I Am his EZER KENEGDO

When I came home today, someone had left a message in my mailbox on an index card.  So I immediately called my husband to let him know.  We shared a couple a words over  the phone, giggled back and forth, (I was putting the dishes in the dishwasher, just put the boys down for a nap and as I was talking to him I was thinking of the thousand of things I had to do in the house!) and he said to me, "do me a favor and....".  These words triggered something in me that made me snap.  I thought - another thing to do!!!  I tried to hold back but did not do a great job at it.  I let it go.  I said everything that I needed.  And then said to him, "okay, I have to go." My husband must have been thinking, "what did I do?  what did I say?" Poor guy, he seriously did not see it coming!


As I hung up the phone I started thinking, "what else does he want me to do?  why can't he put .... away?  why am I the one who always has to pick... up?"  "AM I HIS KEEPER or HELPER? AM I HIS MAID, SECRETARY, PERSONAL ASSISTANT or WIFE?? (NO, I did not say this to him, but I did yell these thoughts in my mind). Quickly and gently the Lord stopped me from going on.


And yet again, my heavenly Father had to teach me another lesson in what it is to be a wife, the suitable helper that he created me to be for my husband.


If you haven't read or heard the messages on the book "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldridge, I highly recommend it.  When I heard these messages (on iTunes) and read more in-depth (the book) the Lord opened my eyes to who I am to Him and to my husband.  BUT, of course, as human as I am - I forget!  PRAISE the Lord, that He is there to remind me of what He has already tried to teach me.


Many time I have asked and said, what is my role in this relationship, this union? And when I think of the word "role", I quickly think, "well I am his wife, I submit to him, I cook for him, I clean for him, etc." Recently the Lord corrected me.  I should not be asking "what role", but what was I designed for in this relationship? 


When God created Eve, He was not creating someone to only pick up after Adam and help out with feeding the animals!  She was created with a LARGER PURPOSE.
The Word of God says in Psalm 139

You have searched me, Lord,and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  
Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 
 You hem me in behind and before,and you lay your hand upon me.
 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?⁷     Where can I flee from your presence?
 If I go up to the heavens  you are there;  if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, 
I know that full well. 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. 

Your eyes saw my unformed body;all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God!     How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them,  they would outnumber the grains of sand —when I awake, I am still with you.

He knows everything about me and my life.  He knew I would enter into union with my husband.  THAT WAS HIS PLAN.  Therefore, He created me to be to my husband what Eve was to Adam - A suitable helper.


Suitable: Right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation; fit - appropriate - proper - fitting - convenient


In Genesis, chapter 2 verse 18, God reveals to us, the purpose of our design.


Here are excerpts from the book/messages taken that I would like for us to focus on:

• When God creates Eve, he calls her an ‘ezer kenegdo’. “It is not good for a man to be alone, I shall make him [an ezer kenegdo]” (Gen 2:18). Hebrew scholar Robert Alter, who has spent years translating the book of Genesis, says that this phrase is “notoriously difficult to translate.” The various attempts we have in English are “helper” or “companion” or the notorious “help meet.”
• The word ezer is used only twenty other places in the entire Old Testament. And in every other instance the person being described is God himself, when you need him to come through for you desperately (Deut 33:26, 29; Ps 121:1-2; Ps 20:1-2; Ps 33:20; Ps 115:9-11) 
• Most of the contexts are life and death, by the way, and God is your only hope. Your ezer. If he is not there beside you … you are dead. A better translation therefore of ezer would be “lifesaver.” Kenegdo means alongside, or opposite to, a counterpart.
• You see, the life God calls us to is not a safe life. Ask any of the friends of God from the Old Testament. Ask any of the friends of God in the New Testament. God calls us to a life involving frequent risks and many dangers. Why else would we need him to be our ezer? You don’t need a lifesaver if your mission is to be a couch potato. You need an ezer when your life is in constant danger.
• These words reminds us that woman has been entrusted with the life of her husband.  She is to adventure through life by his side, standing by him even at his darkest hour.  With our her, he is lost.

Excerpts from Captivating, John & Stasi Eldridge, chapter two, "What Eve Alone Can Tell"/Session Two

I have always said, since I married my husband, "I AM HIS RADAR".  Until recently, I understood why I would say that.  I always knew that there was more to me than just being his companion, the one who cleans up after him, who puts his things away, who makes his dinner, who washes his clothes, who cares for his sons, who cleans his home, who listens when he is stressed, who prays for him, who cares for him when he is sick... this list can go on....  

I AM JOINED WITH HIM TO ADVENTURE THROUGH LIFE BY HIS SIDE (not in the back seat) HOLDING HIM UP, ENCOURAGING HIM ON, SPEAKING INTO HIS LIFE ALL THE BLESSINGS AND PROMISES OF GOD, WATCHING AND DISCERNING WHAT COMES TO HIM, BEING HIS RADAR - MAKING SURE NO ONE HURTS HIM, MAKING SURE HE DOESN'T WALK INTO HARMS WAY AND IF ANYTHING DOES COME TO HURT OR HARM - I AM NOT TO TURN MY BACK ON HIM, WALK AWAY OR SAY "I TOLD YOU"...

 My husband is a very busy man with his own business to run, many responsibilities in ministry, a wife to attend, children to love on and train up; I have been so selfish in ignoring the fact that he too "needs help" and "gets tired". There are so many things I do not see in his day that, knowingly he hides away. I am reminded, once again, that I am his EZER KENEGDO.   When he sees me, it should be like a breath of fresh air for him.  Our home should be a place of peace and joy that he can walk into.  What I do in our home (homemaking), is just part of the adventure. When he says, "can you do me a favor?", I will respond joyfully because he depends on my help.  If he can't come to me, then who will he go to? 

Will you be your husbands EZER KENEGDO?  Will you dare to ADVENTURE THROUGH LIFE by HIS SIDE?

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

Linked up to the blogs in the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above.

Fifth Commandment Sunday School Printables

Source: etsy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

These are printables that I created to use in my Sunday School class.  They are intended for children ages 3-6.  There is a writing practice sheet, a take home sheet, games, craft / ideas page and coloring pages. These may also be used for Bible time for those of you that homeschool or even family time.  May you be blessed as you instruct your children to the Lord and in His Word.

Please leave a comment with how you were able to use them, if you liked them or if you have any suggestions. 

When printing PDF, scale to fit page, that way nothing is cut off.

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

Link-ed up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above - check them out!

Fifth Commandment

Mother's Day Printable Pack

Source: goo.gl via Kathi on Pinterest

I have been working on some Mother's Day printables and it ended up become a huge set of printables!  I will offer some of the printables here so that you have a look-see of what it contains.

I will be selling the complete set of 57 pages on my Teachers Notebook page (just click and it will direct you to the page). My intention was not to sell it, but this is a way that God has provided to support our homeschooling.  I hope you do understand.

I made these printables to for Sunday School classrooms, homeschoolers and even classrooms.  It includes  printables to make a book or lap book about mom and/or grandma.  There are printable cards, gift tags and bookmarks as well.

If you are interested in Mother's Day Crafts please see what I am doing with my Sunday school class

I really do hope you enjoy creating with little ones something special for someone special! If you have any suggestions or would like me to create something specific please email me at godsmostpreciousblog@gmail.com and I will be glad to make it and send it to you via email.

Enjoy!

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

Mothers Day Pack Sample

Koinonia

Koinonia: fellowship, sharing in common, communion

In Acts 2:42, we see how the early church "devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers."  When we gather together to pray, it unifies and edifies us.  The Holy Spirit that dwells in us, knits us together in a unique bond of fellowship or KOINONIA.


The Lord ministered to my heart this afternoon, while reading a post that announced the news of a beautiful child to come into the world.  As I was reading I was so excited for this person, who I have never met in my life!  I felt like it was me!! And that is when the Lord ministered to me. Spoken softly, "pray for her".  And I just said, out loud "yes, Lord you are right! I will pray for her and that all goes well with her pregnancy."  So I did.


I believe all things good and unselfish come from the Lord.  I cannot recall how many times I go to the Father with my needs and my wants .... because that is how often I ask.  And I am sorry to say that I can recall how many times I go to the Father for the needs of others... because that is how little I do it.  The Lord has put a fervent desire in my heart for the needs of others. I want to be obedient to the Lord and stop being selfish with my time.  I am responding to what the Lord desires and that is to lift up your requests, petitions, needs before the Lord.  


I do not want to call this a Link-up, because that is not what it is.  This will be a page dedicated to PRAYER REQUESTS.  Whatever your need, your family's need, your friends, anything that you would like to bring before the Lord, I would like to join with you in asking for the Lord's will and purpose in that area and/or in that persons life.

These are God's Promises to us when we come in prayer: 

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).


"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).


"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).


"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).


"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).


I will be faithfully, by His Grace, praying for each request, everyday.  If you would like to join in prayer for the requests of others on this page, jot down the name, petition or whatever the person has written in a prayer journal and in your prayer time, pray for that petition.  


Those of you posting your prayer requests, please write what it is and/or the name of the person.  I do ask that you are specific, if you can be.  Also those of you posting, I would love to hear when the Lord does answer that prayer request.  If you could please email me at godsmostpreciousblog@gmail.com. I would like to add a Answered prayer requests page.  I know that this will be of GREAT encouragement for others... GOD DOES ANSWER IN HIS TIME AND ACCORDING TO HIS WILL!!!


Please grab this button and post it some where on your blog so that others can add their prayer requests and if they desire join in prayer.

<center><a href="http://godsmostprecious.blogspot.com/search/label/koinonia" target="_blank"><img alt="KOINONIA Prayer Request" src="http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/godoy811/KoinoniaGrabButton175.jpg" /></a></center>

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." (Jeremiah 29:11-13)


Linked -up to the blogs in the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above.... check them out!

"Our Stillbirth Story" & Baby Angel Momma's {Link-Up}

Guest Post by Mrs. Susie Shock - Our Simple Farm


I was completely encouraged by Susie's story and asked her to Guest post for this Link-up.  She is a beautiful woman of God that completely depends on Him.  I pray you are encouraged by her story.

Our Stillbirth Story

Sometimes life comes to a screeching halt.  We may never know why terrible things happen to us, but we can trust in God that it is for good reason.  Here is my story.

I was pregnant with our fifth when we moved in with my parents.  We had moved out of our southern Indiana house, and had not found another farm at that time.  We were planning on moving back to that area, but God had another plan.

To make a long story short, my husband, Tony, lost his job and we no longer had ties to that area.  The field was wide open!  Tony started diving in to find another job, but for awhile there were no prospects. I thank God that we moved in with my parents, for we would have lost our house. He was taking care of us!  Yet, it was a stressful time, not knowing where He wanted us and not getting any confirmation or guidance.  He was silent.

I was 37 weeks pregnant, and was heading to my OB appointment with my mom, my daughter, Kaila, and my son, Zeke.  Kaila had an orthodontist appointment, so my mom took her there while Zeke and I went to my appointment.  At that time, I suddenly felt sick with worry.  I didn't remember feeling my baby, Gabriel, move.

I believe at that point, the Lord was preparing me for what was to come.  But, when we arrived, my midwife found his heartbeat and everything seemed normal.  I told her I was worried, so she proceeded to do a stress test.  As she had me turn on my side, I felt him move and kick.  Yet, when she tried to find his heartbeat again, there was none.  An ultrasound confirmed that he had died right there in the office.

It took awhile for it to sink in.  I was shocked and filled with so much emotional pain that it was almost unbearable.  My poor son, Zeke, was in there with me and bless his heart, wasn't sure what to think.

The whole process of going through labor with a stillborn is quite emotional.  I am so thankful that my family was there and the nurses were wonderful!  I can't describe exactly how I felt and how I did it, but God was my Comforter. He gave me peace even though I was hurting.  He was merciful and held my hand through it all.

I am thankful that I got to hold my Gabriel.  He was a perfect little boy with dark hair, so beautiful!  He weighed six pounds and two ounces.  He looked as if he were sleeping.  We found out that the cord was the cause of his death.  Oh, how I longed to hold him forever!  To kiss his cheek and feel warmth instead of a cold softness, to hear him cry, to nurse him and comfort him.  I ached so much at times I didn't think I could bear it, but God took that pain upon himself just enough to keep me going.

They say that at times like these, it can make or break a marriage.  Praise God that our marriage became stronger.  Tony was wonderful to me and helped in so many ways, even though he was grieving as well.  I clung to him through it all, sometimes desperately, yet he understood and held me and comforted me.

One night shortly after we went home, Tony and I were sitting on the deck, looking at the sky.  There were no clouds, just a deep, dark blue.  I needed reassurance from God.  I knew Gabriel was in Good Hands, but I just wanted to know for sure.  I prayed to Jesus, asking Him to just let me know that He is taking care of him.  As I sat there in silence, I saw one huge cloud in the sky, shaped as two enormous hands cupped together.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing, so I counted the fingers, ten!  He had given His reassurance to me in a way that was unforgettable!

Grieving is different for everyone, and I threw away all of the grieving process books that they gave me. Being able to smile and go on with life after a year and a half was a normal grieving process according to those books, and to me, that was not encouraging!  I let my Comforter take care of my grieving!  He is my Counselor.  He knows what is best for me.

Tony did get a job, but on the opposite end of Indiana!  As we were moving to our new farm, I was pregnant with our sixth and he was due on the exact same day as Gabriel was!  Some think that would be hard to deal with or that our new one would replace Gabriel.  They just don't understand for they have never been through it.  I saw it as a blessing!  His precious gift to us!  So, Titus was born and he did look a lot like Gabriel, but nothing could take away the bond we had in that short period of time.  No one could replace him.

I learned so much during that year of trials and triumphs.  The year before it all happened, my children and I were memorizing the first chapter of James.  It was all in His timing because I had to put those verses into practice in ways I would never have imagined.

We learned to;

 "Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2) 

I clung to this verse and;

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." 

(James 1:12)

It was hard to find joy at first, but finding blessings in everything is what I have learned to do a great deal of these past few years.  For that was not the end of our losses.

I wanted more children.  After losing Gabriel, my views had changed on having children.  The sky is the limit!  Tony wanted more as well.  So, in 2011, we were expecting our seventh.  At that time, our market garden was growing and was double the size it was the previous year.  It was hard work, and I mean hard!

We had finally found a wonderful church that we had been going to for a couple of years and had some wonderful Christian friends.  Despite the extremely busy time with the garden, things were going well for us.

I was back at the farmer's market, and 20 weeks pregnant with Levi.  We had a few long days in the garden prior to going to the market and I was pretty exhausted.  While at the market, I once again realized that I had not felt him move.  I blew it off, thinking I had been too busy in the garden to feel any movement.  But, there was no movement.

I became sick with worry, yet clung to some slight movements, hoping it was Levi.  Tony and I went to the midwife to make sure that I really was feeling him move.  But, once again, there was no heartbeat.  I really did not think I could handle another loss.  There were times when I just wanted to give up.

When we pulled into the graveyard for the funeral, again, I almost panicked.  I didn't want to get out of the car.  I did not want to face another little box with my baby in it.  But, I did.

The Lord pulled me through when I did not think I could do it, again.  He gave me strength, courage and peace through it all.  Oh, how I love Him and thank Him for His blessings.  I cannot question Him, I cannot get angry with Him, I cannot go back and think about all of the "what ifs".

But I can worship Him, I can praise Him, I can love him with all of my heart in any situation, I can be thankful in everything, "For I know the plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:12)

To be honest with you, it's not easy writing this.  It would be easy to keep it to myself.  Yet, I know we are to share our struggles and triumphs with one another.  And if I can encourage one person who has gone through a time of trials by reading my story, then that makes it all worth it.  Please feel free to email me with any questions, comments or just wanting me to hear your story at shockfarm@embarqmail.com.
  Persevere.

 Written by Mrs. Susie Shock at Our Simple Farm

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If you have grieved a child please take time to encourage other Momma's.  If you have never written about your loss, I pray that by visiting other's blogs you are encouraged and blessed.

There are no rules to this link-up.  I just want it to be a place where Momma's can be encouraged and blessed. I would like for us to fellowship weekly.  Each week, as the Lord lays on my heart, I will post certain things we Momma's go through/deal with during grieving, and as always share the Word.  This is how the Lord has led me to do this link-up.  Really it is a time of fellowship where we can gather to pray together and comfort each other. I hope you would join me and this blog for fellowship.

A dear friend of mine, Tesha has a link-up on Tuesdays and I will have one every Wednesday.  Please grab a button (on the side bar or in the "GRAB BUTTON" PAGE and spread the word about this fellowship so that other Momma's can be comforted.

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

Link-ed up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above - check them out!

Celebrating YOU - Momma!!

Source: pinterestfreeguccibag.com via Sipes on Pinterest

I love MOTHER's DAY! Why? Well  (here goes my list)...

1. It reminds me of how blessed and privileged I am to be able to be a momma
2. I get to thank my husband and children (really if it weren't for them... and of course God.. I would not be called momma!)
3. I can think of all the wonderful women in my life that have been such a blessing and example to me
4. I can send cards (I love cards!) to many women that I truly admire!
5. It reminds me of how wonderful my momma is to me (She really is so special!)
6. It reminds me of the responsibility and the privilege that God has given me to be the mother of my children (to care, nurture and love them above all things)
7. It reminds me that God really trusts me (and my husband) with our children's life and future (WOW!!)

Those are only some of the reasons I LOVE MOMMY'S DAY!!  

If my husband were to write on this post, he would probably tell you that I can celebrate anything and everything under the sun; that I would make up a holiday just to be able to celebrate it!

SO this Mother's Day, I know we need to celebrate our Momma's and Grandmomma's, but I thought why not celebrate YOU!!  Yes, YOU!!!  You have done a most excellent job in raising your beautiful children.  I know what you are thinking, "yeah, but I did kinda of yell at them today, and I kinda lost my patience and...". I understand, but those things don't make you a bad  momma.  Those are the things we strive to change.  We want to be better momma's everyday.  And by trying to become better for your family, makes you a GREAT MOMMA!!  SO how about thinking of all the good you have done for your family.  I bet that list will be much longer!

SO here is my list of things that I am looking at for me!  And I thought I would share.  These are things that I would love to purchase... and don't be surprised if I do purchase one or two!!  (Did I tell you I love to SHOP!!!)

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FOR MOTHER'S DAY WHY NOT GET ALL PRETTY, Like the QUEEN that you are!!

Oscar black lace shirt from Shabby Apple

On Sale for $37.00

City of Angels White lace shirt from Shabby Apple

On Sale for $37.00

Cecily Skirt from Shabby Apple

On Sale: $ 39.00

Helena Dress from Shabby Apple

On Sale: $ 49.00

**This would work great for those Momma's that are pregnant!!

* Sign -up for emails and you can save 10%

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REMIND YOURSELF of the QUEEN YOU ARE WITH THESE ITEMS!!

Redeemed- Beautifully in its Time - Jewelry Tabletop Mirror

On Sale $23.99

Good Things Teacup and Tote Gift Set

On Sale: $29.99

This would be great for those Momma's who are about to have a Baby! TRAVEL BAG!!

Redeemed Everything Beautiful Phone Cover and Wallet Set

On Sale: $39.99

Redeemed Everything Beautiful - Jewelry Tree

$ 29.99

Redeemed Truly Blessed Wooden Framed Mirror

$ 29.99

** This is beautiful! Every time we look in the mirror we read "TRULY BLESSED" which is what we are!

Redeemed Lovely By Design - Overnight Bag

$ 49.99

Redeemed Found and Treasured - Large overnight Bag and Makeup Bag Set

On Sale $ 55.99

Ann Voscamp - God in the Moment & One Thousand Gifts -365 Day Perpetual & Book Set

On Sale: $ 16.98

** This is great to have by your bedside and even a wonderful gift for another Momma!

Mother's Day Special- 30% off Select Items

COUPON CODE: MD30off

I am a Shabby Apple Affiliate and a Dayspring Affiliate.

Well Ladies, I know it was a LONG List, but I really loved these items!  I just want to remind you as you think of others, also think of yourself.  You are doing a wonderful job!

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

PS - Watch out for Mother's Day Printables - for Sunday School or Homeschool.  I will post them up soon!

Link-ed up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above - check them out!

Two Shall Become One & Link- Up

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” ²¹ So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. ²² Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.²³ “At last!” the man exclaimed.“This one is bone from my bone,    and flesh from my flesh!She will be called ‘woman,’    because she was taken from ‘man.’”²⁴ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

~Genesis 2:18,21-24~ 

The day I married the love of my life, my husband, it was a dream come true!  We had dated for a good 7 years and thank the Lord kept ourselves for each other.  I clearly remember all that I did to prepare myself for my soon-to-be-husband.  I remember waking up in the wee hours of the morning to get my make-up done and then off to the hair salon.  Back home and preparing myself for what I was about to do.  I really had no clue about what marriage was really all about.  I had many wonderful women around me giving me wonderful biblical advice. As the saying goes you don'y know it, till you live it.

So here I am today almost 9 years married to my wonderful husband and know that we have a long way ahead of us.  There are still so many things we will go through and so many more decisions we will have to make.  A couple of weeks ago something interesting happened that I would like to share with you.

We had a very busy day.  Everyone was up, my husband had already left for work, the boys were making their beds, our usual routine in the morning.  Then schooling.  Lunch.  Sunshine was up from his nap.  Lunchtime for Sunshine while the boys played outside.  Errands.  Food shopping.  Finally I am home.  Now it was time to make dinner.  So as I am in the kitchen, boys are running around (all 3 of them), I am looking at the chicken and my phone rings.  It's my husband. I answer it and he lets me know that he is on his way home.  So I quickly season the chicken and decide it is going to be a BBQ dinner night (that's right I don't have all together)! With the boys running around I quickly send them outside to play, that way this Momma can get a little quiet time (not as in read my bible!.. just 5 minutes of quiet!).

I started making the rice and quickly thought "yay, he's coming... okay when he comes he can...". I knew right then, it was the Holy Spirit speaking to me..."go brush your teeth." YES!  That 's right BRUSH YOUR TEETH! So of course, being obedient, I did.  On my way to the bathroom, I saw my husband was already in the driveway.  SO I quickly ran, brushed and looked in the mirror.  This is what I heard "become his bride again!".  What seemed like minutes were seconds, I looked at myself, and to be honest I was not looking all to sharp, if you know what I mean.  So I quickly fixed my hair, fixed myself up and spritzed some perfume on me.

Ran back to the kitchen and put myself in position at the counter, as if I were there the whole time looking as good as I did!  My husband walks in and looks at me and says (not even joking), "Hellooo....reina... (comes over to me and puts his arms around me)...you look like my bride!" And kissed me. I, of course, smile and feel all giddy inside.  But I couldn't believe he said "I looked like his bride".

And that is when I understood what I needed to do.  Become his bride again, the suitable helper God created me to be for him.  I had let my responsibilities, come before him.  Yes, I am called to be a mother and the keeper of my home, but what about my husband.  I had stopped preparing myself for him, thinking about our relationship, being his "bride".  My husband loves when I look pretty (meaning not looking like I rolled out of bed ALL DAY!) because he knows I took time for myself and in doing that I took time to think about him.  He loves when I ask him if we can have a movie night after the boys are in bed.  He loves when I take care of myself and when I take time to respond to what he wants from me.  I want to be "just right for him" ALL the TIME!

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 Link-Up

I invite you to join me every Monday for this "Two Shall Become One" Marriage Link-Up.

Please share your post on any and all things related to being a wife, i.e. tips for other wives on "becoming your husbands bride", ways to touch your husbands heart/minister to him, dating ideas, what God is doing in your marriage that can bless others, etc. 

Link to your actual post, not just your general blog address. Don't forget to link back, either by using the button below or a text link. You can find the button code below for you to insert in your post or on your side bar.  I hope you would follow this blog and be encouraged weekly to start your weeks as "his bride".

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For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

Link-ed up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above - check them out!

The Holy Spirit and His Fruits - John 14:25-26

These are printables that I created to use in my Sunday School class.  They are intended for children ages 3-6.  There is a writing practice sheet, a take home sheet, games, craft / ideas page and coloring pages. These may also be used for Bible time for those of you that homeschool or even family time.  May you be blessed as you instruct your children to the Lord and in His Word.

Please leave a comment with how you were able to use them, if you liked them or if you have any suggestions. 


When printing PDF, scale to fit page, that way nothing is cut off.

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

Link-ed up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP PAGE" above - check them out!
The Holy Spirit and His Fruits - John 14-25-26

Baby Angel Momma's {Link-Up} #1

Baby Angel Momma's Link-Up # 1

I am so glad you are here.  I pray that you will find comfort through this post and other Baby Angel Momma's post.  I decided to start the link-up early, because I felt that it is what the Lord wanted me to do.  I apologize in advance for those who are waiting until Wednesday.  I will leave this Link-up open for all those who want to share.

The Lord really laid on my heart, for this first Link-up to encourage each Momma that stops by with His Word.  I remember that it was His Words that helped me when our daughter passed and continues to bring me the peace and comfort I long for.

So this is what the Lord says to you Baby Angel Momma's....

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.” Psalm 119:50

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Isaiah 43:2

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 

I pray that you take each one of these scriptures and meditate on them when you feel that you can no longer stand, speak, move forward.  The Lord is with you.  He sees and holds you.  He knows every tear that you shed.  He knows the pain in your heart.... For He too Lost a Son... 


Our comfort is that His Son is Alive and is seated with His Father... He is all we have and all we need to go through this. 


If you have grieved a child please take time to encourage other Momma's.  If you have never written about your loss, I pray that by visiting other's blogs you are encouraged and blessed.


There are no rules to this link-up.  I just want it to be a place where Momma's can be encouraged and blessed. I would like for us to fellowship weekly.  Each week, as the Lord lays on my heart, I will post certain things we Momma's go through/deal with during grieving, and as always share the Word.  This is how the Lord has led me to do this link-up.  Really it is a time of fellowship where we can gather to pray together and comfort each other. I hope you would join me and this blog for fellowship.


A dear friend of mine, Tesha has a link-up on Tuesdays and I will have one every Wednesday.  Please grab a button and spread the word about this fellowship so that other Momma's can be comforted.

  

<center><a href="http://godsmostprecious.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="godsmostprecious" src="http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/godoy811/IMAG1323-2-3.jpg" /></a></center>

  

<center><a href="http://godsmostprecious.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="godsmostprecious" src="http://i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx21/godoy811/IMAG1323-1-1.jpg" /></a></center>

  

I hope to see you here next Wednesday... God Bless you.  

If you have a specific prayer request or suggestion please drop me a line in the comments box.

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica 

Thou Shall NOT Covet thy Neighbors BLOG - My Blog's Purpose

Source: etsy.com via Ephie on Pinterest

I have looked at so many blogs in the last 4 months than I ever thought I could actually look at, and have enjoyed the layouts, the posts, everything.

I was coming to a point where I found myself saying, "oh, I wish I could do that", "oh, I wish I thought of that"... and you understand.  And so the Lord really spoke to me,  "do not look at what I have sent others to do, LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE SENT YOU TO DO!"

So with that said, I will no longer COVET MY NEIGHBORS BLOG! SERIOUSLY!!

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After that gush of cold water thrown in my face!! I questioned: Have I been just blogging to blog? Is the Lord really involved in my blogging? Lord, what have you sent me to do?

I remember back in January (of this year) when I was encouraged by my wonderful husband to re-start this blog and to be faithful to whom ever reads it.  He saw more then I saw at the time and the LORD saw more then both of us.

So recently I went before the Lord and prayed over this blog and asked Him in what direction is this blog supposed to go.  I have always asked the Lord to always be the center of my life and if He is not to show me and fix it!   And now so with this blog.  He wants to be the center of it.  Everything thing I post should always go back to glorifying Him.

What God has placed in my hands/fingers, I will do for Him and His Glory.  What comes of it will be to glorify Him and encourage His children.  This blog will lift the name of the Lord on High.  I truly believe with all my heart that my husbands insistence was the Lord using Him to speak to me.  That passion to encourage momma's, homeschooling momma's and women in general with the Word of God is what God has called me to do through this blog.

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In the next few weeks, you will be seeing some changes to this blog... all good and all for HIM!

I am truly passionate about being a better me, wife and mother... this is what God has called me to do in my life right now... these are my main ministries.  I want to dedicate certain pages on this blog to these areas focusing on:

1. my relationship with God
2. my relationship with my husband
3. my relationship with my children
4. my home living - the family unit, homeschooling
5. my relationship with others

Some extras:

• Sunday School Printables
• Homeschool printables (coming soon!!)
• Link-ups
• Giveaways

I pray that you enjoy all that is here and are encouraged to live a life for His glory and by His Grace...

Monica

PS- I have the tendency to create lists ... it helps me see everything... and it is the way my brain works!

God Bless You!

About Me

Hello! Welcome to my blog!

My name is Monica.  I am from NEW YORK!! I do love it here, yet I think I should have been raised in the country.  I consider myself a little old fashioned ... and that is alright with me.

Here is a little glimpse of my life and the beautiful family God has given me.

First my most amazing husband.  He really is my best friend.  I have known him since I was 16! And we did not go to school together!  He is from Guatemala (Central America) and came to the States when he was 19 years old.  How did we meet??  AT CHURCH!! He was on the worship team when I started my walk with the Lord (seriously walking with the Lord I should say). And the rest is a beautiful LONG ROMANTIC LOVE story (I'll tell it in another post or maybe several post!). I go to him with everything. We can talk for hours and never be bored.  He makes me laugh and my heart still skips a beat when he looks at me, holds me and kisses me! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!

My first son, Chubbie (that is not his real name, but that is what we call him).  He is a beautiful boy with a  huge heart.  Always looking for momma.  He is my snuggled and my prayer warrior.  At a very young age he would just start praying for others.  Chubbie has been blessed with many talents; he is a drummer and piano player.  His daddy is a musician, so music has come very natural to Chubbie.  When He came the Lord taught me through His birth how faithful He is.

My second son, Miah Papaya, is the most intelligent boy I know! He is our lefty boy.  Super smart and wants to know everything.  His favorite words are how and why.  Miah is a boy that has no fear.  Everything is an adventure and finds joy in everything.  He is also the most obedient boy I know! (seriously) He came into my life after my first miscarriage and I knew the Lord blessed me.  Miah reminds me of the joy that the Lord gives us.

After Miah, I had another miscarriage, which was very difficult. I later became pregnant with Gabriella my first and only daughter.  You can read more about her and what happened on the post titled "Holding on to Momma".

The year after Gabriella's passing I was a mess, in every sense of the word.  I did not want to do anything.  I practically gave up on myself, but God did not.  I went through the longest storm of my life and God has been with every step of the way.  

In February 14, 2010, the Lord blessed us with the news that I was pregnant.  I had asked God that when He thought I was ready, to bless me with another child.  He thought I was ready before I did! This pregnancy  was very different.  I had constant care from my family and doctors. I went to weekly visits and bi-weekly visits for injections (progesterone) and sonograms.  I was then hospitalized (the doctors thought I was going into labor) and put on bed rest for about 4.5 months.  The Lord was asking me to trust him, to hold on to His Word and His promises.  I prayed daily for "it" not to happen again.  I depended on the Lord like never before.  I felt helpless.  And that is exactly what He wanted.  Complete dependance on Him. 

On October 16, 2010, the Lord blessed me with Sunshine. That is exactly what my third son is, pure Sunshine. The Lord showed me that after the storm it will shine again.  That is the reason we call him Sunshine.  He is my reminder of God's goodness, promise and hand in my family's life.

Sunshine is a bundle of joy! Always playing and smiling.  Loves soccer, cars, his brothers, pretzels, grapes... the list can go on.  He seriously does not cry, only when he gets hurt.  Sunshine is just that... SUNSHINE - warm and peaceful!

So this is my beautiful family.  I am a blessed woman to be surround with such handsome guys!  They really take care of momma/ mami!

Some other things about me:

1. I am the daughter of a pastor
2. I sing with my husband (He is the Director of the Worship team at our Church). We have been singing together since we met!
3. I lead our Children's Ministry
4. I love chocolate!
5. I love fresh flowers in my home
6. My home is not as neat as I would like it
7. I love to read... when I get a chance
8. I just finished all the loads of laundry in my basement... it happens a lot!
9. I collect too many books!
10. I live to serve the LORD!

Hope you enjoyed the glimpse!

For His Glory and By His grace,Monica