Fighting the Flesh: When Everything Hurts

This is my personal story/belief- not meant to diagnose anyone...

So here it is 8:45 p.m., and everything hurts. The cold achy, stuffy, nursing the teething baby kind of pains. But I am a believer... what now?

The Bible says:  

Mal. 4:2 "But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves."

Psalm 107:20 "He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

Isaiah 53:5 "But He was wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

So what's up, huh? Why would I have all these promises, available to me- and no immediate results once I speak them? Simple. I've been sinning, and I need to repent.

Sinning? Ok- so maybe that's a little harsh- I've been being disobedient. I haven't been, listening. About a week ago, the Lord dealt with me. He told me "You need to start going to bed when the kids do." Of course, I resisted (not intentionally of course). I started going to bed with them, the first night- and the second. But then things started getting busy, and I became distracted. for the last four nights- I have been up until 1 a.m.! That IS NOT what the LORD told me to DO! So of course, now that I am wiped out- I am remembering what He told me in the first place. 

Disobedience will always be a blessing blocker.

The Word of God isn't something that you can just play around with. You either believe that He is talking to you, or not. When you hear that still small voice- the more you obey Him- the clearer His voice becomes. 

If I was listening I wouldn't be hurting right now. 

The instructions were simple. "Go to bed when the kids do." What I saw as a permanent life style change- might have been just for a week, or two. I am sure He knew what was around the bend, and being the loving God that He is- wanted me to slow down... way, way down.

Our God is a loving forgiving God.

Now these scriptures have been available to work in me all along, I have now repented and have begun meditating and praising God for each and every one of them! So here I am at 9:28 p.m., being healed. Recognizing that for a moment I stepped out of His Will for me. Realizing that I let my bad habits (not of staying up late, but of NOT LISTENING), keep me from the blessing. 

Going to bed early, following His commands. Listening to how much He loves me- and wants me to avoid this pain in the future. I have learned personally- this week- that God's ways are higher than mine. And He is always, well... right!

May peace be on you dear Readers,

May your ear be in tune to His Ways.

May you diligently seek Him, 

And know that He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."

 ... and P.S.... I am going to bed on time tonight!

Today's Scripture: Joshua 1:8- True "Meditation"

Joshua 1 :8

Did you know that you can find meditation in the Bible? Did you know that as readers of the Word of God we are called to meditate in His Word?

Joshua 1:8 says-

"Don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure that you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed." (The Message)

Joshua is very specific when he says that we should indeed meditate. The Hebrew word for meditation is: "hagah". (As found in the Strongs Concordance/Lexical Aid) Hagah literally translated means: "to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak." We are called to meditate. We are called to take scripture and not just read it. We are called to think about it- repeating it over, and over, and over- until we can recall it immediately, from constant repetition. That way when trials come, we can combat them with a verbal retaliation of The Word of God.

Joshua is also clear on what we should be meditating on... The Word of God. This Word alone, will bring us success. Beware of doctrine that claims that you can do it without The Word of God- it is impossible, and it is deceitful. Joshua says: 

Meditate on The Book of the Revelation day and night, then you will get where you are going, then you will succeed.

For years, Jeff and I have practiced carrying around 3x5 cards with scriptures on them. These are our "Faith Cards." We imprint- either by computer, or hand written- the exact scriptures that we are believing God for. Where did we learn how to do this? Joshua 1:8.

There is nothing "New Age" about meditation- it is as old as the Bible itself.

There are dozens of scriptures in the Bible where you will find the word "meditate/meditation". Meditating on The Word- is the direct link between hearing a scripture, and believing a scripture can be true for you. 

For example, "I am a good person." If you repeat this over and over to yourself- you might start believing it, and in most 'worldly' circles this would be enough. Without The Word of God backing it up though- it holds no weight. If a trial comes along, that makes you feel angry and like sinning against your fellow man- you might try to remember that you are a "good person", but you will easily forget it- because after all you just made it up. (You will instantly judge yourself based on your past actions) 

But if you begin meditating not on becoming a "good person" alone,  but start meditating on a scripture like 2Cr 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." You will be able to confidently believe that you have been made new in Christ! "For greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world!" 1 John 4:4 Praise God! You can believe these thoughts- you'll be able to stand strong- because The Bible says so!

So my friendly advice would be this- if you are going through something challenging; money shortages, healing challenges, relationship miscommunication, etc.- 

1. Locate a Topical Bible Dictionary, like www.blueletterbible.org and find yourselves scriptures to meditate on for those specific issues. (In addition to your daily Bible studies) 

2. Go to the store and buy some 3x5 cards. Print out what you are believing God for on your faith cards, and look at them day and night- just like Joshua taught us. 

3. Begin meditating on God's Word, and you will find great success.

Here are some possible scriptures you could begin meditating on:

Joshua 1:8 (Prosperity) 

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (NKJV)

3 John 2 (Prosperity)

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

1 Peter 2:24 (Healing)

"Who his own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

Psalm 91:10-11 (Protection)

"There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."

Mimaymo! Recommends!

The Healthy Snack Feeding Kit, available online at www.babysrus.com

Let me preface this recommendation by stating that, "I have never used this exact product."

I have used the traditional pacifier shaped mesh bag feeder- and it is AWESOME. This is a must have for any mom. I have put banana's in it repeatedly, and just last night found myself stuffing corn, and oranges (not at the same time) in it as well. It is a fabulous product! This feeder set pictured was of special interest to me, because you can actually freeze certain foods, and place them inside the mesh bag- this would be great considering half the time I don't know what to put into the bag. (Other than banana's) This particular product has a better handle suited for infant/toddlers, than the traditional rounded shape. 

FYI: The mesh is very hard to clean. But if you work at it with a bristled brush- it comes clean enough for the next usage. I read a review on it that frozen banana's for teething babies were the best. Please read age appropriate instructions, always making sure you supervise and that baby can hold their head up sturdy with out support, and be swallowing proficiently. Enjoy! Go baby go!

Walking in the Will of God, Living in Prosperity

The subject of Christians and prosperity has been debated for years. For years there has been a grave misunderstanding that all Christians should be "poor", and that if you became a Christian you would have to give up all that you had in order to "fit in" to the Christian "role". 

This is simply is not true!

If no one has ever told you differently, let me be the first- God wants you rich! Not only does God want you rich in money, He wants you complete! As a believer in Him through Christ Jesus, you have been stamped with His official stamp of approval on your heart- and have now received the right to all that Christ can bring; money, health, happiness, joy. 

God gave the Jewish people a covenant full of blessings through their Father Abraham, God gives the Gentiles a New Covenant through their belief in Jesus Christ.

Once you commit your life to Christ and His ways, being filled with The Holy Spirit- you have been given a new desire for God and all therein, His way of living. Through our Fathers supreme generosity, He has left us a divine manual of instruction- His Word of God, The Bible. When you read it and study it, you can find within it countless scriptures on prosperity and wholeness. 

Together in Christ, we are invited through the gate named "Beautiful".

For years I have read the passage in Acts about the lame man seated at the gate name "Beautiful", it wasn't until I had spent time in prayer and fasting that the Lord showed me the similarities between this lame man, and our unsaved selves- and the salvation that only Christ can bring.

 Acts 3:1-10

"Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 

And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 

And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said,"Look at us." 

So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 

Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 

So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them-walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him." (NKJV)

All who wander are,  L O S T . 

So imagine if you will, every person that has not given their lives to Christ. This man represents those that are lost. From his very birth he had been disfigured, crippled, left immobile. If it wasn't for those that carried him- he wouldn't even be alive at all.

As lost people "Gentiles", living without a covenant from God- we stumble through life, going through countless trials and tribulations- poor, broken spirited, and physically drained of all life. Existing only to be carried by other nonbelievers to our very next embarrassing appointment,  our life full of merely begging for survival.

The lame man heard, looked up and expected to receive.

This man who was lame from birth turned his attention from his sufferings toward the voice of the man of God that was asking for his attention. This lame man expected to receive something, anything. If it was money- he expected to receive it, if it was justice- he expected to receive it, if it was criticism- he expected to receive it. 

What he didn't expect to receive was a healing, but through his obedience to the spoken words of Paul- he received the greatest gift of all, the gift of wholeness- his physical healing. 

When someone gets saved, and receives Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior- they typically aren't looking to be saved. They are looking for something to rid them of their problems in life- they end up in the presence of another believer that asks them to "Look up, and receive." Just like this lame man.

I believe this "Beautiful" gate, is symbolic to the entrance into the Kingdom.

But what about prosperity, you ask? Didn't Paul say that he had no money, "Silver and gold I do not have." How can Paul be financially rich, and have no money? In the early church, as issued by The Holy Spirit- the believers came together as one people. They sold all that they had and pooled together their resources dividing the funds upon those who had need. Paul didn't have any money on him- because he didn't have anything that belonged to him alone. It all belonged to the church and to The Holy Spirit. Every one of the believers in the early church had their needs met, and they lived in prosperity as a people- because no one had need of anything.

Acts 2:43-47

"Everyone around was in awe-all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources that each person's need was met.

They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved."

True prosperity is completeness- nothing missing nothing broken.

Paul had no money to give to the man, because he needed to carry nothing on him. He was going to pray at the Temple before his evening meal celebration went underway- and came to the lame man with an invitation, an invitation to join those who believe- those people that had everything they needed- the body of Christ. He was invited into true prosperity.

Putting his hand in Paul's, he submitted to him his will (his will was to merely sit), he now attempted to stand on his own two feet- and a miracle happened! He was not restored (he had never been able to walk), the lame man was recreated! Glory to God! When we receive God the Father through his son Jesus Christ, we become just like this lame man, we become recreated in Christ's image! We become whole! Like this lame man, we begin to walk as new Christians- praising God the entire time- running and leaping in faith! 

As a new creation in Christ we are promised a New Covenant.

God wants us to be truly rich, he wants us to be whole. Rich can mean so many different things. Money rich is just one meaning- and if it is money that you need- give your life over to Christ submit to his will, and scripture says that your thoughts will become like his, and you will prosper in all that you do. If it is healing in your body that you need- give your life over to Christ submit to his will, and scripture says that by "His stripes ye were healed." Giving our lives over to Christ will ensure our prosperity. We will begin to walk on our own two feet- having Him as our guide- and we will enter into His gate called, "Beautiful."

 

The Prayer of Salvation:

If you want to enter into the Kingdom of God, as a believer in Christ- you must first become saved. You must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God. That He came to earth as a man, in order to live the sinless life we can not live; that He died in our place, so that we would not have to pay the penalty we deserve. You must confess your past life of sin- having lived for yourself, and not in obedience to God. You must admit that you are ready to trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and then you must ask him to come into your heart and take residence there- and begin living through you. 

"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

If you have just prayed this prayer of salvation with true conviction and heart, you are now a follower of Jesus, If you have prayed the prayer of salvation and meant it, you are now a believer! The Bible tells us that your eternal salvation is secure! "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) 

Praise God! Welcome to the family! 

 

Mimaymo! Recommends!

The Phil&Teds jogger/walker/double stroller. This baby does it all- and for two! Easy enough to maneuver in and out of all those quaint little baby boutiques we all love to browse at, but strong enough to support 44lbs each of kid. This amazing stroller does everything an in-line double stroller and a side by side double can't do. 

Don't let the baby in the bottom scare you away, they love being on the bottom!

www.philandteds.com for a retailer near you. Pricey, but worth every penny!

Are You an Obama Skeptic... Am I?

If you were hoping for me to trash either George W. or Barack Obama, you had better stop reading. This entry is not about that- this entry is about looking at what is going on in the world- the hope that only Christ can bring. 

If you have noticed everyone has been more or less happy. With the economy the way that it is- with unemployment, wars raging, Christian view points being questioned- there is still an air of hope, surrounding us all.

So is it "History in the Making?" is it the man behind the Presidents seat? Is it the exit of a previous era? I would challenge you to question what every one is "thinking", and focus on what everyone is "saying".

They are saying words like: "Hope, Equality, Peace, Salvation, Grace, Excitement, Power." Do you think that those words on their own can hold any power? Yes! They can! Say words like "Fear, Death, Sorrow, Anger, Pity," and you will feel entirely different.

My plea for you today is to NOT STOP speaking these powerful words of hope. As a nation we need to look beyond any one human being, and look towards our own two lips. If we are to see the wave of hope and happiness that has befallen our country sustain any future trials- and there will be trials, it will only be through the continued hopeful efforts on the part of its people.

Congratulations! To all who have come into this new era full of spoken words of hope. We are all looking forward to a political environment that speaks words of hope- just like we do. We are in need of a support girder, in the political realm that will back our daily home/life battle of positive speech. No, I am not an Obama skeptic- I am a human being skeptic. On our own we can not control our words, but together with Christ and the Holy Ghost we can transfigure ourselves into the image of Christ- and get "Supernatural" results. 

Mimaymo! Recommends!

THE FROG POD!

This ingenious invention organizes all bathtub toys, and makes it so that you can "scoop" up the toys, without getting wet! I have had it hung in the bath room in every house we have lived in. It is colorful, charming and extremely efficient! 

My Starbucks Epiphany- Me, a Bird and a Scone.

While I was at Starbucks today I got solicited. Not by a homeless person, or a religious sycophant, but by a very darling black bird with yellow eyes. He came up to me- expectantly, and I fed him.

It was at this moment I found my little bird brain thinking- "Oh. So that's how it is." Feeding this bird gave me, well- an epiphany. (Ordinarily mind you, I would have been so hurried that I would have actually stepped ON the bird- but a few weeks ago something changed in me, and now I can observe and notice all the sweet little things around me.)

For Christmas, I received an amazing book. I read it to Jeff and in three days- our lives were completely different- what book? Me, Myself, and Bob- by Phil Vischer. This amazing recollection of how Veggitales started, ended and how he dealt with it all- made us both question our lives- and caused me to come back to the Lord and He in return "created" a new me. (I believe I became renewed in my Spirit, and have felt His presence ever since, like never before)

So here was this sweet looking bird at Starbucks - looking me straight in the eye, expectantly. Did I have anything for him? Yes, today, I just so happen to have splurged on a pumpkin scone- yum! Of course my little birdie didn't know that- Birdie just came to me- as if to say "Hey, you- whatcha doin' at Starbucks? Got anything for me?" Here is when I went "Awe, cute birdie- here." Then I proceeded to throw down some valuable scone crumbs- and he quickly jammed on the chow. After the action I added, "That's some good crumbs, dude." (Keeping in mind those sconces aren't cheap)

Right here- at this point in my birdie repartee- I heard God speak to me and say "That's how it's supposed to be, you know. That is how I work." Yipee! God uses Starbucks!

Seriously, God is me in this analogy. The bird came to me- and as soon as it looked to me for provision, I fed it. Then what happened? IT STUCK AROUND. Yeah, Birdie stayed with me, as long as I was dishing it out- he stayed with me. Not only that- but the little birdies friends started showing up, wanting more! God was showing me through this bird feeding activity, "Look- you are the Light. You have the power within you. If you come to me and seek me out. You will find me. Not only will you find me, but I will feed you. I will feed you My Word. In My Word you will receive all the blessings you need. Food, clothing, shelter, health- everything. Just seek me, and you will find me- and not only that but others will see the blessing in you, and you will draw them unto me." 

Malachi 3:7 "I am God-yes, I Am. I haven't changed. And because I haven't changed, you the descendants of Jacob, haven't been destroyed. You have a long history of ignoring my commands. You haven't done a thing I've told you. Return to me so I can return to you"

See what God is saying in His Word? When we return to Him- the second we do it. He is there- returning unto you! Telling you what you should do- guiding you in your endeavors. Showing you the Way, His Way- and how to get blessed! What next then? How do we lay hold of the bucks needed for our own Starbucks?

It is really very simple. So simple that we most often miss it- WE DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING! We don't have to do anything but seek His face, and He feeds us! Then we become blessed and in turn we lead others to Christ and His blessing.

Matthew 6: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

The Message translation says "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

So how do you get the bucks? Steep your life. Engulf your life in God alone. God T.V., Godly books, Godly-rich people. Submerge yourself in His Spirit and His Word. Then, you will begin to see manifest His reality- (imagine for a minute what that would look like- what does God's kind of reality look like to you?) you'll begin to receive His kind of God-initiative, you'll be able to start getting HIS kind of results, and you'll also receive God's-provision (how much money does God have? ALL OF IT! His Word says that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills- and that the universe spans the breadth of his hand!). One last scripture, before I sign off to go feed some more birds-

Luke 12:33 "Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being." In today's economy don't we all need a bank we can count on?! Get in the Word, and get you some Starbucks!

When Stuff gets Stolen

No one likes it when things that belong to you get taken. As a matter of fact it goes beyond fear- it takes us to a place of feeling vulnerable. What an interesting response to such a "scary" situation. When someone permeates our barriers- it leaves us feeling more open to attack. So what then? How do we move forward when we feel that we haven't just gone backward- but we have been raped in the process?

We PRESS ON- that's how. We march forward in Christ. We sow what has been taken and we continue to focus in on what we are entitled to in Christ, complete restoration! 

2 Corinthians 4:1 says " Since God has so generously let us in on what He is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God." 

Tough times, like theft can happen- whether it is a thievery of stuff, emotions, or even our personal space. But God calls us to "not walk off the job", He calls us to forgive those who persecute us- and to believe He is who He says He is and can restore us completely. 

Titus 3:3-8 "It wasn't long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glads, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more to come- an eternity of life! You can count on this!

Did you notice? The Word says that we have been restored and given back our lives! Through Christ, and belief in Him we can become completely restored! Not only does He give us a statement of fact- or a brand new feeling inside, He backs His actions by the promise of a fully restored life- into eternity!

I pray that you will be able to let go of the suffering, and pain- give your things that have been taken up to God, and allow him to completely restore you and your life- that you might realize that you have been given the greatest possession of all- Christ, Himself. 

Mimaymo! Recommends!

www.biblegateway.com! If you every need to jump to an easy Bible resource, use Biblegateway. It is both comprehensive and easy to use. In a minute you will be reading scriptures and quoting the Word!

Living for the Minute

Right now its 3:55 pm, and all I am doing is typing. I can't be doing anything else- not gardening, shopping, eating...etc. I can only do one thing at a time- how about you? We have been encouraged to live this way, repeatedly- but over and over again we get hurried, and try to do too many things at once. The scripture that comes to mind is Matthew 6:30:

"What I am trying to do is get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving."

When we relax, and listen to God in His infinite wisdom- we are able to open the door to what He would give to us to do. And let me tell you this- anything done for God is better than anything we can do for ourselves. 

When we deal in God's perfect timing, we deal with supernatural results. Things that we humanly thought never could be possible. The very saying "God's perfect timing", should clue us in that our timing, well-sucks.

So don't be fooled by the question- "What do I do today?". Ask yourself the right question- the real question- "Do I believe that God is speaking to me, and do I believe that if I follow that still small voice- He will have His best for me?" 

Unquestionably! If The Holy Spirit is in you, He speaks to you- and you hear His voice! Start trusting the Lord, and listening. Read: Matthew 6 in The Message Translation for yourself- www.biblegateway.com. Don't be so consumed with getting- that you can't make way for God's giving- He loves you, and wants what's best for you! I started this in the afternoon one day, but I finished it at 1:18 am- on another day. God knows what is best for me, and as long as I allow Him to direct my minutes- I don't have to stress AT ALL! Live for the minute!

Question of the Day: What is Mimaymo! ?

Mimaymo!, is a recommendation system started in partner with Titus Ventures. These recommendations recommend only the highest quality merchandise designed to help out mothers, fathers, and families. We have decided to begin the process of approving and recommending products to those that we love, so that they could have a trusted site to come to when looking for family needs. Everything Mimaymo! recommends has been used by us- and we will continue to get new products and services to test for you, on a daily basis. God Bless you in all your adventures!

Mimaymo! Recommends!

Finding pacifiers shaped like, well- you. If you have just had a newborn, chances are they will spit the new binky out faster than you could say "Ba". Here's a tip- Look at yourself while you are nursing baby, and check out how you are shaped. Curved up? Straight out? This will give you a better idea when it comes time to buy a pacifier what shape to get. Doctors are saying now that putting babies to bed with the binky actually decreases the risk of SIDS, not to mention screaming in the car!

Question of the Day: Which Church shall I attend?

The question has come to mind recently- which church shall I attend? My simplest answer is, the one that God has guided you to. Remember that His Spirit will be there- and you will fill the light of the Heavenly Host once you enter. It will feel just like home, from the moment you enter. 

One great resource is: www.rhema.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=310 , a list of all the Rhema churches in your area. www.rhema.org

God Bless!

Going to bed with peace of mind

Time for bed, and I have everything I could ever want; God in my life! With Him comes heat, security, fullness, money, time, happiness, and joy. I am so excited to see what tomorrow brings that I almost don't want to go to sleep! 

You can have that kind of peace too! Just go to bed tonight thinking of all the great things that God has created- like butterflies, passionflowers, cat whiskers- anything and everything good. God is the creator of all things good and just thinking of these things will bring you the greatest peace you will ever know! Tonight I am going to shut her down thinking of Disneyland and dragonflies and donuts- definitely donuts. 

This reminds me of a silly song that used to go:

"Bullfrogs and butterflies they both been born again, bullfrogs and butterflies- they both been born again." Bullfrogs used to be tadpoles, butterflies used to be caterpillars- get the picture?

Tonight become someone new- ask God into your life, by praying:

"Heavenly father, I believe in your Word, that your son Jesus died on the cross and was risen again. It is only through His death that I can pray to you now- I receive your Holy Spirit in me, right now- and ask that you will fill me up and bring me Your peace, so that I may forever know you and enter into your kingdom. Thank you Father for restoring me, and creating in me a new creation!"

Amen.

Now go to sleep- in PEACE! And know that God loves you very much!

Question of the day: How do I potty train my toddler?

Naked. The best answer for that question is naked. Every summer at 2/3 years old I take the diap. off and let them run around in all of God's goodness. Each one of my children have spent ample time in the buff- running around wetting on the ground.

I know that this all sounds really very hillbilly, but when they can't go where they're at (in the safety of a diaper)- they start looking for the right place to go- enter mommy, savior of the day! You might find some messes, but kids don't poop as much as you think, and it's actually easier to clean it up off the floor! In two days, your kid will be telling you "it's time", and if you reward them after they go, they'll keep coming back. 

Potty snacks are any small treat. One m&m for #1, two for #2. I remember my oldest kept coming back (really more for sugar than anything else) but each time he tinkled he got a treat- and it worked!

So keep trying! Let those kids find the potty on their own, and in no time you'll be singing their praises! 

Mimaymo! Recommends!

In the quest for the perfect snack, the idea is always "Cheerios". Practical, dry, and easy to eat. So what do you give your toddler that won't spill and cause a great cheerio disaster? 

I recommend The Snack Trap! Available through www.toysrus.com

This awesome invention keeps the Cheerios in the cup until the kids want em'. And prevents mass Cheerio/snack spills, giving mom peace of mind in the back of the van. Only one problem? The dog. I have found more chewed up Snack Trap lids than Cheerios on the floor!

Mimaymo! Recommends!

I just started experimenting with cloth diapers, (thanks Liz!) they are a lot simpler than you would think, and I highly recommend:

Snappi diaper clips found online at amazon.com

These diaper clips replace safety pins, they are relatively cheap- and I wouldn't do cloth diapers without them!

Question of the Day: Can I still be my kids Superhero?

It's Sunday morning, and I came out to the living room and it was 49 degrees. Living rooms should not be 49 degrees! This "heart of the home", becomes drafty and cold- left unattended- and does not meet any ones needs. (especially mine, who has to go outside to get the firewood)

As I am wrestling making the kindling, building the fire, blowing on the fire (rinse and repeat) I notice that I have all the components that I need. O2, wood, and fire starter. The only problem? Barbie never had to build a fire. 

How many times have you seen something done, only to try and do it yourself- and it becomes an instant failure. For me, gingerbread houses come to mind- quilts, souffles, eggs, hash browns- lots of art projects. Here however, we will freeze if we don't get warmth. (OK, we won't really freeze- but we will be very, very uncomfortable)

So how do you start in any endeavour that you have seen someone else do before?  Start out by mimicking what we see, right? Like- "OK, 'so and so' put the wood like this- and the paper looked like that, and he light it right here." Having exhausted all recollection brain power- what you expect next is a grand "Whoosh" of fire!

No flames, no spark, nada.

What next then? When you have done everything someone else has done, and it still doesn't turn out right? Take a minute to chill, that's what. Just sit and wait on God to tell you what to do next, after all hearing from Him is always better than copying someone else, anyway.

So here I am freezing- on my butt- in front of the vacant womb of a fireplace, thinking "I wonder if I can be my kids Superhero, in starting this fire." Then I thought, "Can I be my kids Superhero in life?"

Can I be my kids Superhero?

Why not? I have all the components- God, prayer, The Word. The three things needed to be a success:

 

#1 God- The God of Israel, creator of the entire Universe. When Christ died we became able to enter into The Holiest of Hollies. 

#2 prayer- The ability to speak directly to God, and seek His wisdom. 

#3 The Word- "The Bible", the document account and living Word of God. When you stop to see all the resources we have available, you begin to wonder- 

Why isn't every 'Christian' a Superhero?

Well, just because I  had everything that I needed to build a fire- didn't mean that I could get it lit! Just because you have God, prayer, and a Bible doesn't mean your going to get the ability to see results! There is one last component that both my fire and my life need to get started- have you guessed it yet? Heart.

It takes heart. The vacant fireplace needed me to wait on God, and seek his face with an open heart- a heart ready to receive direction on exactly where to put the paper, how to stack the wood, where to light the flames. In order to be our kids Superhero's we need to open our hearts to God, and allow Him to direct our prayer life, allow Him to direct us in His Word, and of course without an open heart towards God (us having received Him as our father, putting Him in His rightful place above all others) He can't do anything. No direction- no fire -nada.

Romans 8:5-10"Those who think that they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never go around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them-living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn't pleased at being ignored. But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him." (TMV*)

Once you have opened your heart, and are fully submitted to God and His direction- you will find that you do have everything you need to start that fire. Your heart and ability to receive from God, your love for Him- and His love for you- will guide your steps EVERY STEP of the way, and you will become a Superhero, not just to yourself- but to your kids and everyone around you. With God's Spirit of life in you- you are breathing and living (experiencing) God! You will have an endless flame, and we all know that with Christ and his salvation- we will have an eternal life as well- sounds pretty 'Super' to me!

So how's your heart? Are you cold and frozen toward God? Have things continually come against you? Have you allow failed attempts at trying to do things 'just like everyone else' block you from hearing from God? Have you followed others so closely that you aren't sure when their ideas became your own/vice versa? Time to STOP and chill. Return your heart towards God and He will tell you EXACTLY what to do next. Open your heart towards God, repent from leaving Him and following others. Put Him back in command- you will begin hearing the Word of God-from God and He will enlighten your path. 

It's not cold in here anymore. Jeffrey is feeding the baby some toast. Joseph is shining lights at people. Madeline is getting dressed for church. We are warm and toasty, and the fire is blazing. The fire that God built. (After I quit trying to do it myself, I asked God for guidance, and it lit up like a Christmas tree)

Now all I have to do is keep throwing new wood on the fire- and it will go forever, and ever, and ever. You get the point. I guess that the coals- they're kinda like our heart, huh? 

* The message version bible: biblegateway.com

 

Question of the Day: How can I eat out with all my kids?

So there I was sitting in the bakery, enjoying a muffin with my five kids. All of them sitting around the table quietly- in unison eating their muffins. All of us had got done praying for our food, then we sat around the table and each said what we were thankful for in 2008. Jeffrey, our oldest was thankful for our trip to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore (we had rented an RV and drove all the way). Joseph, our 8 year old was thankful for the trip as well. Madeline (6) was thankful for the trinkets we had bought a long the way- and Andrew (2) was thankful for his muffin. Andrew lives only in the moment. Osh was eating his crumbs.

It was at this time, during our stillness- that a stranger came up to us and complimented us on our behavior. He said "I just couldn't believe that there could be this many children in this place acting so quietly! It is a testament to you mom- and to society as a whole, that children can still behave." We politely said "Thank you" and smiled.

I thought to myself "This really isn't that strange"- as a matter of fact it happens everyday. Everyday, we get complimented on the "status" of our children, and how well behaved they are. 

Since as long as I can remember- I have been pregnant or nursing, and have been admired for the kind of mother I have become. Jeff and I have been married for 13 years this July, and our oldest is 11. We now have a 11, 8, 6, 2 and 8 month old- busy for sure! (But not MANIC)

I decided to start a blog, right then and there (in the bakery)- to begin teaching my tricks on becoming a Supermom yourself, it really isn't that hard- anyone can do it, and your not as far away as you think.

Every family deserves to be able to sit at a dining table in peace, in public.

I started being labeled as a "Supermom", when I had three kids, no-one could quite make me out. I was 25 years old and never taken seriously- the tittle "Supermom" came on me in jest- people who felt sorry for me started to call me Supermom- just because of the shear number of bodies that I was lugging around.  

But even while they were calling me "Super", (ordinarily a compliment) the looks that I was getting were more looks of pity, none of respect- that really bothered me. My husband and I were financially on our own- not depending on any hand-outs from our parents, and I had been staying at home for years (a feat in and of itself in the Bay Area, California)- but still no-one took me serious! 

At this point I decided that if I was going to be respected at all- (the real kind) I would have to become "Super". If I wanted others respect, I would have to become worthy of 'Super' ness. I would have to live up to others expectations and  over-do-it. I constantly consciously began working on excellence in the area of motherhood. If you asked me to "jump!" I'd say "how high?" If it were Christmas, I would hold it at my house- a spotless "you have kids?" kind of house. I made it my mission to prove to the world that I was a Supermom. I would be an excellent mother. Exhausting? Yes. Impossible? No.

What does it mean to be a Supermom?

The real irony of becoming a "Supermom", and claiming "Supermom" status, is that there really is no one person superior to another- is a Supermom, a mom who is perfectly manicured? Count me out. Is she constantly punctual? I'm already late. Is she sweet and endearing, never to raise her voice? My neighbors will tell you that isn't me at all!

The 'Super' ness of our being then- can only lie in the growth of our character. Each and everyday that we strive to be better- is a day that we become more superior, not to others- but to our old selves. My journey to become a Supermom has come from all the little mistakes I have made along the way. Each mistake that I learned from- led to a more mature developed mother, woman, wife- my growth caused me to come across as a more accomplished, more disciplined, and more focused person- making me appear 'Super' to others. In reality I am just a plain old Jane, who listens to God- and does what He tells me to do.

Question of the Day: Saturday, January 3, 2009-

Ok, "Supermom" how do I get my kids to sit down, shut-up, and be quiet while we are eating out?

1. Don't treat your kids like kids. Treat them like adults. If you treat them like kids, they will disappoint you and make you mad. Kids want to be adults and mirror you in all that you do. Get them "adult" sized cups, "real" silverware, plates too.

2. Serve your children. Ask them "What would you like to drink? Can mommy get you something? Let me put your napkin on your lap- just like mommy's." 

3. Be patient. Your kids are probably starving for this kind of respect- I wouldn't start by going out to a five-star restaurant- but don't go to McDonald's either, fast food is typically loud and distracting. It makes me feel like being a kid- and I'm 31! Go to a place like Starbucks, or Le Boulanger bakery. Begin in an environment where you can act like an adult.

4. Be ready to leave. Eat, drink, leave. Sitting around blogging, reading, anything a kid might find boring- will only create moments of stillness that will cause the children anxiety. THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO HOLD A CONVERSATION YET. They want to, but until they're around 6- they can't- so don't push it.

Do you know that our 8, and 11 year old actually ask us to go out and eat with them? They enjoy eating out as a family, and help us take care of the babies- all because we respect them, and treat them like adults.

Like this blog? Have any questions? Please give me your feedback- I want to help!