Cleaning!

I know most of us hate cleaning. Especially me. I do however love being clean and organized...but at times feel so overwhelmed with all I have to do in such a short amount of time. When my son naps...time is precious. I try to accomplish all I can before he wakes but it's so hard. I read in my devotional, God Calling, this morning and yet again...it reminded me to whole heartedly be a servant to God. I am a servant for God! I am a servant to my husband, children, family and friends. Then I was reading my friends blog about cleaning...God's really telling me to get on the ball. I have to look inside my heart, soul, and mind and put all towards him and no matter what comes along my way...realize I'm here for Him. With Him all things are possible and no job, obstacle, or situation is too big for me to handle because He is there.  


Lord, help to me clean out my 'closets' and do things whole heartedly unto You. You are my strong tower! Help guide me in each step and moment. Thank you for all You've blessed me with and for being there always even when I feel alone and overwhelmed.            Amen


Well...today I will put my whole heart into my cleaning and I know that no good deed will be overlooked! It's amazing to know that He is truly there for us watching over us and knowing all. Happy Cleaning!

Oh My Gosh!

I started belly-dance class list night. It was fun! It took me some time to warm up and get into the grove, but I did it. I thought for sure this morning I was going to be sore...but shockingly I'm not. I was thinking about walking this morning and sure enough my mom calls me to go walking with her. I need to make it a habit to do some kind of physical activity. And yes...housecleaning counts in my book. I'm going to also start yoga to help me become more flexible and smooth that will also improve my belly-dance moves. 

This morning in my devotional it read to be thankful for our children. They are precious treasures and stars in our crowns. That really warmed my heart. For they really are wonderful miracles God gives us. We need to constantly pray, encourage, and tech them to walk in God's glory. They are the next generation. 

Lord, thank you for my son and future children. I'm grateful that You know my needs and provide for me. Help me be an alert provider to my children. Help me teach them Your will and to help them grow in You and bear good fruit. Help me to be an example of You to them. Thank you for this day.  Amen

Time Flies!

Well...I was away for several days visiting my close friend. It was so much fun. I even enjoyed the three hour car ride there and three hour ride back home. My dog, Dudley and my son went with me. We were there from Saturday thru Tuesday. We made a baby quilt, matching burp clothes, and matching blocks! It came out so adorable. When I was there we went to a lady's house how has a quilting machine. Aw...to want...I have to remember that things are just wants and not needs. But they sure are nice to think about. The lady's quilts inspired me to really take my time, advance, and try to make wonderful keepsakes that others will admire. It was definitely an overall inspiring trip. My trip there also felt so short and quickly lived. Time does truly feel like it goes by so fast...especially when you're having fun. 

When I came home...it was wonderful to be in my husbands arms again, sleep in my own bed, and watch my son play with his daddy. It was so adorable watching my son's face light up with overwhelming joy to see his daddy. I think that taking trip and having some separation is healthy in any relationship. When you leave and come back you really look at that person and realize how much they mean to you, how much you appreciate them, and how much love and longing you feel for them. 

I have to make this short. Have to catch up on household chores. And re-settle back into my routine. 

Lord, thank you for this beautiful day and for all that you have blessed me with. You truly are amazing. Teach me how to have everlasting love for You, family, friends, and even pets. Thank you for teaching me that 'thorns' come and go and no 'thorn' is too big to handle with You in my life.    Amen

Serious Matter!

I wasn't able to blog yesterday because My wall-heater had a gas leak. Thank God I called the Gas Company and within 10 mins they were here. Good thing too because the heater was dumping Carbon Monoxide into my home. So all day I was driving back and forth, on the phone, and finally got a new heater. I was really impressed and thankful that my landlord was able to get things done quickly and fixed the situation properly. Having Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a very serious matter and should never be taken lightly. Here is some information that I was able to get from wikipedia's website. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs after enough inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas, but, being colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating, it is very difficult for people to detect. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion of organic matter with insufficient oxygen supply to enable complete oxidation to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and is often produced in domestic or industrial settings by older motor vehicles and other gasoline-powered tools, heaters, and cooking equipment. Exposures at 100 ppm or greater can be dangerous to human health.^[1]
Symptoms of mild acute poisoning include headaches, vertigo, and flu-like effects; larger exposures can lead to significant toxicity of the central nervous system and heart, and even death. Following acute poisoning, long-term sequelae often occur. Carbon monoxide can also have severe effects on the fetus of a pregnant woman. Chronic exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can lead to depression, confusion, and memory loss.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning

I also added the direct link if you want to know further information. Also, by June of this year it will be required by ALL homes to have a Carbon Monoxide detector. If you are renting (like myself), make sure your landlord provides one for you. And If not, go buy one and give them the bill. It's their responsibility to provide one and could become a liability if not. 

On a much lighter not...I was reading from a devotional titled, God Calling written by A.J. Russell. In today's passage it really touched me.  

   Be glad all the time. Rejoice exceedingly. Joy in Me. Rest in Me. Never be afraid. Pray more. Do not get worried. I am thy Helper. "Underneath are Everlasting Arms." You cannot get below that. Rest in them, as a tired child rests.

Lord, Thank you for today! Thank you for keeping my family in Your loving arms and for watching over us. Guide us in Your path today and give us the strength we need to do Your will. You are almighty and powerful.     Amen.

A Day Well Spent

Today, I've been in the kitchen. I've been making baby food. My son is almost 7 months old and eats solids now twice a day. He's very picky when it comes to fruit. So far he only likes pears, peaches in rice cereal, blueberries, and applesauce w/ cinnamon. But he does love his veggies! Weird right? I thought it was going to be the total opposite. I did read on several sites that breastfed babies are apt to try more new foods than formula babies. So...today I made pureed carrots, yams, zucchini, and applesauce. I've been cooking much more since we are trying to save money anywhere possible. So far, I'm doing pretty good. I truly am enjoying staying home with my son. He's my pride and joy! I love being here every moment for him. I don't miss a thing. I watch him grow, change, and become smarter everyday. It's amazing and such a blessing from God! "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him." (Psalm 127:3) 

Lord, Thank you for my 'thorns' today and everyday. Give me the strength and guidance I need to overcome them. Thank you for Your blessings that I enjoy everyday. Thank you for answering my prayers and letting me be able to stay home with my son. I am truly blessed.      Amen

Another Day

Well...today is another day filled with obstacles. My life seems to be filled with them these days. If it's not dealing with disrespectful neighbors, my misbehaving dogs, a grumpy son, tired husband, more babysitting, endless housework...it's something else! Right? I'm also emotional do to our joyous womanly cycle. As of late I've been feeling under appreciated, overwhelmed, helpless, disappointed, and somewhat used. I read in my devotional this morning that we are to put our whole hearts into God's work and will for our lives...but it's hard to see the light within all the trials. 

Lord, thank you for my many 'thorns' today. Please, give me Your will and strength to get through this day. May You give me peace of mind, joy, and love today and always.       Amen

I'll just take one step at a time today. I know God will guide me through it. I just have to give it all up. I just happen to learn things the hard way, most of the time. I have to focus on the positive and DO things Whole-heartily. 

 

Spontaneous!

Well...my in-laws have been a little spontaneous lately. Which I think is awesome. Life is short so enjoy every moment you have. But when they are spontaneous, I have to watch my sister-in-law, whom I mentioned is autistic. I love doing it for them but as of late she has been getting very jealous. She knows I had a son and bring him every time I come over (he's only 6 1/2 months). But things still are the same. When I try to help her or want her to do something, she gets so angry towards me. She knows I can't give her my undivided attention but it's difficult at times. I love her dearly and I wish I could explain things better to her.

  Lord, thank you for my thorn and for giving me the strength I need to get through each day. May you help me to whole heartedly be a servant to You. And may Your light shine through me towards others.     Amen

Oh-my husband and I were spontaneous as well this weekend. He finally got our quad up and running. We dropped our son to his parents and had a day of riding. It was my first time to truly ride a manual quad by myself. I'm still having trouble with starting but I'm able to get into 1st and 2nd gears! It was a wonderful day. My husband was such a sweetheart to take the time to teach me how. I had such a blast. Can't wait for other rides. We're making it a family activity and when our son gets big enough he'll be joining us. 

Finally caught up!

  I think I mentioned before...maybe not...I'm following a very close friend's blog. She really is something special. I just caught up on all her blogs. They are quite long but great to read. I'm so thankful to God that he has brought her into my life. It's really funny how He did that too...

  I knew her from interning at Animal Companion Clinic during my senior year of high-school. I didn't know anything about her personal life except her rooming with another co-worker. I tried to keep things very professional so I could get a good reputation for my scholarship. She was always such a sweetheart and I always loved her short blond hair with all her little clips. I've wanted short hair but never had the "balls" to chop it off...still don't till this day. Anyway...time went on and I finished my intern, graduated, and started community college. During that time I moved out of my parents, moved to my girl-friends, and had a interesting break-up to my high-school sweetheart boyfriend.  I then fell-in-love with the greatest man, husband, and father of my son. (How we met is another long story.) Well...to make a long story short. My husband was friends with her and her husband way before i ever knew them. And then when I married my husband, i became close with them as well...It's funny how things work out. Now her and I are like sisters. We talk everyday about endless things. I enjoy every moment I can get with her since she lives 3 1/2 hrs away. I'm praying someday soon we'll all move somewhere close. 

Well...i could babble on and on but I just read my devotional and in the prayer saying..."may I say what is needed and leave the rest in Your hands. 

  Lord, may you help me to listen to you and to say less. May you guide me through my day and give me strength. Thank you for my 'thorn' and for helping me realize it. Through you all things are possible!   Amen 

Re-Reading

  I was re-reading my friends blog about what were thankful for. I know most people only really focus on such thankfulness on Thanksgiving Day but we should always give God thanks everyday. Here's my list of what I'm thankful for: God (of course), my Husband, Son, Family, Friends, Pets, a wonderful roof over my head and a great place for my family to lay their heads each night. And yes...my Husband comes after God. In God's word He said that your husband should come first. I truly adore and love my husband...yes sometimes he can be frustrating but that's God's way for us to learn unconditional love. I've been reading in a devotional called A Woman After God's Own Heart written by Elizabeth George and her passages are very touching. There is one that I seem to keep re-reading. 

  Coming Home to Me!

"If company were coming you'd do a little something to freshen up, wouldn't you?  Well, your husband is more precious ans special than company! Run a comb through your hair, freshen your makeup, and change your clothes so he's not seeing the same old jogging outfit you had on when he left in the morning. Put on a bright color and some lipstick. A spritz of perfume wouldn't hurt either. The most important person in your life is about to walk through the door. Prepare the children too so he receives a warming, loving welcome. Martin Luther once said, "Let the wife make her husband glad to come home!" What great advice!  
 "Lord, some days are so harried that it's hard to take the time to look good for my man. I'm going to pay more attention to how I look when I greet him. I want him to know how much I love the fact that he comes home to me.   Amen"

  That passage has been such an inspiration to me. I have been getting ready every since I've read that. I've done my hair, makeup, and even make the bed before he comes home. And let me tell you...I have recently noticed a difference. He has been more loving, cuddly, and actually helping out around the house when I get behind with the work. It's also been making our love-making more passionate and frequent! Te he...

  Lord, thank you for all the thorns you've given me and for giving me the strength each day to cope with them. Thank you Lord for my wonderful husband. May you guide his ways and make him the man You want.   Amen

Still Going & Going!

Well...here I am again. Day three of blogging. So far going well. Today is quite the busy day. I'm watching my autistic sister-in-law for the day. I arrived at 5:30am. So far I've picked-up around the house, dishes, breakfast for her-myself-and my son, swept the kitchen, changed several diaper for both, wiped the table, and made beds. Whew...I'm already pooped. But I've quickly learned after having my son that a mother's work is never done. I do feel a sense of pride for accomplishing so much by 10:00am. Oh and even before I got here I made my husband's lunch, got myself ready, packed toys and the diaper bag, and fed our two dogs and cat. It's really amazing what we can handle in a day. Well...with God's help anything is possible. 

"Lord, thank you for my thorn! Help and guide me through my day. May you give me the strength I need to watch over my loved-ones. May you grant traveling mercies to my in-laws as they fly and enjoy their day in San Fransisco to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday.Thank you for this day and keep everyone safe."                                  Amen

Well...this entry won't be as long. Motherhood duties await! Although I am feeling much better and so in my son. Still couching and sneezing but that's easier to manage.  

Good Morning!

  Well...it's an overcast morning. And for me it's always hard to stay motivated and upbeat. I'm a person that thrives on sunshine. Every morning after feeding the dogs and cat, I open all the blinds in the house. I've read somewhere that this also helps the body adjust from night to day better. I should look into that more and see if there are any real health benefits to it.
   

  "Thank you Lord for my 'thorn' this morning. Thank you for helping me cope with and realizing my 'thorn'. I pray that you guide my way today and always."

  I've had a cold for five days now and my son has had it for a week. Poor thing. We're still couching, sneezing, and congested. I'm praying that we'll be healed soon. It's been a year since my last cold...Thank God! But my poor little guy...it's his first cold and his body is really trying to heal itself. On a lighter note...he is sleeping more. Sleep is so good for him and me right now! Yeah for more sleep! 
   

Letting Go Mentally/Physically

  Well...here I go! I'm new to this blogging thing. I got inspired by a close friend. I'm going to be following her blog and writing my reflections here.  
  
  Her recent blog was on thanking God about our "thorns" in our lives. Upon reading her blog I then realized I had several of my own thorns to deal with. My major "thorn" is letting go emotionally of past experiences and forgiving those whom have affected my life in a drastically negative way.  (I will not mention any personal names) And upon realizing these things and realizing that I'm having a difficult time letting go...God has given me a physical "thorn" so that I can work on my emotional ones. It is hard at times to see God's way in all this...but I think I'm getting the picture. I have to fully give up everything to Him and He will guide my way. 


  "I thank you Lord for my "thorns" and I give my life and everything in it up to you today and forever."