God's Lesson for this Season

Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths. 

 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.

~Psalm 25:4-5~

 Guide me. I have said that numerous times to the Lord.  BUT, this past year I have had to live under His total guidance. Depending on His gentle and strong hand to guide me so that I may learn the lessons that He wanted to teach me during this season.  

As you may know I was pregnant this past year with my beautiful daughter.  I really was not planning to get pregnant BUT God is the perfect planner. I had my plans and trusted the Lord for a miracle for this pregnancy.  Since Gabriella's passing, my pregnancies have been high risk. Being on bed rest was what I kept hearing.  I totally believed I wouldn't spend this pregnancy in my bed; I declared I wouldn't. BUT God, had other plans for me. And those plans would be in my BED! Not only did I spend my pregnancy in my bed but also had to have a cerclage put in. 

So what was the lesson for this season?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding; 
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.
~Psalm 3:5-6~

 Exactly that.

Trust Him, NOT with my words, BUT with my whole heart.

Lean on Him, NOT with my understanding, BUT with His Word

In everything I do, yes, even laying in a bed, submit to Him and then I will see the perfect precious fruit of His plan.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 
~1 Corinthians 10:31~

My husband and I have been blessed. The Lord has provided in this season more than we ever imagined and are grateful. We believe our daughter symbolizes God's provision in our lives. God has sent increase to our home in every way imaginable.  

He provided the daughter we longed to hold,

He provided the sister her brothers desired,

He provided a bigger and "newer" car (now we all fit)!

He provided more work for my husband to supply the needs of our home (food, diapers, schooling, more diapers!)

He provided me a new best friend that will be happy to go shopping!

He provided us more of His inheritance...

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
~Psalm 127:3~

Juliet Abigail

BIG Brother.. Jorgito, Jeremiah and Jonathan

Our inheritance from the Lord... Our Blessings

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

Linked up to the Blogs in the BLOG TAB

Keeping Christ in CHRISTmas

As we all know things get a little crazy during this time of year.  We start making lists of things to do and things to buy; it seems like these lists never end!  In the most recent years I have tried with all my heart to really focus on Christ (not that I don't during the other months of the year!).  I try not to feel overwhelmed about what the world has tried to make Christmas about (the best deals for the best gifts). Don't get me wrong I do love to give gifts during this season, but I personally want to make Christ my number one priority.  As a mom of three boys, who are always excited about Christmas (what child isn't) I try to keep there focus and hearts on Christ.  I want them to understand what it is that we are really celebrating.

With that said I want to share with you some things I am personally doing or have done during this time of year.  I really love this time of year and even more I love when my itty bitty family grows closer to each other and to Christ.

For us Mommas:

Advent Study: Keeping Our Hearts Focused on Jesus by GoodMoringGirls

Really excited about this 4 week study.  If you have done any of the Bible studies with Good Morning Girls you will not want to miss this one.  You seriously grow so much in the Word!

For our Kids:

TRUTH IN THE TINSEL

(Affiliate Links)

I did this last year with my boys and they really enjoyed it.  This is a great way to teach them about Christ and the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  There are crafts that you make each day.  It really is a lot of fun.  Here are some pictures of  last year :

I also used this: WHAT GOD WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS

One week before Christmas one of my boys would one a box and we would listen to a part of the story.  We would try to make it super exciting until the final day.  On Christmas they discover God wants them!  It really is great to see my boys excited about Christ!

25 JESUS CENTERED CHRISTMAS BOOKS

Something new I will be doing this year is reading a book a day.  This is such a wonderful list of 25 Jesus - Centered Christmas Books.

Another idea to go with it is this one:

 

Wrapping each book!  I will have the boys unwrap a book a night and this will be our family time together.  On some nights we double up being that we are in ministry and some nights we get home late form church.  Either way I can't wait!!

Morning Devotions with DaySpring

I recently received this wonderful Advent Tabletop Devotional from Dayspring to review.  When I opened it I knew exactly when and how I was going to use it.  I am really excited about this devotional because it really is so easy to use and I can do this with my boys over breakfast.  It really is a great way to start our mornings.

(Affiliate Links)

Each day has a scripture to read and then a question at the bottom.  I will read and discuss with my boys over breakfast.  I will try to simplify the questions for them, but either way it will be a great way to start our mornings together.

This is what I have planned ... so far!  I hope you have,  in some way, been inspired! 

For His Glory and By His Grace,

Monica

LINKED UP TO BLOGS ON "LINK UP" TAB ABOVE!

The Word of God in our Children

Hello!!

I know it has been a L-O-N-G while since I last posted.  I have missed writing and creating, but at this time in my life my family must come first.  NOW that does not mean I won't be here, it just means that I won't be here everyday!

So what I have been up to... well LOTS!!

School has been in full session since August.  We have been changing some things in the school room (I will post pics. as soon as it's all finished!) The boys have been playing soccer, will soon start Art classes, I have been helping my husband and organizing the home.  What I am super excited about is that I have been up in the mornings to have my quiet time with the Lord (I will tell you what I am doing in another post).

There is something that I wanted to share with you that the Lord has been speaking to me about.  That is ... the Word of God in my children's heart.  I firmly believe it is never to early to teach our children the Word of God.  It is never to early to teach them to seek God through His Word.

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.  ~ Deuteronomy 11:19

The Lord tells us to constantly talk (recite, confess) His word to them, practically the whole day!

Now, we might say, "but my kids just don't understand what it means!" or "are they really listening?" or "I feel like I am talking to a wall, when I trying to teach them the Word!" and my "favorite", "I JUST told them what not to do using the Word, AND THEY FORGOT!!"

God did not say that it would be instantly learned, that is why the Word says,

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ~ Joshua 1:8~

Even we need to hear it, read it, apply it over and over.  HOW MUCH MORE OUR CHILDREN!

The results may not be today or tomorrow.  They may not understand it today or tomorrow, but you are sowing the WORD of GOD in your children and it will bear fruit!

so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. ~Isaiah  55:11

IT WILL NOT RETURN EMPTY!! All that you sow into your children will reap a PURPOSE! The PURPOSE of GOD for their life!

I encourage you not to give up!  Continue sowing the Word of God in your children's lives!  One day you will see the FRUIT!

I want to take this moment to share with you the CTB (Child Training Bible) Online Bible Study.  It is where mothers are taking time to study the Scriptures and teaching it to our children for 21 weeks.  If you would like to join the community of parents doing the study click here.  Every tab of the CTB will be studied.

If you would like to know more about CTB you can read "Child Training Bible Review"

Now for what I want to share with you! I have been creating copy work to go along with the CTB.  Since this week we will be studying the "ANGER" Tab, the copy work is all the bible verse about ANGER.  You are free to use them as you like.  I pray that they are a blessing to you.  If you would like extra bible verse on anger, please leave me a comment below!

Each week I will offer the copy work for the TAB that will be studied.  You can come back each Monday to print the weeks copy work.

God bless you!

For His Glory and By His Grace,
Monica 

 Linked up to blogs on the "Blog Link-up" Tab ABOVE!

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.

CHILD TRAINING BIBLE WINNER!

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

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

Monica

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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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!!!)

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

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!