Love Your Enemies!

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. ~ Matthew 5:43-44

This is something that, in my experiences, has been hard to do.

Love someone that has done wrong to me or a loved one?

Pray for them?

What?!

But, Christ makes it clear that this is what He wants from us; what He expects of us.

My prayer is to accomplish that which He asks of me!

{photo credit}

 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21

"I am a Woman of God" {giveaway}

Do you love Jesus Christ with all your heart?
Are you striving to live a life filled with Him?
Then you are a Woman of God!

About I am a Woman of God,

The term “I am a Woman of God’ is a concept derived from one of the many passages of the bible, which are pertinent to the virtuous woman. The verse Job 33:4 states, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” The movement wants women to realize that God abides in them. That the Lord has made a mark on their lives.


The movement is launched with the intention of reminding christian women who they are in the Lord. This is one of the objectives the organization hopes to achieve with this movement. There are many women who have turned away from God for their own personal reasons and there are many who are suffering silently in the throes of despair, struggling, have lost control of their families and are aimless and wanting. I am a Wooman of God wants them to realize that she is a Woman of God she can take the place which the Lord has set for her.

I am a woman of God is a simple and catchy phrase that can mean a whole lot of different things to each individual. For a mother, this statement can mean offering oneself to be in the full service of her husband and children in the name of God. For a teenager, it can mean keeping her chastity until the time of her marriage to be clean in the eyes of God. The simple statement “I am Woman of God” can be a motivational phrase as well as a reminder of who we are as a Woman and what we can do in the Servitude of God.

I am a Woman of God is generously giving away one of their canvas tote bags to one of you!

All you need to do to enter is stop by I am a Woman of God then come back here leaving me a comment telling me what you liked! {please leave your email address so I may contact you if you win}

Giveaway opened to US residents. Giveaway ends April 5th at 9pm est. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on April 6th.

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. ~ Job 33:4

Captured Moments

Each day, God blesses me with simple moments of joy. Little bits of His love being shown to me. Usually this joy is found in the smile of my children or the sound of their laughter. Other times it is found in the silliness of my dogs or the joking nature of my husband. But more often than not, those moments are being captured in the stillness of a photograph.

Andy Warhol said it best when he said, "The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people do."

Holding onto those moments as my children grow ever so rapidly.

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time: {#120-#140}
120. Popping Edamame's out of their shells with the help of little boy hands
121. Four years of happiness wrapped up in her
122. Growing older with him
123. My daddy
124. Birthday candles
125. Pigtails in a little girls hair
126. Fun with a new gadget
127. Little man bringing me his Jesus Storybook Bible for me to read to him
128. My daughter wanting to learn to read
129. Moments of quiet to sit and create
130. Making a little girls dream come true
131. Floppy bunny ears
132. The twitchy nose of a bunny
133. Soft fur
134. Our new bunny named Maggie
135. Free books
136. Starting Bible verse memorization with my daughter
137. Family game night
138. Crafting with my daughter
139. Watching my daughter lay on the floor, books scattered all around
140. The comic relief of my love


And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. ~ 1 John 4:16

Anticipation

She has been asking for about a year.
My sweet daughter, such a lover of all things furry.
Ever since seeing their little noses twitch and touching their soft fur at a local county fair last summer.
Daddy was hesitant and originally said "no", wanting to wait until she was older.

I guess the soft-spot for his little girl couldn't resist any longer since about a month ago he said "yes" to us getting her a bunny!

I searched and researched all I could about bunnies and breeders and found a very nice breeder and what I hope will be a wonderful little bunny! Library book upon library book has been read by both my husband and myself. I even found an online Rabbit Forum that has been truly helpful in answering all my new-to bunny-ownership questions!

After looking from pet store to pet store and searching all over the World Wide Web, the cage is finally bought and set-up. Food and hay purchased and ready to be poured into bowls. Water bottle and food dish are in its place. A nesting area has been prepared complete with hay hut and fleece blanket that I couldn't resist sewing up for her.

One little girl asks, just about everyday, when the bunny is coming home. {so much for her forgetting about it and it being a surprise!}

A certain little man peeks his head inside the cage, every morning, and asks, "bunny?".

After a month of excited preparedness and much anticipation, the wait is coming to an end.

She is finally allowed to leave her mother and come to live with us on Sunday!

{one of these bunnies is ours. it's hard to tell from this picture which one exactly she is, since they all look alike! more pictures are sure to follow next week!! ooh...I can't wait to cuddle this cutie! i am just as excited, if not more than, my daughter!}

Grandma is taking the kids to lunch after church while my husband and I go and meet the breeder to pick up the newest addition to our family.

The plan is to bring her home, place her in her cage, and await for my daughter to come home. Then really build it up so that my daughter winds up going upstairs to see the bunny waiting in her cage! Cameras will be on and flashing away capturing the first moment she lays eyes on her new, furry, friend.

It is going to be a priceless moment.

Will you stay tuned? 

{photo credit}

"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead," ~ 1 Peter 1:6

Word-Filled Wednesday {1Timothy 1:15-16}

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ~ 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Noone is exempt from God's grace; God's mercy. We are all sinners and Christ died for us all! How wonderful is our God?

Thank you Jesus!

{photo credit; editing mine}

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have ever lasting life. ~ John 3:16

Another Celebration

I have been extremely blessed with a kind, loving, God-fearing, caring, honest, earthly father...

...and today is his birthday!!

Happy Birthday Daddy/Pappy!

We ALL love you!

 

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. ~ Psalm 103:13

Another {Happy} Year

We promised to grow old together.
Me by your side taking this life one day at a time.
And what an amazing life it is-you and I and the kids.
The kids. What did we ever do to deserve such wonderful kids?

We have grown and matured together as husband and wife as well as parents.
Best friends you and I.
Noone quite understands either of us like we do of each other.
Funny and smart. You just fit-completely!

And on this day...the day you have been dreading for over a year...I just wanted to say that I love you and appreciate you!
Thank you for your dedication to me and to this family. To God...the creator of all things. The One who brought us together and created us to be the other's perfect match!

30 looks good on ya! Don't worry about the grey. It makes you look sophisticatedly sexy!

Happy Birthday to my husband-the one God truly made for me!

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. ~ Song of Solomon 6:3

Update {jane austen contest winner}

The winner of the Jane Austen Giveaway is LovingMyGirls who requested a copy of Pride and Prejudice!

Congratulations!!

Thanks to all who entered and stay tuned for more exciting giveaways coming soon!


"For I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Spring Reading Thing 2011

The lovely sounds of birds chirping awakes me in the morning.
The sun, gracing us with it's presence longer each day.
The grass, getting greener and the leaves starting to, slowly, appear on the trees.
It can only mean one thing...
Time for Spring Reading Thing 2011!

{challenge starts tomorrow, March 20th and runs until June 20th. to read all about the challenge and to sign up, click on the above picture!} 

Katrina from Callapidder Days hosts a twice-yearly reading challenge. I participated and enjoyed, for the first time, last fall as part of the Fall Into Reading 2010 challenge. My goal was to read nine books for the three month challenge. I didn't do too bad...I ended up being one book short!

This go-round, I am going to give myself more of a challenge and attempt to read twelve books over the next three months of the challenge! {now I know some of you read that many books in a week, but for me, this would be quite the accomplishment!}

The books I am hoping to get to are:

{Fiction}

The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis

Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter

A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo

How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron

How to Knit a Heart Back Home by Rachael Herron

{Non-Fiction}

Radical by David Platt

Simplicity Parenting by Lisa M. Ross

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

And...since my hubby has decided to let me get an e-reader {still debating which one I want} I am more than excited to purchase the e-book of the above titles that I currently do not own, which in turn will make this all the more fun!

So...are you participating? If so, leave me a comment and I will make sure to stop by and check out your list of books!

Looking forward to getting to know everyone through this fun challenge!

Thanks Katrina for deciding to host the Spring Reading Thing!

Happy Reading!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13

{this day}

this day...

I put everything aside, packed a picnic, grabbed the kids, and spent the day at the park.
My daughter tried out her new bike that she received for her birthday and loved it.

My son climbed up the ladder, went down the slide, then back up the ladder and down the slide over and over again.

I stood there, snapping pictures with a huge smile on my face, watching my kids just being kids.

 

Enjoying each other and the special friendship that having a sibling brings.
Enjoying this beauiful day that God has blessed us with.
Enjoying the moments like these that are so very precious, for they are only this little once.

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24

Rejoicing in all the days that He has given me as a mama to these two amazing kids!



Give us today our daily bread. ~ Matthew 6:11

A Beautiful Mind

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever. --Author Unknown

She tells of stories from when she was younger.
Her Marine Corps boyfriend from Ohio.
They day she met my Grandfather.
The moment she held my dad in her arms for the first time.

She remembers working in air traffic control and walking to and from work.
Working in the mill and dreams of being a nurse.

She used to crochet beautiful blankets and sweaters and bake the most delicious cakes and cookies.

She remembers, very well, moments that took place in her past, but ask her what happened yesterday, or just a few seconds ago, and her mind draws a blank.

She is in the early stages of Altzheimers-dementia-my dear Grandmother.
And we just celebrated her 84th birthday.

She has lived to see her grandchildren grow and is now experiencing the love of great-grandchildren.
You may hear the same story over and over again in an hour, but she is here, healthy and happy, and full of wonderful stories.

What a blessing a beautiful mind is. An aging, full of amazing stories, mind.

Counting down my Gratefulness one Blessing at a time. {#104-#118}
104. Hearing my husband tell my daughter she is beautiful
105. Hearing my daughter tell her daddy he is handsome
106. Fresh fruit
107.Children's laughter on swings
108. Hearing my daughter singing the words to a Natalie Grant song
109. A change of plans
110.Cradling him in my arms late at night knowing that this will come to an end all to soon
111. My daughters sweet singing...again!
112. Rains scent
113. 84 birthday celebrations
114. Spilled Cheerios
115. Children screaming
116. Toy cars scattered on the floor...and the counter..and the bed...
117. Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella salad
118. Yellow linens to brighten up a bedroom
119. Little boy haircuts

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.  ~ Proverbs 16:31

Jane Austen Challenge Check-In #3 {giveaway}

March is such a busy month for us. With birthdays and birthdays and more birthdays, we are busy pretty much every weekend the whole month. Doesn't leave for too much lazy weekend reading time.

I have, however, started reading Pride and Prejudice and for some reason am not enjoying it at all. {anyone else have this problem?} I read it in High School and didn't enjoy it that much then either, but I thought it was immaturity and the fact that I had to read it that caused me to not enjoy it. Turns out that wasn't the case. I haven't given up on it completely though...I hate stopping a book mid-way. I will finish it, just a lot later than expected. Maybe I need to read some Jane Austen inspired "fluff" to get me out of this rut!

What have you read of Jane's, if anything? Have you enjoyed it? If not, why?

::

Today is our first giveaway of the Jane Austen Challenge! Up for grabs is a copy of either Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility, winners choice!
To Enter: Simply leave a comment here stating which title you would choose if you won! If you are a Jane Austen Challenge Participant, leave a second comment letting me know! Open to US residents only, please. Contest runs from today, March 11, 2011 until Friday, March 18, 2011 at 11:59pm est. {please also leave an email address where I can contact you if you win!}

::

Thanks to everyone for participating in this challenge! Have Fun!

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

How Do You Feed Your Soul?

We are curious beings. We want to know everything we can about a topic that interests us. Researching, reading, and asking. It's just what we do.

Well, it's what I do.

I was wondering if I could ask you some questions. Hear your ideas. I want to be 'nebby'!

What does your quiet time look like?

 Do you sit with your Bible opened, pen in hand, ready to journal whatever He speaks to you?

Do you follow a reading plan, study, or devotional? Or do you just sit and open up to a different book everyday?

Why am I asking these questions, you may ask? Because I am seeking help in igniting my quiet times and drawing closer to my Heavenly Father and truly eating His word.

I want to read it-understand it-and apply it. I want a deeper, closer relationship and I want to truly know the Bible. I want to memorize and quote more scripture.

I am hungry and am needing to be fed!

But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.' " ~ Matthew 4:4

I haven't been spending as much time as I should in my word lately and I honestly have no good reason why. My son has been sleeping in later and because of this I should be, and need to be, getting up early again, before the kids, and spend time soaking in His presence. As silly as this may sound, I just don't know where to start reading. I have been praying for more direction and understanding, but I also felt led to ask for some help as well.

So friends, would you mind sharing?

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. ~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How Beautiful Are Your Feet?

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:14-15

I love the saying, "you may be the only Bible some people may read." ~Author Unknown.

Is my life a living example of the Word of God? Am I representing Him and His promises in the right way? Is He proud of me?

I want my actions to reflect Him. I want to live a Christian life and walk a Christian walk. And I want people to see that difference in me.

I want Beautiful feet!

{photo source; editing mine}

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~ Psalm 119:105

One at a Time {3 in 30 goals for march}

I am one who has a long list of things to do and instead of concentrating on getting just those things done, I add more and more to the list. This in turn has wreaked havoc and I have basically gotten nowhere with getting things done, at least not in a timely, organized, manner. This idea of taking just 3 things off of that "to-do" list and concentrating on getting them done in a months time is ingenious. I am geeked about participating and getting to know the others in the 3 in 30 community as well.

Here are my March 3 in 30 goals:

** Get Crafty - March is National Craft Month...in case you were wondering...so I would like to finish a few of the projects I have started as well as start on a few others. I am making my first ever Waldorf Doll for my daughter and I have all but the eyes, mouth, hair, and clothes finished, so she tops the list. I would then like to start on cutting out and piecing together the fabric for my sons dinosaur quilt. After that gets done...if there is still time left in the month...I would like to start making these cute owl bookends that I have been itching to make since downloading the pattern! This should keep me pretty busy this month in the craft department, so I guess my knitted projects are going to have to wait until April...

**Devotions/Quiet Time - This is an area that seems to always need improving with me. I am constantly looking for ways to get closer to and more intimate with my Lord and Saviour. I struggle with finding time on a daily/regular basis to get in His Word, so this is something I am going to really work harder at this month. Also, I would LOVE to find a devotional/study/prayer book of sorts to help me really dive in and eat His Words. {suggestions would be greatly appreciated!}

**Get Outdoors - Warmer weather is starting to find it's way into our neighborhood, so I am making it my goal that on those days, when the sun is shining at the temp is above freezing, to strap on our tennis shoes and get outside. Whether it be a walk around the block, a trip to the park, or simply playing in the backyard...as long as we are outside getting some fresh air and exercise!

That's it for me this month. I have a lot to keep me busy and a lot to work at. Praying I can acheive it all enjoyably!

{this is my first time linking up with 3 in 30. if you are interested as well in joining in this "to-do" list challenge, head over to meghan's or ashley's blog for more info and to link-up!}

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58