Don't Be Afraid & {Link-Up}

Source: google.com via Geri on Pinterest

Today I was encouraged by a post on The Better Mom, Every Mother's Nightmare {Why Losing a Child Isn't Something you Should Fear}.  I pray that you are encouraged as well by this post.

In every situation that we pass through, we must always glorify the Lord with our words, our actions and our decisions. When our family lost Gabriella, it was very difficult.  But we knew God's will, even if we did not understand it, was the most important.  We knew that we had to leave everything in His hands and that He would guide us.  For us, it was about always seeking how God was glorifying Himself through our lives.  There were many fears that came when I became pregnant again, but God quickly wanted me to depend on Him.  To trust Him, that He knew what He was doing.

I pray that today, you do not fear tomorrow and what it might bring.  Whether you feel that you can no longer go on, whether your heart is heavy with sadness, the Lord doesn't want you to go on without Him. He wants to be right by your side.  He wants to hold you. He wants you to surrender your sadness, your pain today.  He wants to give you peace and joy even through the storm.  He wants to be glorified.

This is not something we can do one time and expect it to be okay forever.  We must daily give the Lord our hearts and surrender our pain to Him.  Confess to Him that TODAY we need HIM to live and move. The Lord taught me a personal lesson. I felt guilty if I was joyful and cheerful, I felt like I was forgetting about my daughter. But the Lord taught me that He wants to give me joy and peace.  It was Him consoling my heart and that I shouldn't ever feel guilty.  Instead I should praise Him that Gabriella was with Him.  Praise Him that she was home. Receive His joy and peace.

I pray that today you are encouraged and that you surrender every heavy burden to the LORD.

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

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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.

  

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God's Blue Print for Marriage Part 2 - A Living Picture of God's Image

Source: godlywoman.co via Denise on Pinterest

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.  And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. ~ Genesis 1:26-31


What does it mean to be created in the image of God or in His likeness if He has no physical body?

• we are reflections of His glory
• our entire self reflects His image
• we have the ability to reflect His character - love, patience, kindness, forgiveness and faithfulness

A Living Picture of the Image of God in Our Marriage:

1. My husband and I were created in the image of God. Our marriage reflects His glory.  When we come into unity we glorify what God has intended...oneness. The word says, "let them", which makes us a team.  Together we reflect the image of God.  
2. Think about any kind of team, soccer, baseball... really any team; each person has a job to do to achieve one goal.  No one is more than the other.  There may be times that one person on the team gets more cheers then the other teammates, but without those teammates that one person could not get to where he/she is.  That is marriage.  We each have a different position and job we have to fill, but without the other, the team is incomplete and the goal cannot be achieved.  When we first married, it was so easy for me to want to please my husband and make sure that I did what God called me to do on this team. Now as we have lived with each other for many years and many responsibilities came, I find that it is not as easy as it used to be.  Oneness is not something that I can expect just because I came into marriage.  Oneness is something that I must work at daily.  Oneness can only be achieved (in my opinion), when I look at my husband and I see God's creation.  I see God's image.  I see God's intention.  I see the importance, the significance of what he (my husband) brings to OUR TEAM.  I can't do everything in our marriage, nor should I expect to.  I need my husband.  Together we cheer each other on, help each other when one falls and gets hurt, WE take out and put back the equipment that we use on our team.... etc. 
3. When I criticize my husband, judge him or create division (because I want it my way), I am dishonoring God.  I open the door for Satan to come into my marriage and home.  I say yes to DISCORD!  Many times division is created because of misunderstanding. Many times my husband says something to me that I get offended by.  Why? In his mind he is trying to communicate something, that my mind is processing and translating differently.  SO, I have learned to always ask "what do you mean?" before I put up my wall.  It is so important to find ways to diminish the desire to be wall builders.  Every wall built is a step AWAY from oneness - GOD's PURPOSE IN MARRIAGE.  
4. When I recognize my purpose is to reflect the image of God, the Holy Spirit convicts me.  He reminds me of His fruits: love, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, joy, faithfulness, goodness and self-control.  He helps me from hardening my heart towards my husband when certain things occur and start living out his fruits. 
5. God's character must be reflected in me (and my husband) towards my husband- DAILY! When I show my husband love when I am tired and busy I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I am patient with my husband, especially when I am in a rush to do something else, I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I show kindness towards him, even when he is in a bad mood because he had a rough day at work, I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I forgive him because of what he said that hurt my feelings (which is never his intention or even realizes), I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I keep my word that I will do what he asked me to and not keep putting it off for the next day, I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I create and keep joy in my home, even when I have had the hardest day, I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I tame my tongue instead of making my point and wanting to be better and right, I reflect God's image and come into oneness. When I through water on the fire and make sure we are at peace with each other, I reflect God's image and come into oneness. 

This is what makes my marriage strong.  I can have every book on how to manage my finances in a family of #? or have the most amazing intimacy with my husband, or even read books on end on how to communicate better to my husband (these are not bad things to do - they are just secondary), but then I will never live out God's purpose for my marriage.  I must daily seek to reflect God's character in my life and in my marriage and see my husband as God's awesome creation. When I do that I will come into oneness with my husband, I will see God's Glory! and we will reflect God's image.

Note: Some readers may feel offended because I only focus on the woman's role in marriage.  I understand that it is important that the husband do the same and there is a role he must fill, but I can only speak what God has placed in my heart and what I have to live out in my life as a wife.  Hopefully in the future my husband can encourage other husbands out there on the same topic.   Thank you for understanding. 

I hope you would join me next Monday for Part 3 of God's Blue Print for Marriage, as we go to the Word of God and discover God's purpose for our marriages.

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Two Shall Become One Marriage 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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Blaming My Littles Ones

This morning I was up at 5:38am.  I had laid in my bed just thinking.  That is something that happens A LOT! I was thinking about my boys.  I thought about my youngest, Sunshine and just the thought of him brought a smile to my face, even a giggle.  And then I thought of my two older boys and the only thing that came to my mind was how hard I have been on them lately.  I wondered why couldn't I think of them and have the same joy come over me as with Sunshine.  And I realized, every time I think about my older boys I quickly recall Gabriella.  I recall ALL that happened in that first year. I don't remember them as a 2 yr old and a 3 yr old boy.  I don't remember many happy times in that year.  2009 was really a blur for me.  I can't believe I am actually sharing this but I feel I need to get it out and confess it.  I need to be freed from these thoughts.

I went to the Lord this morning and just told Him all that was on my heart. I told Him that I don't want to subconsciously and consciously blame my boys for my frustrations and lack of patience.  The loss of a sweet sister and daughter was not their fault.  I do miss Gabriella. And I have to admit that I should have spoken about her more and how I felt then.  I feel that all my frustrations and lack of patience with my boys are a result of lingering pain that I had not fully given to the  Lord.

When I think of all my boys I just want to see and feel JOY!  I want my heart to rejoice because I have them.  I want to tear down that wall of hurt when I approach them and speak to them.  I want to hug them more, love them more, find out who they are, enjoy the days with them.  My husband says to me daily, "enjoy them and love them today!".  And, honestly, I used to just say, "okay" and in my mind thought, but "HOW??!! Someone tell me how??!!" They mark such a painful moment in my life that they did not choose or have any fault.  I put that mark on them and sadly they have no clue I have.  They must wonder, "will, I ever make mommy happy?".  My poor children.  I know that they have gone through a lot.

BUT NO MORE!!  This morning I went before the Lord and begged, poured out my heart, to fill me with His love, so that I may pour it into their lives.  I INTENTIONALLY LOVED THEM TODAY!!  Please do not misunderstand me, I love my children, I would give anything for them, but I have not been enjoying them, enjoying watching them grow; I have been so distracted by everything else that I haven't taken the time to look at the glow in their eyes when they make a discovery.  I have shooed them away when they want to tell me something, because I was busy.  I feel I have missed out on so much! BUT NO MORE!

I have crucified my frustrations, lack of patience, feelings of hurt and pain, the whys and should haves to the cross.  I will no longer go back.  I will look at my children, including Gabriella, as a blessing.  I will pour my life and love into them. They are each special children of the Lord; I will treat them as such.

I asked the Lord this morning to tell me how to do this and this was his answer:

⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.  ~John 15:5-8~

This was His answer, REMAIN IN ME and I WILL REMAIN IN YOU! The only way I will see a change in me is by choosing Him.  Seeking Him.  Meditating on Him.  It is not about changing my children's personalities, attitudes and character, it is about accepting God's will in my life, accepting the children He has given me, accepting that He has Gabriella, stop blaming me, my children and my husband for our loss. Accepting that Gabriella is and will always be my daughter even though she is not with me.  I have to enjoy and think about those precious moments that I had her and rejoice.  One day I will join her.

I want to share the MOST PRECIOUS MOMENT that we had with Gabriella.  I praise the Lord because He allowed us the opportunity to dedicate her to the Lord before she passed away.  In the video you will see my father, who is our Pastor dedicating his first and only granddaughter.  This was actually his first baby dedication, so you can imagine how special it is for him.  The dedication was in spanish, but I think you can feel the presence of God in the room.  Before viewing the videos please pause the music at the bottom of the blog.

I pray that you were blessed.  If you want to share this post please do not copy the videos.  These are personal videos that I am sharing.  You may share the link to this post and whoever wants to view it can watch from here.  Thank you for understanding.

Linked up to MOB SOCIETY This is a GREAT SITE TO Moms of BOYS!!!  CHeck it out!!

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

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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.

  

<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>

God's Blue Print for Marriage

Have you ever wondered why you married your spouse?  (Please do not stop reading! There is a point to this post!) Was it only because you loved him?  Was it because you saw a great future with him?  Have you wondered what the purpose of your marriage is?

I have said and heard many wives say, "God joined us with a purpose".  When I had said that, I envisioned GREAT things!  I saw us ministering together as a couple is so many areas.

The love story that I live started 17 years ago, when my husband and I met. Our friendship turned into love.  We were God's design for each other. Are love for each other is true and unconditional.  Yes, we do get upset, we do have our ups and downs, we don't understand each other everyday (sometimes because of the way our minds translates the others language!) but we love each other and know we were created for each other with a purpose in the heart and mind of God.

Purpose: The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

So what is the purpose of my marriage?  What is God's reason for our "I do's"? What is the end result of the existence of our marriage? What is God's blueprint for my marriage?  HIS BLUEPRINT WILL ANSWER ALL MY QUESTIONS!

God has a purpose for my marriage and your marriage.  Many times we lose focus of that purpose with the demands of life.  Our home must be tended to, our children, taken care of and educated, our husbands cared for, ministries we are part of, jobs to go to, classes to teach, our lists can go on and on.  I want to share with you what God showed me through His Word. The purpose of the love that joined my husband and I together goes beyond our love for each other and our plans.  I have been focusing on how to have a better marriage by looking at how to better our finances, our communication/ understanding, our intimacy,  my role as a wife, his role as a husband, when really that is all secondary (please do not misunderstand me, it is NOT bad to better these areas).  God wants me to look at His blueprint, first.  When I follow His blueprint all of the other areas in my marriage that I want to better will better itself.  Our (my husband and I) focus has to be what His purpose is for our marriage NOT what we think His purpose is for our marriage.

I hope you would join me next Monday for Part 2 of God's Blue Print for Marriage, as we go to the Word of God and discover God's purpose for our marriages.

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Two Shall Become One Marriage 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".

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

Sixth 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!

Sixth Commandment

Getting Serious With God & Dayspring Good Things Teacup & Tote Review

Have you been slacking in your time with God?  I {honestly} totally HAVE!! My excuse: homemaking responsibilities, homeschooling, the boys, a business to help run, a ministry I serve in, the list can keep going! On and off I would have time with the Lord, without interruption, but again I wouldn't get up! Back in February, during a homeschooling conference, one of the speakers talked about her time with the Lord.  Something she had to do intentionally, due to the business of life, she spoke about a special box she had that helped her.

I have had this picture of a special box in the back of my head since then and kept telling myself that I have to go out and get a box.  So obviously that did not happen!  But what did happen was a box came to my door with this! Dayspring Good Things Collection Tote and Teacup!

As soon as I opened it, I knew this was my "box"!  I know it's not a box but I know exactly what I was going to use it for.  I am getting SERIOUS with my Lord.

Here is how I am getting serious with God:

1. I am intentionally waking up early, before everyone in my home.  I have found and seen the difference it makes to go before the Lord and have some time to get in the Word, pray and be encouraged by Him.  If you struggle getting up early, but want to, my secret is, I pray to God the night before (actually beg Him) to wake me up early because I want to spend time with Him ... and He wakes me up (YES! I do believe He wakes me up!) - the time: 5:00am ( I know early! but I have one hour for prayer and time in the Word, reading my books, and then laundry starting my day) - 8:00am
2. With getting up early - I now am going to bed early!  NO MORE COMPUTER in the wee hours of the morning... this is a good thing... time with my husband, a good nights rest and time with the Lord bright and early and a JOY filled day!

The benefits:

1. Draw closer to Him
2. Knowledge in His Word
3. Getting serious with God will also benefit in my marriage.  My husband said to me the other morning,  I love to see you before I leave the house.  It is nice to share the early morning with him with no distractions, even if it is for 10 minutes. And when he comes home, I can greet him with love!
4. Take away my frustrations!
5. I will be so encouraged by the Lord that I know my children will see a difference in my attitude!
6. I will be spiritually, emotionally and mentally filled with the Word and God's presence that it will  over flow in my home, marriage, children, our school, our business, our ministry... even my blog!
7. I will have JOY filled DAYS!!

The Plan:
I am taking the same idea for the speaker and making it suitable for me.  My tote will contain everything that I need to help me to draw closer to God.  Every morning I will grab my tote and my cup of ? and to my special meeting place with the Lord.

Here is what is going in the tote:

1. My Bible
2. A small binder with sections
1. Notes from sermons that I have listened to
2. Letters to God/ Journal 
3. Scripture that I want to reflect more on in areas that I feel I am struggling - Scripture memorization
3. Pen, marker, pencil, pencil crayons
4. MOM books I recently purchased/ given to me
1. Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson
2. The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
3. The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
4. Education the Wholehearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson
5. Chasing after God and the Kids too by Cheryl R. Carter
5. I will also have my Dayspring encouragement cards that I get monthly.  I want to be able to send a card to whomever God lays on my heart
6. My address book, that way I don't need to get up and go into my office area - IN THE BASEMENT!

If my husband were writing, he would tell you that I am a "bag lady"!  He would tell you that I have a bag for everything in my life!  IT'S TRUE!  So, to no surprise to him, I would have a "bag"/ tote to carry all my "utensils" to draw closer to God! The tote says, "I will bless the Lord." Psalm 103:2 and that is exactly what I am and want to do.  I want to bless Him with my time ~ I know I will be extremely blessed! If you are wondering if it can hold all of these items - YES! it does! It is great!

Oh and the teacup, I love!  I don't drink coffee, well really I have never tasted it, so I have never had my own cup for anything!  NOW I do, I can sip in my cup of tea or hot cocoa every morning!  It says "He will fill my life with good things!" ~ AMEN!

I hope this encourages you and if you find your self in my shoes and want to get serious, find yourself a beautiful tote and put everything you need in it to draw closer to Him!  I will give you updates on how it's going for me!

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

I was given this tote and teacup from the Dayspring (in)spired line of products in exchange for a review. Although I was given a free product, all opinions are all my own. This disclosure is in accordance to the FTC guidelines. 
I am a Dayspring Affiliate. Links are Affiliate Links.

Grieving Father - Remembering he lost a child too... & Link-Up

Source: Uploaded by user via Joanna on Pinterest

My husband is my best friend.  We talk about everything.  But when Gabriella passed away it was different.  I talked and cried.  I know I shut him out for some time.  I guess it was my way of healing.  As I look back on those days, those months, I wish I would have talked more.  Asked more.  My husband is a quiet and patient man.  He is the type that takes his time, no rushing.  I never knew what to expect from him when Gabriella passed away.  He became who I leaned on.  He was my voice.  He was the person who took charge of our home and our boys.  I can only imagine what he had to hold back in order for me to try to press forward.


Until this past year I asked my husband what he felt with the loss of our daughter.  I could never believe what he shared with me.  It was truly eye opening.  I then thought I wish I would have talked about it sooner; it would have helped understand certain responses, facial expressions, certain non-responses and frustrations.

No matter how long it has been since your baby has gone with the Lord, I encourage you to sit down with your husband and talk.

Somethings to think about before you talk:

1. Remember that your husband feels pain and hurt, but as a father.  
1. (Husband's Response) Something that my husband reminded me was that he did not know how to deal with Gabriella's loss because he did not get to spend time with her the way I did (I carried her for 6.5 months).  It wasn't until after everything had passed that reality hit that his child, his daughter was not with him. 
2. There are many things that he can not answer, so don't take it as if he were ignoring you or he has forgotten.  
1. (Husband's Response) I asked my husband why he wouldn't answer my questions of respond to many of my remarks in the beginning months/ year.  He simply said he didn't have answers and he just wanted to be there for me because he knew if was very difficult for me.
3. His way of grieving, might not be your way of grieving.
4. Never think that your husband does not grieve. 
1. (Husband's Response) My husband says that he was usually alone when he grieved. He also told me while he was working he saw a garden stone that read "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again".  When he came home he told me (as he cried) that he started crying when he read it.  I think he had been trying to be so strong for me that he hadn't been able to cry for his precious daughter.  He confessed to me tonight that it was that moment that he felt the relationship with his daughter. He felt the separation.  He felt his heart long for her, his only daughter.
5. I tried to remind myself that "I" wasn't the one who lost a child "WE" were the ones who lost a child.  Remembering that my husband is going through a painful moment in his life. 
1. (Husband's Response) My husband told me tonight that as a father, he knows that Gabriella is not with us but she is part of his life.  She left a mark in his life and on his heart that no one can take away or erase.
6. Many times a hug and kiss, is more than words.
7. Recognize all that your husband is doing for your home - tell him "thank you",  "I couldn't go through this without you by my side", "I love you"
8. He does miss your baby angel.
9. If he doesn't want to open up right away, let him know that you are there to listen.

I pray that my husbands conversations with me will help you and your spouse.  I pray that you hold each other by the hand's and hold on to the Word of God as you both go through these hard times.  Be there for each other and your children.  I will be praying for your families.

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

*********************************************************************************

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.

  

<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>

CHILD TRAINING BIBLE WINNER!

  
We have a winner! 
Happy Mother's Day to Christine L. ~ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to all of you who participated!
For His Glory and By His Grace

Monica

It is NOT ALL about ME in OUR MARRIAGE!

This past week I found lots of wonderful encouragement to becoming a better wife.  I felt encouraged to value my husband; to love him and to look at the BIG picture of our marriage.  What are God's intentions with our union?, I asked myself this week.  Am I doing all that I need to, to fulfill God's will for my marriage?  Am I doing more for me or more for my husband in our marriage?  With all those questions, the Lord is so gracious and good, that He always provides words of encouragement.  The encouragement that He gave me this week was not, "Monica, you are do exactly what you are supposed to be doing in your marriage!  Good Job!" - NO!  it was more like "Monica, sweety,  you need to put more thought into your husband.  You are not a bad wife, but think about him a little more than yourself."  And then I asked my self this question, "What would I sacrifice (my wants, my desires, my vision, my mission) for my husband?  Am I willing to give things up so it can be our wants for our marriage, our desires for our marriage, our vision for our marriage and family, our mission for our marriage and family?

I can honestly and shamefully say that MANY times, I put myself first before my husband, and to make it WORSE, I convince him of "it" being ME first!  But thank the Lord for His sweet way of opening my eyes and heart.  I am willing to CHANGE! and become a better wife for HIS GLORY! And that is what it is always about - growing and changing, so there is more of HIM and less of ME!

I was blessed this week by two wonderful women and their marriages and I wanted to share with you.

First, Naomi from What Joy is Mine, blessed me with her post, Ministering to My Husband through Our Home. There are so many ways to minister to our husbands and Naomi teaches us ways that we actually minister to them through our home! I was so encouraged and blessed by this post because my husband has said to me numerous times how happy he feels when he comes home to a house that feels like a HOME!  I always thought he was happy because it was clean!  But as I have learned,  this is a way he feels ministered to.  He feels happy to see that all his hard labor is not in vain.  The fruit of his labor is being taken care of and he is able to enjoy his home when he comes home! So I encourage you to stop by my dear friends blog and be encouraged.  She has so many wonderful posts, I know you will be there for hours, just filling up your cup!






The second encouragement came through a video. I was blessed with this video.  The Lord really ministered to me through Larrisa; her words and actions left me speechless.  She encouraged me to look at what am I doing for my husband, what am I saying to my husband; how do I minister to him?  I thank the Lord, that my husband is well and not disabled.  And again I am ministered,  having a healthy husband, do I really do all that I can for him?  Are there things that I would sacrifice for him?  Take a look at this video and be blessed.  It really is SO ENCOURAGING!!

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

Linked-up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP" Page above

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Two Shall Become One Marriage 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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Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish all of you BEAUTIFUL MOMMA'S a Happy Mother's Day!

I hope that you enjoy being pampered and loved by your husbands and children - and family and friends.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all you wonderful woman of God who follow God's Most Precious and read all that the Lord puts on my heart. You all bless my life with your words of encouragement and prayers.

Her children arise and call her blessed;   her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” ~ Proverbs 31:28-29

Source: jesustotheworld.tumblr.com via Pearl on Pinterest

Enjoy your weekend!

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica

Child Training Bible Review and GIVEAWAY!

I have been waiting for this for quite sometime.  I have wanted to post it BUT when the bible I ordered came, IT WAS CRUSHED on one side... so back it went and waited for another to come!!

 I have personally struggled in the area of wanting to draw closer to God, but allowing my  wants and needs to come before HIM.  I have also struggled with wanting to raise my children in a Godly manner and have not done anything about it - UNTIL NOW!! I have come to a point in the road where enough is enough!  NO MORE MY WAY BUT HIS WAY! My deepest desire is that the presence of God dwell in my home and in each of my family members hearts.  I want to see my children at a young age learning and growing in and from the Word of God.  I want them to know that God has the response to everything in His Word.  I want them to know that it does matter how we behave and treat others and that we can go to the Lord with all of these things.

So what is THE CHILD TRAINING BIBLE? 

The Child Training Bible - in my HOME it will be called the Family Training Bible :0).  Is a wonderful tool where we go to the Word of God when we are dealing with certain issues in our home.  We take ourselves and children to the bible on that specific topic. I believe anyone can use this system as we all struggle with areas such as unforgiveness, pride, selfishness, anger, etc.

As parents we want to see our children grow into young adults, always seeking God for guidance.

Proverbs 22:6 says to "train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

¹⁸ Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ¹⁹ Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ²⁰ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, ²¹ so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21

So this is what my CTB looks like:

I added a pocket in the back of my bible to hold the extra cards. Very easy yo make. Manila folder, tape and a scissor.  

Tape one side.  Put your cards in and then trim off what you do not need and tape other side.  Trim off the front top so that the cards are showing.  DO NOT TAPE ALL THE WAY UP!

I LAMINATED MY CARDS FOR EXTRA DURABILITY... I LAMINATE EVRYTHING!! 

THAT IS IT!!! LOOKS PRETTY AND IT HOLDS CARDS IN!

So how will we be using it in our home?  Three ways. (1) I will use it as part of our bible time (devotions) with my boys in the morning.  We will look at each "behavior" and expand on it, talk about it, etc. (2) My husband and I will also have it readily available in our kitchen for moments when discipling is needed.  For example, if the boys are yelling at each other in anger, we will sit them both down and use our CTB to bring them to the Word and show them what God says about anger.  (NO MORE YELLING!! - NOT THEM AND NOT ME!!!) (3) I purchased an extra set to make to keep at my parents house - for them and my husband and I, to implement and continue with the same  "training".  My children do spend a lot of time with their grandparents, so we want them (when we are not around) to discipline and train them as if we were - I personally think this is REALLY IMPORTANT. Deuteronomy 11:18-21, tells us that the Word of God should be with them wherever they go. This is what the Lord put in our hearts to do.

This will be a wonderful change and challenge for our family.  We must be consistent and disciplined in going to the CTB.  I know with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE and WHEN WE CALL ON HIM HE IS THERE TO HELP US! 

NOW FOR THE MOST EXCITING NEWS!!!  

One MOMMA will be blessed with all that you see here! 

You can enter to win a Child Training Bible worth $9 (includes:  Key and 3 Easy Tabbers with a set of instructions).  Mindy from Child Training Bible is donating a set and I will be giving away the bible and supplies needed! HOW GREAT IS THAT!!  One momma will be blessed with this GREAT tool to raise her children according to the Word.  

Happy Mother's Day!

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Encouraging Others in Difficult Times & Link-Up

With Mother's Day around the corner, I think of how wonderful it is to spend time with my family.  My husband praises me for what I have done and do for our family, my boys love on me, hug me, kiss me...the list can go on.  Though on this day, my heart desires even more for my little girl to be with me.  Not for her to say Happy Mother's Day (though my heart would jump to have heard her precious voice), but to see what have I sown in her life.  I believe in my heart that every mother wants to have a daughter (daughters).  I tell my husband, "what you have with our sons, I long for with our daughter".  There is a special bond, a connection, that only a mother and daughter can understand.

I remember, in the tender days of Gabriella's passing, I had three wonderful women of God in my life, always asking me how I was doing. They would call and tell me it was okay to talk about how I felt. They had no clue what I was going through, but there they were, by my side.  One close friend in particular, Rachel, has touched my heart. Since Gabriella's passing, she would send a bouquet of flowers for Gabriella's birthday and a card, to celebrate her life her.  In the card she would write about how special  Gabriella is to her.  Every year on Gabriella's birthday, I am so happy that someone else remembers her.

These kind of deeds are what Mother's Day is all about.  Mother's encouraging other mother's.  Grabbing hold of their burden and lightening the load.  Pouring out love, even if our hearts are hurting. Pointing them to Christ who we can find hope and peace.

As I was reading through my friend's blog posts, I was so encouraged by how even though their hearts are in pain and they are going or have gone through a difficult time with the loss of their baby, they still look to glorify God and love their sisters in Christ.  Their hearts pour out and their actions are a testimony of what God is doing in them.  It is a testimony of how His love and peace is upon them.

I would like to share with you two friends blogs and what they have done to encourage my life and others.

 Tesha did something so special for me and many other mom's.  She created this for me.  I was so surprised and touched.  I put Gabriella's button on my blog and now when I look at it in between my boys names and pictures... I see a complete FAMILY!

Thank you Tesha, for this beautiful expression of love and encouragement.  

I want to let you know that Tesha also has a Bereaved Mommies Link-up every Tuesday.  Her button is on my side bar. Join her as she encourages us Momma's that have lost our angels.

She has written a wonderful book called "Honoring a Child Born to Heaven".

Lessons from Ivy Facebook Page

It is about ways to honor your child's life, even if they are not with you. You can also get some ideas on how to honor another mother's child life, by giving them a special gift this Mother's Day. Just click on the link and it will take you to her FB page and there she has her eBook. It is free for the month of May. 

May you be blessed this Mother's Day and everyday...

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

Linked-up to the blogs on the "BLOG LINK-UP"page above.

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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.

  

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