Links I Love

I was just sent this link today and I wanted to share this with my readers. Recorded audio of Elizabeth Elliot. I hope you are encouraged by the teaching of this godly woman!

Learning To Manage My Time Better

Here is a list of what I will call

My Priorities: Things Necessary for a Healthy Lifestyle

1. My Quiet Time: At least 30 minutes everyday spent reading my Bible, journaling, working on a Bible study, and scripture memorization.


 2. My Relationship with Eric: One on one time everyday, a date once a week (in or out), and a date night out once a month.


 3. My Relationship with My Children: One on one time with each child everyday, including them in whatever I’m doing around the house, and as they get older, having a date/outing with them individually on occasion.


 4. My Relationship with Extended Family, Church Family, and Others: Spending quality time with both mine and Eric’s family, having dinner together, nurturing my children’s relationship with their grandparents, being hospitable to our church family and neighbors in our community.


 5. My Home: Keeping my home clean, organized and clutter free, making my home a haven (a place where my family and others feel welcome and comfortable), making my home beautiful with simple décor, and keeping things functional for my family.


 6. Family Devotions: Bible reading, scripture memorization, catechisms, and music/worship.


 7. Giving: To our local church, our Compassion child, and to two other ministries that Eric and I choose individually.


 8. Homeschooling: This is more of a future priority since both of our children are young. My goal for this year is to work with Olivia 2-3 days a week for 30-45 minutes on basic preschool concepts.


 9. Budgeting: Being as frugal as possible and keeping up with our finances on a monthly basis.


10. Reading: At least one book a month for myself, reading to the kids everyday, and reading together as a family.


 11. Activities: Play dates, Story time at the local library, days spent with grandparents, etc. I think a few extra-curricular activities for my kids is something I want to do over the next few years. When they reach school age and we have to spend more time on that each day, I will reconsider how much time we spend out of the house.

12. Physical Fitness: This is probably one thing I struggle with the most. I do not have a weight issue at all, but I know that having an exercise routine will help me have more energy and keep me healthy.

 I hope you all understand that these are priorities I plan to work on in my life. I'm sure each of your would look different. I have not perfected them and never will I'm sure. Life has a way of messing up your plans sometimes. I do consider each of them as very important to me and with God's grace I hope to live them out as best I can.

Tomorrow I plan to post things that I enjoy doing, but don’t necessarily have the time for at this season of my life. I also want to address a few things that I see as a waste of my time.

Home Again, Home Again...

Hey everybody!! Noah and I are back from deep in the heart of Texas and let me just say that True Woman 10 was amazing!! After three days of deep, heart provoking teaching and beautiful praise and worship, I'm still on a bit of a spiritual "high" you might say. Which is a good thing, but I'm just hoping it last. :-) It is such an encouragement to see so many other Christian women seeking and praying for revival in ourselves, homes, churches, and world. I was deeply convicted to step up to the plate on issues such as my quiet time with God, motherhood, my marriage, and just finding pleasure in a holy, righteous God. If you would like to see some of the teaching for yourself just check our truewoman.com

This is our group on the last day of the conference. We are actually missing one of our gals (she was sick that morning), but I was so thankful for all the wonderful fellowship we enjoyed through the weekend. They are a great group of ladies!!

I also picked up a few new books and I can't wait to read them soon.

Well I think I will head off to bed and start one of these. And yes, I promise I will be back soon with the snickerdoodle recipe. See ya'll later!!

Motherhood: Unworthy

Today has been a hard day. I have sinned against these precious little ones over and over again. I have been impatient, angry, loud, and inconsiderate of their feelings to the point that I have cried over the sound of my own voice. And even though she has been disobedient and he has been clingy and needy I have no excuse. I have crushed their spirits and damaged their hearts. They have had to hear the words "I'm sorry, please forgive me" to many time today. Thank goodness their little souls are so forgiving and loving. They love me the same even after such a trying day. So after they closed their eyes this afternoon. I went before my Father and begged forgiveness once again. Because it is He whom I have sinned against the most. And once again I'm so thankful for His forgivesness and that even though I am a woman of fallen nature, He has blessed me with the precious little souls.

How can I do this Lord? I want to be an example before them to guide them toward the Truth. Give me the grace I need to raise them up in love. I need you Lord.

John 17:17

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

This is my heart:

Deuteronomy 11:19

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

How can I teach them unless I can live it before them??

They have tender, trusting hearts that are in need of direction. He has chosen me to be their guide. So I must fall on my face before Him each and everyday and pray for guidance. I must learn of Him so that I can be an example for them. I must be broken before all so that I might be holy in His sight. Though unworthy of this calling, this is who I am called to be.

Christmas Time is Here...

I can't believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away!! I made a trip to the mall on Friday to finish my Christmas shopping. I have been putting it off and I looked at the calender last week and realized that the baby could be here any day now!! So Olivia and I loaded up Friday morning and spent the whole day shopping and playing. Here are a few pictures of her enjoying the kids area at the mall.

Can I just say that I love Christmas time!!! The music, decorations, time with family, great food, and most importantly the remembrance of Christ birth. I know at times we tend to focus on the other things instead of Christ. So this year we as a family choose to do an Advent study. We ordered this book to do as a couple and this study to do as a family. I have so enjoyed our evenings snuggled up in our pj's around the tree listening to this wonderful promise of Christ coming. It is so incomprehensible how a King came to save a sinner like me. How I praise God each and everyday that I'm one of His chosen!!

Understanding More of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

Today I attended a recording session of Revive Our Hearts radio and all I can say is that I have come away blessed. This was my first and I am sorry to say last session I will attend because the ministry is relocating there radio recordings out of state. It was wonderful to see several women joined together and gleaning from the Word of God. I want to share with you a few highlights of today's study.

The verses we focused on today where Proverbs 31: 21, 25.

v. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

What is the "snow" that we are not to fear?? And how do we apply that in our lives??

• Both physical and spiritual trials of life
• She prepares her family for the trials of life. Even the trials of God's ultimate judgement on earth.

Another definition of "scarlet" is "doubly clothed."

She is a woman who is knowledgeable, alert and knows what is to come. She is prepared. She is proactive. The choices she makes today are for tomorrow. She is a woman who plans ahead.

The reason this woman does not fear is because she "fears the Lord."

v. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

• This is a strength of mind, heart and soul.
• Dignity can also be defined as might, beauty and honor.

You could also define the second part "she smiles at the future."

She lives in constant tranquility of mind. -John Wesley

She knows that the final chapter has been written and she rejoices!

For more on this topic tune in to the future broadcast on Revive Our Hearts radio.

Be Careful Lest the Light in You Be Darkness.

This a note that Eric published on Facebook today. I think it makes for a very convicting read.

By John Piper July 22, 2009

No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light. (Luke 11:33-36)

Just before these verses, Jesus says, “Something greater than Solomon is here . . . Something greater than Jonah is here” (Luke 11:31-32). That is, the wisdom of Jesus exceeds the greatest human wisdom, and the resurrection of Jesus will be greater than most spectacular human rescues and resuscitation's.

The question Jesus then addresses is: Do we see this for what it is—magnificent and compelling, so that it becomes the light and joy of our lives? He talks about seeing—and about two lamps.

The first lamp:

Verse 33: No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.

I take this to refer to what Jesus has just said about his wisdom and resurrection: “I have set a lamp in the world: my wise and powerful presence—greater than Solomon and greater than Jonah. I am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5). I am the lamp that must not be hidden or missed.

The second lamp:

Verse 34: “Your eye is the lamp of your body.”

I take this to mean that the way the lamp of Jesus becomes a lamp for you is that you see it for what it really is. Your eye becomes the lamp of your body when you see the lamp of his greatness in the world.

He elaborates: “When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.” In other words, if your eye sees me for who I really am, then you are full of light; but if you don’t see me for who I am, then you are full of darkness.

Then Jesus says, “Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.” In other words, there is much that passes for light through the eye that is not light. There are many bright things in the world that keep us from seeing the true light of Christ—just like city lights keep you from seeing the stars.

“Be careful!” This is the only imperative in the text. Be careful what you see! Be careful what you regard as bright and attractive and compelling. If it is not Christ, you will be filled with darkness—no matter how bright it seems for a season. Candles seem bright until the sun comes out. Then they are useless and put away.

Christ is the glory we were made to see. His light alone will fill us and give the light of life and meaning to every part of our lives. And when that happens, we ourselves will shine and give off the rays of Christ. “If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts to see the supreme greatness of your wisdom and power. Make our eyes good. Heal our blindness. Fill us with the all-pervading, all-exposing, all-purifying, all-pleasing light of your presence.

Seeking to see with you,

Pastor John

© Desiring God Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

Reading for a Godly Wife, Mother, and Woman.

Inspired by a recent comment on this blog I decided to do a post on books. Here is a list of books that I have enjoyed myself or that someone I trust has recommended.

Parenting/Mothering:

1. Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp (Eric and I are reading this together right now.)
2. Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
3. Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman
4. The Duggars 20 and Counting by Michelle and Jim Bib Duggar
5. Family Driven Faith by Voddie T. Baucham Jr.
6. Mother by Kathleen Norris and Jennie Chancey
7. A Mom After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

Marriage/Being a Godly Wife/Woman

1. Created to be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl ( This is the book on my nightstand right now. Very Convicting!! I plan to right a review some time in the near future)
2. The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
3. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
4. Sheet Music by Dr. Kevin Leman
5. Becoming a Titus 2 Woman by Martha Peace
6. Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
7. A Wife After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
8. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald

I know there are many more books that should be on these lists and as I come across more in the future I will add to them. Please feel free to comment and leave suggestion. I feel that I can never stop learning from those who have and are walking the walk God has called us to.

Verse for the Day.

I was reading this passage in my bible study time yesterday and thought I would share it with you. This is a wonderful passage of scripture that gives me the endurance to do what I do each day. It is a wonderful verse to commit to your life/family.

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve,

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Jos 24:15

Family Worship Time.

Eric and I think it is time to start having a family worship time together. Olivia is just 4 months old, but of we begin now it could help us get in a good habit by the time more children come along. Our plans are to set aside a time each evening where we will read scripture, sing, and pray together. I realize this will not happen every night and that Olivia will not always be able to join us because of her schedule. I am still very excited to begin this and see my home become more of a ministry.

Does anyone have any ideas on how you do your family devotions/time?

Back to Blogging for the Year 2009.

These are a few before and after pics of my cleaning today.

Sorry about the order of the pictures. I am still learning how to use this blog :-)

I am so excited to be home and back to blogging again!! We have been here and there for the last 2 weeks and I am so relieved to be at home and back to somewhat of a routine. Having been inspired by Crystal's post, I am ready to start the New Year off with a list of goals and things to get done.

Personal Goals for 2009:

1.Read through the Bible this year.

2.Begin working on Bible and baptist Catechism memorization again. (This was something I did with my family faithfully before Eric and I were married.)

3. Exercise regularly and lose weight back down to pre-pregnancy weight.

4. Read at least 2 books a month. ( I plan to post a book list later)

5.Plant a garden this spring and can in the fall.

6. Pull out the sewing machine I have and learn to sew.

7. Begin work on a scrapbook for Olivia.

8. Have a garage sale this spring.

9. Have a Home Organization Week soon. ( I want to clean out every closet, cabinet, and drawer in this house and organize them)

10. Learn how to budget and coupon better.

And so it began today with Eric back to work and my house in desperate need of a good cleaning and organizations.

I am planning to post some more goals we hope to set for our family this year as soon as I can.

Another Busy Day.

Life keeps on going even when you need it to slow down and stop for a little while. We have another busy day ahead of us. Eric just headed out the door to go and do some remodeling work on the building we have chosen for our new church plant. I still have Christmas presents galore to wrap and I need to do some baking. We also have to clean my husbands office (something we do for extra money) and go to a Christmas party tonight. And there are several other things we had to say no to including a funeral this afternoon.

Why is it that during a time when we should be focusing on our Savior and are families that other things get in the way and take control? I realize that it is just as much are fault because we choose to say yes instead of no. I understand that sometimes things just happen and you have to go but I think that as a keeper of my home it needs to be my job to draw my family into the home and closer together. There is a reason for this season and that is Jesus Christ. So I have decided that this week before that hustle and bustle of the week of Christmas, I am going to focus on my family and doing things that benefits the glory of Christ in our home.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Thanksgiving!!

I love the holidays!! We had Thanksgiving with my family on Saturday and it turned out to be a beautiful day. We are going out of town for Thanksgiving Day to be with his family. The advantage in this is that I do not have to cook. :-) Just kidding I actually love cooking for the holidays. Being able to spend time together as a family is such a blessing to me. Here are few things that I am thankful for this year:

1. Salvation and my relationship with Christ
2. A year of marriage to my wonderful husband
3. The birth of our daughter Olivia Louise
4. My family and In-laws. They are all a blessing in my life!
5. The chance to be apart of a new church plant

Psa 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

A New Beginning.

Being new parents has brought some issues up for Eric and I in how we will raise our children. We had decided before Olivia was born that we are going to homeschool our child/children. I was homeschooled most of my school years and think that this will be the best thing we can do for our family. We also talked of what type of church we want to worship and fellowship in with our family. Do we want a church that teaches that a mother working outside of her home is good or one that upholds the biblical role of a woman by teaching that she is to be a "keeper at home?" What about a church that adheres to true biblical doctrine and guides us through the teaching of our elders?

It just so happened that during that time of questioning an opportunity to help in a church plant arose. We had hoped for many years that a Bible Church would plant closer to our hometown, and now the time had finally come. We and both of our families along with several others will be starting this new church (The Bible Church of Beebe) this Sunday. We are praising God for answering our prayers.

My Favorite Chapter in the Bible!!

Psa 139:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
Psa 139:2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
Psa 139:3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.
Psa 139:4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
Psa 139:5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Psa 139:6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
Psa 139:7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
Psa 139:8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
Psa 139:9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Psa 139:10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Psa 139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"
Psa 139:12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
Psa 139:13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
Psa 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psa 139:15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Psa 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Psa 139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psa 139:18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
Psa 139:19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!
Psa 139:20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain!
Psa 139:21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
Psa 139:22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.
Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
Psa 139:24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!