of a prayer, leave a comment on what you are struggling with, and I will pray for you, and hopefully offer a verse for you or direct you to someone else who can help you best. This is my first time to use Mr. Linky, so I hope it works. Please include the URL directly to your post, not to your blog homepage. If you are a facebook user, and would like to participate, either leave a note in the notes section of your profile or comment on my networked blog page. And, if you just really love praying for your kids and know someone else who would love it too, forward them the link. Thank you for participating.

To God be the Glory,

P.S. Many thanks to Trista for the blog button.

Let's Talk about Sex

No, I am not bold enough to talk about sex with my in-laws reading my blog, but I've come across some good websites about sex in the Christian marriage.

I thought I would share since sex is a vital part of marriage, and many Christian women complain about it.

First, Heidi at Moms, Ministry, and More is going to be starting a discussion in June about it, but she already has some information there about what people are really doing behind the scenes and how often they are doing it. :)

The second link is here, and I have not searched extensively, but you might enjoy it nonetheless:

Sings My Soul Saturdays: Word of God Speak

My children initially woke me up tonight, but it seems the Lord had something in mind when they did.

I am going to be real with you, because I am being prompted in that direction and because it has been so long since I've really written my heart.

Before going to bed, I read about being invisible both here and here.

I cannot remember a time when I have not felt invisible. I can remember a feeling of being invisible on the playground as a child. I tried and tried my best to be recognized and noticed. I got straight A's, but I still felt invisible. As a teenager, I was awkward and shy, and scared to death that someone would notice me, and I certainly didn't want that, yet I did not want to be invisible either.

As a college student, I was sold out to the Lord, and He made me more visible because He was visible in me (I hope) by sending me to lands further from home to people I had never met before, yet I still wanted to remain hidden in the shadow of His wing. I wanted my visibility to be His light shining off of me. I have been a friend and a mom to many, yet I only have two children, and oftentimes, I feel invisible, not quite recognized, noticed, appreciated, or valued.

Even with this blog, I often struggle wondering if anyone will read, if my life really counts for something somewhere. We don't often see the finished product - both as moms, as friends, or in ourselves. We dare not truly understand the work He is doing in us behind the scenes.

God is invisible. Surely then, why does it matter that I feel invisible? Here is what His words says about His invisibility, I hope they speak to you:

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." Colossians 1:15-16

"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:16-17

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

"But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man." Galatians 1:15-16

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 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 God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Since doing Beth Moore's Esther study, I have been transformed and renewed. Although I have not been faithful every day in devoting myself to prayer and Scripture as I should, He remains faithful to me. He sees! It does not matter to me who else sees anymore. He has a purpose for me, and He's not finished with me yet. I will be His living sacrifice, pleasing to Him, not man alone, and I will remain invisible so long as He is alive and visible within me. I have had a couple of supernatural encounters with God, yet I have not seen Him face to face. He though has seen me in the secret place and knows me. Let His beautiful radiance be seen as I seek to follow Him each day.

My thoughts just kept coming back to "Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me, so that is the song I've chosen to share today. Please visit Amy at Sign, Miracles, and Wonders for more.





P.S. I would love you to join me on Monday for "Praying for their Footsteps." We will encourage one another to pray for our children using Scripture.

Spilling the Beans

Thanks to my grandmother, Princess subscribes to High Five magazine. I highly recommend it. If you ever got Highlights magazine as a kid, which I did, then this is the same thing for younger children.

One of the activities this month is planting beans, and the first step is to soak some dried beans in water. We did that on Wednesday night, and we were going to work on them yesterday, but we were involved with family activities instead. The house was a mess, literally, and so I grabbed up two cups of water and threw them down the sink, one of which contained the beans. Daniel saw a couple left in the sink, and remembering that we were going to plant them, he asked about them. That's when I realized what I had done.

Since Princess is very emotional, I really did not want her knowing what I had done. I did not want to deal with another tantrum, but the cat was out of the bag. I was very sad and disappointed that Daniel let it out. I hung my head over the counter, thinking. Princess and Pea were sitting at the kitchen table (it was after dinner), and Princess, watching me, said, "Mommy, I still love you even if you threw the beans away." It was a wake up call and so sweet. I often say, "I love you all the time - even when you are good and even when you are bad." Apparently, she loves me even when I mess up too. Such a neat thing to see the Father's love for you from your own children.

Swimming Lessons day 2 & more

So today was Princess's second day of swimming lessons, and she really warmed up to the pool. On the first day, she was a little timid and shy, but today, she was her usual fishy self. She was swimming around all over the place off of the platform and by herself. She has a tendency to want to watch her feet when she first starts out with the teacher. By the end of the lesson, she was going under, using her arms and legs, and even wearing the magic goggles. She had a blast, and the storms held out until after the lesson was finishing up. I am SO proud of her.

I don't think I have blogged about this, but watching her interact with someone besides me has made me realize that she really does need to go to Mother's Day Out. I hope there are still spots available. I meant to stop by and turn in the registration form today, but I got distracted by the rain and storms, so maybe tomorrow when I go to Mommy Connection!

And, by the way, the LPM blog is offering an online summer bible study, "My, Myself, & Lies" by Jennifer Rothschild, which I am considering doing, since our church does not usually offer summer studies AND I don't really think the childcare situation is the best for Princess. Please let me know if you would like to study with me.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Today the kids and I made cookies. Warning: They are really tasty, but not too healthy! Last Friday, the kids, my mom, my sister, and I went to Homestead Hollow, and I bought the kids aprons. As an aside, Princess bungee jumped! Back to the cookies - we were all suited up and ready to go, when I realized we were out of sugar. We made a quick run to the store, and then came home and baked these delicious cookies from a recipe I found inside the butter box. The kids helped me put the groceries away, and we had so much fun doing it. I have been trying to get them to help me all the time, because they really seem to enjoy helping me, and it keeps them out of trouble. I used a mix of whole wheat flour and regular all purpose flour, but other than that, I stuck to the recipe. They are Jumbo sized and very delicious. The kids got to wear their new aprons. Pea was a little distracted after going to the store, but Princess was solely focused on the cookies.

Just a Few Random Things

Lately, I have ventured out into the blogosphere more than I've ever done. I have found a few neat ideas/sites/memes that I thought I would share.

First of all, there is a site called OrgJunkie that hosts a Menu Plan Mondays every week. You can join in and post your weekly menu on her site.

Secondly, I know you've heard me gripe and complain about all the stuff we have, and yesterday, I found SimpleMom, courtesy of Keeper of the Home. Actually, I found both sites courtesy of Keeper of the Home. Simple Mom is hosting a Spring Cleaning Party this week and next at her blog, and she walks through some easy spring cleaning and decluttering steps. She has also written and ebook called, "Spring Clean Whenever" for $7, which gives more details about all of the steps she will mention this week and next.

Last, I'm not sure how I found Scribbit's page, but she has written a FREE ebook about how to blog and develop your blog into what you want it be. It may be written for women, but it has all kinds of information that any blogger needs to know. If you've thought about blogging, but have not started, it is a great resource, and if you are blogging, but you are not accomplishing what you want to, it is a great resource. One thing that I am really excited about and hope to participate in is her monthly writing contests. I had no idea that there was anything like that out there, so I'm excited about opportunities to practice writing, other than what you see here.

Swimming Lessons

Princess started swimming lessons today. I didn't take my camera, so I'll post pics later this week. So far so good - she is having fun!

Pete & Pillar: the big rain

My first book recommendation for kids is "Pete & Pillar: the big rain" by Jeffery Stoddard. Pea got this book for Easter. It has become a favorite of Princess's too, so it is good for boys and girls alike, though I think it is more favorable for a little boy. It is a story of friendship between a hauler and a digger. Through a simple story, it teaches children about the importance of genuine friendship and the sacrificial love of Christ. Christ is not mentioned in this story, but a sacrifice is made, and the premise is based off of John 15:13, which says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." You have an opportunity through this story to tell your children about His perfect friendship with them. As for the recommended age for this book: Pea does not always sit through it, and Princess adores it, so I am of the opinion that ages 3 and up will enjoy this book, though it really depends on your child, and you know your child best. It is also a good picture book for a younger child, and you can discuss the story through pictures instead of reading every word. Happy Reading to your kids!

My Blog

Only about a year after I started blogging, I have finally decided what I want to do with my blog. First of all, I want to glorify God and do so by sharing my life and struggles with you. Second of all, I want to encourage other parents by weekly sharing verses and prayers that I am praying for my children, and I would like you to join me in this by either commenting here or blogging about it on your own page. Thirdly, I want to discuss books that are relevant in shaping and molding the hearts of our children. Lastly, this blog is still about our life, and I will always share current events in our lives and random tidbits of useless and useful information. :) Hope you enjoy, and I'm sure it will continue to evolve.

A Dozen Roses

What must one do to receive a dozen roses?

First, you decide to wait on God's timing for a mate.

Then, your future mate buys a house.

Then, he proposes, and you get married and move into his house.

You realize that there are beautiful rose bushes in your yard and that your hubby loves to take care of them.

You wait, even up to 5 years, for the roses to get bigger and better each year until the roses begin to produce an incredible crop.

Then you pick a dozen roses at the peak of their bloom,
and voila, a beautiful treat straight from God.
Yes, these roses came from our yard. Aren't they gorgeous?

I suppose that there is a life lesson in these roses.
When you wait on God, He always produces a beautiful crop!

Sings My Soul Saturdays: Like a Little Child

As I was thinking about this post, I wanted to share something that reflects how I am waiting on God as a mom and parent, because my daughter is strong willed. At first I thought about John Waller's, "While I'm Waiting" and then I thought about the praise song, "Hungry," but ultimately I decided to share some kid's praise music with you, because I need a child's perspective and to have some fun with my kids. I know Princess will love watching these videos with me later, and I hope you enjoy them too. Bring your kids in the room with you, watch, dance, enjoy, and have some fun with them. If you don't have kids, then reflect on your childlike faith in God and have some fun too. Enjoy! P.S. Don't forget to press pause on my iPod to the right.

The first is the Christian bug song for kids.


The second is, "Jesus is my Superhero."


Have an awesome Saturday!