live a {beautiful} life

One of my favorite quotes that can motivate me to have and seek the proper spirit each day is:

Duty makes us do things well, 

but Love makes us do them beautifully.

I love beauty. a clean table, dresser drawers closed neatly, covers pulled up to the bed pillows, toys in their home, children playing together, a lovely kiss when he comes home. 

And each of these situations can occur every day. but just because they happen does not mean there is beauty in HOW they were done.

It is the love of God in my heart that causes me to accomplish these tasks beautifully. to enjoy the moment. to take pleasure even when the chaos ensues.

to live a beautiful life.

[I Corinthains 13]

how many servants?

or How many do I serve?

How do you 

measure greatness?

I have a quote in my Bible "Your greatness is not measured by how many servants you have but by how many men [people] you serve." I think my pastor said it, but I failed to write that part down.

Is this not what Jesus taught? sometimes I need to be reminded. I have no illusions of actually having servants {laughing hysterically}, but do I treat my family as my servants?  Or do I delight in serving them?

Mark 10:43b, 44 ...but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

Mark 9:34b-35 ...for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

These are just some thoughts {among others} that have convicted me recently. When I truly seek to serve God with my day, I will readily serve my family. with a smile in my heart! I will be willing to serve others as He makes opportunity in my life. and I will teach my children that real JOY comes from serving God [without even telling them! though we ought to express it verbally, too].

{teaching} God is [& link-up]

Before our children can know to ask us about salvation we must teach them about God.

All men are born with the knowledge of God written in their heart [Proverbs 14:1, Romans 2:14-16].

But this does not mean our children will automatically know God.

Man is born a sinner. Even as a babe, we are all sinners. If you have children, you cannot dispute this fact. A child left to himself brings shame on his mother [Proverbs 29:15].

Since the same heart that knows God also contains sin, the knowledge of God must be cultivated to become knowing God. People do not know who He is without being taught. Yes, if a lost man seeks for God, God will not hide himself [Jeremiah 29:13].

But we must teach our children who God is.

And we must teach our children to KNOW God. and the earlier the better. 

In the first hours and days of each of our children's lives they each had several people telling them them "Jesus loves you" often ... through words, song and even action. These people included us as parents. our parents. and church members who visited. My children are greatly blessed.

Of course, my babies had no idea what we were saying; but as they grow and learn from Bible stories and Sunday school and family devotions that Jesus is God and God made us and loves us and wants to be our Heavenly Father, a sense of God is All-Important is instilled in their hearts. And this is fundamental to their ability to realize their need of a Savior at an early age.

When children are taught this, it is fact in their hearts [Proverbs 22:6]. And if the knowledge that Jesus loves them and He is ALL-Important becomes as integrated into their being as the fact that Daddy and Mommy loves them, the root of faith takes hold. 

even while still a baby.

{If you have a blog, please join in! Just link to a blog post URL in which you have talked about a child-training tip or Bible teaching idea for children!}

linked up:oursimplecountrylife/hearts-4-home

{another glimpse} close to home

praying for those who are in a 'darkest night' right now here in Alabama... 

if you will pray also, please leave a comment... 

some {simple} questions

1. What does it mean to be saved?

2. How does Jesus come into our hearts?

3. Why does a person need to be saved?

4. How old does a person need to be to be saved?

5. How does being saved take your sins away?

one prayer is for them to always be able to hold each others hands...

6. Can a person be saved without asking Jesus to come into their heart?

Have you ever wondered any of these questions when thinking of and praying for your children? Have your children ever asked you something along these lines?

Teaching children spiritual truths is a daunting challenge. It causes my very being to go weak with the awesomeness of the responsibility. that God gave to ME and MY HUSBAND [and YOU and YOUR HUSBAND].

this one reminds me that one day they will not have my hand...

and I need to be sure they know how to hold His!

The next few weeks Tips for Training Children will take on a spiritual note. We will start at the beginning [and see God] and then look at these questions in the light of the Word of God. If we cannot answer or teach our children from the Bible, the foundation of their faith will not be true and accurate and will one day crumble.

until Thursday...

no more naps. {oh no!}

{If you have a blog, please consider linking up with us at the end of this post! Please link to a blog post URL in which you have talked about a child-training tip or Bible teaching idea for children!}

My oldest child took a nap after lunch until she was 3.

My next 2 girls stopped naps around 18 mo. {Girlie #3 was born when #2 was 18 mo!} Needless to say, Mommy was not thrilled. But we had established "quiet time" with the oldest one to be used on such days that Mommy just needed a rest. so we taught the younger 2 to have quiet time also.

sometimes this happens

I use "quiet time" at least twice a week now. Always on Sunday. and one other day [or 2] that warrants its use. It is not used as a punishment, and some times the girls actually ask for it if we've had an unusually active morning. 

{This is simply the way we do this. it is not the "perfect method" for everyone. nor is it for every family. Just what we do. and I pray it can be a blessing and an inspiration to someone.}

When we first started this with our oldest, I made her have quiet time every day for about 2 weeks. When the younger 2 girls quit their naps, they had quiet time every day for a few weeks also.

The training for this is quite similar to the bedtime training. The first few times there must be strict [loving] discipline and correction when they get up before they are supposed to. Our children have a CD of gentle instrumental hymns that lasts 1 hour. They know that they must remain in their beds [except to potty] until the music is finished. [This established time must be very clear to the child, such as a timer beeping or music stopping.]

sometimes at supper {LOVE}

During the training process you cannot expect to actually rest yourself. You must be up and ready to train. You must explain [as much as possible] what "quiet time" means. During this time they may have a book. or one toy [or not]. But they must, at ALL TIMES, be in their own bed. They may not be silly or talk with their siblings. On occasion, one or both of them do fall asleep. More often though, they just lay there while mommy rests. or actually gets something accomplished. {smiles}

Once they know and are [mostly] doing what is expected of them, I tell them that while they have quiet time Mommy is going to rest. They are not to come talk to me. They are [still] not to get up or be silly. {AND, if Mommy is asleep when their music is over they are NOT to wake me but stay in their room and play.}

This simple few weeks of training for each child has afforded me many hours of rest through the past several years. It has been a priceless treasure of investment into our life as a family, my life as a wife and mommy, and my children's lives, as rest is vital to physical and emotional health!


{Please link to a blog post URL in which you have talked about a child-training tip! and link that post back here if you like}

**family notes

We have had "quiet time" in our home since our oldest was 3 years old. She is now almost 8! And, on occasion, she must still participate [though sometimes I allow her to have a quiet activity beyond a book]. I do expect that this summer when school is out that the younger ones will have quiet time and she will not be required to do the same. And I anticipate some whining over that fact. But knowing that "quiet time" has a stopping point {except for Sundays} should give them something to look forward to!

I realize that some may see this training as a difficult task, but when weighed against the irritability that I will inevitably have without an occasional break [not daily, just occasional], it is more than worth it. 

And, in our house, this time cannot begin later than 3:00 pm or, if they fall asleep, they do not go to bed very well. {smiles}

Of course, not every single "quiet time" is smooth and without need of correction, we are all human. My children sin. I sin. But training the simple things [such as how to lie down quietly] while they are very small will truly become a blessing when they are older.

And, on occasion, the little man's afternoon nap will slide right in along the girls' quiet time and I really DO get a few minutes... quiet. blessed quiet.

What age did your children stop taking naps? 

linked up at raisingmightyarrows.proverbs-31-thursdays

my sweet monkey [a glimpse into my world]

no explanation needed.

 smile &

have a BLESSED day!

linked up at a wise woman builds her home

faith education

This past weekend one of my Pastor's messages was on the School of Faith, and one comment that stood out to me was: 

A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.

photo source

In his text in Genesis, the story of Abraham, he pointed out many of the times that Abraham's faith was tested [and the times he failed as well as the times he triumphed]. 

But one thought that really stuck with me was that quote.

Can my faith be tested? I believe there have been many times that it has been. And I know there have been innumerable times my faith failed a test. But I want to think there have been times I have triumphed also. for His glory. And there are many avenues through which this testing approaches.

Life-events have tried my faith. When my husband and I were first married and we moved here to work in this ministry, I left everyone I knew. We moved into a new home within weeks and then, days later found out our first bundle of blessing was coming. I had just started a new job also. I had not even unpacked all our things into our home, and I was sick. For the next 7 months I was ill. I did not pass all the tests that arose from those situations. [not by a long shot. but I sure did learn a lot!] That was 8 years ago.

The general populace, including family and friends, have tried my faith. and tested my patience {smiles}. [I am sure I have tested theirs also.] I have learned much about God, His love and mercy and graciousness, from interacting with people. I have learned more about God from interacting with my children. Sometimes I lose something {ahem, temper}, and have to go looking for it. and apologize. My husband has taught me much about dealing with people. and all of it stems from a root of humility. {But that's another post.}

The temptation of more. having. wanting. going. doing. has tried my faith. But God is always faithful and has always provided more than we could ever [TRULY] need. way more. and, while there are days this becomes a struggle again, the Lord has taught me to be content with the what. who. where. & when of our life.

So, can my faith be trusted? can yours? I know God has tested. I have seen areas of testing generate ministry opportunity. I believe when that happens, I passed the test. that one - not all of them! [note to self: watch out! just because I passed it once doesn't mean the same test will not come around again. for a refresher course!]

Which leads me to this thought.  

Our perspective in the day-to-day is determined [solely] by our relationship with Christ in the day-to-day.  

Perspective can and will change as often as our relationship with the Lord changes. and perspective fashions the attitude with which we face our faith tests. which in turn influences whether we triumph or fail.

My prayer today is that our relationship with Jesus is genuine, faithful and daily. For only then will our faith be ready for the tests. and only then will triumph even be possible. 

 Can the Lord "trust" me? 

[My humble thoughts could never do justice to the study my pastor brings to each of his messages. These main points were from his sermon but put into my own words and applications] 

linked up: raisingmightyarrows/proverbs 31 thursdays

crafts from Christmas {wrapping paper

We made our own wrapping paper this year!

 brown packaging paper from the Dollar Tree 

 Christmas foam stamps from the same store 

[3 packs=6 stamps {ink included}]

 it was lots of fun

I think we'll do it again next year!

ebook giveaway {CLOSED}

CLOSED

Congratulations Candace! 

It'll be coming to your inbox soon.

to enter:  ----->

Jacinda over at Growing Home

has written an e-book with simple details and instruction on how to give your blog a delightful and appealing look - 

WITHOUT software OR experience!

Just visit her blog to see how charming a blog can look!

and she has graciously allowed me to give one away.

Learn how to create such headers as these:

and personalize social media buttons

and even just a simple add for your blog

and one of you can win it!

ENTER ON THE SIDE!

my sleeping babes & LINK-UP

{If you have a blog, please consider linking up with us at the end of this post! Please link to a blog post URL in which you have talked about a child-training tip or Bible teaching idea for children!}

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 

Training is about more than just morality and spirituality [though vitally important!]. but we live in a physical world and must also train our children to live right physically as well. this includes healthy sleep patterns. 

{I am in no way trying to tell anyone how to train their children. Every family and situation is unique, and God will guide you when you seek Him! This is simply what the Lord has allowed to work for us. and I pray it can be an inspiration for other young families. because a good nights sleep is the foundation for a productive day-for mommy & child!}

{LOVE}

From the time my babies are physically able to sleep through the night [e.i. they have done it on their own more than 2-3 nights in a row] we begin the process of training them to go to bed at 'bed time' and not to get up until 'morning.' Some children will reach this age at a few months old. others will not be ready til nearer their first birthday.

All of my babies [4 thus far] have slept through the night consistently since they were at least 3 months. I realize this is not normal, but the training is a good place to start-no matter your baby's age. Sleep plays an important part in our body's health and establishing proper sleep patterns can begin very young.

OH, the JOY!

First, we established a "bedtime" time. And we have been as consistent as possible with this time until they are securely familiar with it. [you'll know when this familiarity happens because either their bodies {fall asleep} or their minds {go wild or get cranky} will start "checking out" at that time if they are up later.]

We then established a routine. This is a quiet and restful time and we considered how long we wanted it to last. We begin it that long before bedtime. This is when we have our Devotion Time. No matter what has gone on in the day, this does not change. It has had a bit of a remodel from time to time, but it is basically the same as when we began it nearly 5 years ago. and it always ends with "The Quiet Song" and prayer. then it is time to tuck them in and leave the room.

the baby feeding the baby

As infants, a baby cannot really be a part of the reading/singing/praying. and when it was just the one baby, I would sing to her and pray with her right in her bed before tucking her in and turning out the light. sweet dreams. goodnight! We began this family devotion time when the second blessing came along. and as new blessings have been added, they are held during this time unless unduly fussy. in which case they are put in their crib until devotions are over.

loving his BIGgest sister

Our devotion time begins around 8:00 unless we have been at church late or had a [rare] special function where we get home later than that. Our goal is that the children be tucked in and kissed by 8:20. The baby's bedtime lingers later... his last bottle is usually at 8:45. Then he is tucked in and left to fall asleep.

The key for us has been to let them fall asleep in their own bed as often as possible as early as possible. consistently. and putting them back to bed promptly if they get up [this is not a time for discussion. on any topic]. and there must be  clear, consistent consequences if they continually get up or are disruptive to "roommates."

LINK-UP!! {closed}

{Please link to a blog post URL in which you have talked about a child-training tip or Bible teaching idea for children!}

**family notes

a price above rubies . 14

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 31:23 

This man who is the husband of our Virtuous Example was known in the gates. He sat with [possibly was an associate of] the elders. They knew him. He had influence. respect in society.

I do not believe that this little slice of information was arbitrarily placed in Proverbs 31. This lady's virtuous efforts were not lost to those around her. The community noticed. Other woman spoke highly of her to their own husbands [perhaps even the elders' wives]. Though she did not strive to bring attention to herself, perhaps even the men noticed her when she was in the market. her kindness. generosity. gentleness. neatness. helpfulness. They knew that the man married to her had to be at least as good. Her virtue brought him respect.

If you see a lady who is truly a lady, do you not have at least a measure of respect for her husband simply because of her virtue? I do.

So, I am encouraged to realize that, though it is not voiced to me frequently, I can know that others do [indeed!] observe how I live. train my children. dress my family. treat other people. how willing I am to help. how helpful my children are. how respectful I am towards my husband as well as general authority. 

But this encouragement also challenges me! to truly strive to live a virtuous life. If I hear a compliment about my husband, I can know that my life had some small part of that. If others can know and speak well of my husband, then at least part of my assignment as a woman is on the right track! and I can be reminded to pray and beg a merciful God for His hand to produce virtue in my life.

Does this encourage you? I have nothing to boast of, but knowing that certain people think highly of my husband does bring a measure of fulfillment to what can become the mundane. and also gives a resolve to my spirit to seek Him every day. to plead with the Holy God to live through me even more fully.

~ ~ ~

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 

Proverbs 31:10

the series

lights out. goodnight

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Dueteronomy 6:6,7---we must teach our children God's Word.

{This is the way we do this. it is not the "perfect method" for everyone. not what every family must do. Just what we do. and I pray it can be a blessing and an inspiration to someone seeking for a place to start.} 

Our family's evening devotion time centers around preparing for bed. The older 2 can get their pjs on by themselves. though I do have to check to see if they picked up after themselves. They are often silly during this time and I love to hear their conversations. so serious. so pretend grown-up. except Mikalah. she loves to ROAR. and be 3.

We have our set time that we start. with the goal of them being in bed by 8:30. We have two different routines. one for evenings we have been at church and one for all the other evenings. As a family, we do our best to not schedule our time to be out late on nights that are not church simply because our children are still young and need the stability of a set bedtime. I am so thankful we are able to do this.

Our non-church night devotions begin with each of us saying something we are thankful for and then read a story with a Biblical principle and a Bible verse. During this last month [December] we simply read our Advent verses each evening instead of our story. Then we work on a Bible verse for memorization. We end with our quiet song [God Is So Good] and then have prayer. 

On church nights we skip the story and memory verse. We talk about one thing to be thankful for as a family. then our song and prayer.

After prayer, everyone kisses Daddy [and the baby-man], and Mommy trails them off to bed. covers and kisses. lights out. 

Good-Night.

**family notes

a lovely home

I have created a page [for my convenient reference] that I thought I would share as an encouragement [and possible inspiration] for your own efforts at keeping a tidy [somewhat clean] home... it is tailored to my personal home and family, but I would be more than happy to email a copy emptied of our chores so you can fill it in.

There are many [free] printables and blogs and websites dedicated to helping you organize your chaos and keep it under control. I am in no way trying to compete! there is no way I could. {smiles} but sometimes I just need to see something just one more way before it clicks in my own brain.

You should be able to click on the pictures to see them larger. These are pages I print and hang on my refrigerator for the week. I know there are also all these free apps and digital ways to keep track of your chores [those who know me may be surprised that I do not use them!], but for some reason having an actual piece of paper that I mark on with a pen helps me stay focused.

ideas

I have had a request for some tips on child training. As inadequate as we are, the Lord has allowed my husband and I to learn much from Godly influences [parents, pastors, books, friends] and these are the places we have started and seen results in our home. So I will share them with you as tips of blessings and [hopefully] inspiration!

This series will begin this Thursday and will continue periodically as posts are finished. Some topics will be purely spiritual. others will be more about training techniques that have worked for us.

I pray you will be encouraged and blessed and share your own tips in the comments of these posts!