stressed on a Monday...

“…oh what a week! If you could see my house right now, you’d probably be embarrassed for me. And my kids, thank goodness they are on spring break because I just can’t make one more... WHAT! Its 4:30; dinner?!?! Oh, do you see all of the dishes piling up and you want more to dirty more. I most certainly haven’t had my quiet time today… and there’s more frustration Ugh… why when life gets a little busy is that usually the first thing to get on the back burner...”



Have you ever been her? Thinking there was no escape or place to refuel? Looking at the “to do” list and realizing not one thing got scratched off! It hit me today that taking time the sit down with our bibles and the Lord can be difficult when schedules get the best of us. But, after reading James 5:13 I believe that God totally knew it would be hard for us at times, (...we have a big ol' enemy working very hard at it). "If you are having trouble, you should pray!" I believe this because he doesn't say, "If you are having trouble, clear your schedule and take a time out with your bible in a quiet place, away from it all." No, he simply says P-R-A-Y!! Come to me my child. I will help! And then, “when you're feeling good, you should sing praises to the Lord.”


He knew it would be hard. He's giving us the option of raising the white flag. Then, He says "when we get through this together, let's celebrate!" Remember he sent Jesus and gave us a wonderful gift; His grace! For those of you how need it today, keep your head up and don't get discouraged by the enemy. Turn to Him and soon you’ll be singing praises with a smile on your face :c)

Homemade Tote by Freckles & Fun

Look at this really cute tote Julie made! She is such an inspiration to me that I wanted to share her blog, hoping that she'll encourage you too.

http://frecklesandfun.blogspot.com/2011/03/made-by-you-monday-small-ruffled-tote.html

Top 2 Tuesdays... Relationships

Top 2 Things I've learned about relationships…

1. You need to work, like it’s a second job, for a relationship. My best friend’s parents told her this the night she and her husband were married and it is something that I’ve carried into my own marriage. It had never been more evident to me than now, as there are quite a few marriages failing all around us. The good things are worth fighting for. And the really great things, well they leave you with bumps and bruises, but yield a blessing beyond even the wildest imagination!

2. Have a servant’s heart. This is something that I’ve recently stumbled across as we’re reading The Five Love Languages and I’m trying, so hard, to put it into practice. I want my husband to feel loved, worthy, and blessed and having a giving heart ruling my actions is far greater then a selfish hard ruining the evening.

TGIF

Today, I need a PICK ME UP. Enjoy some of my favorite blogs, restaurants, and music

P I C K  M E  U P

(click on each letter)

 
Happy Friday!

Choosing Faith over Fear

Courtney at Women Living Well has challenged me this past year I've spent in 'blogger land' and today is definitely no exception. I've been working on a stronger relationship with God, reading his word, blogging about my experiences, and talking to friends virtually and face-to-face.

Yesterday, I fell and I fell HARD. I chose not to read the verses laid out in my GMG reading plan and just do what I wanted. All I could think when I got home was "if Matt's not going to fill my love tank then I certainly won't go out of my way to fill his." Oh, what am I saying? Why would I want to make the man I love feel unworthy? Why would I want to tear him down?

Today, I was convicted. As soon as I opened up to James 3:14 I knew God was speaking about me so I should listen. Selfish actions yield cruelty towards others. Bitterness, jealousy, & selfishness are all earthly, nonspiritual, & demonic emotions (YIKES!). Get it out of your heart and mind. Turn from selfish desires. Run, sprint to Jesus, proclaim his name and stake on your heart and life so that the enemy will flee.

Oh Lord, please remove this sin from my heart. It hurts others & causes separation from Him... why would we want to give into that? Why would we chase that instead of chasing Him? I am asking God to create in me a clean heart, continue to show me how to protect my heart & mind, & teach me to fleefrom the devil, the traps that he sets, and RUN into God.

goodies on a yucky day

Tonight, I'm watching the timer on the microwave count down and I'm getting SUPER excited. I'm making cup cakes for work tomorrow... so why am I so excited about this? This is the third 'dish' I've made since I got home from work tonight. The first was dinner: chicken piccata (Grandma's recipe) with sauted Italian mushrooms and side salad. Then, while I was waiting for Matt to get home, I worked on the second which was my great uncle Leo's crumb cake; I think that I even used the same bowl and pan that my grandma used when she made them! Now, I'm tackling the strawberry cupcakes... and, I've got out an icing bag and sprinkles to cover the top.

Oh, how I wish that I had a working camera so that I could show you the tiny kitchen I've completed all of this in, the greatest oven God ever made (thank you Grandma Koch), and the mounds of dishes waiting to be washed or put away. Not to mention the fabulous crumb cake sitting next to me. I can't wait to dig in.

All of these goodies and I have a huge smile in my heart, which is a totally blessing from God because today was RID-IC-U-LOUSLY hard for this hot tempered girl to get through. Oh, and I'm also listening to the Christian contemporary station on Pandora and God is filling my heart, my soul, and my mind. *Oh, What Love Really Means by JJ Heller... filling my heart just like on Sunday* 

Tonight, as I look at those last few dishes that need to be taken care or when I make lunches for tomorrow or when I mess up a few of those cupcakes (as I know I will), I will be relishing in the fact that I am pursued and loved by my heavenly father, I am worthy and considered His prize, and one day, I will be free from pain and sin and standing with Him.