I am WHO'S I am

With the headlines filled with Chick-fil-a supporting traditional marriage, us as Christian's.may haven been hit with insults, slams, and rejection from friends. We as a family we have been attacked from even family. But we have to remember something very important:

 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason." John 18:18-25

 Its hard when we get hit from left and right, when we get judged because we are Politically Incorrect. God's word stands, and I stand behind my God, I have repeated to many that I am "Politically Incorrect" and that I am WHO'S I am, and I won't change. I have made a stand that a marriage is to be ONE man and ONE woman. I don't hate you as a person, please don't hate me because I am not on your side.

Genesis 2:21-25 "So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed."

1 Corinthians 7:2 "But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband."

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4

Keep strong, stay firm on God's word!

Respectfully Politically Incorrect,

Tina

you're all that I see

Running on the elliptical, feeling like I'm going to fall out (Its been almost a week), and here comes a song that I haven't heard in awhile on my MP3 player..

"My Angel without wings" by Unwritten Law

 looking into your eyes

  i see all i want to be 

i don't want it to end 

if i could only put to words the way i see you  

i only know i have an angel with me now
and when i fall asleep  

you're all that i see 

you're in my thoughts 

and all of my prayers  

i wish i could be all that you mean to me
my angel without wings my angel
i wish you could see 

all that you mean to me 

but i can never find the words to tell you
and when i fall asleep  

you're all that i see 

you're in my thoughts  

and all of my prayers  

i wish i could be  

all that you mean to me 

and when i fall asleep 

you're all that i see  

you're in my thoughts 

and all of my prayers 

i wish i could be all that you mean to me my angel without wings

It's a song a long time ago, my husband told me, this was my song when we where dating... And for it to come on at that moment made pushing through that much easier!
Small things like that he does makes me smile. I mean it is something so simple as sneaking songs in a MP3 player so special, and means the world to me.

He means the world to me, 8 yrs later and he still has a way to make my heart skip a beat

Behind every strong man is supportive woman!

 

 "Have you ever considered that your husband has similar notions of what his dream wife would be like? As a little not he probably didn't sit around reading fairy tales about becoming a prince -- a warrior, maybe-- but not the neat-and-tidy young man who placed his lips upon Snow White's to wake her from a cursed sleep."

~ Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes

I came across this book, I was in the search of how do I become the "Ideal Wife", and how do open my eyes and heart to God's plan of being the Woman of His Dreams. I read a little section of it. I giggled when I read this! It seemed so true! As a wife I never thought about it that way before. Then I see my son, and yes he knows fairy tales, but all he sees is a Knight, who fights stinky dragons and goes to battle who protects. He never says look how clean and sweet that prince is! And that's our men! They see WARRIOR & DEFENDER, when they where kids. We've been thinking of the perfect mate forever, but our husbands never thought about it til teens or when he met you! As I was reading this book, I found it interesting! It talked about everything I always have been asking!

"The woman of your man's dreams prays for him, respects him, adores him, initiates intimates friendship with him, safeguards her marriage, encourages him, and sexually fulfills him. While each man is as different as the prints on his fingertips, these 7 qualities were universal."

~ Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes

I spoke to a few women I look up to, and they ALL seem to say the same thing. First, be his support, even though you don't understand it, and its not harmful to him and the family. Second, Pray for him. Be his very own prayer warrior! To know that you are there to be his support system, who is positive, and encouraging, is the most amazing thing to a man! I encourage all you ladies to part of your husbands daily activities in PRAYER and Encouragement! 

 "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

 Proverbs 31:12

 Blessings

Tina

 Link up Tuesday! Click the link to see other Titus Tuesdays!

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One small victory!

The basket Cover!

 Oh where do I start? I have FINALLY taken victory over the bike basket cover!
I decided last night that I was going to finish this projected I decided to take on several months ago. I was googling on Pintrest, and stumbled on a cute idea of a cover for the basic bike basket. I couldn't follow the pattern that was given (I struggle with patterns a lot). So I kept thinking there's gotta be a "Tina way", which is basically a something so simple as cut and figure it out!
I started fitting and folding til it all fit! Then I sent everything through the machine, and before I sewed the 2 layers together I fitted a phone packet, and drink holder. Then before final sewing I cut where the handle are, to give a smooth finish. I then sent both layers through, sewing very carefully. Then I hand stitched the snaps on the side where the handles are, to keep it in place.
It is by NO MEANS PERFECT! There is learning involved but it works! And I am happy with it! 

Inside :) phone pocket and drink holder

Close up of my cup holder!

A little advice: You MUST MAKE SURE EVERYTHING LINES UP AS YOU GO!

When did he grow up?

So last night I was teaching Kris his first official chore. Washing dishes! He is old enough to take on house chores and get rewarded for it. We bought him a chore chart, and have started working on small things to earn. He LOVES it! And he told me "I know how to do this, because I watch you do it ALLLL the time!" :)
But I look at him and I wonder, when did he grow up? When did my unbalanced little toddler grow up to be a little guy?  Someone who can earn money to buy his own toys, put away his own laundry AND dress himself!
Well today, I accidentally elbowed him in the nose while fixing his seat belt, and I kissed his nose. And he said "Wait! You have lip stick on! Gross" WHAT? Since when? LOL I always wipe it away but now its gross? First I can't call him Bubba in public, now I can't kiss him with lip stick on... Oh where did my baby go???!!!

I am proud of who he has become! He is a big helper and desires to help! He has a servants heart big time. And I am so looking forward to the next stage. I do miss my little guy, but I can't more prouder of who he has become!

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10

This table...

 Something so simple, and something plain can be so powerful. Something so power as to fill a stomach and a heart.

My table is not perfect...

This simple table that we call a dining room table, is the focal point of every meal. It is the table we come together as a family to pray and eat together. To share stories about our day, and our plans for the week. It is also a table that without fail we sit as a family. No one sits a lone, and no one eats a lone. It is the place, where we thank our Heavenly Father for never failing to provide for us. It also has hosted many family game nights, and many family date nights. It has stood through tears of sadness and tears of joy! It has seated both of our beautiful sticky handed children. And still holds strong for another round, if God willing.
This table also stands as a class room table, arts and crafts table, the play dough factory, and a lunch room from time to time! It also is a place where I have made many blankets and bags.
This so simple table can stop a a room full of talkative toddlers, a room full of goofy adults to gather around pray and eat. It may not be perfect and shinny like it use to be, but that's ok because every little scratch means that I fed my family and friends, and no one left hungry or empty.

It has sticky stuff on it...

It is also a piece of furniture that sometimes can become neglected. Sometimes we as a nation forget that this table is not a part time laundry storage, project holder, or filing cabinet. It was designed to bring families together not a part. In this time as our families are rushing off to here or there, make sure we STOP and clear that dusty table we call a dinner table, and sit and gather together for a home cooked (or order in) meal together as a family.

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

Blessings

Tina

Between me and God!

I know its blurry but was so perfect

So for about a month, we have praise time in our home, that's when all toys are put away and TV is off. The only thing going is music, and me and the children are dancing, lifting our hands to God. I have tried over and over to get a video of my kids doing it. But every time I do, the beep sound it makes, distracts my 4yr old to act goofy and my almost 2yr old to stop mid moment to just stand there. I've even tried pictures but the camera is too slow to get it before she sees. This moment is so precious! Its these moments that they do between God and them. The time they get to praise God for everything they feel like having. At such a young age, they understand the relationship with God is something between them and God.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."Matthew 6:5-8

Blessings

Tina

Another day, another play date!

 Another day, another play date.. But not every play date is the same. Each play date, brings us mother's together to have adult conversation, and someone to say "its not just you, mine do that too". But its not just a break from the house, its also a fellowship for us moms. We encourage each other, and express any kind of prayers we might need. Offer any parenting advice to each other. I love it! Its to keep us moms as sane as possible. And to have the children, run, socialize and most important get worn out! I try to allow at least 1-2 days out the week to have time with friends.
Here's the amazing part, My children are a natural when it comes to socialization. Kris will find someone his size, and introduce himself. Lena on the other hand will find the smallest kid or her brother and say "Hi!". But I've noticed that she started to take note of her brothers interaction with other kids and will do the same thing. She will say Hi and start babbling something to them.
I've always expressed the importance of children getting out and a way from the house to run and play. Learn to interact with other children, don't get me wrong being with adults is good too. But it is good for kids to learn to talk to and play with other children. As adults we know how to share, we know how to use our imagination. But they need to learn how to handle conflict with other children, and that is my goal to have my children know how to handle problems without a parent handling it for them. We do from time to time need a "sibling boot camp" where we stay home so they can learn all over how to play with our sibling (again).  Over all we love just getting together and playing! I hope you take advantage of the last couple weeks of summer to soak up sun !!

^"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

Blessings

Tina

Thrifty and Fabulous!

Now a days, with the economy, it seems impossible to get anything without going bank erupt! But I have discovered the most amazing thing, being thrifty doesn't mean junk. It has turned into THRIFTY AND FABULOUS! Now a days the HOTTEST topics/trends are homemade, refurbishing, re-purposing and thrift stores. But what I wanna start in this amazing new trend is SWAPPING! I have blogged about it before, but Stephanie (head of peace.love.swap, not creator but just Coordinator) and I wanna give YOU a chance to experience it first hand! Once you've done it you will wanna come back! Here you go, comment on this blog about what you would be bringing OR what you hope to get out of the swap! And I will pick one comment you will get in for FREE (Swap is on Aug 4th in Great Bridge starts @NOON please only comment if you can make it)! Contest ends AUG 1ST AT NOON!
HAPPY COMMENTING!

Please feel free to visit the website to learn MORE about Swapping!
 http://peaceloveswap.com/swaps/virginia-beach-chesapeake/

Blessings

Tina

Ultimate work out buddy!

Oh how do I describe this idea I have running through my head! But there are not words I can really come up with. I have been blessed to be married to the strongest cheerleader on my team during the battle of losing weight. He's mean when he needs to be and encouraging when he needs to be. He knows how to push, and how "in my face" he needs to be. He is the one who God designed just for me, to be my encourager and leader.
It has not been the easiest road, I've had some emotional issues with fighting against my husband. Being mad because he made me eat a salad when I wanted loaded nachos. But at the same time I have been so encouraged to keep it up. Since I have decided to let God and him lead me in this weight loss, I have successfully lost 3lbs in a wk. It has been the biggest weight loss since we start in January 2012. I found this picture on MyFitness Pal, and I loved it! I edited it a little due to language. But this is the basic:

You don't get it by
STARING
You don't get it by
WISHING
You don't get it by
DROOLING
You don't get it by
HOPING
You don't get it
EASY
You get it by
Getting off your Butt
working for it
every second
of every day
Of your life! 
~Nike

And while that is a great quote, I felt that maybe something else should be represented. The one that gets me through everything! God's word.. God's Promise, and GODS ENCOURAGEMENT!

 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." 

Ephesians 6:10

 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" 1st Cor 6:19

Blessing 

Tina

Please send someone else!

This scripture has been placed upon my heart for a couple of weeks now, and I know why it has been. With people in my life needing this more than ever. And I hope it helps :)

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.” ~Exodus 4:10-17

But if we really look at this scripture do we see our name instead of Moses? We tend to focus in on our weakness to make excuse to not GO and do what God calls us to do. Why do we focus on weakness? Why do we let Satan get a leg up? Because we are human and see faults quicker than achievement. But what if we looked at the strengths and good, when God calls us to do His work. Because when we are doing things in God's name, how can we not be strong? If we let God lead us and help us, we can be GREAT and AMAZING!

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." ~Psalms 28:7

Blessings

Tina

GO! with Stop Hunger Now!

 Oh what a blessed day! We spent all morning at our Church packaging meals for Nicaragua. We partnered with Orphan Network, to provide meals for the children there. And it was an amazing experience!
Not only to see my 4yr haul heavy (for him) buckets to the table for packaging for shipment, I also saw him just eager to be apart of something. He never once asked to go home, or just go and play. He kept coming to me "Now what can I do?"... there where so much excitement!!!

 "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" James 2:15-17.

Even my 20mth (almost 2) old WANTED to help. She did the most easiest job, take a bag from a sealer and place it in the bucket. So simple, yet so exciting to her it was!  It was exciting to BOTH of my children! I don't think I could be any more prouder that I was at that moment! They where so eager to help anyone who asked, and be part of it.
This also was eye opening because here I was thinking last night "Man I really could go for a blizzard!", yet here are children who are starving, & malnourished saying "Man I wish I had the option to get food!". Most of their meals are rice and beans, and they are great-full just for rice and beans! It spoke to so many today.

 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

~Matthew 25:40

Notes into a book...

Picture from Page1book.com

So, I've come to a time where I have enough Notes made, stored and running out my ears. I think I am ready to write a book. With so much support from my husband I think almost ready! But my mind keeps saying "I just don't know if I am". I guess we shall see who wins this battle!! LOL
I figured I would just start writing like I am talking to a friend, or blogging. And let it go from there. I know I will have help to straighten my ideas and concepts out. But the two basic concepts, is my Life as a wife and parent with advice with parenting, which are all from a biblical stand point. Or just parenting from a biblical standpoint. Still deciding... And I've started thinking of titles, but nothing concrete yet...
But I do ask for prayer, and any helpful tips along the way! This should be a very interesting turn of events!

Blessings

Tina

Keep Calm and SWAP!

 Oh how do I describe my feelings towards swapping? I'm addicted! I stumbled on to this AMAZING idea of bringing ALL your kids clothes, shoes, toys to this location, you pay $5, and you go with the largest bag grab what you can and you dump and come back, or you just go! Its amazing, and you get GREAT AMAZING DEALS!! I am looking forward to Aug 4th SWAP! I hope to see you all there! I also provided a link for more info about this!
http://peaceloveswap.com/swaps/virginia-beach-chesapeake 

Blessings

Tina

Ideal couple

What do you think when you hear the "Ideal Couple"? What couple pops in your mind? Or better yet how would you describe the PERFECT couple... 

 

For me this was my idea:

• Never fights
• Always smiles at each other
• Holds hands ALL the time
• Nice to each other
• When you see them you can see they are in love with each other 

Then my husband & I took a class called "Love & Respect", and my idea of PERFECT couple was ruined. I came to realize a couple that would live up to my standards doesn't exist! WHHHAAATT! Yes, they don't exist! Because the real PERFECT couple WILL fight (if they don't they are holding in feelings and failing to communicate), they WON'T always smile to each other, they WON'T always want to hold hands, they ARE NOT always nice to each other, and they WON'T always look at each other all love struck, But WILL always be in love in the end.  Because we are humans we will always fall short of the Glory of God, and that means we will not always treat others kindly and we won't always hold our tongue. And that's the joy of marriage. YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD every second of every day, and LOVE twice as much, and RESPECT twice as much! 

A great way to do this "hard work" is a little study called "Love Language". Find out your partners language and meet that need! Start dating your spouse again! DISCOVER ROMANCE AGAIN! And most important, COMMUNICATE! Yes you know what each other is thinking, yes you can argue with yourself because you know the other person that well... but still TALK! Take 5mins out of your day to listen to each other. They are your BEST FRIEND! So treat them like they are! Go and be that Perfect Couple! You know you want to! ;-)

Blessings

Tina

Special moment on a special day!

Almost can't believe that TODAY my Husband turns 30 and my mom celebrates her birthday too!! (I knew the day I found out they shared a birthday he was a keeper!)
This is a big moment they say in birthday years, for my hubby! But I am so blessed, to know and be married to a wonderful person! I can't say Thank you enough to his parents for bringing him into this world...  He has become an amazing Father, husband and friend! I know I pick on him for turning 30, but I am so proud of the man he has become! And I smile ear to ear when I say that I am his wife. I could not be prouder to stand beside him, and to be his partner.

I first met him when he was 19yrs old and just starting in the Marines, and he was still a young guy who loved cars, toys, and just being a guy! And as we started on our journey of dating, I saw my husband go from a young man to a Man of God. We have shared every moment together, from when we became 1 all the way to when he held our first born. He then went from just being Kevin to a dad, and protector! He has been an amazing active figure in their life, and has not missed a beat. I am so blessed to be a part of this moment with him!! And I look forward to seeing so many MORE moments with him :)

I love you and I hope you are having an amazing day!

Blessings

Tina

Are you Martha or Mary?

"When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."

~Romans 12:13

Hospitality, what does that mean to you? Does it mean to plan when you will host, or decide when your house is suitable to host someone over? If you looked in a Dictionary it says:

Webster Dictionary:

Hospitality: is the relationship between guest and host, or the act or practice of being hospitable. 

Hospitable: Disposed to treat guests with warmth and generosity. 

No where in the dictionary gives conditions or limits, and they Bible says when HIS people are in need, BE READY TO HELP! I have struggled with the "but my house is not in the condition to receive guest" and the "but i have no food to offer". But sometimes all they need is a friendly smile, hug or even just an ear.

And we did a bible study at church, and I could only got to the first lesson and it spoke to me. That it doesn't matter what our houses look like, or if we have food. As long as you open your arms God will take care of the mess. We also talked about Mary and Martha and how Martha worried about all the little things, and forgot about her guest of honor.

^"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10: 38-42

 And it has allowed me to kinda let go of the "Martha" and be more "Mary" to those who are in need. I want to be able to enjoy the fellowship that comes a long with hospitality! I hope you are able to do so, and experience the "Mary" things in life :)

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" Matthew 18:20

Blessings,

Tina

Words Hurt...

So about a month ago today, I found this picture while googling pictures for another one of my blogs. And it spoke a MILLION words in 9 simple words! I decided to live by this, to never speak bad about my husband.
And in away it fits in with my plan to live like a wife of Proverbs,

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies. 
 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,    all the days of her life. ~ Proverbs 31:10-12

 Since I've decided to not speak bad of my husband to anyone, I've taken notice how much damage to my husbands character it does. If I have an issue with him, I should take it to him. And not others, as I have done A LOT in the past. Even in scripture we find that even Jesus stated this:

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17

 I pray that this also helps other wives out there, and I pray that we ALL start holding each other accountable...

Blessings

Tina

 

With Gentleness and Love

So we where sitting and was watching (listening) my 2 children play independently with each other in our oldest room. And I listened to them play together, heard some of the arguments, and the giggles. I couldn't help but laugh to hear my oldest yell "Gentleness and Love LEEEENA!", with a stern and upset voice I heard Lena respond with a "Ya sir". Ah! My heart melted, to know that A)My son listens to our daily lessons B) to hear my daughter respect his authority as her older sibling. I know it sounds to some "Caveman" talk... but we are teaching Lena that Kris, as her brother and older sibling, she has to respect him and authority (when in charge of her). To witness our work at hand was amazing today!
But Kris also has to love and protect her.  And this week he has really shown that! Yesterday we where are Ocean Breeze, and he walked her up and down stairs in the childrens area of Ocean Breeze. He took care of her to make sure she was safe, and no one miss treated her. It again was awesome to witness!
We not only teach the Love and Respect to our children for future spouses, but we teach them in life LOVE and RESPECT all, including our siblings. And it has helped them not only bond together, but it also help them use the idea of Loving and Respecting as they should. I look forward to seeing more of the things we teach them!

"to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." ~Titus 3:2

Blessings

Tina

Became nothing to become everything

"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,     being made in human likeness. 

  And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death —
        even death on a cross!

 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father."

~Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus Christ became nothing to become everything to us! Can we do the same? Can we become nothing of the world, nothing like the world to become everything of Jesus? I know it seems impossible but its not. I have let go of so much to find myself... to find how I use to be with God himself. 

I remember being in Teens Church, being on FIRE for GOD! If you asked me I could quote scripture like it was the HOTTEST song on the Radio. Then I let the world take over, I started working and trade school. I lost sight of God, I let the world medicate me. Watch TV, have a little drink here and there, go out, or just hang out with not so positive influence people. When I started noticing my heart hardening, I quickly reevaluated my life. What was missing? What made it like this? And quickly noticed how much I let go of God, how I started to try and walk on my own. I was sinking fast! I wasn't Christ like in any of my relationships and it showed.  

Then I became less, I became NOTHING of the world, living by the bible... the WORD OF GOD, and I became everything of Jesus! I started to become like Christ in my parenting, relationship with my husband, with friends, family, church friends, and with myself! I thought to myself if Jesus can step down from His role as Jesus LORD of ALL, and become like a servant, wash someones feet. Surly I can become like Christ in my whole life, so that someone will see HIM through me. Its a daily struggle but through prayer, daily immersing myself into scripture and a watchful heart! 

Blessings

Tina

 

 

David Did Dance

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy," Psalm 30:11 NLT

Karalena at 10mths praising during breakfast

Oh what a true statement! Today was a day I'd want to stay in bed and sleep through. It started out to with struggles of HEAT, CHILDREN, and Grocery shopping. God showed me the most BEAUTIFUL thing ever!

MY CHILDREN DANCING FOR THE LORD!

True honest, amazing worship for God!!

Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! Psalm 149:3 ESV

And the only thing I could think of was the scripture "David did dance", he danced with all his might for God & before God. And our children with arms raised, and voices as off key as possible singing in worship! And with smiles and giggles going around, I saw the pure joy of children. I saw that God can turn any sorrow, any bad day into simple joy! I thank God, in that moment for turning my hard day into a moment of worship. He makes everything new, he is the ONE TRUE GOD who care for his children, in every moment. And I thank HIM for every moment that I see my children take part in worship and singing to God.

"And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod."

~ 2 Samuel 6:14 ESV

 Blessings

Tina

To cloth or not to cloth...

So as I sit and think about all the diapers I've bought, and disposed of... I started to think if we have #3 I'd like to cloth diaper this round. And everything comes up about cloth diapers. I feel God saying "yes" to this idea...
I have tons of mommies that are doing it, and tons of 'experience' mommy friends who can offer advice and tips. But what holds me back? $$ money $$ its expensive to start up when I am about to potty train my youngest, and we don't know if #3 is in site at all. So as I confess this is see a link: http://www.diaperjunction.com/7612-FYSF-Kiwi-Pie-Fitted-Diaper-Thirsties-Duo-Wrap_b_379.html?fwcc=1&fwcl=1&fwl for a contest to win a cloth diaper... And I think cool I'll enter and see if I win! So now all I gotta do.is win :-) prayers up!

LETS GO CLOTH DIAPERS!!!
BLESSING
TINA

Raising a girl in an immodest world

Oh if we could keep them young forever! It would be picture perfect... as I prepare my mind and heart to raise a sweet little girl, my mind races to the "when she gets older". And I see the clothes and swim suits little girls wear, and I almost go into panic mode. I just dont see why they need to be like adults? Ever since my sisters sweet little twin girls where born, I took the role as second mother to them. I couldn't help but find myself saying "she will NEVER wear that out in public as long as Aunt TATA is alive" and my all time favorite saying "We are a lady!".
Now that I am a mother of a little girl, I really find myself lost in this idea of what children, and little girls wear. I was recently caught in a small debate with a mother who said, she lost the battle with her 6yr old who wanted to bikini for the summer. I thought to myself, you lost a battle to a 6yr old? Then she simple but it "They are only little once, so you pick your battles". Yes but what you don't see is that you are telling her that it is ok to 1) display herself among men/boys inappropriately 2) if I scream I WANT IT shes going to get it.
But how do we raise little girls in such an immodest world?  In a world, where flashing our "Victoria Secrets" makes you a millionaire, and un-lady like behavior makes you front news and makes you a reality TV star, how do we teach them its wrong? How do we tell them its ok to stand out as the odd one? W-O-R-D of G-O-D, I know its my answer to everything!

1 Timothy 2:9 - "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes." (NLT)

Everyday I strongly display to my daughter the importance of modest, correct dress and behavior! You will catch me say "Act like a lady" "Be a lady" "we are ladies!", and yes shes only a year old, but she understands this already. She will stop and pull her dress down if I say it. And I LOVE IT!  And I pray that one day her husband will see her as the Proverbs 31 wife and mother. See her as "worth far more than rubies"!

1 Peter 3:3-4 - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." (NIV)

I will encourage you to guide your little princesses in this world, and make them see they are precious diamond that needs to cared for and loved for who they are not what they are! And teach that they don't have to of this world just in it as an example of God! I will pray for all of you out there ready to raise your children in this crazy world.

Blessings

Tina

My eyes for my husband only!

So this blog my offend many, but I have to blog about this. Its been pressed upon my heart with many people asking "Are you going to see Magic Mike?" My answer is NO! Because I feel that it is not right as a Christian and as a WIFE, to go watch male strippers on TV (or in person for that matter).

" But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman (men in our case) with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:28

When I took my vows to my husband, "I, Christina, take you Kevin, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us." in that I stated that I am HIS and He is MINE. " Being Faithful means PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL. EYES are physical part, seeing other men stripping is just as bad as cheating sexually and LUST, to come home from being turning on by watching men is not right. Because are we really thinking of our husbands in the moment? No, lets be honest you probably wont be. And that is wrong! Your eyes, heart and emotions should ONLY be for your husbands!

  " But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.  The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.  Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." 1st Corinthians 7:2-6
 

So I encourage you to KEEP YOUR EYES ONLY FOR HIM, YOUR HUSBANDS!
    " Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous." Hebrews 13:4

Blessings

Tina

Schedule, schedule!

Have you ever had a moment in prayer where you pray and pray for something, and something else happens that you never saw coming, and it was twice as nice as you planned!? Or have you prayed for a song to play and another one played and it spoke louder than ever to your heart! 

Its called GOD'S PLAN!

  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I have learned that no matter what I plan, what I see fit it doesn't matter when it comes to God's plan. I see and hear all over the place (and I have been guilty of it) "Nothing is working out for me today!" "I just wish something I plan would go right!"... And here's my question, have you given it to God yet? No, well there's your problem... Point blank! And I do stop and ask myself that too so, I'm not pointing fingers :) I do point at myself too...

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

It is written in scripture that HE is the way, he knows what is meant for you... He created you, from inside and out, don't you think he would know what your days hold? What your life is meant for? As mom's we know how important it is to keep schedules and plan all the family's day and weekends, but do we STOP and ask GOD? I have been guilty of just planning my family's days without consulting God. And then I discovered I was stressed! I was over loaded and nothing was going right! And when I stopped scheduling and let God schedule, things have gone from crazy to amazing! Our family has more time together, more fun and no one is stretch for time. I love it!
So I encourage you STOP, pray, and refocus your schedule and your family's schedule! Let God take hold, and let him lead you into JOY and PEACE!

Blessings

Tina

A Mother raising a Godly Man...

 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” ~1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Oh the joys of raising a boy! You teach them to be "Man!" no crying over silly stuff, you teach them to take a hit if it comes down to it. You show them how to throw a ball, and tackle. Along the way to teach them to forgive, mercy and love. You also teach them to love and be gentle, when it comes to girls. The most important lesson they will learn is LOVE. How to love the women in his life but most important his future wife.

  "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:25-33

We have always taught our son, you will never raise your hand to anyone in your life, and most important NEVER to a girl!

 “Do not repay evil with evil.”  Luke 4:18

“Do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” John 2:15

You where designed by God to protect, love and honor girls. You fight for them, you protect them and you NEVER disrespect them by actions and words. And if this mom ever finds out that you did, you will hope I didn't find out (LOL). I have NEVER tolerate boys hitting girls and I am not about to.  I was always told growing up, men who respect their mothers will respect you.

 "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7

And every day that I wake up to a new day with my son, I pray over him. That he is walking in the light of God. When he becomes a teen he has the mind set of respect and love for his girlfriend, and is an amazing husband, as time moves on. And I hope that we teach him everything he needs to become a Godly man, husband and father!

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3

Blessings

Tina

A Beacon in the Night

On the way to church today, during these wonderful storms we got to enjoy, my son yells from the back on the van "Mama! Look Church! I see the steeple!!!" I just smiled with joy that my son KNEW to look for the steeple when you can't see anything else. And he began the 20 question game, what is a steeple, why do we have them, why is it white, why is there a cross... (you get the picture).
And I first started with "What is a steeple?". He knows its called a steeple, but he wanted to know WHAT it is. I did give him the kid version, but this is the actual definition of WHAT a steeple is.

 "A steeple, in architecture, is a tall tower on a building, often topped by a spire (is a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building,particularly a church tower.). Steeples are very common on Christian churches and cathedrals and the use of the term generally connotes a religious structure. They may be stand-alone structures, or incorporated into the entrance or center of the building." -Wikipedia

Then we started to talk about Why we have them, and I told him originally they where made so you could find a church from anywhere in the towns a looong time ago. The steeple's main purpose, at that time, everything from that time from institutions to education revolved around the church (not so much now a days). The steeple was built to be the tallest structure in town, clearly there for all to see and be reminded of the Church's importance in their lives.
He did give me a funny look, and I told him its like what a light house is to ships. When ships are out to sea and looking for land, they look for a light house to know where land is, or safe harbor. People looked for steeple back in the day to find churches. The light went on at that point (LOL)...
Then the hard part of the game: "why is there a cross on top?" I started with "Well because the Cross is the symbol of the church, because Christ died on the cross to save us.". "But if God died he won't be a live?" then I explained the God died, rose from the grave, and is ALIVE and in HEAVEN. Then we broke into song  "MY GODS NOT DEAD HES ALIVE ROARING LIKE A LION" :)

 "And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death —
        even death on a cross!" ~Phil 2:8 NIV

But as a mother who is trying to raise a child in today's world to know that when its raining and storms are making it hard to see light, he can find a the church, he looks for the cross. And knows that is safety! Makes every hard day worth every moment! 
Have a BLESSED Week :)

Blessings,

Tina