Proverbs 31:15

She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.

~Proverbs 31:15

So I am on my journey of rising before my family to provide food, and better start to the day. I have made it up before the kids for 3 days and I think I am liking this. There's no "wait for me to be done with getting ready, making breakfast..". They wake and I focus on my children, and I actually get more done in a day! Making life simpler and less stress.

Simple steps to get to where I am is what I did. I didn't just jump into it, I took slow steps to get up without it feeling like a chore. I simply started with prayer day after day. God please help me, help me let go of my desires to sleep in. Then I did a small devotional about Proverbs 31, the Noble Wife. And I would start waking 30mins earlier each day. Til I got up before the kids, and was able to focus.  Then after a lot of prayer, devotional time, and focus on being a mom and wife, I can now see it clearly.  I have also found that God has written it clearly in the bible. If we just stop, listen and focus on God's designed plan. I will be the first to declare "there is nothing worth getting up that early" but now I have discovered there are several things to get up for. To see my husband off to work, get quiet time with God before starting my day, and to get more done. 

If you are wanting to get up and don't have the strength,or motivation, I am here to say that you can do it! And I am here to help you! I am willing to help you get started with waking up before the sun, and enjoy it. Make it less of a burden... It took me a good 4month to break through the I like sleep better! But worth every moment I have to myself and God! Next step is to wake up with hubby in the morning! 

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." ~ Psalm 5:3

Blessings,

Tina

Please feel free to offer suggestions or experience here! Love for more ideas!

A Blessing everyone should experience!

To laugh and run around with kids is a blessing everyone should experience! 

Oh, how great would it be if everyday would be a walk in a park, or a sprint in the field, a lap around the pool and most important giggle while laying in the grass! Sounds like a dream doesn't it? It does some days, but it is also is my reality! I get the enjoyment of watching my children grow, giggle and run! I love every moment I get. Every second isn't perfect, but most of them are. I believe everyone should get that chance to see it first hand! Get out and leave the house, and let them be FREE.... Let them show you their level of fun! Even sit in the dirt, and see things as they do! Picnic in the sun and look around, see the day as it is at the moment, not what you have to do when you get home! Become a child again with your child!

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

Through the storm comes BEAUTY!

Beauty in everything!

 After a beautiful day at Botanical Gardens, I couldn't help but think "WOW!". As we pulled into a song played on Klove: "Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave and it was like God saying listen and watch! I saw all the creation, the sunshine, the GREEN TRESS, the beautiful butterflies flying around. The breeze blowing and it was so perfect! It was like God surrounding me today! After the storm yesterday and the heat all week to be welcomed with such beauty!
 I wanted to shout 

"I am REDEEMED!"

Kris and Lena discovering flowers

 I can't imagine a more accurate word to say! I have been freed from long couple weeks! And to feel him say I am here! 

I watched watched my children run, play, discover and soak up the sun! And we got to experience it together as a family! Then on the way home the song played again, but this time my 4yr old was singing! And my heart skipped a beat to hear my son singing "You're not done with me yet" clear as anything. 

Beautiful Creation

 "I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off theses heavy chains
Wipe away every stain now I’m not who I used to be
I am redeemed

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, “Child lift up your head”
I remember oh God, You’re not done with me yet"

Butterfly house at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Beauty is all around us, God's promise is all around us! All we have to do is lift up our head and see him...

"Dear God I hear you, I see you and I thank you for FREEING me!"

Blessings,

Tina

The weekend without TV

So, we finished our weekend without TV and not too bad. I think we (husband and I) got a little board without it. BUT then again it was a busy weekend so after the kids went down we both where to tired to play games or just sit an talk (I was a little talked out SHOCKER i know!). But we got to enjoy peace and quite! :) Funny part was on Saturday we where pretty much booked from 1pm-8pm.. So when we got up, we managed to get, dress, eat, clean, cut grass, play outside and get showered and dressed for my Grandparents 60th anniversary! All because no TV distracting us or the kids! The first day Kids didn't ask for the TV at all that day, even Kris who is so use to TV at quite time (PBS). Then Sunday wasn't as busy, but that's when he started asking, in the morning, quite time AND right before bed time. I asked him why he felt he needed TV and he said "I don't know.. I like it?" Then we sat and talked after his quiet time, that TV isn't your main focus in life. TV is for enjoyment yes, but it can also be bad for you. And I think we are going to limit TV all together in the house. So I talked with God in my sanctuary (Laundry Room) and I think we've definitely came across a good idea. TV schedule starts this week, and I thought maybe turning on the TV at 8am-9am, then 1pm-2:30pm (Kris gets to watch his 3 favorite shows), Then TV comes back on 8pm after kids go to bed. Then also thought about doing a once a week special morning of 8am-11am PJ relax day... But its all a work in process. Nothing wrong with using the imagination 99% of the time :)

Kris working with Dad on the bike

My husband and I also talked about once a month doing the no TV weekend! Crazy I know! But I really think it will be good for us to UNPLUG and ENGAGE our family focus...

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."~Matthew 6:19-21

Like this picture of my son learning how to fix a flat tire. He did 80% of the work, and he had a blast working with his daddy to do this. Then later we went for a family bike ride, played out side then crashed after! All because we had time together, to focus on each other and our life as a family.

 ^"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

~Romans 12:2

In the time of needing a smile

KCC Children's Church

I felt a little flame burn out these past couple of weeks, and I felt burnt out too. As a mom, care giver, person and well a Christian too! I felt like I was running the same race over and over. I didn't feel like my relationship with Christ was moving or growing. I felt connected and I felt God in my life. I still believed in HIM as God... But I felt like I was a lone physically. So I prayed and prayed and prayed, and I could hear God a little by little.

 "I AM", "You are my child", and "Every thing works according to MY plan"...

Kris and Garrett.. 4yrs of friendship and counting

And I knew that He was there, and He sent certain people in my path to show me that. From good old friends, to someone actually calling me (b/c I normally do most of the connecting and planning)  to do a play date. But I just couldn't shake whatever it was was that was snuffing out my flame. I listen to praise and worship, read my Bible, Google Devo's, Blog, even text people for prayer and advice. But I couldn't pull through. So finally I sat down with my husband, and talked to him. I told him I need help because I am to the point of not wanting to do anything at all, even going to church. And he gave me advice, and I listened to him. And I got up this morning, even though Satan tried to stop me with over sleeping past my alarm. And rushed out just to see 2 special (God planned moments) things to break the chains around my heart. My son, dancing with his Best Friend like a goof. And smiling while singing his friend.. And seeing that amazing Joy that only God can put in his heart and face. Then the second one was watching the children of children's church dance and sing! I don't care who you are, if you are struggling go into out children's wing and watch praise and worship time, and you can't stop smiling!

Not afraid to spread GOD's message!

Little Preacher Man

 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~Proverbs 22:6 ESV

 Went to the mall today, not paying attention to what my son was saying, I thought he was yelling about him turning 4 or something that he likes, as usual. But as I payed more attention to the words coming out of my 4yr old, I QUICKLY realized he was preaching. He was preaching at his level of understanding! And my heart skipped a beat, to see my son NOT AFRAID & NOT WORRIED, just preaching what he knew to be true! I love it :-)
This is what he preached:

"ATTENTION EVERYONE... LIGHT God created it, DARK God created it, EVERY-THING God created, He even created people to make Cars! Thank you!"

He loves to talk about how God created EVERYTHING. Even if you say no God didn't create that, he will quickly say "But created people to make it". He knows God is in work in EVERYTHING we see, touch and use. I love the hearts of children, they grasp the things we adults have a hard time grasping :)

 "People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. ~Mark 10:13-16 NIV

Blessings,

Tina

Weekend with no Tv is upon us...

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

~Philippians 4:8 NIV

As I prepare my family for the weekend of NO TV and MORE NATURAL LIVING (Outdoors and just family time with 110% focus on out relationship with each other and Christ) I start to think, how do you keep toddlers entertained for that long. Is that sad or what? Then I start thinking, what if we do NO TV from wake up - bed time (meaning parents get to watch TV LOL) ALL SUMMER LONG! Its a thought... I don't know if hubby will be too happy on his days off LOL. But think of HOW much you can get done with out distraction of TV... but anyways, I hope you do chose to join us in our NO TV weekend, I will say a prayer of staying strong and staying focused you your relationship with Christ, family and friends! It is worth every min... I strongly urge you to unplug and dive in!!! 

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13

 

Become like little children....

So yesterday we went to Kristopher's Dr. appt, and I sat back and watched my son interact with other children. And I noticed him talking to a little girl and he said "Hi I'm Kristopher wanna play?" and she nicely declined. And walked up to 2 boys and 1 girl who where playing with a puzzle and walked up to them "Hi! I'm Kristopher, can I play too? I like puzzles too!" and they allowed him to join. Not even a second later "MOM I have 3 new best friends" I love that boy and his level of friendliness. No matter Race, Gender, Looks, and Age he will be your friend. We constantly telling him "Stranger Danger".. but then I also see that he understands stranger danger he just befriends everyone! As long as you are nice to him you are his best friend :)




I think as adults are we like that? Or do we judge before we call you our friend? I see that with myself, before I call you a friend I have a "check list" I have to check first. Its sad yet true! Can we become more child like and accept everyone we come across? I can't remember where I heard this but they said that this day and age, children are color blind! Color Blind with race, they don't see that their friends or people they meet are color or white.. they see that they have a hair and eye color, or what they are wearing or if they have glasses. And its true... if you ask what their friends look like they never say race! And I think that is wonderful, that they see that ALL ARE CREATED EQUAL, but not all act equal. Can we do that? Can we accept everyone just by sight? And not judge before we meet them? I think we can! Lets try it starting today!

"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:3

Designed to Praise

 "Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm     have worked salvation for him." Psalm 98:1

 So tonight we did our weekly Guitar lesson with Sam. And I was filled with joy! I love PRAISING and just singing to the TOP OF MY LUNGS! And to learn how to play guitar, with Praise and Worship as our text book. I love how music is the source of our Praising and Worship to the ONE TRUE GOD! And I find it amazing how Songs just speak to the heart of ALL men!

"He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen ..." Deut 10:21.

And if you think about how we are designed to Sing PRAISE and WORSHIP to him in ALL THINGS! If you look at the bible and see how many time the word PRAISE is in the bible, over 300 times! That tells me that I was designed to worship, designed to sing praise to the KING OF KINGS. And I can't wait to know how to play to lead my children in Praise and Worship while we home school, or while we are out camping or playing outdoors.

 "Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Your name" 2 Sam 22:50.

" I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High" Psalm 7:17.

" Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power" Psalm 21:13.

Summer is Upon us!

I can't believe tomorrow is officially SUMMER! I can't wait! I am loving the idea of summer this year! I don't normally get excited about summer, but this year there is something about the summer I am looking forward to...

 "But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”— 1st Cor 2:9 (ESV)

From the Sunshine to all the out door activities!! And just to rise with the sun, and see the beauty of the Lord! And to see my children RUN, PLAY and ENJOY the outdoors. I can't wait! I hope you enjoy the summer and all the Beauty of God's creation!

"He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." Ps. 33:5 (ESV)

Blessings

Tina Bein

Blessings Come through raindrops

So this past weekend seemed to be mixes emotions. I was so excited about Fathers Day, had all the plans laid out, got the gifts... Enjoyed days outside, running around with my children. Then came Thursday night, I started noticing emotional changes. Anger, crying, depression and over all failure feeling. I know it came from PMS but I've never had such issues with PMS til about a couple of months ago. But I tried pushing through it all with a smile. Hiding the emotion that came along. I think I spent most of Friday crying over news reports, the way my children would do something, if someone asked if I was Ok... You named it I cried. Then Saturday I finally opened up on Facebook about my emotions to some ladies who went above and beyond to help me. I simply asked

"Why is this happening and how do I over come?"

   A flood of prayers came in, answers came in left and right... And while I was at the beach enjoying time with family riding bikes, and watching my 2 beautiful children play in sand, I felt the weight of anger and emotions left. I felt like God said "Just open up and hear my answer" and I did. I couldn't believe it...

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” —James 5:16, NIV

   I sat awhile in prayer and this song came on that I have heard many times when I've struggled in the past. And it seems to show me, that yes life is NOT perfect and it is NOT going to be easy. But sometimes we need hard times to show us BLESSINGS.

BLESSINGS by Laura Story
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

CHORUS:
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel you near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if each promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe

CHORUS

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win, we know
That pain reminds this hearts,
That this is not, this is not our home…..

CHORUS

What if my greatest disappointments,
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy.
What if trials of this life,
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise?

I have sat and talked with my husband and I am making an appointment to see my midwife to have my levels checked out and making a decision from there. I am blessed to see supportive women out there! Thank you to all my ladies out there who helped me in my time of need! You all are amazing and I am blessed to have you in my life!

She's not mean she just loves us!

YOU'RE A MEAN MOMMY! I know Thanks! 

SOURCE: http://www.jakheath.com

Yes I am mean because I don't give into every little cry, yes I mean because I expect certain things from my children, and yes I am mean because I am not afraid to spank my child. Shocking isn't it? That I can look a stranger in the eye and say "Yes thank you I am a mean mommy" and not even feel the least embarrassed about it! I laugh when I hear people say somethings like "If you spank them you're hindering their development or crushing their spirits".. No I am teaching them that world doesn't give them everything they want because cry, or act a fool. I am teaching them that the world has rules and so do I. I don't by ANY MEANS beat my children, or spank them for the little things, they only receive a spanking for PURE disobedience and tantrums out in public OR screaming throw yourself on the floor tantrums.

" For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

 I am very proud of my children, because I very rarely have to spank them, and I very rarely need to discipline when out in public. I don't fear going to the grocery store or out to eat with my children because I know they understand the standard I have set for them. And my children also know you embarrass me I will surely be having a conversation that you don't wanna have with me in the bath room! So yes I am a "Mean Mommy"... but as my son Kris told a lady today "She's not mean she just loves us!"

Thank you Daddy, for being you!

This weekend we come upon, Father's Day. But I find myself more involved with Father's Day then in years past (minus when I was kid). Could be because I now see why Father's are so important. I have always had my Father in my life, he always stepped in when he was needed, and was always there. My fondest moments are when we would wake up early to go fishing. It was the thing I always looked forward to was Saturday. It was the one day he didn't have work, or didn't have to worry about the work phone.

It was our time, and when I got older and didn't want to fish or wake up early, he was always there supporting what ever event I had. Even if worked called he was some how always there to support me! At soft ball, he was there the yelling "Get em' Bone!" as I stepped up the plate, to show support and to say he was there! And I hit a triple, that day. Then when I started swimming in high school. It was at an End of the Year Swimming at the meet, he wasn't there at the beginning but as I drove off the board I saw him. I didn't win but he said "Proud of ya!"
Work was important because it was what kept a roof over our head, and food on the table but when it came to family and us kids, we took front and center. He always made away to be there, as a father and friend. Yea sometimes we thought he was being mean or tough but after seeing this side of parenting I understand it was out of love.
The difference between being a Father and a Daddy, is simply being there! Being involved. Yea as kids we aren't always going to want you there, but because you stand there like a wall to wait with arms open when we need you is what makes you a Daddy!

Thank you dad, for being more than just a Father :)

Coupons and Searching

My part time job besides being a mom, is to clip, and organize coupons. Then search for the best deals based on our meal plans for those 2 weeks. It does sometimes feel like a game, how much can I save. I find my inspiration from Proverbs 31:16 knowing that even in the Bible! It states to "Consider" search for the best deals and foods for your family!    

 "She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.  

She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 

She sets about her work vigorously; 
 her arms are strong for her tasks."
                                                                                        Proverbs 31: 14-17

 Coupons is what I do! A lot of people ask why do I do it? Because I don't have $400-$500 to spend on groceries without them... you laugh but its the truth!

Sample of what a normal run looks like

When I coupon, I like doing the binder system, it organizes coupons and makes it easier to find your coupons! I love it... Soon I will be posting a posting about how to make your own binder for coupons.

THE BINDER

Organized by Category

The inside

A life like Snow White

Woke up this morning to my son whispering to me "Mommy the sun is up! Don't you wanna get up with me?" "No sweetie you and sisi had me up all night" "BUT mommy you are like me remember? A Morning person!" ooohhh the guilt! So I sat up, grabbed my glasses, remote and phone. And turned on the weather, and checked Facebook, when I scrolled through this is what i came across:

"Still so tired. Sun is pouring into my room. Birds are singing. I know I should be snow white and sing a little happy song with them but I really feel like Fiona. I wanna sing a little tune il the bird pops so I can go back to sleep. Not a morning person lol" (SOURCE: Jennifer Salefske my sister)

And it made me think of Snow White, she always was happy, always singing even after having to clean up after 7 MEN! WOW she's got me beat, I have 2 boys to clean up and I DON'T SING while cleaning the bath room! How many of us do?

But what if we tried to live our life like Snow White, a live life without complaining? Sing a little song because of what we have been given... I am definitely going to try! But here's my favorite poem I found that is very eye opening poem.

THANK YOU

Dear Lord, Your Word says ‘don’t complain’; I know that this is true.

But when it comes to housework or chores I don’t want to do,

It’s easy to resent the things to which I must give time.

“Taking up my cross” isn’t always what I have in mind.

But Lord, you have been teaching me to see the way You see,

To realize that my household tasks are blessings You gave me.

And so, I choose to give You thanks for all I have to do,

Knowing that the privilege of doing it’s from You.

Thank You for the laundry dropped in piles upon the floor,

And for the dirty pairs of shoes left right inside the door.

Thank You for the shirts and socks and coats flung everywhere,

For OxiClean and Shout and Tide—it means we’ve clothes to wear.

Dirty cups and dishes clutter countertops and sink.

I sure hope no one’s hungry; I hope no one needs a drink.

If it could all just wash itself, it would be such a treat.

But thanks for dirty dishes, too—it means we’ve food to eat.

Thank You for the sink and floor and toilet I must scrub,

And for my nice, hot shower; and I won’t leave out the tub.

Thank You for the mirror and wet towels I know are coming.

I’m grateful for this bathroom; it means we’ve indoor plumbing.

The messiness of games and toys and books covers our floors.

And did I mention dolls and blocks and drawings taped on doors?

Sometimes, I think I’ve seen my fill of Hot Wheels, Legos, bibs.

But thank You for this chaos—it means I have four kids.

My front yard isn’t landscaped.  It isn’t even mown.

It’s filled with plastic toys and shovels—things that aren’t my own.

It sure won’t win “Yard of the Month”, but I don’t need that anyway.

I thank You for my lived-in yard—my kids have space to play.

There’s so much work I must get done.  I do it all, and then

An hour later, it’s a mess, and must be done again.

But Lord, I thank You for the time that I can’t call my own,

The time spent serving others.  It means I have a home.

Forgive me, Lord, for asking You for blessings great and small,

Then complaining when I have to clean or take care of them all.

Oh, Lord, the very fact that I always have much to do

Is not a cause for bitterness, but for giving thanks to You.

I see that every chore I have to do reflects Your grace

In blessing me with earthly things until I see Your face.

May I do my work with gratitude for the opportunity,

Seeing in it a chance for joy, and not mere drudgery.

My heart responds in thankfulness for all that You have given.

I’ll serve You by taking care of it ’til You call me to heaven.

Help me serve in such a way that the whole world sees Your dear Son

In my heart and hands and words and work, that to Him, they be won.

Source:  Manna for Moms

 

 

Love & Respect

I  decided to open up truthfully to you ladies about something that me and a few wives I follow on blogs decided to talk about. Because it is something very real, and very precious to my heart. Its the idea of "Respecting our husbands" and "Submitting". Why is the idea of "submitting" seem so hard and makes you look weak? I can tell you first hand why... FEAR. I struggled with it, and understand why we think this way. Its the fear of being told what to do, and losing yourself. But to be honest, if you truly submit to your husband the way GOD planned, he will love you 10X's more than you have ever experienced. And it wont be a one sided relationship, he will honor you and your thoughts.

 ^"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." Ephesians 5:22-24

 Since I've truly started to RESPECT and Submit to my husband, our relation has never been stronger and full of love. I have fallen in love with him all over again. And I have seen the love he has for me, and it is awesome! And I will say I get odd looks from some friends I haven't seen in a long time, and they ask why am I like that? Because it is what God ordained in Marriage.
A little over 8yrs ago, on April 24, 2004, I said "I DO" to the man of my dreams! He was a US Marine, due to deploy to Iraq a short 4 months later. But I knew I wanted to be his wife, and spend every second I could with him before he deployed. I was his and he is mine. I loved him, and thought the world of him! I called him My Hero, and proudly said to everyone "He's my HUSBAND".  Yet with my actions, I was saying something else. I was disrespecting him by making my own decisions, and doing what I wanted to do. And in ways ruling over him, by ignoring his ideas. This went on for about 4yrs, the first 2 he was deployed, so it didn't effect much mainly because we weren't together for long. When we where together, we focused on just being together again. But when the first year we where together, it started to show. I didn't notice because to me I was free and doing what I wanted to do.
Then we had our son, and it changed the dynamic of our relationship, I went from ruling over, to ignoring him. I focused on myself and my son. I forgot all about my husband, and his needs. Not making him feel important and not showing him respect. Then our church started a "Love & Respect" campaign for Marriages. And I learned A LOT at that study... It opened A LOT of conversations that we ignored because we didn't want to fight about it. And it also allowed me to HEAR my husband, not just listen, but actually hear what he was saying (actions too). It helped open my a lot of areas in my life that just wasn't right. And for me to see that it wasn't right...
And when I started to become a stay at home mom, and focus on my family, I not only discovered my purpose as a mother, but also a Wife! The joys that come when you embrace God's plan for you in your role as a Homemaker, and a Wife, is indescribable. I not only do I get to see my children grow in the ways of the Lord, but I also see my husband become an amazing Daddy. Because I encourage and stand beside my husband. I allow him to step in and take the Leadership role in our family.

  "Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.  
 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life. 
She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

                                                                Psalms 31:11-12,27-30

I've started to do a little something different. We talked about how he loved when I great him when he came home, back when we where first married. Then I decided to try to have a drink for when he comes home, next to his chair with the TV turned on. And I greet him with a hug and kiss, and then I allow the kids to get in on greeting daddy too. This just shows him that his family missed him, and is grateful that he works hard to provide for our family.
I love showing Honor to my husband, and I encourage you to start or continue to Honor and Respect your husband.

Blessings,

Tina

Please feel free to leave a comment, or tips on how to ENCOURAGE our Husbands!

Also follow this link to read more blogs about Honor our husbands!
<a href="<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://www.time-warp-<WBR>wife.blogspot.com</a>" ><img border="0" src="<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq-QT2eHtlK0lo4g_vyG_XvZ8BX7plT_v6pOxGEzBke9_m1HGb8EppoO9PD0qCFWciqNe07LHcnoDTBAe7Cjilq6hHlrOgHcZ8fpJSlYAosLDUowl1YLoJcZRaNyeOFEwHZ3PZSlszGI/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" target="_blank">http://3.bp.blogspot.com/<WBR>-Ij6epohaF0o/T4OB2ZqKG_I/<WBR>AAAAAAAADN0/g8S45WNKTb8/s1600/<WBR>TuesdaysButton.jpg</a>" /></a>

Quiet the negative turn up the positive

Ever doubted your parenting skills? Ever doubted your husband doesn't desire you anymore? Ever doubted everything about yourself? Shhh! Quiet that doubt and know that you are fabulous! I was talking to a couple of mom friends these past 2 weeks, and noticed one trend "doubt".  And I came across this quote and LOVED it!

No one can pray and worry at the same time.- Max Lucado 

But why do we doubt ourselves? Why do we look down on ourselves so hard?
One conversation made me laugh because it is my own advice I tell myself everyday. And something my nanny taught me. "You are as beautiful as YOU think you are." And if you think you're ugly and not worth anything then you feel that way! But if you feel beautiful and strong then you are. My advice I gave this friend was "Tell the shy negative person 'shhh' and tell the confident DIVA side to 'Work it!'"... Don't let others tell you any different. You are your worst enemy, but if you feel positive you will think positive.    

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25 

Then the other conversation was over parenting... I've had this one A LOT, I don't know everything about parenting except that its a learning skill. You learn each time you have a child. Everything is not going to be the same. I learned how to go from Co-sleeping to sleeping independently, eating, walking, and potty training all on learning by failure! No fancy book, or a manual.. just friends, prayer and patience. 

So in short, Quiet the negative and turn up the positive....

Its all about attitude and how you handle it!

  “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,  I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

I would steal a kiss or two...

"I would have courted you. We'd have taken chaperoned strolls, and iced tea on the porch. I may have stolen a kiss or two. Only after asking your fathers permission, I would have gotten down on one knee, and I would have presented you with a ring."

 ~ Edward Cullen from Twilight Saga "Eclipse"

I was watching my Twilight DVD's last night, having an evening to myself. And I love this movie because it brings back that memory of how I first felt when I met my husband 10yrs ago. That "puppy love" as some people call it. And it makes me think of how I madly in love I am with him now, even 10yrs later. Back when you first started dating, do you remember how you first started out? With the holding hands, and a simple kiss or embraced send your head in a spin? Or you forget to breath? And when you would check your phone for a text or a call from him, or watch the clock til it was your date night! Ugh, I love it! And its silly, but I still feel that way with my husband. It hasn't always been like that. We hit a rough patch, when I lost my flame, because I didn't respect him as "Head of the House" and I know NOW that idea of "I rule over me", damaged a part of our marriage. I finally embraced the idea of Respecting him as the "Head of the House", he really showed me LOVE. He has always loved me, and I could see that he did. But my attitude was damaging him, it was like me throwing his "I love you's" back at him. But once I dropped the "belittling" attitude, and stood behind him and not over him, our relationship grew to new levels of IN LOVE, and I can't describe the feelings I have for my husband 8yrs into our marriage. 

But what keeps us from being MADLY IN LOVE? Why does the honeymoon stage have to be over after the 6mth mark? It doesn't have to be... Steal a few kisses here or there... forget to breath because He kisses you when he sees you, or embraces you with his arms! Show him that he is your reason for living... Because mine is the reason for living, for being a wife, a mom, a home maker! He is why I love getting the house ready for when he comes home! Because he is the best decision I ever made....

From one mother to another....

Song for a Fifth Child

 Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

Kristopher 6/6/08

Karalena 11/1/10

My mother gave me the word of wisdom, and oh how I did not believe it after my son was born, I worked (because I had to), cleaned every off day I had. And his 1st yr blew by like I gave birth to a 1yr old! And now I have watched my daughter grow, and oh I wished I took a moment to watch my son! I now take every morning to be with them, sit and play, and enjoy their imagination what they see through their eyes!! And nap time is my time! I have time to clean, schedule weeks, pay bills (unless they sleep in in the a.m), and I love it! Yes it means I don't get naps, or rest but I will have many years to rest. I have children to raise and a household to run. My JOB is to watch and love every minute I get with my babies because they are becoming people, they grow up so fast. But I see that they love, care, imagine and embrace the outdoors. And my JOB is care for 3 very important people in my life, my husband, my son, and my daughter! And if God gives me more babies to love, grow, and raise I will do the same. Love them, care for them, and raise them to be GOD LOVING WARRIORS AND PRINCESSES OF GOD! And they will make a mighty mark on the world, because I loved them, and raised them in Lord. But remember we will have all the time in the world when they are grown and fully independent to clean and dust, so don't miss those special moments worrying about what your house looks like, worry about what your child looks up to! 

Going Old School

So I talked to my son this morning, as I got a VERY early wake up from him. And we where talking about his favorite things, and he actually never named TV or TV show. It was Cars, transformers, playing with friends, playing outside and Dad (imagine that!). Then I asked him what if we took away  Cable, and only had mommy and daddy's cell phones, and internet? Well first question was "Why?" and I told him "You don't really watch TV anymore and we would need the internet for home school and other things we do." Then asked "Can I keep my Toys?" I said "yes of coarse!", "Then lets do it!" Then I explained that we would try another 48yr "no TV " weekend, and see how it goes. He did give me a look of what? Our church did awhile back, I felt like it was a great thing! But I think its a great Idea to once a month FAST from all things electronic (minus cell phones for us because it is the ONLY form of communication we have in our home) and get back to basics. Talking to each other and GOD, and play games together as a family instead of curling up watching the TV. And get active... get that "to do list" done. So I believe our family is going to do a 48hr fast from electronics and rock it old school JUNE 23-24, anyone wants to join me let me know, I would be happy to have you join us!

Our TV's had scriptures on them when we fasted last time

 "Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it." 

Proverbs 4:23

Blessings beyond words!

I was laying Kris down for bed, and I was watching him clean before heading to bed last night and I was in awe of God's Blessing. I saw a little boy (no longer baby) clean his room and do as instructed with out complaint. I thought back to when we first changed from crib to toddler bedding, and he just wanted his NuNu (blanket) Lightening McQueen and Cars theme, then it was still NuNu, and Hot Wheels and Cars, then Air Planes, Cars, and Hot Wheels... Now its ALL SUPER HERO'S with Hot Wheels, and Cars, with NuNu still as the bed accessory. I don't know where the time went, but I just see him as my little baby who grew up! And I can't but feel this proud, emotional, and calming feels all at once. I can't imagine the day I see him graduate and get married the emotional feelings then! I am blessed to be a mother, and to be called Mom, mommy, mama, and newest addition to names Ma!

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.~ Psalm 127:3

Vitamin D... Its good for you!

 We pride ourselves this week of getting out and enjoying the SUN! Made a promise to myself and kids that we will be out and enjoying the sun A LOT more than years past! Main reason, God created all things to be enjoyed and we will be doing that! My kids love it, they always grab shoes when they get up.. and ask what we doing today? Outside Outside Outside! If its not raining we will be out there!

 My son and daughter have a LOVE for dirt! If its viewable they are in it digging and rolling in it! And I love it, dirtier the better day it will be... 95% of the time we turn it into a lesson about something.. How mud is made, what bug is that, what grows from the Earth, how do you make a garden, why do plants need sun and water? There is always a lesson somewhere in your every day, and why not make it hands on.

Go out and explore the world!

It's waiting for you!

"For this is what the Lord says—
he who created the heavens,
    he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
    he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
    but formed it to be inhabited —
he says:
“I am the Lord,
    and there is no other."

Isaiah 45:18

Hot & Fresh... Homemade Bread

Kris loves this process!

So about a yr ago my mom gave me her Bread Machine. I wasn't sure how to use or what to do with it! One day I saw it sitting on the counter and decided to google. I googled recipes and other things for the machine. And I am so happy that I did! 

 Not only have we saved money, but we've also prevented waste! We never really use a whole loaf of bread, but that's the only way to purchase it, so we wasted a LOT. So when I started making my bread I would try to either make it right after dinner, or wake up early enough to have it for the days ahead! Whole wheat normally takes about 3 hours (2 cooking 1 cooling), and Pizza dough takes about 2hrs total.  

Whole wheat

Awesome Whole Wheat Bread
(BREAD MACHINE RECIPE)
3/4C warm water
2tbsp veggie oil
2tbsp sugar
1tsp salt
1c whole wheat bread
1c bread flour
1tsp rapid rise
I selected:
1lb loaf, light crust
Use whole wheat setting

As for which kind is better, I dont know! All I know is my family prefers Whole Wheat, it just taste better to us. But I have made: White Bread, Pizza dough, Apple Bread (yummy dessert) and homemade dinner rolls... most of my recipes have come from www.allrecipes.com or just from friends who share their recipes! I think its better to know what's going into your food, and if you cant pronounce it, why trust it to be good for you! I love the fact my kids are into watching and learning what I do in the kitchen! I hope they carry on to the next generation! So they can eat from the Earth and from what they grow themselves!

"And God said, 'Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit.  You shall have them for food."  ~Genesis 1:29 (SOURCE: Wendy Childress http://lavameclean.blogspot.com/)

And the smell of FRESH BAKED BREAD is so yummy!

So get off that computer and start baking bread!!!