Romans 1:12 "When we get together I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."
I was just talking about how I felt like I was the person I was in college and the person I am now because of the friendships I had developed while in college. I honestly felt like I was encouraged in my walk with the Lord, by the way my friends lived, how we hung out, what we did, what we didn't do. Now that I'm married I feel we need other Christian married couples to help us when we fall, encourage us when we're down, be there for us when we need it as well as we need to be there for others. I recently read a blog post about ways to help your marriage survive and one of the points were to have Christian friends. Then today I read that verse in Romans! God sure knows how to work in our hearts! I am so thankful I have friends who don't act as if they have it all figured out, or have the perfect marriage or the perfect life. But rather, I have friends who are struggling and not afraid to ask for prayers, friends who are willing to give us encouragement but also needing it. Those are the friends we all need! Friends that are real, authentic, true, peculiar treasures as my favorite author, Robin Jones Gunn, puts it (also in Exodus 9:5 kjv). In the last part of Isaiah 43:4, it states how I feel about my closest friends. It says, "You are precious to me. You are honored. And I love you." I'm looking forward to more game nights, hopefully worship nights, hanging out and discussing God's plans for our lives and sharing prayer request. I may miss those long nights singing worship songs by the fire, my college church group of close friends, and having so many Christian friends around anytime I needed them, but it's not too late to keep in contact more with those I love, those Christian friends who do care that I am friends with now, both from college and those I've met since and thru church. You all mean more than you'll ever know to me. Another new year's resolution for me is to be more intentional with my friends, spend more time with them, send them text messages reminding them they are special to me, pray for them, send them Bible verses as encouragment because you never know when they might be needing it. God knows and if he's putting it on our mind, chances are they are needing to hear it! I love you my peculiar treasures! You are loved and honored! Thanks for being such great friends!
Monday, January 5, 2015
Sunday, January 4, 2015
A New Year...A Year Of Looking Back
As part of my new years resolution, I decided to go back to old journals and reread verses and chapters that stood out to me when I first started being on fire for God. I want that passion back. I want that passion to bounce off me onto my children, my husband, my friends, my other family members and even my enemies and those I don't know. So here's to a new year of looking back to that time, right before I was baptized as well as right after... when I was a college student trying to figure out where I belong, who I was in Christ...a place when I first started making my own life decisions and the way I felt led to lead my life. Those days I really became involved in my church at the time and felt led to helping with youth groups, college groups, and mission work. Those were the days I was truly on fire for God and truly knew what it meant to be in a relationship with Christ, not just accepting him into my life and letting him sit there while I ran my life however I wanted. Those were the days, I realized I wanted God a part of my life for real. I wanted him to not just be a part of my life but rather be my life. I feel over the years, I have slowly lost that passion... then it comes back for awhile and slowly drifts away again. I want that passion I had in college to come back to stay. This is the year, I feel it can, and I'm going to do all I can to keep it that way!
Tonight I read Matthew 26-27. These were two of the first chapters I ever started journaling about when I received a journal from a close friend in college for my birthday to go with a book she bought me. She said she felt I could use the journal to wrote out prayers and thoughts from the book. I wrote below her note "I will record everything in this journal; my thoughts, my goals, my experiences, events, and verses that are speaking to me and even my prayers. (When I started keeping a prayer/scripture journal, I felt God really worked in my heart; therefore, plan to use my blog as my personal journal to write what God is saying to me.) I want that passion back and this is how I feel will help me do just that.
These chapters talked about all the things Jesus went through. He was spit on, mocked, insulted, betrayed... but he still asked God to forgive these people. He never once got angry and try to defend himself; he did not hit or spit back. Instead he did nothing. He prayed. He even asked God to forgive those who have done wrong to him. Sometimes, we need to do nothing... doing nothing gives us time to stop and pray. That may give us an answer as to what we should do in times of feeling betrayed, hurt, or upset.
Tonight I read Matthew 26-27. These were two of the first chapters I ever started journaling about when I received a journal from a close friend in college for my birthday to go with a book she bought me. She said she felt I could use the journal to wrote out prayers and thoughts from the book. I wrote below her note "I will record everything in this journal; my thoughts, my goals, my experiences, events, and verses that are speaking to me and even my prayers. (When I started keeping a prayer/scripture journal, I felt God really worked in my heart; therefore, plan to use my blog as my personal journal to write what God is saying to me.) I want that passion back and this is how I feel will help me do just that.
These chapters talked about all the things Jesus went through. He was spit on, mocked, insulted, betrayed... but he still asked God to forgive these people. He never once got angry and try to defend himself; he did not hit or spit back. Instead he did nothing. He prayed. He even asked God to forgive those who have done wrong to him. Sometimes, we need to do nothing... doing nothing gives us time to stop and pray. That may give us an answer as to what we should do in times of feeling betrayed, hurt, or upset.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Become like a child
Today at church my son reminded me of the verse where Jesus said, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3.
As I watched him during worship, I watched his eyes wonder from person to person, waving and pointing to those he recognized. Then, I noticed him look back at the woman behind us who had her arm in the air worshipping. He immediately raised his arm and started singing. That's when that verse popped into my head. We need to become like little children. My son learns from us. He notices what we do and repeats it. He trusts that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. He trusts us to take care of him, love on him, and to be there for him when he needs us. He knows we will. He has faith in us just like we should have faith in God. We need to trust God like our children trust us. We need to have faith in him like our children have faith in us. As I continued to watch him, he started pointing up to the ceiling and waving and saying hi to whatever he saw. I'm not exactly sure what he saw, but I truly believe he saw something. GOD is with us always! He is wanting us to become innocent, fully trusting and having faith in him.... faith that he is right there with us. .. ALWAYS!
Thank you my sweet child for reminding me to fully trust my father just like you trust us, your parents!
As I watched him during worship, I watched his eyes wonder from person to person, waving and pointing to those he recognized. Then, I noticed him look back at the woman behind us who had her arm in the air worshipping. He immediately raised his arm and started singing. That's when that verse popped into my head. We need to become like little children. My son learns from us. He notices what we do and repeats it. He trusts that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. He trusts us to take care of him, love on him, and to be there for him when he needs us. He knows we will. He has faith in us just like we should have faith in God. We need to trust God like our children trust us. We need to have faith in him like our children have faith in us. As I continued to watch him, he started pointing up to the ceiling and waving and saying hi to whatever he saw. I'm not exactly sure what he saw, but I truly believe he saw something. GOD is with us always! He is wanting us to become innocent, fully trusting and having faith in him.... faith that he is right there with us. .. ALWAYS!
Thank you my sweet child for reminding me to fully trust my father just like you trust us, your parents!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Sick Toddler
Having a sick toddler is no fun at all; however i think i am becoming a pro at it. It's just the beginning of flu season and my little guy has already gotten just about everything it feels like. He started with getting a flu shot and two days later ribbing a fever; however, the fever didn't leave after a day like normally... no it lasted 6 days. Then, he developed a bad cough and slight runny nose two days after being fever free. About 4 days after that he got a stomach virus. Thankfully, he only threw up once but had diarrhea several times... not fun with a toddler. A day later another fever. So how did we get through it all. Actuary we're still going through it. As I type, he's laying in my arms sleeping. This part of my toddler being sick, I love! I love all the cuddling and love he gives being sick. Everytime he wants to breastfeed or cuddle i let him. I never tell him no when he's sick. .. after all it's a natural antibiotic! The rest of the time, i make sure he's drinking plenty of fluids. I don't push him to eat. I let him eat what he wants but guide him by giving him his favorite fruits or veggies. A few other things we've done while he's sick is read several books, all his favorites plus new ones. We've colored, worked on his name by playing with letters in his name, dry erase markers, etc. We have relaxed a lot. I try not to leave his side too much. After all a sick toddler wears mommy out also.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
What a Toddler Taught Me About God
I wrote before about how when my toddler first started walking he reminded me of how much God loves me. I would squat at one end of the hallway with my arms opened, and he would get a huge grin on his face and come running into my opened arms. That's how God is waiting for us with arms wide open waiting for us to run with a huge grin onto our face into his opened arms.
God used a toddler this time to remind me of how he's always there to help us when we need him. J is at the age where he is Mr. Independent; however, every now and then he shows he still need our help. The other day we were outside playing and there's a step off our driveway. He knows it's there and when he got to it he reached his little hand upward waiting for me to grab it. When I took his hand, an analogy of how God is waiting for me popped into my head. Just like I was waiting on him to reach for my hand, God is waiting on us to reach up and say, "God help me." He let's us be independent, but when we need him he's waiting on us. He's waiting there with his hand ready for us to reach up and grab and ask for his help. He already knows when we're going to ask for his help just like I already knew little Mr. Independent was going to reach his hand up for help when he got to the driveway. I love how God uses even the youngest to teach us lessons! How powerful and wonderful is HE that he can use even an infant to teach us what he's been trying to teach us all our life! From the minute J was born and probably before, I realized just how much God loves me by that love He allowed me to have for my little boy.
God used a toddler this time to remind me of how he's always there to help us when we need him. J is at the age where he is Mr. Independent; however, every now and then he shows he still need our help. The other day we were outside playing and there's a step off our driveway. He knows it's there and when he got to it he reached his little hand upward waiting for me to grab it. When I took his hand, an analogy of how God is waiting for me popped into my head. Just like I was waiting on him to reach for my hand, God is waiting on us to reach up and say, "God help me." He let's us be independent, but when we need him he's waiting on us. He's waiting there with his hand ready for us to reach up and grab and ask for his help. He already knows when we're going to ask for his help just like I already knew little Mr. Independent was going to reach his hand up for help when he got to the driveway. I love how God uses even the youngest to teach us lessons! How powerful and wonderful is HE that he can use even an infant to teach us what he's been trying to teach us all our life! From the minute J was born and probably before, I realized just how much God loves me by that love He allowed me to have for my little boy.
Must Have For Toddlers
So I posted what you needed for infants and babies. Now I feel I need to share with you what I feel is important to have with toddlers. I have my own along with watching two others. I'm not sure if it's all toddlers or just my group of them, but they love to climb, and I mean on everything including: the couch, lawn furniture, tv stand, ottoman, couch, end tables, play kitchen set, picnic table, book shelf, toy box, gate, etc. Therefore, we are about to move and I plan to have a room just for the toddlers. Below are a list of things I feel are important to include in this room:
1. Sensory table: these kiddos love sensory play whether it's water, sand, mud, socks, blocks, cards, paper plates, napkins etc. They will play with it!
2. Something safe to climb on: I plan to have a slide with a rock wall for them to climb their little hearts out!
3. Foam mats: with the slide being inside I feel I need mats so if they do fall, they won't get hurt too bad.
4. Ball pit: I plan to put a bigger ball pit at our new house. One where all the toddlers can play in it together and not fight over it. We are currently using a sand box, but it's not quite big enough.
5. Sand box: I plan to have two sand boxes, outside of course, for the little ones to enjoy.
6. Lots of outdoor play equipment and toys. I have been stocking up on these sorthings if things: slides, swings, riding toys, balls, basketball goal, sand toys, etc.
7. A hideout: wow do these kiddos love secret hiding places; therefore, I plan to make a safe, secret, getaway just for them. Not sure how or where but there wI'll be one.
8. Art supplies: Paint, crayons, gluesticks, paper, etc. These toddlers love to work, and why not make it a daily priority.
9. Chairs: they love having chairs to sit and read books at; therefore, I have been collecting chairs of all sorts including an elmo chair, little tikes, noise making one, not sure what it's called, and I plan to get one of those soft couches that fold out into a bed when we move.
10. Books! These babies love looking at books and listening to stories. Board books are a must. They don't rip as easily and hold up much longer.
11. Library: with their love for books, I plan to turn one of our basement closets into a library. I'm hoping to take the toddlers to it a few times a week to enjoy new books and to just listen to stories and not be distracted.
12. Tunnel: they love crawling thru things; therefore, I'm hoping to have the tunnel up all the time for them.
13. Stuffed animals: They love their babies!
1. Sensory table: these kiddos love sensory play whether it's water, sand, mud, socks, blocks, cards, paper plates, napkins etc. They will play with it!
2. Something safe to climb on: I plan to have a slide with a rock wall for them to climb their little hearts out!
3. Foam mats: with the slide being inside I feel I need mats so if they do fall, they won't get hurt too bad.
4. Ball pit: I plan to put a bigger ball pit at our new house. One where all the toddlers can play in it together and not fight over it. We are currently using a sand box, but it's not quite big enough.
5. Sand box: I plan to have two sand boxes, outside of course, for the little ones to enjoy.
6. Lots of outdoor play equipment and toys. I have been stocking up on these sorthings if things: slides, swings, riding toys, balls, basketball goal, sand toys, etc.
7. A hideout: wow do these kiddos love secret hiding places; therefore, I plan to make a safe, secret, getaway just for them. Not sure how or where but there wI'll be one.
8. Art supplies: Paint, crayons, gluesticks, paper, etc. These toddlers love to work, and why not make it a daily priority.
9. Chairs: they love having chairs to sit and read books at; therefore, I have been collecting chairs of all sorts including an elmo chair, little tikes, noise making one, not sure what it's called, and I plan to get one of those soft couches that fold out into a bed when we move.
10. Books! These babies love looking at books and listening to stories. Board books are a must. They don't rip as easily and hold up much longer.
11. Library: with their love for books, I plan to turn one of our basement closets into a library. I'm hoping to take the toddlers to it a few times a week to enjoy new books and to just listen to stories and not be distracted.
12. Tunnel: they love crawling thru things; therefore, I'm hoping to have the tunnel up all the time for them.
13. Stuffed animals: They love their babies!
Home Summer Camp Ideas
Make It Mondays:
Wet Wednesdays:
1. Slip n slide
2. Baby pool
3. Watery balloons
4. Hose
5. Water squirters
6. Water table
7. Sprinklers
8. Neighborhood pool
Thinking Thursdays:
1. Science projects
2. Learn how to do magic
Fun Friend Fridays:
1. Kids choice what we did: usually they wanted to play in the water in the back yard or play baseball at our church field. They were not a hard group to please.
Games/Activities:
- God's Eye
- Paint a Rock
- Material bracelet or key chain
- Ice Painting
- Homemade Ice cream
- I Spy Water Bottle: add small toys and items in a water bottle filled with colorful rice or noodles.
- Speed Ball Tshirts
- Zoo
- Lloyd Pool/Park/Nature Trails
- Ice Cream Outings
Wet Wednesdays:
1. Slip n slide
2. Baby pool
3. Watery balloons
4. Hose
5. Water squirters
6. Water table
7. Sprinklers
8. Neighborhood pool
Thinking Thursdays:
1. Science projects
2. Learn how to do magic
Fun Friend Fridays:
1. Kids choice what we did: usually they wanted to play in the water in the back yard or play baseball at our church field. They were not a hard group to please.
Games/Activities:
- Pool Noodles and balloons: it balloons with pool noodles. See who can hit the farthest or play keep in the air.
- Paper cups, buckets, and ping pong balls: Race to get ball from one bucket to the next by floating the ball on top of a paper cup filled with water
- Sidewalk Chalk: Paint a mural on privacy fence or in driveway
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)