They Call me Momma

I know that there are moments when life gets a little hectic and we forget about what we are REALLY doing; why God REALLY has us here; why we are the center of our children's lives.  So I wanted to encourage you with as little words as possible and I pray that you all have a blessed weekend.  Enjoy loving on your children and husbands.  Create moments that will last forever.  And it doesn't matter if we didn't get to the dishes or the laundry, what really matters is that we touched hearts.

                                                                       Source: Uploaded by user via Roxanne Packham on Pinterest

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I thought this was SO CUTE!!!  My little one does this and just brings laughter!!

                                                      Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Roxanne Packham on Pinterest

Have a Blessed weekend filled with love, laughter and joy!

Many Blessings

Monica


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A Mother's Footprint

As I was walking through the outlets by where I live, I came across this sign.  I had seen it before, but because of the deep desire for God in my life, I believe He made me really see its message and understand that it was Him speaking to me.

WHAT KIND OF FOOTPRINT WILL YOU LEAVE?

Quickly, I thought of my children.

Footprints are impressions; something that identifies.  

I asked myself: Are the footprints that I am leaving behind leading them to desire their own relationship with God? Are my foot prints worthy of following?  Are they footprints that lead to God?  Whose footprints am I following? Are they my own or the Lord's? Can my footprints be identified as a woman of God? Are my footprints making such an impression that my children want to follow them?


The Lord has really been dealing with me in my mothering. He has been showing me the type of mother that I am, and the type of mother that I need to be.  I am truly thankful to the Lord for this.  This is what I had asked of Him when I began my fast.  I asked for a more disciplined life.  I wanted and needed a CHANGE in my life! A CHANGE IN HOW I'M TRAINING UP MY CHILDREN FOR THE LORD! I am great at planning and making the to-do lists, but this time the Lord gently spoke to me and made it clear it wasn't going to be how I think it should be done but how he has already established it.  I need to follow the greatest instruction manual there is - THE BIBLE - HIS WORD!!!


Psalm 127:3-4 says:

 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. 
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.  

I have read this passage many times, but till now realized it says, "a heritage from the LORD".


Heritage: property that descends to an heir; something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor


Reward: something given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement

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My children are the Lord's property.  He has entrusted my husband and I with them.  They are a reward, a gift from the Lord.  When the Lord gave them to us, He knew that we would be the best parents for them.  There are many times that I can think of saying, Lord how can you give me such precious children, even when I....treat them this way, talk to them that way, expect this much of them when I don't even do it myself... but God in His infinite goodness, did not see or want my husband and I training them up on our own.  He  waited for us to go to Him.  Only with Him can we train them to be men of God.  It has to be His instructions. It has to be through His strength, that we can deal with what comes each day.  It has to be His LOVE that they feel and see.  It has to be HIS mercy and grace that is given to us daily, that they live under.


I did nothing to deserve this beautiful heritage of God.  But, He trusts me enough to train them up.  


So I need to change the impressions of my footprints.  


The new footprints that I follow, are the Lord's, and I pray that the impressions of these footprints that I leave behind will be visible that I walked with Lord daily. 

The Impressions the Lord Leaves in a Mother's Footprint

My children are my first priority, not my dishes or laundry... Deuteronomy 6:6-7

I will involve myself in children's life ... Ephesians 6:4

I will teach my children the Word of God daily and live what I teach ... Psalm 78:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 1:8-9

I will help my children discover their strengths and spiritual gifts (train them up) ... 1 Corinthians 12, Proverbs 22:6, Romans 12:3-8

I will teach them the fear of the Lord.  I will discipline them consistently, firmly and lovingly ... Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17

I will provide for my children a Godly environment where the presence of God dwells, where the holy Spirit moves, where they feel accepted and unconditionally loved.  I will nurture them and give them affection. I will allow them to fail without reprimanding them... 1 Peter 3:8-9, Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2, 2 Timothy 1:7  

I will be a woman of Integrity.  I will live by what I say.  I will be the best model of Godly lived that I can be, by the grace of God... Proverbs 10:9; 11:3, Psalm 37:18; 37; Deuteronomy 4:9,15, 23

I will take my responsibility seriously. What I do (mothering)  is not a chore or unpleasant task. My role will change and develop as my children grow, but my love and care for my children will not cease, only grow stronger.  

May your be richly blessed in your journey through Motherhood.  When tough moments come look for the Lord's footprints and leave yours behind.  Follow Him and His commands and you will live a life filled with JOY as your train the heritage the Lord has given you.

 Many blessings,

Monica

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Enjoy the Silence

Photo by: Google Image Search 

"Be still and know that I am God!" - Psalm 46:10 

I have read this verse many times and I never read it in full, I must admit, I never read and understood it the way I have now.  I would like to share it with you.

So with that said, I went to the scriptures and read the whole chapter, to fully understand what it means when it says, "be still and know that I am God."  The context is a reprimand about submitting to God; there were nations warring against God.

There are two parts to "BE STILL"
1. Spoken to His ENEMIES

• Let his enemies be still and let there be no more intimidation. Let his enemies tremble, in knowing that he is God, the one who is infinitely above them. There violent uncontrollable anger produces no result and is useless. Even in the powerless intention to do evil against His name and honour, He will be exalted not only by His own people by those who come up against Him.  He will be exalted not only in the church but in all the earth. Men will set themselves up, will have their own way and do their own will; but they will know that God will be exalted, He will have His way, He will do His own will, He will glorify His own name, and He will be ABOVE all and make Himself known!

2. Spoken to his People/Children

• Let his own people be still; let them be calm and fear no more but know,  for their comfort, that the Lord is God, he is God alone, and will be exalted above all enemies. Let us not be depressed or conflicted, for we are sure that God will be exalted, and that should satisfy us; he will work for His great name.  

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Whatever your troubles are, whoever has come up against you, whatever you have no control over, whatever the situation, be it physical, financial, spiritual, marital; whatever your burden is, know 

ONE THING THAT IS UNCHANGEABLE, WRITTEN, PROMISED and CONFIRMED -

THE LORD WILL HAVE THE GLORY!!

If nations have come up against Him and He has defeated them and has Glorified Himself, how much more present is He for us, HIS children.  He is the one who goes before us and fights our battles and 

HE IS VICTORIOUS!!
The end result is VICTORY no matter what we go through!!

He is our refuge, the one who consoles us in times of trouble.  When are faith is in Him and we say, "Lord, glorify your name", we must be prepared to not expect  our plans, but ready to see His great and powerful hand move for (1) Himself to be glorified in our lives, (2) for others to see His glory through our lives.



When we are going through times of trouble, we must remember that we are already victorious in Him.  What Jesus did for us, giving up His life for our eternal life with Him,  His victory echoes victory in our lives.  We must have faith daily and increase in faith when times get hard.


"Be still and know that I am God!", He speaks our enemies, which are HIS enemies, to give up! They have no victory!  There tormenting and evil intentions against us are useless because HE HAS BEEN GLORIFIED, HE IS GLORIFIED and HE WILL ALWAYS BE GLORIFIED!! 


"Be still and know that I am God!", the Lord gently speaks to us His children, "do not worry, I am with you.  I am your refuge and your peace".  He is with us even when we do not see him, but if we listen closely and stop our "whining", we will hear, "Be still and know that I am God!"


We just have to come and find him on our knees....

Kari Jobe - Find You on My Knees (Official Acoustic Video) from emimusic on GodTube.

Lyrics below
Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defense,
I'm looking, God, I'm looking for you
Weary just won't let me rest and fear is filling up my head.
I'm longing, God I'm longing for you

But I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty, 
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching 
I'll find you on my knees.

So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
What if heartache still remains,
I'll trust you, my God I'll trust you. 
Cause you are faithful and 
I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty, 
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching 
I'll find you on my knees, my knees. 

When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong
When the pain is real, when it's hard to heal
When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that

You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
Find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

Many Blessings,
Monica

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The Blessings and Responsibilities of Believers Bookmark - Printable

I never want to write a post just to write.  I pray daily to God about what He wants me to write.  I believe that everything that is on this blog comes from His heart and I want to always Glorify His name.  So with that said,  I have been studying the book of Ephesians with Good Morning Girls and have been so blessed.  I came across this beautiful chart in my bible; not sure if any of you have it, but I thought I would make a bookmark of it so that you may have it.

• Just print below.
• Laminate it for durability.
• Add a ribbon if you like.
• Invite your friends or family members to this blog so they can share in the joy of seeking God

Many Blessings,

Monica

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The Blessings - Responsibilities of a Christian Bookmark

Holding on to Momma -

The Lord blessed me in 2009 with my 5th child (I have three beautiful boys and had two miscarriages at 6 and 8 weeks in between each boy).  I remember when I found out that I was pregnant... I was so excited! I prayed to the Lord to give me a girl and that I would be able to have a natural birth (my two boys were c-sections).  On January 30,  2009, I unexpectedly went into labor.  I was six and half months pregnant.  I quickly called my doctor and told him I was in labor and he did not believe me.  I reassured him that I was in labor.  So he told me to go to the emergency room and he would meet me there.  On my way to the emergency room, my husband and I prayed.  We prayed that God would have control over this situation.   

I finally arrived and they started telling me that the pains was probably a urinary tract infection - it was to soon for me to go into labor.  The clock was ticking, and what felt like eternity was minutes. I quickly dilated to 9cm in a matter of an hour.  All I heard was my doctoring telling the nurses to prepare the room for delivery.  They had asked if I would have a c-section and my doctor quickly responded "no".  

Before I knew it, I had delivered a beautiful baby girl.  I could not hold her. They quickly took her to the NICU.  I was not able to see her until I was informed that she had to be transported to another hospital.  She was tiny.  I cried.  I had no clue what was going to happen to her.  In the midst of all the doctors and nurses, I said to my husband, "lets pray for her". And he did.  They took her away and then sent me to my room.  My husband brought me my bible and the Lord took me to this passage:

 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:5

This passage talks about God calling Jeremiah.  If you continue to read you will read about the reasons Jeremiah gives God to why he can not speak.  I meditated on this word in the hospital and asked God what is it that He was trying to tell me.  Soon I would know.  

I was able to be with my daughter for three days.  Those three days were so hard.  I heard the doctors telling me every reason why she would not be able to live and if she did in what state she would be in.  I just kept saying, "God you are the giver of life, you have the last say, no matter what these doctor say - do your will".  I enjoyed holding Gabriella's hand, taking pictures of her, talking to her, singing to her, praying over her - just being with her.  

It was Sunday.  I had called my father, who is also our pastor, to please come with my husband and I to the hospital.  We had asked him to dedicate Gabriella.  The dedication was beautiful, simple and powerful.  We have a beautiful video, that I often look at.  My husband and I stayed at the hospital to be with her and once it became late we decided to leave.  Before I left Gabriella's side I said to her, "Mami I love you.  You have to decide who you want to be your parent, us or  our Eternal Father. Whatever you choose, I am okay with that.  Just know that I love you so much".  I touched her hand and said good night.  

The next morning, we received a phone call from the nurse that we needed to get to the hospital right away.  When I arrived, I went to wash my hands and the nurse told me there was no need.  She brought me into the room.  All I saw was nurses around Gabriella, trying to resuscitate her. I knew who she chose and I was at peace. I was at peace that this was God's will for our lives.  I knew that she could not really choose, but it was comforting to think that she chose God! As much as I wanted her with me! 

The nurse put her in my arms and she was still warm.  I kissed her, touched her as much as I could and told her I loved her.  

We held a memorial service for her and informed family and friends what had happened.  Her memorial service was so beautiful.  The Lord showed me then what He had spoken to me about.  Gabriella's life and passing became an opportunity for the Lord to be glorified! Throughout her life people around us were hearing about Jesus; Seeing our faith in the Lord. The memorial service was filled with people that did not know the Lord.  And for the first time in their lives they heard about Jesus.  This would have never happened if not for Gabriella.  

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

 I can not tell you why God allowed me to get pregnant or why my daughter is not with me.  What I can tell you is that I have asked the Lord to do His will in my life, before Gabriella, during Gabriella and after Gabriella.  I desire for His will to be priority in my life, even if it hurts me and I don't understand it.  I want nothing more and nothing less than HIS PERFECT WILL.

There will be moments when you may want to ask why or you wonder where God is.  Questions and thoughts might fill your mind:  

Why me? What could I have done to avoid this?  Is it my fault? What if I would have...?  I should have done .... 

Remember, what the Word of God says in Psalm 139:13-18:

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;    your works are wonderful,    I know that full well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you    when I was made in the secret place,    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;    all the days ordained for me were written in your book    before one of them came to be. ¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!    How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸ Were I to count them,    they would outnumber the grains of sand—    when I awake, I am still with you.

God knew you before you came into this earth and He knew your baby angel.  God is with you and your baby angel is with Him.  

When my time comes to be with the Lord,  I await the moment that I see Gabriella standing with Jesus at the gates of Heaven, waiting to greet me and welcome me home.  This is only temporary.  Soon and very soon we will be with our Lord and with our baby angels, worshiping our Lord for eternity.

Every time, your baby angel comes to mind, it is okay to cry and desire them to be with you.  It is okay to want to hold them.  It is natural, you are their mother and they your child.  But we can not let that overwhelm our lives.  We must accept God's good and perfect will for our life.  We must see the goodness of God in our life.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  In those most difficult moments, cry out to Him and He will comfort you.  He will embrace you is His loving arms and bring peace to your heart.

I know how hard it is.  We feel like no one understands and that is because they don't and they probably won't.  Not even my husband understood me and till recently he graciously explained that to me.  Momma's it is not that your husbands don't remember your angel baby or are ignoring how you feel.  My husband said it so gently, "You had six and a half months feeling her, carrying her, nurturing her.  You had a connection to her, that I could never have.  I only had three days with her.  One moment I had a daughter and the next I didn't"  When my husband confessed this to me, I completely understood.  I never saw it the way he did.  Naturally as a mother I feel more because my child is with me and depends on me.

I encourage you to have open communication with your husbands.  My husband is such a wonderful man.  He allowed me to cry whenever I needed and was also there to lift me up and encourage me with the Word of the Lord.  He never left my side, even to this day, we talk about Gabriella, look at her pictures, talk about her with our boys.

She may not be with us but she is part of our family.

My prayer for all the Momma's with angel baby's

Lord of our lives, I present to you every thought and questions that have come to the minds of these Momma's that have experienced loss.  Lord, may your arms be a fortress and comfort them and may you fill their hearts with love and peace.  Lord, we accept your will, but it is hard and it hurts.  Help us to bring everything to You and leave it with you.  Lord help us in the days, month and years to come.  We want to be good wives to our husbands and good Momma's for the our children.  We do not want to neglect what you have given us.  You are the King of our lives.  During this time of hurting and pain, help us to control our emotions.  Helps to not vent our pain onto our husbands and children.  Help us to run to you.  May this time be a time where you glorify yourself in us.  Use us to minister to others that are going through the same pain.  Open doors for us to share Jesus.  We love you Lord with all our heart.

Many Blessings,

Monica

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Calendar Printables

I just wanted to post a couple of freebie printables for your use.  This is what helps me to stay oraganized and I hope it helps you all as well. 
Enjoy seving your family.  As women of God, it is what God has called us to do and it is our first ministry (NO matter WHAT Society SAYS!!).

March 2012 Meal Plan Blank Calendar

March 2012 Meal Plan

I Work for a King Poster

Many Blessings,

Monica