A Christian Mom

We Are Moving

2011-11-30T13:31:00.001-08:00

We will be moving! In the next few weeks, I will be moving all my postings and such to www.christianmomsonline.net/apps/blog/ Since I can no longer leave comments, I feel like a terrible blogger here :(

I miss chatting and sharing my life and I am going to still keep in touch and read but It's time to consolodate now since I can't leave any messages anymore :(

I hope you will follow me there and stay in touch! I will keep you up to date as to what we are doing and see you there!!

in His love,

mrs a

Perfect Love (Mary's Song)

2011-11-30T12:46:00.001-08:00

Word Fille Wednesday, Nov 30thh

2011-11-30T07:58:00.001-08:00

Blessings!

Welcome to the Nov 30th Edition of Word Filled Wednesday :)

Please join Kim of Marmee's Pantry and I each week as we write out our hearts response to what we are reading in His Word :)

I am reading and meditating on 1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

When I hear the word, Humble, I think weak and an easy push over. A door mat. What about you? I think that this must be a sign of weakness. Strong's puts it this way,

tapĕinŏō

, tap-i-nŏ´-o; from 5011; to depress; fig. to humiliate (in condition or heart):—abase, bring low, humble (self)

When I think of Who God is, that humbles me naturally. I come into the reality of who I am in perspective to Him. He is larger then life! The Giver of Life! The Mighty God, El Shaddai! El Elyon, The Creator of All Things! The Beginnning and the End! I could go on and on with His names and so can you :-) When I do this, my position naturaly depresses, lowers, bows before Him. I naturally want to bow down and lower myself in worship and in awe! And when we do this, He does in His time, exalt us. Our heart's cry is changed from need to peace. Our reality is brought before us, that we serve a God who cares for our every need and wants us to throw it down at His feet so we can get back to our purpose in life, and that is to Worship the King! Our whole being was created for that one purpose. And when we see Him, we naturally will humble our selves and cast our crowns at His feet at that glorious day but now, let us bow down and worship Him for Who He is.. The Mighty King who comes to us as a lowly baby, born in a manger who died on the cross to become our Redeemer, our Emmanuel!

in His love,

mrs a

26 Days Until Christmas..

2011-11-29T09:07:00.001-08:00

Blessings!

Can you believe it's almost December? 2011 sure has flown by fast. We have changed our home, remodeled and so we finally feel settled in. Watched our oldest fly the coup and leave for college. Changes have been made for the good here. Our Hope remains in the Lord from whence my help comes from.

We will be celebrating or 25th wedding annversary and my beloved is taking me to Hawaii on a cruise. We are also celebrating my parents and so they are coming as well as my brother and my sister (in law). I can't wait! That is a little over a month away!!!

We have been blessed with a church family that we adore and thank God for. And this time of year, we spend a lot of time there. Costumes to sew and create, dramas to learn and programs to prepare for. It's that time we celebrate the real gift. Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We have already gotten our lights up and decorations on the tree. If we don't,it won't happen. That is just the plain truth. And I wouldn't have it any other way :)

just checking in

mrs a

A Great Quote.... and a Thought

2011-11-25T18:05:00.001-08:00

Dwelling on the past is like driving your car with your foot on the brake, your eyes on the rearview mirror, and your gas tank empty. You’re wondering why you aren’t moving forward, and yet all the while you’re focused on the wrong direction. (Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:13)

And ya know, the more we are thankful and give Him the gratitude He is due, the less we give into negative attitudes and thoughts. The more we reflect on His goodness, the more we live a gracious life....

just sayin...

Christian Moms Online!

2011-11-25T10:08:00.001-08:00

I'd like to welcome you to come and visit Christian Moms Online! It is still under construction but it's up and running :)

I will be moving my devotionals and bible studies there :)

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know we did! Relaxed and full of laughter. We truly have a lot to be thankful for!

Just checking in and sending hugs your way!

My Favorite Mashed Potatoes..

2011-11-23T14:19:00.001-08:00

My Favorite Mashed Potatoes

I cannot take credit for these.. I was blessed to have gotten this from my previous Pastor's wife :)

o MakeAhead Mashed Potatoes

10 lbs. potatoes, peeled, boiled (tender)
2 cups sour cream
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 Tbs. butter, softened
1-1/4 cups grated parmesan cheese
salt pepper to taste
Beat sour cream & cream cheese together
add the hot, drained potatoes
beat until smoothadd 8 Tbs. butter, salt pepper

Rub the inside of a 4 quart baking dish with about 2 Tbs soft butter
sprinkle with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan into dish, tipping the dish so thatthe cheese adheres to the butter.
Turn potato mixture into the dish
Dot with butter and sprinkle with 3/4 cub of parmesan cheese.
Cover with plastic wrap and then with foil
Refrigerate 1-3 days

When you are ready, remove foil and plastic, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes,or until golden brown...may need to bake longer.

Digging Deeper, Nov 18th Edition

2011-11-18T10:07:00.001-08:00

Digging Deeper into the Word

Friday, Nov 18th Edition

Happy Friday!!! This week went by fast!

We are back into Ephesians One

15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints,

16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Paul is writing and expressing his approval, his gratefulness of their faith in Christ and their love for all saints. This should be the desire of all saints, yes, we are saints! That people would see the church, not as a place of rules and regulations but where people who walk by faith and live in peace and love with each other. Let this be said of my home, Jesus!! Jesus said, we would be known to be His disciples by our love. How can we put this into every day action? Try giving time, food or money to a food pantry. Help those who can not help themselves this season. Help out your neighbors, share a kind word, do something random and in secret. Bless others just because you can!

During these upcoming months which can be so difficult for many, I pray we would be examples of His love and giving to those who need it. That we would be lovers of all people :)

Paul continues on that he does not cease giving thanks to God an praying for those believers in Ephesus. Ladies, we too, must be women of prayer, giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for giving us churches to worship in and fellowship in. Let's continue to thank God for His many blessings! But let us also move outside the doors and love on all those we come in contact with! At the store, in the rush and bustle of this season, let us be gracious and loving, remembering why we celebrate :)

Ah, this is my favorite part of this passage. This is a constant prayer. That God would continue to give us wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. That we would have a spirit of wisdom and of revelation of JESUS! He is the reason for our living here today! Let Him be our focus today!!

in His love,

mrs a

Digging Deep in the Word, Nov 16th

2011-11-16T10:20:00.001-08:00

Digging Deep in the Word, Nov 16th Edition

Good Morning, Dear Ones! I pray this finds you blessed!

Are you getting busy with Thanksgiving Preparations? I am and I'm loving it! We are just about finished with our home remodel and I have a dining room that is finished painted to decorate :) I am so grateful to live in a country where we are still able to assemble and gather together and count our blessings. Yes, life is difficult for most of us and much harder on others but we still have so much to be grateful for.

Today's Passage is

Ephesians 1:12-14

12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Remember, we are In Him, we receive blessings and an inheritance because of His goodness. All to His glory! We have hope in Christ and that would be to the praise of His glory! In Him, We also heard the message of truth, the gospel of salvation and believed. When we believed, we are sealed, IN HIM, with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Oh dear ones! How precious this Word is! Salvation is ours when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and confess that He is Lord ... and His precious Holy Spirit seals us to Him for all eternity! We cannot be snatched from His hands :) Such a foundation! We can surely trust during this time of craziness in our world, in such hard times, we are sealed in Him!

Not only that, He has given as a pledge of our inheritance, redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory! When God pledge's something, there is no doubt He will see it to fruition! It has been sealed, fastened, secured so not to be tampered with. We can not lose this promise!!! We are In HIM!!!

Ladies, no matter what is going on in our lives, we settle in our hearts that we are secure, we are His child and He has us here for a reason. We must be firm in our belief that He has all things to work for our good. We will go through trials and tribulations. We will have difficulties in this life. He said so. Period. But we do have a peace that will transcend all understanding if we bring all our needs and cares to Him without doubting. Without being anxious. He is faithful and He is LORD.

That is a lot to be thankful for!!!

with His love,

mrs a

Be Blessed!!

2011-11-15T10:31:00.001-08:00

I pray this blesses you today! Have an amazing day in Him!!

Digging Deeper, Weekend Edition

2011-11-12T09:22:00.001-08:00

Digging Deeper, Weekend Edition

Dear Ones! How was your week? I have been busy as a bee in my ministry to my family and home this week. I pray that the blessing of motherhood is a joyful one, one full of that gives you meaning but if you have any struggles, and we all do from time to time, I pray blessings and God's wisdom over you. I lift you up to the Lord of Mercy and Grace. I pray that we all would continue to spend time worshipping at His feet and discovering the truths He has for us in His Word. He is our constant. He is our Provider, our Comfort and source of all Wisdom. Can I get an amen?

I have to tell you that I am a bit frustrated with blogger. I cannot leave messages or comments right now. I hope they can fix the problem soon!!

If you want to join us, please click on the link above the postings, Moms in the Word and sign up on the linky!!

Ephesians 1:10-12

10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him

11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

Continuing on with our study of Ephesians, we start with verse 10. All things will be brought under the reign of Christ. In Him, we also receive an inheritance... There's that phrase again, In Him :) When we are in Him, we are given an inheritance. He's King! He is over all things and according to His purpose the Word states, we have been given an inheritance which is given by His purpose, predestined, predetermined.

Not an after thought but in His plans from the beginning. He works all things after the counsel of His will, for His praise and glory. We have been adopted into the Family of God with all the blessing that comes with it. Can you start wrapping your heart and mind around how precious you are to Him? Not because of us.. we are undeserving, but because of His great mercy and love.

ladies, remember this weekend, we are In Him and it's all about Him!

in His love,

mrs a

My Dear Sister, Gail's Sweet Potato Casserole!

2011-11-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

3 c mashed sweet potatoes                          Topping
1 c sugar
1/2 t salt                                                     1 c brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten                                             1/2 c flour
1/4 c butter softened 1/4 c butter softened, NOT melted
1/2 c milk                                                    1 c chopped nuts
1/2 t vanilla
                                                                   work together until crumbly and
mix well, place in 9x13 pan                            sprinkle on top of potatoes

Bake 350 for 30ish mins for a single recipe, about an hour for a doubled recipe.

So...3 cups is one of those tall cans sweet pots. (Like a hi-C size) I don't measure them, just open, drain and mash.

I always make a double batch, there'd be revolt if I didn't. Just remember that you DON'T have to double the topping since a double batch of pots still goes in a 9x13.
If you're having some other potato too, a double batch should be fine. If this will be the only potato, maybe 2 pans of double batch. Don't even think of making a single batch for 26 people. Also these freeze beautifully. You can freeze them in the pan, or in ziploc bags if freezer space is a problem. Freeze the topping in a small ziploc bag and place on pots just before going in the oven.

And now for my best Thanksgiving tip EVER......drumroll........do the turkey a day or two ahead !!! It's the BEST!! It's not hogging up the oven, that greasy mess is cleaned up, the carcass has been dealt with and you're not waiting forever on a turkey that won't get done while everyone is starving! Whew! How's that for a reason or two?!=)

So here's what I do...roast it, let it rest for a while, then carve it. Place it in a pan (usually a 9x13) and then pour a can or two of chicken broth over it. Cover tightly with foil and stick in the fridge. Then just heat(still tightly covered w/ foil) for 30-40 mins at 350, or at whatever temp your side dishes are baking, and lift out of the broth and place on your serving platter. I WILL NEVER roast a turkey on the day we will eat it. EVER. This is so easy.

For 26 people , you might want to do two unless you're having some other meat. If that's the case, as you carve, put white meat in one pan and the dark in another. Easy, peasy, lemon, squeezy. =)

Digging Deeper, Day Three

2011-11-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Digging Deeper, Day Three!

Ah Ladies, I am pleased to start a new week! Forgive my absence, I had family matters to attend to :)

Are you enjoying getting into the Word? What is He saying to you? Jump in and join us by clicking on the link above marked, "Moms in the Word" and sign up on the linky :) Leave comments and we can discuss together!

Ephesians 1:7-9

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight

9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him

Ok, I went back to verse 7 again. Notice the phrase, In Him. We have a lot, In Him. In Him we have life. We have redemption, Forgiveness of sins. In Him, we have been lavished on by the riches of His grace. Unmerited favor. Ponder this! Soak this in! We can do not one thing to add to the mercy and grace He freely gives us!

In all wisdom and insight, He made know the mystery of His will. The Bible Commentary says, "1:8-10. God’s grace is given to enable believers to understand His will. God gives them wisdom (sophia; cf. v. 17; 3:10; Col. 1:9, 28; 2:3, 23; 3:16; 4:5), objective insight into the true nature of God’s revelation, and understanding (phronēsei), the subjective apprehension of it." He gives us all we need, and then gives us the understanding and apprehension of it. His thoughts are too high for us to comprehend so He even gives us the ability to understand because He is so gracious to us!

Reminds me of my own earthly father. He is quite an intelligent man. Full of God's mercy. Full of patience. I would be struggling with something and even as busy as he was, he would take me on his knee and lovingly instruct me how to proceed in learning and help me grasp what I was misunderstanding or not comprehending. He never once held over his superiority over me, even though he was placed in authority over me. I understood his place in the world. He never had to remind me. He would just teach me. Just like my Father God, My Abba. Though He is above all things. He is majestic and has no need for me, He takes time to teach and guide me and see to it that I come to an understanding of His nature and being. As I walk with Him, the more I realize what I know is all about what He allows me to see. By this I mean, He is so grand, if He showed me everything, I would not be able to handle it. He only shows me what I can understand. Then some more and then some more. Like His grace, it never runs out. How much He loves us!

We have so much to learn and see.... In Him. Watch for this phrase. Paul uses it a lot ;) We are complete, In Him. I pray you are on a journey as I am to find all I am, In Him :-) Please take the time to sign up and leave a comment :)

in His love,

mrs a

Digging Deeper Into The Word, Day 2

2011-11-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Digging Deeper Day 2

Do you realize how precious you are in His eyes? I hope so! Come and join me today! If you haven't signed up, please do! Click on the page above and sign the linky.. Leave a comment if you will( seems blogger is having issues lately as I'm having issues leaving comments...Rebekah I am glad you joined!)

Today, we move on into the book of Ephesians Chapter One

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

8a which He lavished on us.

Have you thought of what we have, 'In Him'? Redemption. Bought for a price.

From the New Bible Dictionary, it says, "Redemption means deliverance from some evil by payment of a price. It is more than simple deliverance. Thus prisoners of war might be released on payment of a price which was called a ‘ransom’ (Gk. lytron). The word-group based on lytron was formed specifically to convey this idea of release on payment of ransom. In this circle of ideas Christ’s death may be regarded as ‘a ransom for many’ (Mk. 10:45)."

He rescued us out of bondage of sin and death and did so with His blood. Sinless. Blameless. He left His throne for sinful mankind. All our sins. Those seen and unseen. He has lavished on us the riches of His grace. I LOVE THAT! We girls love to be lavished on! Can you imagine what it is to be lavished on by the King of all Kings? He spared no expense! He held nothing back!

What is the enemy holding over your head? Tell him to back off because you are already pruchased and ransomed. He has no hold on you. You are free!

You are bought with a price. Set free from all unrighteousness! Think about it for a bit. Ponder on how much He loves us!

Walk in that today!!!

in His love,

mrs a

Digging Deeper, Day One :)

2011-11-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Digging Deeper, Day One

Ok, dear ones, I'm starting off! I pray you will join me! Open up your Bible, pray and study with me! Come and leave a comment and we'll discuss together :) Just sign up on the linky on the page marked Moms in the Word so I know to come and read your blog as well!

I felt called to start with the book of Ephesians. Here's today's passage. Chapter One verses 1-6

The Blessings of Redemption

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love

5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Paul is the author of Ephesians. He opens with a blessing in the greeting. Blessed means happy, joyful. No matter what our circumstances, we are blessed. We have peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Question. What does this mean to you? How has He blessed you? Has He delivered you from the pit of despair? Has He healed you or do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will never be the same again?

The thought that He chose me from the foundation of the earth is beyond my thoughts. In reality, our time here on earth is very short. We are but a blimp on the radar screen of eternity yet He chose me before He created time! He chose me to bee holy and blameless before Him. I have a hard time understanding that some days.

He predestined us to adoption. Never can He turn His back on us. We are part of His family. We are considered part of the Beloved. I am beloved of God! I am loved and cherished! This is more then I can comprehend knowing that I am a sinner, not deserving of His grace and redemption. He bought you and I out of a destination of despair and punishment to be part of His family. Think on this for a while every time the enemy tells you that you missed the mark. You are part of the Beloved!

in His love,

mrs a

Digging Deeper!

2011-10-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Diggin Deeper!

Ladies, who is with me?

Tomorrow is our new beginning! Tomorrow, we dig deep into His Word and discuss! I will post a daily reading and share my heart ..and some discussion questions. Share your comments in my comment area. I will see about setting up a linky so we can read eachothers blogs as well.

We are daughters of the Most High God, created in His image. We must know what that image is :) We must know who He is is we are to walk in the freedom to be ourselves. I encourge you to come and join me tomorrow as we start on a journey of His Word.

in His love,

mrs a

The Measure of Your Life

2011-10-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

Oh dear one,

Do you ever wonder if you are making a difference? In the grand scheme of God's world, if you are leaving any kind of lasting impression on those around you? Does the every day meals, the cleaning and laundry and the wiping of noses matter in this world?

God gives mothers a high and noble calling. To teach our children the Lord Jesus. To instill in them the gospel of grace. That they come to a relationship of their own with the Savior is the most important calling ever created.

Our daily tasks can seem so dreadful or dreary. We can get tired of the same old routine and feel unappreciated. But I assure you, that the Creator of the Universe sees what you are doing and He has called you to do just that. That no one else has what your dear ones needs. He created you purposefully for your family. Your children need what it is that He put in you.

Take time for yourself. By this I mean, take time to be alone with Jesus. Dig into His Word. Take time to dwell in His presence. We all need to be filled up. We need to recharge. We need to feed our souls and His Word is that food. Time in His presence is where we go to feast.

Do not let our culture, media, societal pressures to tell you what the value of your calling is. Do not let anything discourage you from the God given mission. Do all things as unto the Lord. Your children will rise up and call you blessed!

What mark will you leave on this earth? Take to heart these words from Corrie Ten Boom ...

The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.
Corrie Ten Boom

Word FIlled Wednesdays! October 19th, 2011

2011-10-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Come and Join Kim of Marmee's Pantry and I (formerly A Country Mom) if you are not already participating! We are digging into the Word and sharing what we are learning each Wednesday! All you have to do is share the passage you have read that morning, share your heart on what He is teaching you, follow others who are doing the same and comment on their blog:) Let's learn from the Lord and each other!

Please Join us by clicking and signing up here!

Please comment so we know you joined us!

My reading today is from Psalm 78 verses 1-8

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;

incline your ears to the words of my mouth!

² I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings from of old,

³ things that we have heard and known,

that our fathers have told us.

⁴ We will not hide them from their children,

but tell to the coming generation

the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,

and the wonders that he has done.

⁵ He established a testimony in Jacob

and appointed a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers

to teach to their children,

⁶ that the next generation might know them,

the children yet unborn,

and arise and tell them to their children,

⁷

so that they should set their hope in God

and not forget the works of God,

but keep his commandments;

⁸ and that they should not be like their fathers,

a stubborn and rebellious generation,

a generation whose heart was not steadfast,

whose spirit was not faithful to God.

How easily we can get boggled down in our day to day life and when we are focusing on chores, what's for dinner tonight, getting all the laundry done and so forth. How easily we can forget or push to the back burner what is eternal and has life lasting significance!

Be sure as we sit around our dinner tables, and yes, eating together and connecting around the family dinner table could seem antiquated but it is vitally important! Ok, rant for another day But as we connect, share what God has done in your family! Share your heritage! Have stone altars of rememberance. In our home, we talk of my parents and how they struggled through the depression, World War 2 and then raising myself and my siblings during turbulent times. All with grace, sometimes tears and a lot of faith and holding onto God. How they came through it with laughter, with bumps on the knees and scratchs on their elbows. And often!

Our children need to know where they come from and The God they are to serve! Speak it and Teach it. You'll see your faith grow as well!!

We live in a rush rush world. Everything moves so fast on tv and we have become accustomed to think that our life should be like a sitcom. 20 minutes of life, troubles and 10 minutes of commerical and at the end, all is fixed. And now a days, the fathers are made out to be ignorant, mom's are selfish and lazy and the kids are the wise ones.. really? Where do they get their wisdom from? If not from their parents with a worn and opened bible, then they are getting it from Disney? Really? Since when did God give us a waver to let the world guide our children?

Dear Ones, you must teach your children the Word of God. Speak it to them, Write it on the Walls of their hearts and on your doorposts. Everywhere they turn, speak grace over them! You will not regret it!

be blessed,

mrs a

Dreams and Inspirations

2011-10-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Blessings!

I pray this finds you blessed! I am enjoying a quiet evening at home digging into God's Word and filling up my spirit. His Word feeds the need I have to quench my thirst which only can be quenched by the written Word of God.

I find the more I study, the more I need to understand and my love for Him grows. How He loves us! Every word, every sentence is written to us is done so with a purpose to share of His love and grace. His immense mercy permeates the pages of my Bible.

I am considering a change, or growth my blog here at A Christian Mom. Daily readings together and we could discuss our own understandings and grow together. There is something precious about women getting together with our bibles and finding out what He has to say to us today!

I will post a daily reading, and share my heart and my understanding. Please use the comment section to participate! And for further discussion and resources, you could join us at www.proverbs31jewels.com . This is our social networking site that is affliated with All Christian Moms Ministries.

We will start on November 1st! I hope you will join us!

in His love,

mrs a

Monday Blessings!

2011-09-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Blessings!

Can you believe it's almost October? I am pinching myself and asking where the time went?

I need to start thinking of autumn recipes. On tonight's plate... marinated pork roast, potatoes and corn.

In our School Room

the Explorers. We are also learning about the charactor trait, Inquisitiveness. Wetting our appetites on discovering all God has to teach us, all that this world that He created has to explore. We are learning how the explorers navigated with the stars. So much wonder!!!

But a little reminder.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

I'm busy with my college homework so heading back off blogland but wanted to say hi!

in His love

mrs a

A Thought for the Day

2011-09-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

I pray this finds you blessed! We are digging deep into the explorers and the foundations of our country. We are building sail boats and studying the constellations. Lots of map studies and biographies. Life is good! I LOVE TO LEARN!!!

I've also been finishing up my studies on Romans. I think I will never want to stop digging into this book. The more I study, the more I realize there is more to understand. How much He loves us! How He provided a way for us. It is all about Him. It is all about His redemptive plan. We have nothing to do with it. It is all about His grace. I deserved death. I am a sinner. I have not come even close to hitting the mark. I am not blameless but He chose to send His Son for my debt. He paid the price that I couldn't. He left His throne and became like me, a human in flesh. Frail and tempted. He never sinned. He knows what I feel. He knows my weaknesses and all I have done over my life. Yet He still loves. He shed His blood to ransom me from the bondage of sin and death. Now the Father sees Jesus in me because I believe in Him. I have put my faith in Jesus Christ and accepted His grace. You can too!

Romans 3:22-25

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

If you are wanting to know more, please contact me! There is freedom from sin and His salvation is a free gift to you! He loves you!

I would LOVE to have you join us at www.proverbs31jewels.com We are women from all different backgrounds and denominations but we have one thing and the only thing that matters in common. Belief and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!

and one yummy for the road

Easy Chicken...

Place thawed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Cover with spaghetti sauce and cook at 350 degrees for one hour and a half. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and serve over rice. Yum!

in His love,

mrs a

Word Filled Wednesday, August 31st

2011-08-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

Please Join us by clicking and signing up here!

After a much needed break from blogging and putting my home in order as we have been through a remodel.. almost completed but at a stage that I can get back to normal. What is normal for me? Lots of schooling, church ministries and football! I have been praying about what to start blogging on again, what to say... and I'm going to start writing short devotionals and short bible studies. Gonna start with a favorite chapter. Colossians 3. Let's dig into the first four verses!

Colossians 3:1-4

Put On the New Self

1 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

When we are saved, we accept Christ as our Savior, when we repent and confess with our hearts and mouth that Jesus is Lord, we are freed from the bondage of sin. We are no longer slaves to sin but free to obey His Word. We are free from the guilt and shame. We have been given the gift of grace. Undeserved. Unmerited. Given at great cost to our Father in Heaven to you and I to accept.

We have been raised with Christ.... the word here is synegeiro.. means awaken to/raise to life. He has taken our lives which were dead in sin, and raised us up to Life. His life. His life in ours. We are no longer our own but He is now our Master.

Ok, the obvious question arises, Mrs A, you just said we were free and now you say we are slaves? Yes! We are now free to give our lives to the one Who died to give us life! He has ownership, Mastership of all areas of our lives and we get freedom from sin, guilt and the grave! Freedom truly comes in the shape of surrender. And Who better to give our lives to then the One Who Sits on the throne, at the right hand of the Father?

Set our minds on the things above.. if our minds are set on the things of heaven, how can we be worried about the things of earth? Our Master is above all things and His ways are best.

When we accepted Him into our lives as our Lord and Savior, we died and are in Christ. We are given the mind of Christ. The things of heaven become our focus and His will becomes our desire. He is our life and when He is revealed in glory, being one with Christ, we will be also:) We have a glorious future ahead! Keep your hearts set on things above!!

In His Love,

mrs a

Of Boys, Planets and Reformations...

2011-08-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

My Goodness but it's loud in here!!! I must be schoolin boys :)

We are studying planets for science, well T4 is. He is making a mess and creating a planet project that will hang from the ceiling. C is studying the reformation and we are all learning ASL.

It is a hoot! Loud, boisterous, some times a little frustrating as they are learning to stretch their minds and expand their thought processes.

It has me thinking. My Pastor has been preaching on transformation and He's been really teaching me the continued value of complete and sweet surrender to Jesus. I have been on this journey for some time but He is making it clear to my heart that I have areas I have not fully submitted. I have had to admit that I was scared and not fully trusting in Him to be able to meet ALL my needs. I know freedom comes from submission. It comes from obedience to His Word. Listening to His Spirit and obeying every Word :)

So, I am on a journey of trust.

I am on a journey of surrendering my whole world. My children. My faults and failures. My husband. My ministry. I must give up control and I find freedom!

I surrender all..

I surrender all.

All to Thee, my blessed Savior

I surrender all.

So today, I feel like Screaming as Mel Gibson does in Brave heart..

FREEDOM!

Our SchoolRoom!!

2011-08-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

I promised I would send in pictures of our remodeled schoolroom :)

My Desk :)

The Boys Desks

Storage area...

Front of the Class

Computer Area

It's gonna be a good year :)

Come and Join Us...

2011-08-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

I would LOVE to invite you to join us at

We are Christian Women from all denominations and backgrounds come together to build eachother up and love oneanother as Christ loves us! A Social Network specifically for the Christian woman!

Come, grab some coffee or tea and sit a spell :)

in His love,

mrs a

First Week of School is Complete... the Search For True Wisdom and Knowledge...

2011-08-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

For by me your days will be multiplied,

And years of life will be added to you.

Proverbs 9:10-11

     Well, our first week of school is in the books. It went really well. We are in search of knowledge and understanding. We are in pursuit of growing understanding and discernment of facts and figures. Going to learn from important figures and people from history and expand our minds with good things. And schooling boys can be rather, loud and expressive. The Lord definately is using them to teach me as well... and grow some fruit in my life ;)

     I am a learner by nature. I LOVE to read and discover new things through the act of research and reading and studying. I believe God instilled this in me. It is part of who I am. He is the giver of all good things. He is the bestower of all good gifts :)

     But, we can take what God gives and twists it. We can search after the 'gift' and not the Giver of the gift and we get all messed up. Instead of becoming wise, we become fools. We see this all the time. We see it in those the world consider wise but they do not accept God's truth. See, we must have the fear of the Lord, which truly is the beginning of all knowledge. Fear, this this passage comes from the Hebrew word yir’â meaning ‘reverence’. We must first come to understand How Great He Is! He is above all things and He is the sustainer of all things. The whole earth is His and the fullness there of. He is the giver of this gift, the love of learning, that I cherish. I have Him to thank. And the more I desire to learn, I want to learn more of the Creator of all things. I hope to instill deep desire to search and find Him in my children. I pray I give them a life long desire to run after Him and All He is! That is successful teaching :)

Don't we all want long life? Do we all not want to have a joyful, happy life? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge. And we silly if we think we can outsmart the God of all things. But if we are truly wise and seeking after knowledge... we will search the things of God who promises good things. It is through faith and belief in Jesus Christ He gives the greatest gift of all... eternal life! He offers a long life and it starts... with knowledge... fear of Him is the beginning...

in His love,

mrs a

Last Days of Summer Dreams and New Beginnings!

2011-08-12T14:40:00.000-07:00

Back from camping and celebrating our 24th anniversary, we are getting back at it before school starts! I can't believe summer is almost over! We are in the middle of a remodel. Painting rooms, moving furniture from room to room and changing the whole house around! In the midst of this self brought on chaos, we are preparing to send on to new adventures in life our oldest daughter. She is packing up to go onto higher education and I am so proud of her!

We have spent this week checking off to do lists, gathering items for school and making sure she has everything she needs to go out with style ;) She is so different in her taste's then my likings. I LOVE IT!

Our world is about to change and never be the same. I pray she remembers all that she has learned. I pray she holds onto the knowledge of who she is in Christ. I am blown away at the wonderful woman she has grown into!

*~*~*~*~*

This week, we are also in the midst of a remodel. We have been all summer. We are almost done and about ready to move furniture in. One room we are re doing is our school room. The boys are growing so it is appropriate that their room does too. We doubled it in size.

We have decided to switch to Konos this year. We are starting with Vol 2 and C is taking History of The World ( also Konos for High School) American History).

Learning Language thru Literature is a new program, one that I used with T1 ( my college bound child) many years old. Both boys will enjoy it I'm sure :)

We are using Math U See once again. And will continue with our common books.
Apologia for science.

It's a time of new beginnings and adventures.. am I up for this?

Our family verse is

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

in His love,

mrs a

Road Trips and Hats...

2011-08-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying a quiet week. 4 of my 5 children are away at summer camp and my mom has come to visit. We decided to put aside fall planning of curriculum purchases and football practices to jump in the car and bring a hat to my youngest who left it behind.

Driving down backroads, enjoying seeing God's creation and seeing the surprise on their faces when they saw us... was priceless :)

Our anniversary is this weekend and we are heading out to go camping. so I just wanted to stop in and say hi as I've been rather busy this summer...

in His love,

mrs a

Testing out a new editor.. Getting ready for some big changes to our schedule…

2011-07-30T09:23:00.001-07:00

Well, my kids are about to take off for 4H camp and my Mom is coming to visit! And my beloved is taking me camping when my mom goes home… so I might be a little scarce…

anywhoo… just checking to see how this works!

in His love,

Mrs a

My Favorite Chicken.... It's What's for Dinner!

2011-07-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

This is a family favorite :)

2 whole chickens, thawed and dried

wipe with butter or margarine

cut two lemons for each chicken and place in the middle and add spices of your choice.

Add one inch of chicken broth

cook in a 350 degree oven and baste every fifteen minutes. Cook for 1 and 1/2 hours. Sere with mashed potatoes and gravy and veggies :)

enjoy!

Boys of Summer....

2011-07-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Football Camp is offically over and the season begins :)

They finished camp with a scrimage and I got to see my boys, even my youngest, play ball. My youngest got his first tackle! Yea!!

We were blessed to find two benches which one side flips up to make desks. So cool! We are spending time this summer remodeling. My beloved is getting an office, T1 is moving out .. on to college so my beloved and I will be moving in there.. painting that room...blue I think. We are making the living room into a reading room/library and dining room.

The room that we use now will be used as a schoolroom and will double it's size and the old school room will be a weightroom for my three football players....

I have three weeks left of all my babies still sleeping under my roof. I'm so enjoying this summer. I love my children. I am so pleased with my firstborn. She has a solid relationship with Our Christ Jesus and has a good head on her shoulders. I'm not worried about her stepping out on the world but I will miss the days of her being here. I love her so!

We are having a day off. We have been so busy and have lots on our to do lists but today, we are going to relax after the game this morning. I'm enjoying my family today. While they are all still here ;)

in His love,

mrs a

Dear Sisters in Christ, Gifts of Friendships and Growing Boys oh my!

2011-07-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have been so blessed by my online friendships! Dear sisters that I met over the years and they are as real to me as those that I know face to face :) They have come up besides me and encouraged me to be the woman God is calling me to be by encouraging me, giving me words of wisdom from His Word and scolded me when I needed it :)

God is the giver of good gifts. Friendship is one of those gifts that can have eternal reprecussions. Good and Bad. Sometimes they come and have a purpose but it is short lived. We do not know why but they leave an impression on our hearts and it is surely wrapped in paper of grace.

Then we have those who we wonder how we get along... we have been through valleys and climbed mountains together. We have had our disagreements but God uses them to refine us and teach us new lessons which makes us looking a little more like Jesus...because we learn forgiveness, or we find we are in err in His Word and find we need to repent and learn and grow in the fruits of His Spirit.

I thank God for my online sisters :)

Is it really mid July? I can't believe it's already that time.... Football!

I have three boys in football this year! Lord Help me! LOL Today was the beginning of camp. C and T4 are attending. T2 is at our church's kid's camp. This is T4's first experience after all his sugeries and struggles. I'm so proud of him! To think he is even playing is a miracle in itself! I'm so thankful for His mercy!

well, ladies, I just wanted you all to be encouraged. Even online, you do not know how precious your friendship is to someone out there! Thank you for being there for me!

in His love,

mrs a

Happy Independance Day!

2011-07-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Indepedence Day!

May your day be blessed as we celebrate our Countries Birthday and we also remember the Freedom we have in Christ!

Mrs A's Simple Woman's Daybook Jun2 21st

2011-06-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

For Today...

Outside my window...it's getting hot! Could be like... summer!

I am reading...Pandamania curriculum, preparing for VBS

I am hoping..to finish a class pretty quick

I am hearing... the sound of Glenn Beck on the radio

On my mind…VBS details

From the kitchen.. last night's tuna casserole

Noticing that…life always changes... need to go with it and allow God to His perfect will

Pondering these words... "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest."

— Corrie Ten Boom

I am thankful for... my family is all home and safe .. I love the noise of a busy home!

From the Learning Rooms...we are on summer break but am reading together, Narnia

I am wearing...blue jean skirt with heart pockets with a white and brown blouse

I am going...stay focused on God's plan for my world

I am creating...new things

I am thinking..I am blessed!

A Scripture thought... John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Studying, Family Night and the preparing for VBS :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

To visit more daybooks, please visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Changes and Transformations

2011-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Blessings!

It's Monday and it's pretty quiet. Busy, productive and a bit wild. VBS is coming up next week and we are busy preparing for last minute preparations! Praying over each child who will attend and each teacher and leader. Laying a ground work of prayer over this time of ministering to families. Exciting!!!

4th of July is also quickly approaching which means lots of rehearsals. It's pretty hectic but I thrive on it. But to be honest, this past weekend, I was getting pretty tired. Felt like I was getting a bit weary. Saturday night, I was settling in to bed a bit late and I realized what was up....I was trying to do live my life, my mothering and ministry all on my own. Ugh..

His Word is pretty clear... I can do No Thing on my own... and I shouldn't even try!

John 15:5“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

NASB

He is my strength and my salvation. I love how He is our all 'n all. He knows my weakness and He knows how much I can take. I need to remember, He will never give me too much to handle WITH Him. I cannot do a thing properly on my own. I am not able and I need to remember that! Not to say, life will be easy, of course not. I am not one who believes life as a Christ follower is always free of strife and struggle. Of course not, actually, He promised that if we are of Him, the world would perscute and hate us as they persecuted and hated Him. But that is different from trying to do life on my own. Trying to live on my own strength is worthless and unfruitful.

I cannot live a fruitful life of patience, goodness, longsuffering, thankfullness and gentleness on my own. I am nothing and He must become grow. I must decrease so He can increase. And if He increases, so does my productivity. So does my joy in the journey. So there is life and life abundant when I give up.

So I surrender!!!

and just a note.... A Country Mom has changed to http://www.achristianmom.com/ :)

in His love,

mrs a

time to pull out...

2011-06-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

My Sewing Machine!

I am so needing to feel the gentle pull of the fabric between my fingers and hear the hmmmm of the machine. This is the pattern I'm working on. It's in pinks, reds and all vintage fabrics.

just saying...

What's in Your Oven Tonight?

2011-06-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

What's in your oven tonight? My kitchen gives way to the smell of pork chops and rice. Maybe some corn and apple pie to finish it off :) I love the smell of something cooking in my kitchen. With everyone around my table at night. Perfect time to keep track of their lives each day. But my babies are growing
and their lives are getting busy .. football, drama rehearsals and 4 H. And to top it off, my oldest daughter is leaving home this fall for college.

So, I'm trying to savor the last few meals I have with all my family at home.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

So tonight, pork chops, apple sauce, rice and maybe even apple pie. I will enjoy this time as much as possible and praise God that each of my dear ones are saved by grace and living for Him.

what are you thankful for tonight?

in His love,

mrs a

Thank You Dear Ones!

2011-06-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Oh Dear Ones, thank you!

thank you for helping me figure out what was up with blogger. Hopefully I can post and join in with you again! It amazes me how easily I can get confounded by technology :) How sad is that?

This is a preculiar time in my life. I feel like it is a bunch of ripples.. lots of changes and I'm doing my best to go with the flow in such a manner that it glorifies Him and brings joy to my family. I'm finding my voice and finding unexpected strength. As He continues to mold me into His image, I am finding new reasons to be grateful, humble and fully understanding that I am a sinner in need of grace. And He reminds me of who I am in Him. Free and pure, holy and cleansed, a holy priesthood..

I am lookning for some good canning recipes. And I have decided to pull out my quilt and get going on finishing it. I will post my progress!

just checking in,

mrs a

What's UP with Blogger?

2011-06-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Anyone have an idea what's up with blogger these days? I am having issues trying to respond to my fellow sister's posts! ugh! I am about ready to just move my blog :)

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Thoughts on What Is A Christian Home?

2011-05-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

Blessings!

I have been having issues with posting comments on ladies blogs .. it won't let me so please forgive me! Anyone else having issues? I have thought about moving my blog and have set it up but finding that I still like blogger best so... praying it gets it's bugs fixed!

I am a Country Loving Momma :-0 But first and foremost, I am a Bible Believing Christian woman,wife and mother. Being a Christian permeates every fiber of my being. Following Jesus as His Word affects everything I do. From choices in schooling, to my calling to be a full time at home wife and mother. It is who I am.

I believe He is the One and Only way to heaven. I believe He died for my sins and rose again bringing me victory over sin. He is fully God and when He came to heaven, He became fully man, never ceasing to be God. He is part of the Truine God, consisting of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I believe the Whole Bible is for today, nothing to shed or nothing to add. Because the requirements of the First Covenant were fulfilled with Christ, we are not required to keep the ceremonial laws or civil laws but does that mean I am not to learn from the Old Testament? of coarse not. It is fully of good things to learn and gain wisdom from. His whole word is ..

2 Timothy 4:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

He is the reason I am not living in a pit of despair. It is only because of His grace I have a hope and a future. It is only because Jesus that I am not bound by rules and regulations and free from legalistic rules ( which I am prone to follow by my human nature.. the control freak that I can be if I am not careful.. I love my to do lists, don't you know!)

As I ramble on over my the ramblings of my heart and studies of the Word, I pray you are blessed!

In His love,

mrs a

2011-05-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Blessings, Dear Ones!

I apologize for being so quiet and not even having a chance to read up on my blogging sisters! I get to do that this afternoon and I'm gonna savor my time today! You homeschool mommas know what I''m saying. It gets so busy this time of the year~! Projects, Book Reports, planning parties for the end of school, and field trips to cram in :)

I'm studying Romans for school and every time I read a book of the Bible, it becomes my favorite :) And I find I LOVE teaching what I'm learning so I'm gonna start giving an online study here on the book of Romans :) I pray you are blessed!

Romans 1

1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, seperated to the gospel of God

2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,

3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

4 and declared to be the Son fo God with power according to the Spriit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead. NKJV

As you know, Paul was not one of the original 12 disciples. He was a devout Jewish scholar, a Pharisee and persecuted the church. He was converted on the road to Damascus and it changed his life! He became a devout Christian and was called to apostleship.

He is making his case for freedom from legalism in this letter. This was written towards the end of his life.

He is concerned about those who are coming into the churches saying one must uphold the jewish laws of the Old covenant as well as belief in Jesus. Paul is teaching on Justification by faith. First, he starts with an introduction of his apostleship. And he moves into a defense of salvation in Christ. A statement of His divinity and rightful place of part of the God head. He also states that Jesus was according to the flesh, born in the lineage of David.. He is the promised Messiah. Paul was learned and it shows in his letters. He makes logical and thorough arguments for his beliefs.

This is such a heavy book, we will go thru it verse by verse. Lots to dig in and lots to learn ;) feel free to leave comments and let's discuss the word together!

I am so looking forward to going through this book with you! I pray this finds you blessed!

Do We Really Understand How Much He Loves Us?

2011-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Do we really understand the depth of His love for us? Sure, once a year we remember His death and ressurection and celebrate we have eternal life if we would believe He is our Redeemer. And Praise God! Where would I be without His salvation? In a pit of despair, lost and forgotten.

I am that woman who has been forgiven much. I am learning to love much :) what an amazing God we have! He sent His only begotten Son into the world, not to condemn it but to bring all to the Father who would believe. He sent Him knowing He would die a death that wasn't His to die but mine to suffer. I earned that death. I am a sinner. He died and paid the debt I owe. He rose in victory on the third day to bring me victory! I now can call myself a saint, saved by grace. I am justified by faith. It's all about Him.

and for you, it can be all about Him as well. He can save you from your sins. He can heal all your hurts. He can take away all the stains of sin and shame that comes from living life our own way. He gives us a way out of sin and shame! I pray you have chosen His free gift! If you haven't, please contact me!

and my prayer for my readers is this..

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. 2009 (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version.) (Eph 3:14–21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

I would love to invite you to our new community! All Christian Moms and A Country Woman have merged! We are now.. Proverbs 31 Jewels.. a social network, online community for all Bible Believing Christian Women! Come and Join!

Click Here to Visit Proverbs 31 Jewels

Mrs A's Simple Woman's Daybook May 2nd

2011-05-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

For Today...

Outside my window...a comfortable spring evening!

I am reading...I am preparing for Bible Study Tonight!

I am hoping..get back into a regular schedule after Easter is now passed. What a blessing that was! Beautiful services! Want to check them out? Come to www.newhopeic.com/media ;)

I am hearing... the sound of O Reilly on Foxnews :)

On my mind…The Book of Daniel.

From the kitchen.. Pork Chops, Apple Sauce, Corn and Rice

Noticing that…There is nothing new under the sun.

Pondering these words... In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in…

I am thankful for... My God who loves me. He died for my sins. Gave me a new life and brought me out of a pit. He has given me the mind of Christ and a life abundant... not talking just financially but in all areas! I am His child! You can too! Just ask me how!

From the Learning Rooms...we are studying the American Revolution and the charactor trait, Courage. We are even making laterns out of large cans!

I am wearing...tie died blue skirt with a white blouse

I am going...stay focused on God's plan for my world

I am creating...a Christ Centered Life

I am thinking..the blessing of online friends!

A Scripture thought... Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matt 7:7-8

A few plans for the rest of the week... Studying, School, Family Night and the Women's Tea :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Come and join us.. www.proverbs31jewels.com

To visit more daybooks, please visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

A Momma's Heart

2011-04-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, How He Love Us! He is ... He is...

I feel like I have been reborn once again. He has given me a new view on myself. He makes all things new! Praise God!

Easter Season is now over... or is it? Why is it that we who believe in the Lord Jesus and His ressurection that gave us victory, why is it that we only celebrate it once a year? Is it not a daily reality?

Well, it is for me and I chose to celebrate His glory every day :)

Here's a picture from our Palm Sunday Celebration

As for an update on our home, we are on spring break. I'm taking finals .. Acts and Bible Interpretation. I'll be glad when those classes are finished.

We have decided to switch curriculum. We are switching up to Konos. We have been trying out the American Revolution series and really enjoy it.

New Beginnings.. New ...

well, just a short check in,

in His love,

Mrs A

A Gabby Momma Blog .. Super Shots!

2011-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

I would love to encourage you to try something new! Every momma needs a boost! It is something about this time of the year that can bring on the dulldrums in our homeschooling. We can get stuck in ruts and routines. We can become weary. Sometimes we just need an *extra shot*

Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragement has blessed moms once again :)

She has introduced.. Super Shots!

Articles which bring a boost to our hearts with Godly wisdom and encouragement.

Subjects such as:

The Whining Cure
Be the Wife of a Happy Husband
Kids Making Money

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I was honored to read "The Whining Cure" and it was like breath of fresh air! This time of the year, with all the rain we have been having, we are dealing with some cabin fever. And I'm schooling boys as you might remember. They need to get out and about! And even I was starting to whine :( I needed that word of encouragement for myself as well as boosting my children's behavior. God always knows what I need to hear when He delivers :)

I was so blessed! I hope you will not miss out!

http://www.eternalencouragement.com/

If you sign up before April 1st, you you will get your subscription for 7.97 a month plus a free ebook! Eternal Encouragement has been a joy and a blessing to my household! You can find out more by clicking here. I would hope you would enjoy other Gabby Moms by stopping by The Gabby Moms.

Be Blessed!

in His love,

Mrs A

Word Filled Wednesday March 16... um 17th!!!

2011-03-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Come and Join Kim of Marmee's Pantry and I if you are not already participating! We are digging into the Word and sharing what we are learning each Wednesday! All you have to do is share the passage you have read that morning, share your heart on what He is teaching you, follow others who are doing the same and comment on their blog:) Let's learn from the Lord and each other!

Please Join us by clicking and signing up here!

Ok gals, I have to be blatantly honest. I have been stuck on a passage and I just read Kim's posting (scroll down to 3-16th posting of Word Filled Wednesday) and I got a thunk on the head :) It was the same passage I'm stuck on ... think the LORD is trying to grab my attention?

Matthew 5:11-12 and 16

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you , and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Now, I have to tell you. I am a blessed woman. I know this down deep. My salvation is a treasure and the more I come to grips with my past and my life now, I understand how undeserving I am of His grace! How wretched are my thoughts and I'm a sinner in need of a Savior! I rejoice for He loves me!

But I am blessed also because I have not suffered persecution. I am not having to worry if I speak the name of Christ that I will be imprisoned or tortured. I live in the United States with freedom of religion. I am free to speak the name of Christ without fear of reprisal. I am not persecuted. I am blessed.

but then I am come to think.Would the world around me even know that I'm saved? Does my life truly show it because of my words and deeds? Would I even be convicted by a court of law? Do my deeds and good works bring Him glory?

I have also been convicted of the need to listen more and speak less. I do not need to give my opinion. I need to soak up His word. I do not need to tell others what they need to do, I need to live in such a way that it should be infectious and they see Jesus in my actions.. not just my words :)

I want to be a light in this increasingly time of coming darkness. This is my prayer.

in His love,

Mrs A

A Time of Expecting

2011-03-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

This is a time of Expecting!

Spring is coming.. time of planning, dreaming and planting of seeds.

I was at a women's retreat this past weekend and I walked out of there energized and encouraged to pursue what God has called me to do.

I have been reading, hearing, and it seems everywhere I turn, this verse..

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end..

Jer 29:11

The word, expected in the original text means.. to wait,to look forward, to be pregnant..

Like an expectant mother, I am in a waiting place... waiting for the birth of dreams He placed in my heart. I am schooling my boys and with the grace of God and my husband's guidance, raising our children to love and grow in the Lord. This is a long term dream. To watch them grow in their own love and knowledge of Christ.

I am attending college myself. I am learning and growing in His Word. I am in a place of expectancy and I am at the point of excitement! It's still new, I'm early in the process. Just starting *to show*. Life is getting a little tight... like when we notice our need for larger clothes but not quite ready for the maternity smock :) My schedule is tight.. I am having to really pray about what I get involved in and not allowing too many things to squeeze me out of attaining what I need to. The school books, the papers that need to be graded and written for school. Finding new activities for the boys and my own projects that need to be written and sent into my professors. Life is just good.

Are you dreaming? Has God place a desire in your heart that requires you to dream big? I say GO GIRL!

He knows the thoughts He has for us. Thoughts of peace and not evil. I just love that.

Isaiah 55:9

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than your ways,

And my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isn't He Good? He is infinite, we are finite. We cannot completely understand Him. Yet His thoughts are for us. He has plans for you girl.. go after the dreams He has placed in your heart ;)

Be encouraged today!

In His love,

Mrs A

Word Filled Wednesday March 2nd

2011-03-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

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Daniel 7

9 “I kept looking

Until thrones were set up,

And the Ancient of Days took His seat;

His vesture was like white snow

And the hair of His head like pure wool.

His throne was ablaze with flames,

Its wheels were a burning fire.

10 “A river of fire was flowing

And coming out from before Him;

Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,

And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;

The court sat,

And the books were opened.

Oh How Majestic this must have been! Daniel is now giving a first person account of a vision he has been given. He is standing in the courts of heaven and seeing ... this chariot with wheels of fire coming in. All the beings of heaven are crying out, "Holy, Holy, Holy"

Majestic.

Awesome.

God the Father, sitting on the throne. He comes now as The Antient of Days. From His throne, He rules. All justice and righteousness are in Him.

How can one not stop what one is doing to bow in worship? How can one not find himself repenting for his own sin?

Watching the news can bring one to one's knees in fear. Watching the Middle East go up in fear can unnerve anyone. But He is still on the throne.

Watching our purses getting smaller can and our bills are mounting. Still, God is on the throne.

Our children have futures which we are not sure about because the world has changed. But still, God is on the throne.

He is sovereign. He is above all others. There is nothing too difficult for Him and He has us in His palm.

Need to find some peace? Sit at His feet in Worship. Need some answers to that nagging problem or trial? Sit at His feet in worship.

He is the Ancient of Days

Word Filled Wednesday Feb 16..

2011-02-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

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Bless the LORD, O My Soul

103 OF DAVID.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

I so love this passage! It is a constant reminder of His blessings. It brings me to song.. This is one of those passages that brings me to singing.. There is power when the Word of God is on our lips and in our ears.

The Word Bless the Lord means, bârak, baw-rak´; a prim. root; to kneel; by impl. to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason):—× abundantly, × altogether, × at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, × greatly, × indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, × still, thank.

Hmmm, to kneel. That is a humbling thought. To kneel .. brings me to picture in my heart, an act of submission, to give up my 'upright' position to present myself to Him. And act of adoration. To show Him my adoration and love. To praise Him and lower my own position.

I have learned, that when I lower myself before Him, there is such a peace and a sense of all things are right. All things are in order which brings a sense of peace in my world. And my world becomes quiet. But it is not to be a time of nothing, I am to not forget His goodness! Not to forget His benefits! And when I list all the benefits or our God, my heart explodes! I have to rejoice! I have to shout His praise! He has healed all my disceases and forgiven all my iniquities! Oh He has redeemed me from the pit! I have life and life abundantly because of the Lord, translated, Yahweh. So this time of quietness becomes loud. Full of peace but it comes out on my lips! I can't keep but singing! He is worthy of all my praise and worship! My life comes in proper order. He rules, I serve. Perfect!

In His Love,

Mrs A

I Bless Your Name - The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

2011-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

The Ramblings of My Heart..

2011-02-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

I was nine years old. I was blessed to grew up in a home where we went to church each week, my parents are believers and taught me of Jesus. My parents lived Jesus in front of me. What does that mean, do you think? Wait for examples or answers.

Growing up, at first, I believed because my brothers were Christians, and my parents were believers, that made me saved automatically. Well, that is not what God says in the Bible

“Rom. 3:23.—“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”: i.e., of God’s glory. ”

See, I found out that I can’t go to heaven just because my parents were. It had nothing to do with being a Gordon Girl ;) It had nothing to do with being my father’s daughter. I had to come to know the Heavenly Father as my own. I had to come to know His Son for my own Savior.

I had come to learn that even though God had created a perfect sinless world, sin had entered the world thru the deception of Adam and Eve by Satan who’s main goal is to bring harm to all and cause them to sin and separate us from the One Who Loves us so much! See, sin separates us from God. It brings death into our world and eternal death is separation from God.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Is there anything to difficult for God? Is there anything impossible for Him to overcome? He made a way for us through His Son.

Romans 5:8 says.. but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I had to come to grips and understand, that being a good girl was not good enough. I had sinned. With one bad thought, one disrespectful response or one bad behavior, I had crossed the line and had missed the mark. See, that is what sin is. Missing the mark. In order to come to heaven, one has to be perfect. Blameless. Without sin of any kind. I had to confess my sins.

But God says.. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

1 John 1:9

And

Romans 10:9-10 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Well, just as you are now, I attended church each week. One particular week, two of my moms best friends were teaching in children’s church. They gave an alter call. I felt Lord was calling me. I finally understood that I was a sinner and that He loved me so much that He took my place on the cross. That He paid the price for my sin so I didn’t have too and that on the third day, He rose again in triumph over my sin so I would never again have to be a slave to sin…so I raised my hands and I went with them to pray that sinner’s prayer.

From that day on, I understood what it meant to be free. Not long after, at age 10, was baptized by being dunked ;) We are instructed in the Word to be baptized. Peter tells us in Acts “Peter preached repentance. “Then said Peter unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you” (Acts 2:38) ”

If we are to be Christlike, we should follow in His footsteps… if Jesus’s first move into ministry was to be baptized by immersion with John the Baptist, so must we. It is an outward expression of what happens to us when we are saved. We become dead to sin and rise again in freedom from sin.

See, I am no perfect person. I have struggled with sin in my life with sin that has left scars. I have chosen paths at times that were not of God and I came to understand why the Bible had warned against those choices. I have come to know what grace and forgiveness is. I know that it is by His stripes I am healed and that His sacrifice bought my forgiveness. I know He welcomes home the prodigal child and is a God of restoration. In Him is true freedom found only in coming to Jesus!

Growing up, I knew His presence was with me. But as a young mother, a friend was telling me that there was more.. I could find power to live my daily life and ability to have a closer walk with Jesus. See, being saved is more then just having fire insurance. My friend showed me in the Bible where it speaks of the baptism of the Holy Spirit or the gift of the Holy Spirit. She laid hands on me and prayed for me. I felt the power come upon me as it says in our verse, say with me…

And you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth Acts 1:8

But, I did not receive my prayer language at that time. I was instructed to continue to ask for it and pray so I did. No matter what I was doing, I was praying for my prayer language. A couple of months later, believe it or not, in the shower, I received my language. It is for everyone who believes! I have been given a gift which is open to all who believes. You too can be saved and forgiven!

Word Filled Wednesday Feb 4th...

2011-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

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I pray this finds you blessed beyond measure!

This morning, I was reading in James. So much to dig out of that book!

Starting with chapter 5, verse 13 and ending with verse 16.

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyoneamong you sick? Then hemust call for the elders of the church and htey are to pray over him, amointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick and the Lrod will raise him up and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

This is a passage that I believe is potent. Lots to chew on and I'm sure I will miss something so bare with me. But this is church. We are to care for one another. Too many times, we come, listen to the music and preaching and go home without touching another life. We tend to be so busy and into our own worlds, we forget, this is community! No room for isolationism! The early church understood this. They brought everything together to every one's good. I'm not sure where over time, we became so easily separated from each other. But I'm sure this must bother the One we come to serve! For whatever reason, we tend to hide our faults and our needs from others in the false belief that it makes us look weak and lacking in faith if we have any problems in our lives. That is straight from the pit of hell! If he, the enemy of our souls can keep us from connecting with fellow believers, we are easy targets for despair, for depression and falling away.

The word is clear. If we are suffering, if we have a need, we are to come to Him in prayer with others! If we are sick, we are to call on the leaders, the elders of our church and they should anoint us with oil and pray in the name of Jesus! If we can get passed our own pride and shame, (which is a trap to keep us from His perfect will), when we confess our sins to others, bring it out in the light, He promises to restore us! Our shame, our sin can be healed! And what the enemy means for harm, can turn around and be for good! He will forgive us our sins!

And when we are in right standing with Christ, our prayers will avail much!!! So come to the Lord with your need and confess our sin and be free!

in His love,

Mrs A

I Want to Be A Word Nerd!

2011-01-25T16:56:00.000-08:00

I have been buried in my studies and I love it :) I have been also learning a new program to help me with digging deep in the Word. See, I am a Word Nerd. I have been learning the program, Logos and overwhelmed. In a good way. I can't keep from screaming, I LOVE GOD'S WORD!! It is fascinating and it brings life! It speaks to every crevice of my heart and can be a balm to my soul.

I've been in the book of Galatians. Oh how not to be like those foolish Galatians! I do not want to squander the freedom that I have found in Christ! Oh and how easily I can give up willingly that precious gift of grace bought by the blood of my Jesus! Let it not be so!

I am, by nature, a rule keeper. I like traditions. I find peace in structure. I can easily fall into a legalistic mindset if I am not careful. But oh, I have so been there before! It is bondage! It ties my hands and then my faith is crippled because I start thinking...if I do not do this, He will not love me. Or if I am not doing this just right or I do not have my devotions just so, or my prayer is not perfectly said, or my quiet time not long enough... well, I am not worthy and He must be disappointed in me. How dare I think this way! How wrong this is of me! There is NOTHING I can do to earn His love and grace. NOTHING! He became a curse and took on my sin and shame once and for all.

Galatians 5:6 says..

I lose all fruit in my life when I start tallying all I do. I lose sight that it is not about me! It has never been about me! It's all about His grace.

vs 16-18

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Ok then, you may say, how do I walk in the Spirit? What on earth does that mean? To allow my thoughts and inward impulses be controlled, to be ruled by the Holy Spirit. To allow my first impulse or action be about honoring Jesus which means putting Him first in all things that I think and do. To do this, I need to be in His precious Word. And not to just read but to dig deep. Find out all I can in that passage. To memorize and have it hidden in my heart. I find the more I read and hear, not listen, but hear the Word in my heart, I love the Word. It is soothing, convicting at times, full of wisdom and bread to my heart.

Also, to walk in the Spirit is to live a life of loving and serving others. Life is more then my own life. It is meant to be given away. Given away is an act of Love to Jesus. That in it self is worship. There is something thrilling in serving others and being a witness of His grace to others.

Walking in the Spirit means to live a life of worship. I'm not talking about musical genres. I'm not going to even tackle the hymn vs contemporary Christian music. Worship is much more then a type of music. It is a lifestyle and an act of the heart. A lifestyle...

Oh My Goodness, I think I could blog on this for sometime... I think I see a possible series of blogs coming......

stay tuned!

In His Love,

Mrs A

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. NKJV

My First Gabby Mom Posting ~ Mission One!

2011-01-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

I am a Gabby Mom! You can too~ http://www.thegabbymoms.com/

To Purchase, click here!

      I have had the honor to read, True Treasures by Lorrie Flem of Teaching Magazine. She put together Ten years of articles and they are true treasures indeed! The book was a delight to read and full of encouragement for all homemakers!

      The book is divided up into six chapters. All well written by contributors to TEACH magazine. Lovely pictures and truly a keepsake worthy of reading several times for we all know as homemakers, it can be a lonely position at times and I found it so encouraging to be built up in my faith.
     This book is a true treasure which I will read once again and would add to any bridal shower gift for a new wife. It is lovely, full of grace and encouragement and Godly wisdom. In the first chapter, Jewels that make that Make the Heart Sparkle, I read the article, Serenity. She makes the case that serenity is a choice. A decision. That is an important thought that all Christian women need to remember.

     Marriages of Solid Gold is the second section and it offers nuggets and wisdom on being a Godly Wife. In a double article entitled, Godly Helpmeet, Cindy Rushton writes, "A helpmeet is to provide what is needed or lacking! She is fit for her husband! She is suitable for him! She is adapted for him! She is compatible to him! God created her to be his companion....his partner!"   A true treasure, a beautiful nugget of God's truth.

     In Parenting Pears: Practical and Priceless, Mrs Lorrie Flem writes an article called, Boys will be Boys. Today, this was timely. I homeschool two of my boys and I needed this reminder. I have a Mama's boy and I sure needed to be reminded that they are precious! And what a blessing to be reminded how important fathers are to our homeschools!

     I love this..."Mothers have been given an invaluable job from God. We are raising an army for our King, men and women who will stand strong for what they know to be true. They learn how to do this within the home that you provide for them. Spiritual nourishment comes fro ma familiarity with the Word of God, a growing and thriving relationship with God and their family, a stable and fun home where they have responsibilities and are trained in hospitality, caring, learning and praying." Lorrie Flem   Ok girls, is this not a perfect mission statement? This is a perfect reason for why I am home fulltime.

     The book is filled with "True Treasures". Put together in such a way that busy wives and mothers can pick it up and read a nugget and have a pat on the back or an 'ata girl and continue on with our days. Need a Mommy Time Out? Grab a cup of coffee, pick up True Treasures and take a moment. Get a boost from Godly Women who have walked before us.

     This book is filled with topics near and dear to any Christian woman. Parenting, Being a Godly Wife, Homemaking Encouragements, Homeschooling Wisdom and Godly Living. I will keep this next to my bed for frequent readings!

I would encourage you to visit http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/ also, find eternal ecouragement on Facebook! Please know, all opinions are solely my own. I pray you are blessed and would pick it up!

If you'd like your own copy, I have a coupon code just for you! Enter GabbyMom during checkout at www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com and receive $4 off True Treasures! The offer is good until May 31, 2011 (one copy per customer please).

in His love,

mrs A

Oh What an Exciting Time!

2011-01-17T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!

I am not quite sure what is happening in my heart other then I just know that He is a good good God. Full of grace and mercy. I know He has a purpose and an plan and I get the honor to see Him do in my life what He so desires. His desires are always known that He has for me all that is for my good. It might mean a stretching and a growing which could hurt.. like exercise.. stretching and growing...

We are preparing for the end of the semester with school and that usually brings a time of re-evaluation. What is working and what is not. Thankfully, that process started about two months ago and we had already implemented some changes in our homeschool. We are seeing the reward of listening to God's tender voice. I am now also starting to hear His voice call for some improvements in my homemaking. Some needed changes as we are continuing and expanding in our service at church. I need to return to once a month cooking. I am going to recruit T3 and T4, C into cooking. They love to cook so it's time to allow them to step up and help. It also becomes a time of fellowship. It is a time of sharing and chatting. Do you cook with your children? If not, I highly recommend it. It is such fun!

But I hear His voice through His Word calling for change. That new things are coming. New adventures or new challenges. New opportunities to bring Him praise. But He can't do a new thing in old wineskins. Is it time to re-evaluate? Is it time to ask if He has something that He wants to change in you? Keep your heart open...

Are you starting to plan your spring garden? I am starting to think about sending away for seeds. If you know of any good heirloom seed companies, I would appreciate the links~

I am not sure what He is doing but I'm excited. I can feel the stirring in my soul that something big is coming!

In His love,

Mrs A

Be Blessed! Here At Your Feet

2011-01-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Because .... I'm an Heir

2011-01-10T16:25:00.000-08:00

WHO I AM IN CHRIST

I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).

I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).

I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).

I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18).

I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).

I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).

I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).

I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).

I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17,18).

I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues. I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17,18; Luke 10:17,19).

I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9,10).

I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).

I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).

I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).

I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).

I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).

I am God’s child¾for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).

I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).

I am a spirit being¾alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).

I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4).

I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22,25).

I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).

I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).

I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3,4).

I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).

I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).

I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).

I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).

I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).

I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).

I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).

I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).

I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).

I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).

I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).

I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).

I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).

I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).

I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).

I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).

I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).

For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).

It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).

Today's Epiphany!

2011-01-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

My Pastor spoke on Epiphany. He is Cuban. Grew up Catholic. He taught how it was believed that the Wise Men traveled and arrived in late January to honor the Christ child. As a child, they would wake up to gifts at the end of their beds.

Epiphany was also about supernatural manifestations. and revelations.. the Star, Christ coming to earth and such. How today, we too can have supernatural revelations.. That the Word of God is living and active today as it was back when it was originally written. If we are attentive and living in a manner that we are seeking Him daily.. Having our quiet times in prayer and in bible study. If we are living a lifestyle that is devoted to serving Him in prayer. That if we are seeking that which is good like Mary did at His feet, we would find revelations. How can we find revelations of His Word if we are not opening it up to read? How can we expect a life of answered prayer if we are not at His feet worshipping and spending time with Him?

This is a truth I dug out of Galations today :)

Today's Epiphany..Putting on Christ... is like taking on the garment of the Father. Like being given the mantle of the Father... similar to Ben Hur who was adopted by the rich fellow ... to put on His garment of righteousness .. a transformation from condemnation to that of sonhood/daughterhood...having a living union with God because of Christ.... I am in Christ!

Be blessed, Dear ones! Realize that you are clothed in His garment. You are adopted into the Family of God when you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Please know that You are a Daughter of the King of Kings!

In His love,

Mrs A

New Year, New Beginnings?

2010-12-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

Blessings, dear ones!

There is something about this time of the year that breeds excitement into me.. I love the New Year. I love the cold weather, the drawing of family and friends together and the comfort foods and goodies given :) I also am a planner. I love to sit and research and dream... plans into action. This is not something I do once a year but several times.. September brings new academic goals. January always brings bigger plans and dreams.

My little homestead is growing this year. We are fixing up the chicken coop and looking into getting a goat. T2 is in the goat project so we will get one, but not sure if we will keep it or sell it. We would need to get a permit but it is doable here. Not sure how my labradors would appreciate a goat :)

One joy of living in the West is we still can have a garden and we are planting once again ;) Our lettuce is still growing as is our carrots. As is our potatoes. Little by little we are growing and learning. Learning to live and be .. simple. As our family is getting busier and taking on new adventures, we are simplyfing a lot. Shedding of unnecessary distractions.

Planning and fine tuning dreams and the vision He has given us. And in all of this, I am being encouraged in my spirit that this is going to be an amazing. Areas that once held us captive are falling off this year. Doors are being opened which were once closed. Restoration of dreams has begun and we are truly humbled. One is never too old to learn or grow and He is never done with us if we are willing to be used, able to serve and willing to be changed into His image. I would never have dreamed that we would be sitting where we are now a the beginning of 2010. God has been so good!

I pray 2010 was wonderful year for you. Full of rememberances of all good things. But I pray even more that this New Year will be full of blessings and good things... things that truly matter. Love, Family and Friends and.. Most Importantly, JESUS! Full of JESUS!

Many at this time of the year plan for new beginnings. I pray you are including the One Who is the Author of New Beginnings, Jesus Christ that is! Because of His antoning death on a cross and resurrection to life once again, We can have New Beginnings! May your new beginning start at the foot of the cross where new life truly begins!

Momma, Hold Onto Your Babies!

2010-12-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

Oh, Dear Ones!

I love this time of the year! I love the winter season, I love all the time we are able to spend with family in fellowship and service, yes service. It is always a busy time of the year and I love it! Christmas and the New Year is about serving Jesus and others is what it is all about to me. I love the hustle, the bustle, the cooking, the baking, the sewing of costumes, the rehearsals and anticipation of good things that He is always stirs in me an excitement of what He is going to do in the future. I so love this time of the year! I have decided to find time to quilt more this year. I have so many unfinished projects :0 I also want to find time to finish some cross stitching projects.

But even more important that fun crafts and creations..I pray that I might realize a more noble goal. One that means more time.... more time in the prayer closet. Less time on trivial activities...I want to grow even deeper in love with Him. I want to know Him more. I want to a more intitmate relationship with Christ. I do not care what it costs me anymore. I want to lose me. I want to gain Him.

And as I sit back and take in all He has done for me, I look at my babies and I hear my spirit say, "Momma, hold onto your babies". They are not babies anymore but they will always been in my heart. I will hold them for eternity in my heart. What a unique and precious gift it is to be a Mom. To have and to raise the gifts of heaven. To have in our charge, the little ones He endows to us. What an humble and precious responsibility. One not to be taken lightly. Do not wish they would be past a stage. They will. Do not forget that time really does move past us quickly and they will grow up fast. Even with the days of dirty diapers, and runny noises, and little sleepm, it does past quickly and someday you might even dream of having those days back :) Hold onto your babies. Love on them as much as you can. Train them in the ways of the LORD Jesus Christ. Let His Word be on your mouth often and that they hear it whereever they go. When they rise, let them hear hymns and songs of praise. As they play, let them here the stories of the Bible and glories of our God. Feed them on wisdom. Let them drink of His presence and let it be as normal to hear them sing His praises and His faithfulness!

Jesus has been so good to us! Thank you all for your prayers this past year. Our youngest was teh receiver of His mercy this year. Yesterday, after a year long process and several surgeries, received his baha! He now can hear out of both ears for the first time in 8 years!

Thank you for your prayers!

In His Love,

Mrs A

The Second Day After Christmas and all is PERFECTLY LOUD!

2010-12-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

I am one blessed and overwelmed woman today! God has been so faithful and so gracious! He has brought us to an amazing church family whom I love dearly. We have only been there for a short time and they have welcomed us in as family and I just adore them! There is such a huge blessing to be in a Jesus wroshipping, biblically grounded church.

Here is a yummy from Sister Kathy D.

of NHIC!

Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients:

•1 pound extra-lean ground beef

•2 eggs, beaten

•1/4 cup dried bread crumbs

•2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

•1 teaspoon dried basil

•1/4 c Allspice in cheese cloth remove when done cooking.

•2 1/2 quarts chicken broth

•2 cups spinach - packed, rinsed and thinly sliced

•2 or 3 Chicken breasts boiled and shredded

•3/4 cup diced carrots

All of the ingredients are to your taste or as much as you want. I prefer more spinach, and seaonings, So do what you like!

1.In a medium bowl, combine the beef, egg, bread crumbs, cheese and basil. Shape mixture into 3/4-inch balls and set aside.

2.Boil or broil chicken breasts until no longer pink inside.

3.In a large stockpot heat chicken broth to boiling; stir in the spinach, carrots, shredded chicken and meatballs, allspice. Return to boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring frequently, at a slow boil for 10 minutes and meatballs are no longer pink inside. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Today, here at our home, it's a huge celebration! After almost a year of doctor visits and several surgeries, our youngest had his prayers completely answered today! His BAHA was attached! We are so thrilled to see God's touch on T4!

Here's a picture! Thank you for your prayers and blessings!

Our Miracle!

In His Love,

Mrs A

Back to Regularly Scheduled Programming

2010-12-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

All is well with the world in my little neck of the woods :) It has been a wonderfully busy, productive and wacky few weeks. Lots of choir practices, costume making, hustling and bustling.. It wouldn't be Christmastime with out a program around our home.

Today, we have moved onto the fun stuff in the classroom. Gonna start baking, crafting and concentrating strictly on the Christmas story. Notebooking the story, it should be a kick in the pants :) I love non traditional ways for learning! Teaching boys requires a lot of hands on assignments which is such fun!

Oh I just got the news!!! T4 gets his BAHA on Dec 24th!!! God is soo GOOOD! T4 will hear with both ears for Christmas! Couldn't be more overjoyed!

So we are getting back to regularly scheduled programming with school and life in general. But this is a real, down to my heart verse this year....

Isaiah 9 verses 6 and 7

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7) Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

This is the most joyful time of the year for us. I pray it is for you. While many are going through a difficult time, I pray He is your Wonderful Councelor. He is the Mighty God and because of Him, there can be peace on earth. He came to live and die and rise once again to bring us Peace. Everlasting peace. He has bridged that chasim that separated mankind from God the Father and now we can have a relationship with the God of the universe if we would believe on the name of Jesus Christ, accept His gift of salvation. All we need to do is believe, repent from our sins and accept His grace.

He has proven to be our Prince of Peace! May you find that He wants to be your Prince of Peace

In His love,

mrs A

Christmas Blessings

2010-12-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:10-14

(English Standard Version)

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

This is such a beautiful time of the year! Time of gift giving, time of dreaming for little ones of sugar plums and gifts under the tree and lots of delicious food, fun time with family and friends.

But, this is a time to celebrate the Ultimate Gift. The eternal God of the universe. God Almighty, reached down to His creation and gave His gift of mercy which came in the form of a little baby boy, born in a barn, surrounded by animals and born into poverty. The God who holds all riches, became poor, lowly, humbled Himself to become like us.. to become the Gift.

The Angels of Heaven celebrated His arrival. They came and spoke to the lowly, disresptected, outcast of the society... the shepherds. The Host of Heaven came and told them.. Do not be afraid. Can you even imagine? I know I would be shaking literally in my boots! They were told, they would find, the gift, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. Time stood still and I imagine it changed their lives forever.

Probably dumbfounded, speechless and awestruck, they were given an impromptu concert from the angels... I wish I could have been there! And they were worshipping their King and then telling them the good news of the birth... AND that He was sending peace to earth among those that He is well pleased! He was pleased? Pleased to give the gift of His Heart... His one and only Son!

I know I can hardly hold it together when I get to give a gift. I can't wait for the recipiant to open. I have to hold myself back from giving it too soon or opening it for them! Can you imagine God the Father sending His gift? He sent the Angels to sing the announcement! Talking about having some Style!

I pray this season of giving is such a time for you. That you realize He is pleased with you. He gave His ultimate gift for you. May this time of the year be a blessed time and a precious time remembering... He is the Reason for the Season!

In His Love,

Mrs A

New Cookbooks.. So Much to Explore~

2010-11-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have gotten a couple of new cookbooks! The first is, More with Less by Doris JanzenLongacre. You can purchase at Amazon.com. I'm overjoyed to be flipping through this one! Down home recipes that are good for us and easy on the budget.

I love getting new cookbooks! It always gives me a feeling of newness and freshness. I don't want my family getting bored...

Do you ever feel excited that way about the Word? Ever find a nugget that seems like it was written just for you? Even though you may have read it so many times before, this particular time of reading it, it jumps out and grabs your attention? His Word is alive and active and if we have tender hearts, we just might learn something :)

There are so many self help books out there. New ways to improve on just about anything you would dream of. But what better place to start then with one's own heart? The best and most complete self help book was written by the Creator of the Universe and the One Who guarantees the Covenant...God. Our Messiah. Our Lord and Savior. The Author and Finisher of our Faith.

Revelation 21:5 says, The He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I mkae all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

2 Corinthians 5:15 says, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
In this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, I pray that we remember, new things.

Remember, John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (all passages NKJV) Each morning, is a gift from Him. He gives us life. He gives us breath. Use it to the best and enjoy! If you are in Christ Jesus, You Are New!
His Word is fresh and alive if we have a heart tender to hear. I pray we heed His calling in Revelation to have ears to hear!

be blessed,

Mrs A

My Favorite Retro Salad

2010-11-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Retro Salad

1 6 oz package of orange jello

1 lg container of frozen topping, thawed

1 16 container of small curd cottage cheese

1 lg container or crushed pineapple, drained

1 lg can mandarin oranges, drained

Sprinkle jello over the cottage cheese and add the remaining ingredients. Mix well and let set in the frig. I make it the day before to make sure it is set well.

Word Filled Wednesday Nov. 24th... early :)

2010-11-23T16:37:00.000-08:00

Please Join us by clicking and signing up here!

NKJV is translated like this..

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

We are in a battle. Not against others, but against our own sinful natures, against the rulers and principalities of this world. Everywhere we turn, we have ample opportunity to make poor choices, to give into our selfish desires and ambitions and our own ideas without concern for others. How quickly, when we give into our emotions, do our situations just plumett down into a pit. Even with all the terrible things going on in our world, the poverty, terrorism, the horrible economy just to name a few, are good reasons to give into our fears.

But He tells us to be watchful and stand fast in the faith. To be brave. Yes, we women can be brave. We can be strong. We can be steadfast in our beliefs and knowledge of Who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross. We are redeemed, bought by a price and we are valued. And He bought our freedom! He created us with nurturing and gracious natures. We tend to see what others miss. We can be more tender hearted adn mroe sensitive to the needs of others. And we also have tender ears to hear in prayer. So let everything we do, be done in love. The world will know we are His, by our love. So, let's buck up, women!

Mrs A's Simple Woman's Daybook Nov 22nd

2010-11-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

For Today...

Outside my window...a cold November evening.

I am reading...My Textbooks on Bible Intrepatation and Romans and Galations. I also have picked up a book I have put down by Elmer Towns on Prayer

I am hoping..get going on the costumes for the Christmas program this week while still studying. Oh, is it Thanksgiving? yes!

I am hearing... the sound of a roaring fire and football with my husband!

On my mind…dreams and plans

From the kitchen..everything is put away. My youngest cooked chicken fajitas! Yum!

Noticing that…There is nothing new under the sun.

Pondering these words... “Our praying, however, needs to be pressed and pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistency which will not be denied, and a courage which never fails.” — E. M. BoundsOne of my favorite things... the hum of my sewing machine. I can't wait til it gets back from the shop getting a tune up :-)

I am thankful for... My Church Family! This past Sunday we celebrated Thanksgiving with them. It was a day full of joy and gratefulness. How precious it is to be in the House of the Lord, celebrating as One Family. Something special about unity in the house of the Lord!

From the Learning Rooms...we are taking a break this week as we prepare for our Thanksgiving celebration. That in itself is a learning experience...

I am wearing...dark blue jeans and a purple blouse

I am going...stay focused on God's plan for my world

I am creating...biblical costumes

A Scripture thought... Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

A few plans for the rest of the week... Studying, School, Thanksgiving and Church

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

To visit more daybooks, please visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

I am thinking..about I have to be grateful for.

A New Group :-)

2010-11-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Good Monday!

I pray this finds you well! I can't begin to imagine that this year is almost over. Where did the time go? I have been so wonderfully blessed because I have been busy. I know He has been doing His thing in my life and this life is definately an adventure.. everything from returning to college and my dh returning to paid ministry to homeschooling now two boys and having a daughter in college as well. Football has move onto wrestling for T2 and T3 has taken on flag girl as well as school and church chior. Our life is anything but lazy :)

As you know, I am web momma to a couple of sites. All Christian Moms is a networking site for all Christian Mommas. A Country Woman is a network set up for women who love all things country.

I also am listmamma to a couple of email groups. Christmums is the predisessor to All Christian Moms. It is a private group so if you want to join, ( contact me privately)

The Christian Homemaker is an email group for Christian Homemakers. Recipes, crafting, every day chatting. If you would like to join, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheChristianHomemaker.

I have started a new group! For all Christian Women for fellowship and bible study. This is a non denominational group of Full Gospel believers. If you love bible study and digging into the Word, if you believe in the power of prayer and believe when two or more who are gather in His name, that He will move .. come and join!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Proverbs31Jewels

In His Love,

Mrs A

Mrs A's Simple Woman's Daybook November 15th

2010-11-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

For Today...

Outside my window...it's gorgeous. Fall weather is starting to come our way! And it's only November...

I am reading...My Textbooks on Acts, How to properly interpret the Word of God, Acts and Galations. Also, the book, Doing what Jesus Did.

I am hoping..to continue with changes I have made by the Lord's leading. I desire to grow in self control and discipline. I desire to grow in knowledge of Him.

I am hearing... the quiet sound of boys busy with their schoolwork. It's a pleasant sound :)

On my mind…dreams

From the kitchen..ah Leftovers! I love being frugal!

Noticing that…God is always in control. No matter what comes our way, no matter what trials that come up against us, He is Sovereign. He is faithful and He is the same yesterday, today and forever more!

Pondering these words... “The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.” A Z Tozer

One of my favorite things... Listening to Bill as he sings and prepares for Sundays.
I am thankful for... My Church Family

From the Learning Rooms...Building Godly Leaders, Thanksgiving and Americn History, Cylones in a bottle and lots of crafts this week!

I am wearing...light blue jeans and a purple blouse

I am going...stay focused on God's plan for my world

I am creating...biblical costumes

A Scripture thought... Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

A few plans for the rest of the week... Studying, School, Church and Doctor visits.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

to read more daybooks go to

Around the house...gearing up for a week of Thanksgiving activities! I am thinking..about costumes for our Christmas program

A Country Mom's Rambling Heart.. again :)

2010-11-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your patience as I return to blogging full time again. Thank you for your prayers. He has been faithful.

Here is what is on this country mom's rambling heart.

We are serving a magnificant God. He has proved Himself so many times that He is truly our Help in our time of need. He is where our help comes from. He does care for our needs. He has touched my family in very tangible ways this week. Just one, He has been our Great Physician and given Dr's wisdom. He has guided our choices and given light when all we could see was darkness. How precious is our Jesus!

No matter what happens, He is faithful. He is always there to walk with us and guide us. He is not surprised by the future or the trickery of our adversary. Our trials and testings serve to bring us closer to the One Who goes before us. It serves to refine and shed the unnecessary or destructful things in our lives. Our Pastor has been teaching on The Life of a Faither. Living a life of faith. And this is the passage that came into my devotions and studies this morning. (I am home from church today as T4 had his surgery this past Friday and is recocvering well, thanks be to God!) Our faith is in the One Who truly is our banner. He is our Sovereign King and He truly does care for us. We must come to a real and living knowledge of Who HE is. Not some fairy tale or an expereince to find. We are not to be foolish and follow every fad but follow Jesus in all things. He never said we would live a life free of trials or pain. Just the opposite actually. But He said He would be with us and He would restore, confirm and strengthen us. A life a of faith in Christ is one of power, love and grace. Not timidity but one of passion and strength. To be Living Proof of a Loving God is our goal. And the Word tells us how...

1 Peter 5:6-11

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

To find significance in our lives of faith, humble ourselves. Get on our knees. Pray. Get on our knees in humble worship. To accept His Lordship in all areas of ourlives is true freedom. Cast our cares on His most capable shoulders. He has proven that so blatantly this week in my own family with surgeries and answered prayers. We can cast all our cares on Him for He does truly care for us. We are called to be sober-minded. Not to give into emotions. Never to 'get lost in our feelings' and allow a door to be opened to the enemy. We are to resist the adversary of our souls.. yes, I do believe there is a real enemy called the devil. He does roam this world like a lion searching for those he can devour. When we as Christians, let our emotions get the better of us, he gets the better of us. We must not give into the need to always have an emotional experience. If that is our only goal, we are missing out! I do not want to be a shallow, only accepting emotional responses to clarify God is doing something or working in a service or our lives is limiting our own understanding of how He moves in our lives. We miss out on the big picture of what He wants to do in our lives if we wait only for an emotional response.

And if we believe this will be a problem or trial free life, we are buying a lie. He never ever promised that. We grow in the fire. We are purified in the fire. We are matured in the storms of life. We will suffer in this world. And He will use what the enemy means for our harm, for our good. He will restore what the enemy has stolen. He will restore us. He will strengthen us. He will confirm us and establish us. I LOVE that! What struggles and problems we have, He will use to mature us and grow us. All for His glory. In the end, it will be worth it. All we have learned, all we have gone through, it will be for His glory.

As a mom, this is usually a daily reminder ;) I am a big planner. I like a neat and well thought out schedule. But hey, just add five kids! The longer I am a wife and mother, the more I have learned to humble myself before my God. He has the best, well thought out and perfected plan for each member of my family. I have learned to listen more and speak less. I have learned to be willing to change my ideas for His. Just this week, after much prayer, I am making changes to our homeschooling and adding more to our day. Changing up some curriculum choices and letting their needs dictate more then my 'own choices'. As a teacher, this is a huge one for me. All my experiences over the years, the training, leads me to humility. He knows best. I will follow. Gladly!

As I give up areas that I struggle, as in my weight issues, He is restoring areas that I gave the enemy. I am seeing success like never before. I am also giving Him control in that area like never before. hmmmm wonder if there is a connection? Humbling myself under the mighty hand of God so that at proper time, he may exalt me. Casting all my anxieties on HIm, because He cares for me. hmmm. His Word is true.

I want to encourage you today. Be a faither. Be one who trusts in the One Who truly cares for you. You can give Him all your anxieties for He is God. He is your peace.

be blessed!

in His love,

Mrs A

Tuesday Ramblings

2010-11-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Good Tuesday!

I know I have been quiet here in blogland but it seems to be a theme in my life right now. He just seems to be telling me to be quiet. To be still. I do not need to give an opinion on each and every issue. Anyone who knows me, must be thinking, ya right! I am a very opinionated woman :)

This isn't a bad thing. I just need to be quiet. He is pouring into me and I'm listening. It's all good. Our Pastor has been preaching on the Life of a "Faither". Been concentrating on Romans 12:1-2

From the ESV..

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect .

It's amazing what He will say to me when I finally decide to be quiet. When I slow down enough to pay attention. He's been dealing with me on several areas and I'm finding peace that surpasses my understanding.

Change.

Surrender.

Transformation.

This has become a theme in all areas of my world. I have decided to change the way I live and eat. I am doing a program with Body Gospel, part of http://www.teambeachbody.com/ I'm pretty excited for this!

I'm learning that being quiet doesn't necessarily mean that I do not have a voice. I am actually finding a boldness that I'm not used to. I am just learning when and how to say and what needs to be discarted. So much stuff. Simplicity is coming out in when and how I chose to speak .. I am learning that timidity is not the same thing as humility. I do not need to be a doormat and not speak but to speak the truth with grace. I can be bold without losing my humility and not give into the flesh.

And speaking of having your voice, GO VOTE! Vote how the Lord tells you to vote but VOTE!

As I'm being transformed by His Word and listening to the Holy Spirit, I can know His perfect will for my life. It is plainly written in His Word. His perfect and precious Word. The more I pray for a hunger for His Word, the more He answers with a resounding, "YES!" The more I dig into what He wrote to me, the more I am changed. I am transformed. I will continue to be transformed.

His Word says if I delight in the Lord, He will give me the desires of my heart... delight in Him.... hmmm.. the more I delight in Him, I read His Word, I worship Him, I get to know Him better, Know His will, his desires become mine... hmmmm

I know I have not been blogging as much as I used to. I will be back on a regular basis again. Just in a very introspective state and listening. Listening to the One Who truly has something to say. I need to be a listener right now :)

May all who read this be blessed!

In His love,

Mrs A

Mrs A's Simple Woman's Daybook Nov 2nd

2010-11-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

For Today...

Outside my window...it's gorgeous. It's slowly turning into Autumn. A slight chill but still very comfortable.

I am thinking..of taking the next step in changes in my home and schedules. Simplifying even more.

I am reading...My Textbooks on Acts, How to properly interpret the Word of God, Acts and Galations. Also, the book, Doing what Jesus Did.

I am hoping..

I am hearing... the rumblings of a busy household

On my mind…dreams

From the kitchen..I'm thinking salmon and rice for dinner

Noticing that…life changes quickly sometimes

Pondering these words...

Around the house...it's pretty quiet today. Science projects were fun though!

One of my favorite things... Tara practicing her flag routine

I am thankful for... God's Precious Word

From the Learning Rooms...Industrial Revolution, God's Sovereignity and Worship

I am wearing...tan skirt and black and white blouse

I am going...stay focused on God's plan for my world

I am creating...new routines for expanding dreams

A Scripture thought... But you, beloved, building yourselves up in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy wtih fear, hating even the garment stained by flesh. Jude 20-23

A few plans for the rest of the week... Studying, School, Church events and football!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Trenton at the pumpkin blasters at the Pumpkin Patch Field Trip :)

to read more daybooks go to http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The Word

2010-10-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5

These days sure seem pretty grim and dark. Every day in the news, we hear some new tradegy, the economy and how it is affecting our lives, the general climate of the world is suffering from poverty of heart, in daily lives struggling to put food on their own tables, in relationships with others and in life in general can be a difficult experience.

But Jesus.

But Jesus is.

But Jesus still is. He is our light. He is the Word made flesh. He has come into the world to bring life and life more abudantly. I am not a prosperity gospel believer. But I do believe the Word is true and always has been and always will be. He gives new life to where there once was only death. He brings light to where there is darkness. The darkness cannot survive with the presence of the Light of the World. He was with God in the beginning and He is God. There is nothing that was created that is here. He has made no mistakes. He created you. You are precious to Him and He loves you so much it is beyond human understanding. That love gave of Himself to pay the price of our sin in our place. He took upon Himself the sin of all the world. All who were and are to come, He has died for our sins and rose again in victory. We have the gift of salvation if we so choose because He loves us. Period. There is nothing we can do to earn this gift of salvation. There is no keepign of the law or tradition which will free us from the bonds of sin and death. Just His atoning death and victorious ressurection~! And because of this, if we are in Christ, we are joint heirs with Christ. We do not need to live lives of bondage.

How often do we chose to live in bondage when we do not have to? Is it because of our own guilt? We do not have to give into it! Is it because we feel safe there? I do not know. Is it because of some sort of feeling of inadequacy or unbelief that Jesus would pay the price for me because I am so wretched? But that is a lie of the enemy! He paid the price! We can be free! He already won that battle! Choose Life!

He is.. Life!

He is.. Redeemer!

He is..Delieverer!

He is.. The Alpha and Omega!

He is.. Healer!

He is.. Messiah!

I just wanted to pop into the blog world and encourage you as you go through your day today to remember, no matter how bleak it may look. No matter how hard life is right now, Jesus is.

Musings of My Heart

2010-10-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new edition of Musings of My Heart :)

I have been very quiet. I have been pondering things that the Lord has been teaching me in my secret place. I haven't blogged in what seems like an eternity and friends have asked me if I was ok. Yes I am. They have asked if someone has hurt me in any way. No, I am fine. I am blessed to have encouraging friends and family. I am blessed beyond measure.

I am in prayer over many things and one of them is the mission of this blog. In my heart, I feel tuggings of change. I am not sure exactly how but all I know I will not be closing it. But please be patient as I quiet myself to hear the Lord's leading :)

just one little nugget...

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you

But to do justly,

To love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God?

in His love,

Mrs A

Bread Baskets in a School Room?

2010-09-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

This week, we are studying Family and Responsibilties while continuing the study of Exodus. Moses as a baby, how it must of felt to put him in a basket and just trust God to provide a way. Structure of a Godly family, the family covenant with God and God's design for healthy relationships.

God truly is awesome. He has everything lined out for our good in His Word and if we are, as Pastor Jorge calls us, "Faithers", we will be obedient and follow His perfect set up plan for our families. I have been blessed to been married to one man for 23 years. God truly has blessed me with a husband who's heart is steadfast and true. I am truly a blessed wife.

In the Learning Room, for art, we are making bread baskets. Here's the recipe!

1 2/3 c. lukewarm water

1 3/4 c. salt
4 c. all-purpose flour

Mix water and salt; add flour; knead 2 minutes. Roll out on floured surface and cut into strips 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Weave on Pyrex dish turned upside down or loaf pan. Brush on cold egg yolk. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Cool; take basket off dish and turn up right. Brush inside with cold egg yolk and bake 30 minutes at 305 degrees. Cool; spray varnish. Makes 1 basket.

(Note: This can be made by a child. Instead of cutting strips, let them roll it in their hands.)

and a bonus recipe from my kitchen to yours :)

My mom used to make this for me .. a winter favorite

Russian Tea

2 cups Tang
1 cup instant lemon flavored iced tea
1 cup instant lemonade
1 ts cloves ( I do not add)
1 ts cinnamon.. I always add more ;0

mix together and add 1 tbl pur 1 cup of hot water and enjoy!

In His love,

mrs A

Nothing Nothing But the Blood of Jesus - Jars of Clay

2010-09-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

Words for Thought...

2010-09-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

I wonder if we all prayed and lived this, there would be less to get angry about?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Word Filled Wednesday!

2010-09-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Word Filled Wednesday Blog Hop!

Please Join us by clicking and signing up here!

I'm a day behind in my morning reading as I am chewing still on yesterday's passage :) It is from Daniel 7

starting with verse 9 where Daniel is telling of his vision.

I watched till thrones were put in place,

And the Ancient of Days was seated:

His garment was white as snow,

And the hair of His head was like pure wool.

His throne was a fiery flame,

A fiery stream issued

And came forth from before Him.

A thousand thousands ministered to Him;

Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him

The court was seated adn the books were opened.

I watched then because the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking: I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed adn given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beats, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

verse 13-14

I was watching in the night visions,

And behold, One like the Son of Man

Coming witt heclouds of heaven!

He came to the Ancient of Days,

And they brought Him near before Him.

Then to Him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

That all peoples, nations, and

languages should serve Him,

His dominion is an everlasting

dominion,

Which shall not passs away,

And His kingdom that one

Which shall not be destroyed.

Oh the picture! Can you picture this scene in your minds eye? Studying the Book of Daniel last year and preparing to study it again this month, this is a passage I look forward too. I can almost see it. God the Father, the Ancient of Days, sitting on the throne. Being ministered to by thousands upon thousands. The Ultimate Judge. The Holy and Sovereign King. The Righteous One. Worthy of all worship.

Enters in One Like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds. He is given all power and authority! how majestic this scene!

Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is He Who shed His blood for me! He is Worthy!

I have no proper words. But I know Who is in control. The world is a crazy place. All signs point to mass chaos, signs of the time seem to appear to point to the time of His coming again. Rest assured, His Kingdom will never pass away. It is ordained. His dominion is everlasting.

I do not need to worry or fret. He is King :0

When I Hear The Praises Start (live)

2010-09-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Lord Reigns

2010-09-03T14:26:00.000-07:00