Is the World Coming to an End?

With the presidential election here in America, being very close, everyone is worried. As Christians especially we feel like we are entering a bleak world with either candidate, and that America will never be 'great' again. We worry about our children and the lack of morality in which they will grow up. If we don't have a God fearing leader, the world will come to an end! If this has been your thoughts, here lately, let me encourage you, and perhaps challenge you with this verse. 

"Jotham did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight. He did everything his father, Uzziah, had done, except that Jotham did not sin by entering the Temple of the LORD. But the people continued in their corrupt ways." 2 Chronicles 27:2

2 Chronicles notes the ups and downs of Judah. One king would be godly, the next would do great sins. During this particular time, Judah had, had two kings that were fairly Godly and did what was pleasing to the Lord. And yet, as this verse states, with a Godly leader the people still acted wrongfully. In our eyes, they had all the makings of a Godly nation, but with a lack of spiritual maturity in the people, it made the people as a whole corrupt. 

I take from this, that it is not the leader who determines how a country will go spiritually, but it's people! You can have a preacher for a president, but if the people don't fear the Lord, it won't do any good. Let's focus on our own homes first. I want Christ to be front and center in my family, regardless if Trump or Hillary gets the presidency. Our church family should be next in our priorities. Godly communities help strengthen the nation, because they are the source of outreaches to the people. If our local church is doing its job, it should be reaching out to the poor, defenseless, the weak, and the broken. While doing this, the local church (people make up a church, therefore, it's the people inside it that) carries out the great commission, by sharing the gospel, teaching and making disciples of the community and throughout the nation and world. 

Let's be encouraged that no matter who gets the White House, God is on His throne. We don't have to give up the good work, just because the leadership of the nation is not Christian. Instead, it should encourage us to work all the more, in our homes, churches and communities. 

Toddler Tested: Pinterest Activities

If you read my other blog posts, you'll know that I like books, puzzles, finger paint, blocks, and other activities to entertain my little man. However, you know, sometimes I want to think a bit outside of the box. Not often, which is why I only have three things to share, but there are those days.  Here are three activities we've done that I found on Pinterest. I'll share the pros and cons; what worked and what didn't.

Drive in Movie

In theory this sounded like the cutest idea, ever! Here is the link I found on Pinterest, and what an adorable thing it seemed! I wasn't going to do a projector or anything, just a normal movie, but it was raining that day, and I thought this would be a fun project before so much media time. 

Pros: He liked decorating it! This part was a success! We used finger paint, so it's a bit transparent, but he didn't seem to mind. This gave us probably 20 minutes of messy fun. 

Cons: I needed a bigger box. Little Man did not like curling his legs, so I made a hole for his feet. Even then, he didn't like being in the box so he was out two seconds after this picture. If you have a bigger box handy, then this might work!

Colored Soap Foam Sensory Activity

I used a recipe with half and half water and dish soap, cornstarch, and food coloring that's mixed with a blender on high speed. I put 1/3 cup of water and dish soap and that filled half a large plastic container. I threw in some bath toys, a whisk (his favorite thing to play with when I wash dishes), shovel, and some cups. 

Pros: He thoroughly enjoyed himself! He likes to play in the bubbles when I wash dishes, and this just brought that to a new level. However...

Cons: The food coloring stains! He was almost naked, so it didn't hurt any clothes, but we had a graduation rehearsal to go to in the evening, and we both had blue hands. He had blue on his legs and arms as well. My solution would probably be to either put less, or none at all. He seemed to enjoy the bubbles part of it, and I think he would enjoy it just as much color free. 

Using Paper Towel Tubes to Paint

This last one is a bit of a no-brainer. There aren't really any cons, but I thought I would share, because it's a fun idea, and its easy. Just save your toilet paper tube or paper towel tube and let your little one dip it in paint and go to town. In all honesty, my toddler enjoys using his hands, probably the most, but he had fun with this. You can use a lot of things as tools to paint with, so take inventory around the house for things that can be used. Here is an example of The Very Hungry Caterpillar painted with paper towel tubes.



What are some of your favorite Pinterest activities for toddlers?

Toddler Tested Summer Toys

I am starting a new 'Toddler Tested' series. Today's post will be about toys that my son has played with and really enjoyed. Hopefully this helps you figure out some fairly inexpensive ways to entertain your kid this summer! I am not paid by any of these companies, so you are getting my true honest opinion.

Bubble Mower

This thing. This toy has been played with, and played with, and played with! If you read my post about things to do with pre-toddlers ,then you will know that bubbles are a big hit around here. Add a tot sized mower that my son can push around and bubbles come out, and you have a complete winner! You can find it at Walmart for $15.  It comes with an itty bitty amount of bubble mixture, but a small amount lasts pretty well. I must add, the brand of bubbles it comes with, is the brand of bubbles you want to use to refill. I tried some that I already had, and although it worked, it didn't work as well. No worries though, the brand it uses is very inexpensive!

Splash Mat

I am from the south, and it gets hot. I mean 90 degrees in May kind of hot! Water is always a go to on hot humid days. This next toy was found last year at a garage sale or resale shop, still new in the box for a whole dollar! Unfortunately this particular splash mat is no longer in stock, but there are some similar on amazon. If you want something where your toddler can cool down, a small pool, sprinkler, or splash mat can do the trick!

Chalk Bucket

This next toy can be found at your local Walmart for $10. Sidewalk chalk for ten dollars? Hear me out, this is not your ordinary chalk bucket! This includes stencils, various colors and shapes (eggs, balls, 'paintbrush', etc.), and various chalk holders to draw with. It's really cool and really fun! I love the very bright colors. I am just going to admit this here: I enjoy this toy as much as Little Man!So if you don't mind your toddler 'helping' you color your highly artistic endeavors, this is a great bonding toy!

Other tried and true toys:

Balls

Big dump trucks

Various kinds of Bubbles

What are some of your toddler's tried and enjoyed summer toys? I would love to hear! 

Next post will be on Toddler tested Pinterest ideas. 

Going Beyond the Facebook Comment

They did it again. Someone posted or commented something that called Christians idiotic bigots. Your fingers fly faster than your brain. You hurl even worse names at them, and tell them how God is going to judge the entire world one day in fire. They'll be in hell, and they won't be calling you a bigot then!
While this may not be you (but, unfortunately I've seen this so many times), it just hurts us when people call us mean things. In the world of angry emojis and sitting behind our computers in our comfortable homes, calling people out seems like the way to go. I mean, should we just sit there and allow our fellow Christians to be called all sorts of vile names and not retort? Why? Do we think we will win those people to Christ or to 'our side' by a random stranger going 'Your a terrible person, you are going to hell unless you repent'? Dare I say this?
I don't believe your comments are helping anyone, if anything you are dragging the Christian name in the mud right along with those hurtful comments you are so eager to refute.

Here is what I'm not saying: You should stand back and do nothing. On the contrary, I believe we are using Facebook to help ease our consciences instead of doing what we know we need to do. I am also not saying we shouldn't use Facebook to share the gospel. I love sharing verses and blog posts (and write and share blog posts!) about how great my God is! I believe it's a great tool, but I believe it's just one of the tools we should be using (and not using to retaliate with hurtful words to others' comments).

What should you do then, while people are calling you names and dragging the name of Christ in the mud? Here are my suggestions:

Get Into a Local, Bible Believing Church

What? What does that have to do with anything? Did you know, the church sits in a community? Did you know that it's the church's command to share the gospel, and disciple those who come to Christ? Did you also know that you can become part of that process?

Get into Sunday School, and maybe teach a class. Get involved in outreach programs, VBS's, disaster relief efforts, etc. Show your community what a Christ centered church looks like. 

Raise Your Children in the Lord

While the schools may have your children for a good chunk of the day, you still have an obligation to teach your children the Bible and what it says. While salvation is the most important thing to teach them, teaching your children to be strong in the Lord is also very important. So many times I see kids rejecting what they've learned in church as soon as they hit college, but I believe it can also be (but not always) because they weren't taught at home, or because the parents weren't living out an example. Do you want your kids to follow Christ? Put Him first in all you do. ALL you do. That includes ball! and ballet, and whatever else that can come between you and Christ. 

We are raising the next generation. While our world is trying to fill their heads with gender confusion, easy sex, 'live how you want to' mottoes, it is our job to teach them what the Bible says. We can't do that if we aren't in the Bible ourselves, or not getting our children into the Bible. 

Show Love

This is not to be confused with tolerance. Love these days equals accepting whatever is going on. However, we are to show the love of Christ to all. Romans 12:9-21 says best what a Christian ought to do:

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

What would happen if Christians would live these verses out? I am praying for revival in our land! Let's get off our phones and into communities. This has convicted me, and I pray it convicts you. 

Summer Ideas for Pre-Toddlers

Last year Little man had mastered crawling, pulling up on things, and coasting from furniture to furniture, however, he hadn't quite learned to walk yet. Just a few months shy of his first birthday (which is early September), I was very excited about him experiencing his first summer. I scoured Pinterest for ideas, but came up (almost) empty. He was too mobile for the baby ideas, but not mobile enough for the toddler ideas. It was time for me to get creative, and now I'm here to share things I did with you! Happy summer!

Water Fun

All you need is a large plastic container or bowl, fill halfway with water, and throw in baby's bath or swim toys, and watch the fun (doesn't have to be bath toys, but just things that won't get damaged or rust)! 

I like this idea because it's cheap, cool, and most importantly fun! Warning: Child may dump entire container out at some point! He/she will probably still enjoy splashing and playing in the puddles. 

Bubbles

You can't go wrong with this! And at this point, they don't want to blow the bubbles themselves, so you can go get a few of the 94 cent long wand ones at Walmart. Little man likes to blow and dip the wand himself, so mess and design of the bottle has to be considered now before purchase(so he doesn't dump it out in the first two minutes of playing!).
It out. 

Interactive Museums

Yes, your Pre-Toddler can enjoy museums! We took Little Man to one when he was 10 months, and he loved interacting with the different exhibits. Obviously, he couldn't do everything or appreciate everything, but he still had a great time. Most of the time babies and toddlers 2 and under are free, so it's relatively inexpensive. If you have older kids it's a great thing to do as a family, as kids of all ages enjoy interactive museums

Sensory Play

I have a love hate relationship with this notion. If you look up things for babies and toddlers to do, you will find pins upon pins of sensory play ideas. For me, the less mess the better, so I put some of Little man's teething toys in the freezer, and put it in a container with other mess free items, and he could enjoy cool, low mess fun. Colored foam, indoor sand, colored cool whip...nope! Not for me! I am now a bit more adventurous in the mess making category, but I still like it to be contained, and one thing at a time. 

Other Sensory Play I've done:

Pot and pans with big spoons. 

Stacking containers

I've also put items in plastic water bottles. All time favorite for littles!

Other ideas:

The Park

Swimming 

Walks

Swinging

All of these are perhaps 'no-brainers', however, I love summer bucket lists, and wanted to make one available to you. Soon I would like to post about things for Toddlers to do during the summer. 

What would you add to the list? I would love to hear!

Struggling with Contentment

Watching Chip and Joanna in the show 'Fixer Upper' turn people's dreams into realities, sometimes makes me look around my house and see the 80s paneling, old floors, and sigh because I can't have everything I want. How foolish is that?! I have a home, one that I don't have to pay a mortgage, it's a very good size, and we have everything we need. Please tell me I'm not the only one, though! As you skim Pinterest and see a mix of DIY art, beautifully matched rugs, new fixtures and modern furniture, do you stop being thankful for the roof over your head and sigh with discontentment as you look at your lack of creativity, funds, and decorating skills?  Paul had something to say about this:

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6:6-8(ESV))

Do you have food? Do you have clothing? If you live in the US, or other developed country, there is a good chance you have a great deal more than this. What causes us to have to have the latest phone, trendiest house, or most amazing vacation?

 I remember when I first went to Thailand, my room was huge, had my own large bathroom, which was in a large 3 story (if you count a very spacious attic) home. I was miserable,  though. One of the people I was staying with was just very hard to be around.  Two years later, I moved into a tiny dorm like apartment with a roommate, and we shared a tiny outside bathroom that birds would poop in. I was so happy! For the first time, I enjoyed living in Thailand, and was treated like an equal by my roommate. I was so content. The moral of this story is: possessions and things have nothing to do with our happiness level. We can have a Pinterest worthy house and wardrobe, and yet still be extremely unhappy and discontented. I think in our heart of hearts we know that, but it's so easy to forget!

Whenever I start to get discontented, I think back to that time, and remember all the blessings God has given me. I have a home, an amazing family, enough food and clothes to last a great while. I am blessed! I am not saying that I still don't have dreams of a Disney World vacation, a color coordinated kitchen, or a new pair of shoes, but those dreams shouldn't be on a high priority. Our relationship with God, then our family, should come a long ways before any of that. 

My prayer is to not let the things of this world tempt me and distract me from my real purpose: to bring Him honor and glory!

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4:11-12

A Spiritual Lesson I Learned From my Toddler

It's amazing, isn't it? Once you have a child, you start understanding so many things about your parents, and about God. It was on a walk the other day, that the Holy Spirit convicted me through a couple of things my son did, and I thought I would share that with you.


Little man wanted to get out of his red wagon, and walk the rest of the way to his grandmother's house nearby. He started on the dirt road, and then quickly realized that he didn't know where he was going. He looked at me and put his hand up for me to grab, trusting that Mommy knew where we were going. Oh if we could be like that! If only we would:

Trust God and Let Him Lead us to Where He Wants us to go!

So many times I want to blindly go on alone, forging my own path, instead of looking up in trust and faith, and putting my hands up to be led by Him. To do that, knowing that He knows where I am going. To want to be led by Him to do His will! To be like that, always!

Near the house there was a pond and Little Man got very excited and wanted to let go of my hand and charge towards the water. I would not let him, however, and it frustrated him. He whined and griped that I didn't let him run towards what looked to be so fun. What he didn't know, was that I was protecting him from possible danger of drowning. It was out of my love and care for him, that I didn't let him have the 'fun' he wanted.

Isn't that like us and God sometimes? We want to go charging head first into sin, or even to something that is simply not God's will and plan, because it looks inviting, easy, or fun. God has to convict us or shut doors that keep us from going, and often we get angry and frustrated that we aren't doing what we want (or feel like is a good thing) to do. When we are convicted of a certain thing, or when we see that doors are being shut to something we think is good, but perhaps don't have peace or certainty of God's will, then we need to go back to letting God lead. Remember:

He loves us so much that His plan will be far greater (although perhaps not as easy or fun) than ours ever could be. 

My Favorite Non-Toy Gifts for Toddlers

My son's Christmas haul. Lots of great non-toy gifts!

Are you like me and have buckets, and buckets of toys, that no matter how many times you organize it always seems to be messy? Little man was born in September, so less than 3 months later was Christmas. For his birthday, he got so many toys! So many in fact, that I put many of them back, and got them out a little at a time. When Christmas started getting closer, I started thinking about ways to not get so many toys. I wondered if my family would be offended if I asked for them to not give toys as gifts, but it wound up that they all respected and followed what I asked. Something I did do, was give suggestions, and created a wish list on Amazon of things they could get. I let them know it didn't have to be that specific thing I put on the wish list, but perhaps something similar. As I said before, my wishes were respected, and Little man had a wonderful Christmas with 5 toys total, and lots of puzzles, art supplies, clothes, etc. Here are some of my favorite non-toy gifts that my son got, or that perhaps I would like to have.

Melissa and Doug Puzzles

There are so many great Melissa and Doug Puzzles, but I have pictured here a couple of my favorites. My son loves these, and asks for them often. Melissa and Doug have a great selection of play activities that for the most part, don't have loud annoying tech, but instead feel educational.

Books!

If you are like our family, you can never get too many books. The book pictured here is one of my son's favorites right now. He loves making all the animal and truck sounds. Books are a great inexpensive option for family members, and there are so many to choose from. You might give some options of some you've been wanting. 

Mess-Free Art

Toddlers are messy. Period. However, painting with water is pretty much a mess free activity. I normally get one of my son's bowls, and put just about a tablespoon of water in it. If it spills, it's not a big deal, and at least it's water!

Another great mess free option is mess-free markers and coloring pages. I will say though, my son is 18 months, and because the markers take a second to 'see' the color, he gets bored quickly. I feel like he will enjoy it more in the future. He does have fun putting the markers in and out of the box though. Whatever keeps him entertained! 

Messy Art

Little Man doesn't have a lot of this, but for Easter, we are doing an art themed basket with finger paints, paper, and sidewalk chalk (which I'll talk about in a minute). I am excited to see his artistic juices flow, all over my kitchen table most likely!

Outside Activities

Chalk, bubbles, cars, balls, the options are endless! My son loves to play outside, and it's nice to have things to keep him busy. However, my son finds just as much enjoyment playing with rocks and sticks as he does the things I buy for him. I think that's how it's supposed to be though. 

Other Options

Some other things that aren't toys but make great gifts are passes. Passes to the zoo, museum, aquarium, water park, etc. Experience coupons are also great gifts that the grandparent might want to give. They take them somewhere, and maybe you can get a date night on top of it. Win-win situation!

As you can see, however much I've tried to keep this gender neutral, I'm sure I'm missing some girl centered things. What are your suggestions for girly non-toy gifts?

Hope this helps for the next birthday, Christmas, whatever. Just give this link to family and friends, and maybe you'll end up with less noisy, space-taking toys!

It's all His

Over the past month, our Wednesday night study has been on managing life, and so far we've covered money and time. In our study we've learned that the key to managing these things is balance, to not go extreme in any area, but to find balance between it all. In managing time you are not to be a sloth or a workaholic, in money to not be a chronic spender, or a miser. In all this, the way to achieve balance is to remember this one thing:

It's all His

Psalm 24:1 "A psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." 

We must remember that everything we have is on loan from God. Not just the tithe you put in the offering plate every week, but everything. Every penny, every breath, everything. Jesus tells a parable about a master giving talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master was angry at the servant that just held on to his money. Why? He didn't invest. What does God want us to do with the money (and time) He's given? He wants us to invest in the Kingdom of God. That may look different for different people. Here is how it might look for a Saver and a Spender:

Spender

If you are head over heals in debt, can't go to a sale without loading your cart, or must constantly have the newest thing, you may be a spender! Perhaps you think you're in the clear here. You give generously to the church, and basically to anyone who asks! What does investing in the Kindgdom look like for you? If you are in a great amount of debt, would you be able to go to a new mission field if God called you? Since God has given you this money, are you being the kind of steward that He would want you to be? Part of being a child of God is being ready to answer His call, whatever that may be. Would your finances allow you to do that?

Saver

I know someone who is what I would call an extreme saver. He literally thought of the cost of everything. He never accumilated debt, and if he loaned you money, he made you regret ever asking in the first place.  If he didn't say anything to you personally, behind your back he would talk about how much it cost him. For instance, one time the pastor's wife called and asked if she could borrow 10 boiled eggs for a 'Minute to Win It' game they were doing at the church. He said yes, but as soon as he hung up, and went on and on at how much those eggs cost him and how he would now have to pay for more eggs for himself! (They were about a dollar!!) This guy is a very extreme case, but there are those of us who do have a hard time letting go of what we feel like is 'ours'. But the thing is, it's not ours to begin with, but only on loan from the Lord to invest in his work. Doesn't mean we can have vacations and nice things, but means that our hearts are in a giving mode. For a saver this means changing your mindset and giving God a tithe of what is already his anyway. This means proactively looking for chances to give to others, and when you do so to not stress over how much it cost you. 


For most of us, we may fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. Whatever the case may be, let's look at our mindset of money and view it from the standpoint that it never was ours. It's always been His. How are we investing what He has given us? 

Saving When There is Nothing in the Budget to Save

My husband and I were newly married, living off of one income (teacher's aid and small youth pastor's salary combined to equal about $1200 a month), using one vehicle, and just trying to survive. We were both familiar with Dave Ramsey's approach to money, and although we had no debt, we also had no savings. Wanting to remedy that, we both started thinking of ways to build a savings, when we really didn't have means to do so. It was a blown tire that caused us to have to borrow money, that helped us really start putting money into savings. We wound up building a $1000 emergency savings before my husband ever moved to a more profitable job. Here is how we did it:

We Put Money in a Savings Account

'Duh!' you might say, but its funny how hard it is to put money back even when you've decided you are going to save. Be it $15 or $150, to start feels like an accomplishment in and of itself! Once you put that first amount in, determine how often you are going to add money into savings. It can be weekly or monthly, but it needs to be somewhat consistent. Build a habit while you build a savings! 

We Found Ways of Making Money on the Side

For us it was me teaching piano. I loved teaching, so turning my piano playing skills into something profitable was easy for me. I mention some ideas in my blog post 'How I Can Afford to be a Stay-at-Home Mom' that you can go check out. If you believe you have no talents, or no time for your talents, then perhaps it's time to declutter your home! Find things you don't need anymore, and turn it into profit. It might not make a whole lot, but it's money that you didn't have before that can help you build a savings. 

It's easy to want to put that side money into checking right away, or buy that pair of shoes that you've been eyeing. Remember your goals, and put the money into savings without a second thought! Ten dollars here and there does add up, and you'll feel better and more secure for having an emergency fund set aside. 

We Changed Parts of our Lifestyle 

Fewer movies, less expensive meals, thermostat set on a lower/higher temperature (according to the season), all to cut costs. When we noticed we had more money at the end of the month because of it, we put it into savings. Some things seemed easier to give up than others, but because we knew it was a short term deal to have a long(er) term savings, it felt doable. 

We Didn't Spend out of Savings Unless it was an Emergency

This is a very hard one, and sometimes there are circumstances that seem like emergencies at the time, but later you feel like you could have done without. Sudden vehicle trouble, health emergencies, etc, are why you have a savings. Don't second guess those circumstances, however, there are less important things that come up that may leave you wondering if you should dip into savings. Pray about it. See if you can move around your main budget to fit the 'emergency' (don't eat out that week, avoid the dollar bin at Target, etc.). If you feel like you need to use it, go ahead, but have a plan on how you will build your savings back to where it was before, and don't let getting money out of savings be an easy decision.

Hope this helps you build an emergency savings, and perhaps beyond! It's also nice to have put back enough to live on for a month, or so on, just in case you lose your job. However, an emergency savings is a good place to start, and will help you build habits to save for other things. What are some ways you build your savings?

Happy Saving!

An Uncertain Season

Everything in my life seems to be changing right now. Okay, so that sounds extremely dramatic, and it is, but that is how it feels. Things at my church, our youth group, people I know, etc. are taking a wide turn out of what has always been, and onto a path that I am very unsure of the outcome. I am sure there has been a time in your life when 'normal' is no longer that, but this scary place that you are unsure where to go. At times like this, What do you do?

You pray

God always seems to be our last resort, instead of being constantly acknowledged throughout the process. I believe part of the reason I don't have as much peace in the situation, is because I haven't fully bathed it in prayer. My prayer these days seems to be 'why', instead of just asking for his will to be done. 

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

Have Faith

It seems God has been talking to me a lot about faith. Faith to trust that he is handling the situation, faith that he will provide for the ones I am worrying about, faith that He will show both me and my husband the way to go. Trust and faith is always followed by action. Ask God what that means for you. Maybe that means: obedience, ministry, moving, or perhaps simply having a closer relationship with Him. 

Connect with Your Spouse 

Obviously this applies if you are married. However, I'm adding this here, because communication with my husband, has helped both of us, I feel. If you are both communicating regularly (which is something you should do!) then you can offer each other Godly advice and encouragement. The situation might look a little less dramatic when you share what's going on with someone close that you trust. 

Hope this helps the next time you find yourself going through an uncertain time. Know that you have a Heavenly Father, that not only knows what you are going through, but has a purpose and plan for that season. He wants to commune with you, whether the going is easy or hard. Don't wait until the last resort, but stay close throughout the process!

Being a Supportive Wife

I was sitting at the piano on Sunday Morning, like I always do, and saw my husband coming towards me. 'Today's Sunday School lesson was on having respect for God's Word, and I feel like I need to stand up when the pastor reads from it.'
I wrinkled my nose and thought about all the people sitting, silently listening to The Word while my husband, by himself, would be standing. It would be weird. It would be awkward. It would have been different if the church did that (I know many churches do), but we didn't and I tried to explain to my husband just how 'different' it would be for him to stand. He did it anyway.

After church I felt bad that I hadn't shown support for something my husband was feeling led to do. Perhaps you've been there too. Perhaps your husband's ideas are much wackier or much less spiritual than my husband's. However, you would like to be less condescending and more supportive. What does that look like, and what are some ways that we can be more supportive of our husbands?

Listen to His Ideas/Goals/Dreams

No matter how silly! Just listening goes a long ways to show how much you care about your husband as a person, and friend. If every time your husband comes up with a plan or idea, you knock it down mid sentence, not only will your husband feel discouraged (and less likely to come talk to you!) but to him it's a show of disrespect. Which brings me to my next point.

Be Respectful in Your Response

I'm not saying you have to agree with everything he says! I am just saying that when we respond we do it out of grace and love.  Respect and submitting to our husbands is one of those things that goes against the modern way of thinking "However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." (Ephesians 5:33). The way we respond to the things our husband says can really have an impact on our marriage. Think of it this way: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29). We are to respond with encouragement to whomever we talk to. Since that is the case, how much more our husbands. Sometimes a heartfelt, verbal 'I support you' can go a long way!

Pray for the Ideas your Husband has

This applies more to the major ideas your husband may have. Perhaps a major spiritual or ministry decision. You may or may not agree, but I am sure that deep in your heart that you want God's will in the situation. Pray for just that! 

So, I know I've applied this to wives, but it can easily be the other way around! I've done it from a woman's perspective, since I can relate more. A man who has to control every situation, and belittles the wife's ideas, is not only disrespecting his wife, but also shows a lack of love. Apply listening (this one for sure!), respecting, and praying, and you will be on your way to showing support for your wife!

How I 'Try' to Keep the House Clean

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" Ecclesiastes 3:1

This was a scrapbooked chore chart I made for myself, shortly after I started teaching piano. It worked beautifully with my schedule, and allowed me to know at the end of the week that my house was clean and tidy. Then came along little man and this chore chart stayed up on my refrigerator as a reminder of how much I could get done in a day. I struggled to get one load of laundry done, and to keep the amount of dirty dishes to a minimum. Things like clean bathrooms and mopped kitchen was a luxury that I got to do on the weekend (most of the time!) while my husband watched our newborn. 

But you know, that was okay. For those first few months, as I discovered motherhood and a new skill of multitasking, it was okay that things were a bit dirty. Little man grew and I grew in my ability to clean while he napped, set up activities, and again, to multitask. My chart and schedule was so consistent before, but now looks something like this:

Daily:

Clean the Kitchen: There is no schedule for this, however, I try for the earlier the better. When Little Man is happily playing in his room, or taking an extra long time eating his breakfast, I load the dishwasher and wash the dishes. Little man loves to help me unload the dishwasher when it's time, and I make it into a game. 

One load of laundry: I load up a basket before my shower, since the hamper is in our bathroom. After my shower I then take the basket into the laundry room, and start the wash. I take yesterday's finished load on to the couch to be folded that afternoon. Technically I'm always one day behind, but I find this is working the best for me right now. 

Straiten Living room, and pick up toys: I do this about 30 minutes before my piano student comes in, since doing it any earlier would mean more time for my son to get all his toys back where they were before. Even if all else fails during my day, I try for this one thing. I never want my students complaining that they have to practice in a messy house!

Do one chore in my bathroom: Little Man still plays in his activity bouncer while I shower, so I have a very short window to gather a load of laundry, clean my bathroom, and shower. I choose to do one thing, the counter, toilet, shower, etc. so that everything gets done at least once a week. I know for some this isn't often enough, but it works for us. 

15 Minutes of De-cluttering: I follow this lady's de-cluttering calendar. Right now it is in the Kitchen, so I do it while I'm cleaning my kitchen. 

Not so Daily:

Front Bathroom:While Little man plays in the bathtub, wipe down that bathroom's sink and toilet (while keeping a sharp eye on Little Man!).  Since Little Man bathes every other day, the bathroom gets cleaned that much. I like for it to be done often since it's the bathroom my students and guests use. 

Sweep and Mop Floors: This, unfortunately , gets done sporadically. While I try to sweep often, my mopping goal is once a week. This chore, I wait for a golden opportunity, and go for it. It's getting easier to work in, because Little Man loves the broom and mop! He loves to 'help' mommy.

Organize and clean Little Man's Room: I am not as consistent as I should be with this. I do it when it gets too chaotic for my liking. This should probably be on my daily list!

Vacuum: Little Man hates the vacuum cleaner! 

Monthly:

I am trying to be honest here, so I am doing just that. I am a bit embarrassed that both of these are on this list. 

Dusting: This used to be my household chore when I was a kid, so maybe that it why it's so hard for me get motivation to do!

Guest Bedroom: I have my in-laws in about once a month, so I take one week out of the month, and try to focus on it. Sheets, bathroom, and straightening. I should probably do the bathroom more often, but it hardly gets used, and so far has worked for our family. 

I still haven't gotten in to an extra deep clean, once-a-month regimen. I try to take a couple of weeks in the spring and fall and do some of that. Now that Little Man is older, it's easier to add something like that.

Schedules can change overnight. The key is to step back every once in a while (I normally do this when I get too overwhelmed. It's probably best to step back a bit before then.) and see what needs to be tweaked and changed. Don't worry that you don't feel as productive as you used to, just figure out what works best for you and your family. 

Do you keep a chore 'schedule'? What does it look like?

Homemade Cleaners in the Bathroom

Once Little Man arrived, I started thinking about cleaning with homemade cleaners-both for the price, and for being gentler chemically wise. I still use disinfectant wipes to clean bathroom counters and to wipe the toilet, but I use a homemade cleaner for the tub and the toilet bowl. Here is what you'll need

• Vinegar
• Dawn (I use Walmart brand with the same results)
• Baking soda
• Sponge wand

That's it! and you can use these same ingredients for other purposes in the house as well, for example: I clean the sink with baking soda, vinegar, and a sponge that I use for only that purpose. 

Another tip: I use baking soda that has been sitting in the fridge for a while (as an odor blocker), and thus, is getting close to being replaced. This way, I get double duty out of it before it gets thrown away!

To clean the Tub/Shower:

Pour a half and half solution of Vinegar and Dawn into the sponge wand. Shake to mix, and start scrubbing! Note: It helps if you let it sit for a bit in the applied soap, and then scrub again after 5-10 minutes. Rinse and enjoy your clean shower!

To clean the Toilet Bowl:

Sprinkle baking soda around the bowl, and pour an already half and half solution (I put it in a spray bottle without the lid) around the bowl. Scrub right away if you have a pretty clean bowl, let it sit if it's not. Repeat process if your bowl is exceptionally dirty!

And there you go! What homemade cleaners do you use? Do you make your own cleaning wipes/solutions? I would love to hear about it! If you have a lot of cleaners you make yourself, and would like to pass your knowledge on, I would love to feature you in a blog post! Just comment your email or if you are Facebook friends, then just private message me.

February Goals

I didn't quite reach my goal of posting 4 days a week, last month, but I posted more than I have in the past, so that's a start! This month, my goals are: Week 1 talk about household tips, Week 2 talk about Biblical Marriage and Relationships (since it's valentines day week!), Week 3 talk about money, recipes, etc., and Week 4 talk about parenting and toddlerhood. By the end of the month, check back here, and I'll have links to where you can look at all the posts from your favorite topic from the past month. If you have ideas you would like me to talk about, or something helpful you would like to share, just let me know!

10 Signs Your Baby Has Become a Toddler

Wonder if you'll realize when your baby is no longer such a little baby and into the toddler stage? Here are some indicators you should watch for:

1.  You have a constant shadow every where you go. The kitchen, the laundry room,  the bathroom...everywhere.
2. Talking about pee pee and poo poo is a totally normal conversation.
3. Rejoicing when said pee pee or poo poo goes into the potty, and you lavish rewards (and your husband asks why he doesn't get those kinds of rewards! Ha!)
4. It's a normal day if you say 'Don't lick you shoe/floor!' and 'Don't eat that rock!' , but struggle with them eating green beans, or basically anything 'normal'.
5. When you hear The Flash, you don't think about the super hero, but your little one going from floor to the couch, to the TV all in one second.
6. Great ambitions, like coloring, painting, crafting, etc. never end up like you imagined. Your child is probably playing with the brushes and containers, and you are doing the craft.
7. Cleaning the house is a relative term. The cleaner the house gets, the messier it is. You cleaned out the dishwasher, and he/she has cleaned out their entire box of toys, and strewn out the basket of laundry that needs sorting all over the floor.
8. You have added many new words to your vocabulary, some which involve grunts, gestures, and weird throat noises.
9. You wonder how they can say 'mama' so many times in so few seconds.
10. You feel as if you are raising a teenager instead of a toddler. They are happy, then sad, then angry, then silly: in the same hour!

Does this make you nervous about your still non-mobile, precious baby turning into a toddler? Don't be! I have told many people that this stage is probably my favorite so far. They are always discovering new things and sounds. Even if the words 'pee pee' or 'poo poo' are in the sentence, at least you can now converse with your baby! My little man is amazing, and I am so thankful for getting to experience this stage in his life. He is able to reciprocate love back to me, and although that's not necessary for my love, it is a very nice bonus to motherhood! Here is one more toddlerism:

They give the absolute best hugs in the world!

What clues did you have that your baby had become a toddler?

Getting Prepared to Worship

Since you watched that late movie last night, you yawn your way through Sunday School, and get enough energy mustered to sing along with the church choir. You think about what you will eat for lunch, because it's all you can do to stay awake. You made it. You stayed awake through the whole service! What was it about? You have no idea, but at least you stayed awake and looked like you took part. That's the main thing, right?

I believe all of us, no matter how good our intentions, have related to at least one of these scenarios. Whether it's being very sleepy, unfocused, or just plain not caring through the Sunday service. If you are like me, you WANT to be in the worshipful mood. Sunday is a time for fellowship with believers, hearing God's word, and getting into some heartfelt worship. Worship can only happen when our hearts and souls are prepared to receive what God has for us, be pricked to change, and make a decision to do what God would have us to. This can't happen if the rest of our body isn't ready for worship. Here are some ways to get ready for Sunday morning worship.

Go to Bed Early on Saturday

Do your late night movie on Friday night, and go to bed at a decent time on Saturday night. If you stay up late, you will be sleepy the next morning. Seems like a no-brainer, but being in youth ministry, being up late the night before is the number one excuse for sleeping during service, or at times not coming. Go to bed early, and set an alarm. Be intentional.

Wake up Early on Sunday

You would think this would hinder the 'not being sleepy' advice I just gave, but actually, if you get up at a decent time, and not 15 minutes before you need to head out (okay, if you have kids they will wake you up in plenty of time anyway!), your mind will be more focused and less stressed. It also gives you time to fully wake up, and do what I suggest next:

Listen to Worship Music, or Sermon

Why not get your mind into a worshipful mood before you get to church. I love to turn on music while I get ready for service. My husband and I also watch First Baptist Bossier on channel 3 on Sunday mornings. It's amazing how much it helps me stay focused in my own church service! If 

Bible reading, or listening to podcasts help you more, then by all means make that your 'ease into worship' move. 

Eat Breakfast

Nothing like thinking about food while you are supposed to be thinking about lost souls, or perhaps your stomach doing it's own musical number and distracting the youngsters on your pew. Eat something, even if it's small, so that you and your stomach can make it through the service. 

Once you are at church, be sure and take full opportunity of your classes, music, and sermon to help you focus and be ready for when God calls you to action. If He is calling to change your life, change other's lives, or perhaps to simply be even closer to Him, you want to be ready! 

What are some ways you get your heart and body ready for church?

Having a Successful Long Distant Relationship

Being thousands of miles away from each other when my husband and I were dating, was tough. Walking to school, watching couple hold hands, hearing about other people's dates, and just seeing couples in general, was very hard to do. Thai internet was unreliable at times, and even when it was working, our videos were blurry. However, we survived. Not only that, I would call us a success! What did we do to keep going while in our long distant relationship?

We put God first

Yes, I know, I've said this before, but it is that crucial! Not only for long distant relationships, but for any! If you put God first, you will not be so hung up with your relationship to each other, but with your relationship with God. If Skype isn't working, it won't be the end of the world, because you will know that although your earthly relationships are precious, they are not the MOST precious. 

We Scheduled Dates

I think this is so crucial for long distant relationships, especially the very distant ones. Your life is quite different from your boyfriend/girlfriend's, so it makes it hard to know when you both are free. Especially when you have to use programs like Skype, you have to make a special time to talk and have your 'date'. For my husband and I, it was a specific time, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. We didn't plan things for those times, and our friends knew it was 'our' time. We took it seriously, and didn't let the busyness of our lives get in the way of that. That has bled into our marriage, and we have Friday night set aside for 'our' time. It's key in long distant relationships, and it's key in marriage. 

We Found Questions to Ask Each Other

When you are unable to observe each other while doing life, you have to ask questions. You also have to be honest with each other. We used Joshua Harris's questions in the back of his book 'Boy Meets Girl' to use as a way to make sure we asked each other essential questions before marriage. Raising our little boy is a lot less stressful when we already asked important parenthood questions, such as: discipline, Bible study, church going, etc. Money is another big argument starter that my husband and I don't struggle with as much since we knew we were on the same page ahead of time. 

Change Things Up

For Valentines Day, my husband (then boyfriend) dressed up in a suit and tie, lit candles and set the table like we were eating dinner together. It was incredibly romantic and also changed things up from our normal 'dates'. There are a lot of resources these days for things you can do to do things differently. For example: play online games (or real ones that you tell your boyfriend/girlfriend what moves to make), do a Bible study, watch the same movie, etc. 

If I could tell you one of the most important factors in successful long distant relationships, it's this: determination. If you are not putting effort and determination into your relationship, then the tough times are going to be too tough. If you are willing to do it, however, the reward is amazing. After four years of marriage to the most amazing man in the world, I can tell you from experience!

Meal Planning for Beginners

When I first got married, I could count on my one hand how many things I knew how to cook, and almost all those things were Thai. This made meal planning incredibly simple at first. It wasn't too long before I realized that I loved to cook! I loved taking recipes I found and putting my own twist to it. Before long I had quite a number of things I could make, and started writing down what I was going to make each week before I wrote out my shopping list. When I got pregnant that all went out the window. We ate whatever I thought I could stomach, or whatever I had a hankering for (yes, hankering, it's a good southern word!).  It wasn't until a few months ago that I really got back into the whole meal planning thing.  I thought I would share some meal plan ideas.

Meal planning not only helps relieve stress, but also can help with staying healthy and eating on a budget. If you meal plan, you are less likely to open that box of hamburger helper, or grab a hamburger from a fast food place. Let me know of cool ways you meal plan!

Since this is for beginners, I am only showing a week's worth. Honestly, that is all I ever do. Shopping is done once a week at our house, and I find that a one week meal plan works for our family. 

Theme Meal Plans

Here is an example of how themed meals work. I love this method, because you know what recipes to choose from each week, and it's easier to keep track of what ingredients you need. It doesn't have to be these themes, it is completely up to you and how your family works.  I am, though, including links to some of my favorite recipes. 

Meatless Monday: Now for us this doesn't work, since KJ is a big fan of meat, but this would make a great salad day. Mondays we go grocery shopping, so for us are it's normally a 'what can I make with the groceries I have left' day. 

Taco Tuesday: Yes, yes, Taco Tuesday counts, but just because it's called Taco Tuesday, doesn't mean you have to have tacos every time. Look at this link, to see some of my favorite 'taco' recipes!

Crock-pot Wednesday: I am aware that this is a bit of an unusual Wednesday theme, but since my husband is the youth pastor of our church, we like to get to to Wednesday services a bit early to set up. Having a meal that's ready to serve when he comes home from work, makes it nice! One of my favorite recipes is chicken breast + your favorite bbq sauce. I put some seasonings we like, and serve it with toast and a veggie.  Here is a list of a great crock-pot meals. 

Pasta Thursday: My hubby loves pasta, and when I say love, I mean LOVE, especially if involves cheese. This is far from healthy, but once a week I make pasta, or perhaps something a little less healthy, but something my husband loves (I still try to include a veggie). Thursdays are the ideal day, because my piano lessons for Thursday are bi monthly, so I have more time in the evening to do something special for supper. 

Pizza Friday: This is the night that my husband go out for a date night, but pizza is a popular Friday night meal! if you would like to get your kids to get in on the fun, here is a recipe from my blog for tomato sauce, that you can spread on pizza dough and get your kids to add cheese and your favorite toppings!

Sandwich Saturday: Easy meal, and you can use leftover veggies from taco Tuesday to add to your sandwich!

We eat out on Sunday as well. This can be replaced with a crock pot meal to be ready when you get home from church. 

Budget Friendly Meal Plan

Another way to meal plan is to use the same ingredients multiple times. This saves money, but it might take a bit more time to plan out. I'll give you the recipes I am using this week, for an example.

Monday: grilled chicken and corn. As I stated before, this is our shopping day. We had chicken and frozen corn, so that's what we ate!

Tuesday: Thai stir fry, and Spring Rolls: Made with cabbage and chicken. Ground pork is normally used but my store was all out! 

Wednesday: Crock-pot Red beans and rice Use the leftover rice from Thai night. 

Thursday: Use the remainder sausage from the Red Beans and Rice, and the cabbage from the spring rolls to make sauteed  cabbage and sausage. 

Friday: Date night! 

Saturday: BBQ Chicken and veggies. 

I don't write plans on a cute chalkboard sign, or dry erase board. It doesn't have to be fancy (although it can be. Let your creative juices flow!), but it can help save money and the stressful question of 'What in the world am I going to make tonight!'

...And He Shall Give You the Desires of Your Heart

My heart beat wildly in my chest, as questions flooded my mind. "Would he let me know where this relationship was headed? Would I have to speak up? Was I rushing into this too fast? Would a long distant relationship even work?"

For two weeks I had been Facebook messaging or Skyping a young man I had met through a mutual friend on Facebook. I had called my mom a couple of days before, and the worry and fear she felt for me talking to someone I had never met was evident in her voice. This guy could be misleading me to believe he was someone he was not, I believe was her biggest worry. To relieve some of these fears, I had messaged another mutual friend of mine and KJ's, who was a close family friend that my mom would trust and respect. She had yet to respond.

The familiar sound of Skype met my ears and I nervously accepted the call. KJ and I talked for what seemed like a long time before he nervously asked if I would like to 'court' him. Such relief. He told me how that he would like for this relationship to be about finding out if we wanted to get married. We would ask deep and essential questions to see if we felt like it would work. Most importantly, we would seek God's will above all else. Of course, I have no idea what all he said. I was too nervous to hear everything, but I know that was the essence of what he said.

A day or two later, the mutual friend responded to my message by telling me what a great young man he was, and not only that, she saw my mom not too long later and told her the same thing. My mom felt much better, and was ready to meet him.

I could say 'the rest is history', but things are never that rosy or straightforward. Although we hit it off extremely well, and are about to celebrate 4 years of marriage, a long distant relationship can be very tough. I would like to talk about that more either next week or the week after, but needless to say, you can still be quite lonely. We didn't get to video call each other until a month or two later, and we didn't 'meet' each other until 9 months after we first talked. We were in the same location for 3 1/2 of the 22 months we 'courted'. These facts meant that we had to figure out how to make a long distant relationship work.

The key to our success, was our willingness to put God first and not each other. We also put boundaries on our physical touching once we were in the same location again. This helped us not to go too fast, and stay pure even though it's tough when you don't see each other for a very long time. We waited to kiss until our wedding day, which made the wait so worth it. I am so thankful I surrendered my relationship status to the Lord. He weaved a story so beautiful, that I could have never even dreamed.

Ten months after we started courting, KJ got on his knee on a three hour cruise in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He asked me to marry him, and a few minutes later, after I had already walked around to show off my ring, he realized he had forgotten to add three magical words. I Love You. We had also refrained from saying that so far. It made it more meaningful to us, and we laugh at the fact that he forgot it in his proposal. Exactly a year after he proposed, we got married.

I also cannot say that we 'Lived Happily Ever After'. That would be a lie. However, we have had such a smooth relationship thus far (perhaps not financially, or with parenting, but how close we are relationship wise). I attribute that to us putting God first, and not taking things too quickly. The fact that he protected my heart by waiting to say I love you, and helping to protect our purity by putting boundaries on how far we went physically.

If you missed part 1 of this series, click here. If you would like to look at my other posts on dating, click here. Last, but not least, stay tuned to hear more about courtship, and long distant relationship tips!