If Mary and Joseph had a Facebook

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did! :}

Saying Yes this Season!

December can be such a busy month!

It seems like my calender is always full of cmas parties, ornament exchanges, playdates, christmas plays to see, full of plans~ all with good intentions to be around your family and friends! How could this ever be a bad thing?

Well for my home it is... rushing my children by myself or alone leads to stress..which leads me to be a bit cranky! (okay, alot cranky)

I am a home body... I love to be home..to have easy sweet relaxed days of cleaning, school, loving..cooking....placing my husband and children first  ;)

My children suffer rushing here to there..although they always have fun, they dont always get to run their energy out or get to have time with me alone.. when they get out of their routine of chores, free time of playing ..its very hard to get them back into a good routine! Free time becomes boring when once they were so creative with their ideas to play together... so willing to serve our family with their chores becomes...ohhhh mom, do I have to?

 And a good routine is very important to have the days I crave: relaxed!

I also spend much more money: bringing a dish, gift, gas..rushing to figure what to do for dinner and alot of times I will just grab takeout! Which is not the best option for our family at all! Its expensive and unhealthy!

There is such a peace in my heart when I wake up knowing there is no where I need to rush to.. a clear calender is refreshing to me!

Its not even December yet and my days have been busy due to the holidays..

I said yes to help with our Homeschool co-op cmas party

I said yes to help come over and create center pieces

I said yes to bring a dish

I said yes to come the day before and decorate our church

I said yes to prayer meetings and playdates

I had to schedule an apt for my hair, to get ready for the holidays!

I already had it planned that I need to find the perfect Christmas card and send it to everyone I know!

Those are only a few things I said YES to..

Never once did I say, let me think about that and ask the Lord if I would be able to commit~

The enemy loves it when we rush to say yes to things...

So for this Christmas season I will be saying lots of "Thank you for inviting me but I wont be able to make it"

I am saying YES to the Lord to guide my days..

I am saying Yes to my family

I am saying yes to anything spontaneous my husband would like to do!

Ofcourse this doesnt mean I will be saying NO to everything... and completely leave everything empty.. but I will go over my calender and free it up and not try to add anything new.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord”(Psalm 37:23)  

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

If we fill up our days with our own plans, this leaves no room for the Lord to guide us.

Have you been super busy in the past during the holidays? Or have you freed up time and seen how refreshing it is?

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass … Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:4,7)

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Bring on the Holiday Cheer!

Thanksgiving arrived and passed so quickly! Its our tradition to take the time over our long holiday wknd to start decorating the house for Christmas. I also start filling my home with Christmas music.

Here are some ways to bring holiday cheer to your home!

I found 2 great sources for Christian Christmas Music, free online:

KLOVE Christmas player

&

CBN Radio

My favorite ornaments for the tree are ones that my children and I made together. Pulling them out each year is like bringing a memory to our tree! My children ooo and ahh over the ornaments they created!  

Here is a how~to video for creating adorable ornaments from Shoshanna, owner of Bulk Herbs (daughter of the Pearls, authors I love!)

These ornaments fill your home will a wonderful Christmas scent! Enjoy!

Season Greetings!!

 

When do you start decorating?

Weekend Quote

I Work For a King

"I work for a King. He has put me in charge of his home. When He comes to see how I have managed His possessions and His children, I do not want to be found wanting. I want to do my best. Everything I have is on loan from Him. I have room and board and a job to do, but it is all for Him. Therefore I want to dress my best and do my best in all my work. I also want to be creative, for this is a sincere attempt to glorify Him and His beautiful creation. How I manage my home is a form of worship to Him." {Lydia Sherman}

What are you Thankful for? *link up*

Thanksgiving week is here! Its probably one of my favorite times of the year for many reasons.. we always need a boost in reminding ourselves what we can thank the Lord for. I believe we need to be thankful daily..when big problems over take our life like a dark cloud, get from underneath it and count your blessings!

I recently went through a tough trial in my own life..some days I could feel the enemys attacks to lose hope, that God wont help me...ect. All LIES! But his attacks are relentless even if your not in a trial. To get away from his attacks I started to write a list of thankfulness to the Lord.. I could feel the fiery arrows lose their fire.

What are you thankful for this year? Write out your list and remind yourself often.. keep adding to your thankful list.

Here are a few things I am thankful for:

I am thankful for my faith in Christ who has shown me that He does give peace in storms, He is worthy to trust..He is my Rock!

I am thankful for my husband who loves to be with his family and works hard always putting us first.

I am thankful for 3 blessings sent from above who are healthy, thriving and growing in the Lord!

I am thankful for homeschooling...for God leading me and opening my eyes...for taking our days and showing us His way, His routine..my teaching style and my childrens learning style.

I am thankful for the trees in my backyard..looking out the windows and watching the trees sway and the big willow tree brings so much beauty to my day!

I am thankful for my brother who came to live with us..watching Christ transform him has been amazing..

I am thankful for God answering prayers to grow closer to Him and to learn His ways..they are always so much better then mine!

I am thankful for attending the Above Rubies retreat in October where I gained so much wisdom!

I am thankful that God cares so much about women, how he has made their duties as a wife and mother our ministry.. I am daily home with my family; loving, cooking, teaching and cleaning...and while I do my work I serve Him! I have the GREATEST & most important job in the world!

"Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done." Colossians 2:7

Here is an idea so everyone in your home can count their blessings this Holiday!

****Bloggers, Join me and link up your own Thankful list!****

Post the link back to here so others can join.










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A Christmas Idea to Spread HIS LOVE!

May I grab your attention for a few moments to discuss Christmas? I think its crucial to speak on the meaning of Christmas.. for the world it seems to be a motto: go broke and buy many, many gifts for your children, family, friends. Stores send out big catalogs of toys galore for our children to create an I WANT list. Walmart advertises their layaway ad, again many toys and video games suggested for PERFECT gift ideas.

This saddens my heart... because I spent a few years buying and filling presents under the tree for my children. I also told the lie of santa. When I became a born again Christian, I had new glasses on..new eyes to see.. The Lord touched my heart and spoke, Santa is fake but there is a real and true miracle: JESUS! HE ALONE is WORTHY TO CELEBRATE!

Things have changed in my home especially during Christmas.. we went from buying tons of gifts to only a few from 2nd hand stores. We wanted our children to appreciate a gift and not something in a pretty box that was overpriced. This year we decided to just pick 1 gift for each child..I was thinking a dart board for my oldest, a sewing kit for my daughter and my youngest some toy cars that he would like. But this plan has changed...

First I would like to say that when I became a Christian there has been 1 main prayer the Holy Spirit has put on my heart:
Lord Jesus, give my children a passion to serve you, show them how to serve you Lord!

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

My heart is heavy for my children to grow with a passion for others.. to love to give, that it is a gift in itself. I want my children to be a servant for Jesus! I will never forget hearing the man from Gospel for Asia say these words: Esther was not placed in a palace to enjoy luxury but to save her people.. we are also not placed in a rich, country to enjoy luxury...but to save God's people! how true!!

He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse. Proverbs 28: 27



I came to know GOSPEL FOR ASIA through my church and I love this ministry. We recieved their Christmas catalog and my children and I love looking thru it and reading the stories.. how thankful the people are to recieve chickens or a cow. How these gifts are sharing CHRIST LOVE! There are so many people who do not know who Jesus is.. can you imagine?
As we looked at the catalog my children said, "we do not want our gift.. lets send chickens and rabbits and maybe a mosquito net!!!!" {these nets keep families safe from malaria carrying mosquitos}

Lets burden our childrens hearts for others! Send a gift that can change a family...that could win souls!!! Plant seeds in our children to serve, give and to impact the world!

The enemy cannot stand people who give and deny self, like our King!

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you. Deuteronomy 16: 17

Please take a few moments and watch this short video:







Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect [that is, have that spiritual maturity which accompanies self-sacrificing character], go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be My disciple. Matthew 19: 21

Visit www.gfa.org today:

request a catalog or view it online.

Watch videos, show them to your children..

P R A Y with your family!

linked with:

The Amazing Clove!

I recently had a tooth crack and fall apart..an old filling from my childhood must have came out and made my tooth very frail. I didnt get a chance to rush to the dentist with being a busy mom and lack of childcare. But when I put it off, the exposed root would start to throb in pain. I experienced 2 evenings of the worst pain I had ever felt before! There is nothing worse then a toothache.. it can make you feel nausated and cause an instant headache. With prayer I found a good dentist who is taking care of my tooth, praise the Lord! But with this pain it lead to a discovery.. C L O V E S!

My friend gave me a clove to chew on in the spot where I had pain, it became warm and tingling numb...soothing away all the pain. It was amazing! I was amazed, yet again something God put on this earth to take care of us. Even teeth! What an A W E S O M E God He is! :}

She told me that clove oil was even better and can be bought at Walgreens and CVS. Bought a little bottle right away!

This also got me researching.. what else can clove oil do?

This is what I found:

Headache: mix with salt, and apply on the forehead.

Earache: mix warm clove oil and sesame oil, dip with cotton ball and squeeze into the ear.

Immune System: Both clove and clove oil are useful for boosting the immune system. Cloves have antiviral properties, the ability to purify blood increases your resistance to diseases.

Respiratory Problems: cooling and anti inflammatory effect, and clears the nasal passage. The expectorant can be useful in various respiratory disorders including coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, and tuberculosis. Chewing a clove bud can also ease sore throats!

The list for natural healing goes on from nausea, stress, cuts, scrapes, bug bites, stings, bad breath. When used in the mouth, you can only use a small amount because it can burn. I rubbed quite a bit on my tooth and it worked perfectly.

Clove oil can help babies with teething.. I know I wish I would have known to use this! It worked wonderfully on my awful tooth ache!
Read more about natural remedies for teething babies here: teething natural relief

in India, clove oil was added to a small cotton ball and put at the end of the tooth which had a cavity, they applied daily before sleeping. The cavity would vanish in a few days! I am going to give this a try since my oldest has a few cavities <:(

You can find cloves at any grocery store in the spices. Have you tried clove oil, if so, would love to hear how it worked for you!

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)

Linked with:
http://womenlivingwell.org/

A Preview of Blog Post to Come!

I have so many ideas I want to blog about with all of you but not alot of time! So I thought I would give a preview of blog post to come!


Above Rubies Retreat~  I was able to attend the Above Rubies retreat, the wisdom I gained will forever impact my life. I took alot of notes and many thoughts were inspired.. If you havent subscribed to Above Rubies magazine, which is free..I highly suggest you do! {http://www.aboverubies.org/} It was amazing to be under the teachings and wisdom from Nancy Campbell, and a bonus to pick her up from the airport and spend time with her. ;}


First Aide in Natural Care: At my Above Rubies retreat we had the option of a class in natural care workshop.. This is an area where I am highly passionate about! I love how the Lord provided so much on this earth to take care of our families and in the same time build our immune systems! I will be sharing what I learned for burns, stings, flu, ear infections, colds.. just in time for winter!


Our story: My husband and I made an awful mistake after my 3rd son was born..we cut off life and my husband had a vascsectomy. Here I will share why we did the procedure and how the Lord has opened our eyes and thru the Word what the Lord says about children and families.


Simple ways to bring in healtier food: Another area God is schooling me on, food! Mans food vs Gods food! Organic is expensive but it doesnt have to be~


What I am reading: from time to time I love to share what books I am reading..I am always reading and always have a wish list ready! Cant wait to share with you some treasures I found...would love to do a link up and ask you to share the books you love and dislike.

If you are a blogger, would love for you to comment here on blog post to come from you!

Since I deleted my facebook, please stay connected: subscribe by email!

Goodbye Facebook!

There is a new addiction growing in our world today, the internet and media.

Why is the internet/media an addiction?

Look around, I often seen men and women online using their cell phones in the car, sometimes while driving (yikes) at the park, store..everywhere! Constantly texting. I also seen a preview to a show about labor, one of the moms texted right thru it! Why is interent a problem? Its a problem because its distracts you from life, from the people around you..moments are passing by, our children are growing older and older. It also takes away those quiet moments with Jesus. Each time we get a moment of peace and quiet we could be resting in Him, praying, reading his word..


This addiction isnt something that I myself just see but struggle with too! I love connecting with friends and family, sharing and viewing photos, writting a blog or reading other wonderful ladies thoughts. I can look up herbal remedies, any recipe in seconds.. I love the internet! But when I do get online..minutes go by..time ticks away and I have wasted a whole hour online..doing what? It feels so wasted..the guilt kicks in big time for me. The people who suffer are the most precious to me, My Lord, my husband, my children, my home.. I could have read some pages from a good book, played on the floor with my children, emptied the dishwasher..ect.


Realizing I had a hard time with the internet, an addiction was the best wake up call. I continually give it Jesus to help me. I also set up some boundries and rules for myself:


Never will I own a cellphone that has internet, its blocked. Why would this be a rule? Because its way too easy to get online for me.


Never will I allow myself to get online in the morning, especially when I have not spent time with God in prayer and in His word.


I also used to have facebook text me my updates..turned off.


This is the time of my life, a home with young children and I want to create as many memories everyday with my family. I would never want my children to look back and remember me on the internet or on my cell phone.

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."


These rules I set for myself were good..but its not my personal best..

 "Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better best." learned this quote from Elizabeth George and I always remember it! 

After much prayer I felt my heart feel convicted to step away from media as much as possible. Not only from internet but from texting as well. I am saying goodbye to Facebook.

My church showed us parents a movie about the evil in media (you can view a preview of this movie:Shattered) and this also pushed me to step away. Never will I allow my children to text nor have a facebook. First I need to set a strong example.

Ofcourse I will miss connecting with friends and family but this is when you die to your needs, wants, likes, dislikes and take up the Lords. As soon as I deleted facebook and let my family know that I will be texting alot less, the Lord gave me great peace.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13



How do you handle the internet, texting, tv? Do you struggle like me? Have you said goodbye to facebook? Would love to hear!

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Why I love toys everywhere!

When I first glance at my floors there is always one sure thing to be found: toys! At my house, you better watch your step because my children love legos, lincoln logs, those tiny cars.. and OUCH if you do step on one!

At first I would be super irritated seeing the toys spread out all over (Especially when I just cleaned the next room) and noticing my children onto another room, emptying another basket or tote full of toys. I would even scream..."get this picked UP!" ((yikes))

I cringe at how quickly I got mad.. how quickly my voice raised..

Why do I cringe? I cringe because I wasnt being a loving or an understanding mamma.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.


I looked at the situation completely wrong. I began to pray as most weary and tired mothers do.. Lord, how can I keep my home clean??

He was quick to give me His view!

My dear child, look at those toys..they are everywhere! They are using the imagination that I gave them! Those toys are evidence of pretending, sharing, building, being creative.. those toys are proof that your children arent spending time on the computer, tv, video games. Their minds are working and learning each time they PLAY!

Oh wow, Lord.. I never looked at it that way! Thank you for opening my eyes once again!

I also see how I love to be creative in the kitchen..how my husband loves to build..how my love of books are scattered here and there.. I learned to be neat, pick up my mess..I am an adult! My children arent allowed to leave their big messes all over for days on end, we pick up at the end of the day or maybe a break from lessons..I help them like they help me around the house~ But now I encourage my children, I stop to see what they are creating, playing..I stop to smile and tell them how much I love what they have made or how lovely they are playing together.. I stop to play along! I even notice that yes you must empty out the basket of toys because that one important lego might be in there!!! :}

It completely changed our home atmosphere once I changed my attitude.. My children are happier and always proud to show me what they are playing... their imaginations keep me an awe!

Love the toys mommas! There is a time when your home will be neat and clean.. but now is the time to love those messes~

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Simple Egg Skillet

The name says it all: a super easy and tasty skillet.


Love to make this for a big lunch on the weekends..or an easy and cheaper meal during the week.


All you need:
Salt & pepper
Green pepper &/or Green onion
Tater tots
Eggs
Cheese


Start by baking the tater tots, I dont usually use the entire bag, but its up to you ;)


I use about a dozen of eggs, sometimes I am missing one or two..I like to add alittle milk, salt, pepper..


scramble your eggs..



love green pepper mixed with my eggs!



Add the baked tater tots, top with cheese~

leftover pink plates from my daughters birthday ;}

Refined and Polished

"God has gold nuggets and diamonds everywhere in His Word, but we must dig them out. And, just like the precious gems and metals when they are first pulled out from the ground, the treasures of God's word need to be polished and refined in order to have the brilliance they are capable of revealing. Every time you go over one of God's promises in your heart, it will become more refined and polished in you and shine more brightly in your soul." ~Stormie Omartian from the power of a praying woman.

Welcome to His Loving Presence *Blog Party*

Welcome to His Loving Presence blog!

My name is Sarah beth, I am 26 and married to Jon for 7 years. We were married on the water and still to this day he is my best friend. I have 3 children who have brought so much joy into my life! Being a wife and a mother is my ministry and number 1 to me.

I grew up in the city near detroit Michigan. When I was around 12 we moved to the country, I remember it was awful at first. Now I love the country and I am at country girl at heart..married to a country boy! God always suprises us with His plan and He moved us to Nevada. We have been living here for over 3years. My husband got an incredible job offer and paid training in commerical refrigeration.

I love the mountains but miss the greeness of Michigan and the woods! We hope to move back, if it fits in God's plan.

I am a homeschool mamma. Which is something I never thought I would do. My oldest went to kindergarden then 1st grade. I started to notice things I didnt like and finally felt the Lord burden my heart to homeschool. I am so glad I listened, I know it is my calling now...I LOVE teaching my children! Having them home around me and growing their bonds with their siblings has been amazing. I pick and choose different books to teach and I am leaning towards Charlotte Mason method.

If you walked into my home you would see that I try to keep my home pretty~my word for an attempt to be perfectly clean but not! Candles will be lit and you may step on legos or a lincoln log or both! Music of southern gospel will fill the air and children will run, giggling with an occasional cry. You will also meet 3 animals, Wilson a St bernard, Bella, alil black dog mix of doberman and lab and one orange cat, romeo!

I take my job seriously and I trully feel like the CEO of my home! {:

I love to read...books, books, books! My favorite books are ones about prayers, what the Lord says about being a wife and a mother..ect.

I have been blogging for over a year now. I pray that the Lord would show me what He wants me to blog about here. My main hope is to encourage other women as wives, keepers of the home, mothers and in homeschooling. For our homes to be a place of peace and love for one another..for women to know that when you follow the Lord's ways you are strong and not weak.

I am far from perfect..the only perfect thing about me is Jesus. My love overflows for Him..learning His ways and ridding of mine is a daily task and goal for me.

Ever since I started reading my Bible straight from page 1 to the very last page it has been a life changing journey. I have gained wisdom and my eyes have been opened to truth. Whatever I blog about here will be from God's word.

I hope that you will follow me and together encourage one another as a woman after God's own heart!

Here are my Favorite past blogs:
Blessing in my life:hubby!

Facial Mask, natural

You are a Strong Woman!

Children and TV

Lopsided Washcloths

Homeschool

Did you know?

Did you know, there is a man who loves you so very much that He was beaten, mocked and killed for you?

He knows that life on this earth is not easy... he is reaching out his hand to you, hoping you will take it and follow him.

His ways are simple and good.. they mean eternal life.

He brings peace to your soul during troubled times.. He guides you thru the storms of life and fills your cup heaping full of incredible blessings.

Oh wont you take up the cross and follow Him? Let him open your eyes to truth. He wants to teach you!

Jesus will change you..

oh how I love him, my heart overflows with praise!



Invite Him into your heart today.

Jesus Loves you Bags

As a mommy I really want to raise children who are not spoiled but far from it, to be thankful for the simple things they are blessed with. A home & a meal are trully blessings..!

To plant seeds of selfishlessness I pray to Jesus to guide me.. "show me Lord how I can raise them to care for others and not themselves." Children have a natural tendancy to care for one thing, me!

Matthew 20:28 "Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We live in a city where many homeless are on the corners asking for a few dollars. Whenever we see a person, we gladly give. {I hand a few dollars to my kids and roll the window down :o] }


Whenever I do give a few dollars I dont feel like its enough..there has to be something more we could do. My children and I started to keep the person in our prayers and God lead us to a new idea, a brown paper bag full of essentials.

James 2:8 Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's command, "You must love and help your neighbors just as much as you love and take care of yourself."

we call them, Jesus Loves You Bags!

Here is what we put in our bags of love:

All from the Dollar Store

                                 

         Mini New Testament Bibles

     Dental Floss

     Dry Snacks

    Hand sanitizer

     Water Bottle

There are so many other ideas that you could do. I kept with things that would last in the bag, so we could keep a box full in my truck. Here is some other ideas, sandwiches, fruit, mouth wash, gift certificate, gloves and ear muffs in the winter..the list goes on!!

I had my children put the bags together..

Made everything exciting for them!

So cute to watch!

All ready to be handed out! We wrote on the bags, Jesus loves you!

While making the bags, my children kept saying how great their hearts felt, aww!1 John 3:18 Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.

Praying for our children to have a passion to serve Jesus is a must!

How do you raise your children to care for others? Would love to hear!

Linked up with:
Women Living Well
Our Simple Country Life



Reno Air Races

We are apart of our church's homeschool co-op. Our homeschool co-op provides field trips and we were very excited to attend the Reno Air Races yesterday. Every year in September this event takes place, the children and I watch them practice every year and have watched from a nearby park {the races are expensive}. This year we were so excited to go with fellow homeschoolers/friends for free!

We had a wonderful time and were allowed to go into the pits..where we spent most of our time. We camped out, watched and ate lunch.

We then headed on over to the bleachers and really enjoyed watching the airplanes fly by. The day was ending very soon.. before we knew it the time was 3:00 and the races ended about 4:30. While the planes vibrated and roared by, I felt prompted to pray. Thinking to myself, I thought..well an accident could happen but probably wont.. ignored my feelings of doubt and prayed 5 times for my family and friends to have a safe & fun day. After praying I felt peace about it and focused on my children and the races.

My friend and I were pretty tired at this point, from walking and the hot nevada sun. Our one friend had invited us to go to the planes our kids could in but we just wanted to stay til it was over..comfortably on the bleachers! Time went by...my friends daughter had to go to the bathroom and we decided to leave the bleachers and see what else there was to do..we had gained some energy!

Thanking the Lord we decided to leave the bleachers... 30 mins or so later a plane had crashed near the bleachers. It was shocking and sad.. I couldnt believe it really had happened. When the plane crashed we were in a big army plane completely safe but devastated for the pilot and his family. We were unsure of where it landed or if anyone was hurt. Everyone was asked to leave... there was ambulances, firetrucks and police everywhere.. thousands of people all trying to leave at once. It was an awful way to end a great day.

I finally thought back to my prayers of safety.. in awe that i was prompted to pray like that. Please never dismiss your instincts..if something ever feels silly to pray for. Take a moment and give it to the Lord instead of leaving it to chance. We know that the Holy Spirit prays for us: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26

Later we found out that the plane did crash near where we were sitting and injured many people. As of right now 3 people have died including the pilot..there are many in the hospital. Please take a few minutes to pray for those who are hurt.



I praise God for keeping my friends and family safe, we serve an AWESOME God!

Learn from my story and do not dismiss your instincts!! Please share if you have ever felt prompted to pray..

I know this made national news but here is Reno's news on the crash, http://www.mynews4.com/mostpopular/story/BREAKING-Latest-Information-on-the-Galloping/YXDWyolFZ0SGtz4QsIoZ1A.cspxs

A letter to Mammas

Here is a letter I recieved via email from Nancy Campbell from Above Rubies. Its a letter to all moms and very encouraging..she sends emails out and a free magazine that has been such a blessing to me! This letter needs to be shared..

Dear Sarah Beth, Shining with God’s love,



May the blessings of the Lord fill your heart and your home. May God fill you with His strength, patience and anointing as you nurture your three children, Draven, Alyssa and Jayce, the children whom God has so graciously given to you. Each one is a special gift from God, aren’t they?




Sarah Beth, you are doing a mighty work. There is nothing greater that you could be doing in the whole of the world. Your work is for eternity. Your children are eternal souls who will live forever. Not only are you training them for the purposes God has for them in this world, but you are also preparing them for the eternal world! Wow! What a mission!


How blessed you are to have your children around you. I know that you often feel overwhelmed, but I want to remind you that in the midst of all the frustrations and tiredness, that this is a very precious time of your life. It was the most precious time of my life. I look back and remember the times I felt “so tired” and yet I can’t think of anything in my life that has been more meaningful and more joyful than those wonderful days.




Don't endure each day, but seek to make it special. You will never have these days with your children again. They are for such a short time. Enjoy them. Revel in them. You may feel that you are not accomplishing a lot each day, but there are years ahead to do all the projects you want to do. But at the moment, your lovely children are your priority. I remember thinking as I watched my children, “I will never forget them at this moment,” but the years have gone and I can't recall many of those moments. They are now all married and raising their own children and currently we have 34 grandchildren.




Back in those days I remember reading the thoughts of another mother and they were a comfort to me. She said, "These are the never years. Never enough money, never enough time, never enough sleep - but always enough love. The sweetest kiss of a baby the tooth-paste-flavored kiss of a child on his way to school (sadly, homeschooling wasn't in process in those days 40 years ago); the sleepy kiss of a husband who is just as tired as you.


These are the busy years, the wonderful, hectic, impossible years. Soon the children will be grown and I'll have plenty of time to organize my house, to sew and to cultivate outside interests. I wonder if it will be as wonderful as I sometimes dream it will? Or am I in the middle of the wonderful years... right now?"


Yes, you are in the wonderful years now. I look back on the years when all my little brood were under my wings (or I should say, under my legs and in my arms and one or other of them needing me at every moment) and they were definitely the most blessed years of my life. At one stage I had three in 17 months! That's because I had twins although they are now 45 years old! Then I had four children in less than four years. So I can certainly relate to how you feel at the moment.


We eventually had six, although we have since adopted some teenagers from Liberia. But six children never seemed very many. Nearly every day my husband and I say to each other, "Where are the rest of our children? I wish we'd had twelve!" It just seems like one blink of an eye and they have all grown up and married.




I love some of the beautiful names God calls our children. Isn't this a lovely one? The "beloved fruit of the womb." (Hosea 9:16) Not just the "fruit of the womb", but also the "beloved fruit of the womb." The context of this passage is God’s judgment, because of their wicked works, was to destroy the beloved fruit of their womb, but it reveals how God views children and also how the early Hebrews felt about their children.




Here's what some of the other translations way...
NIV, Cherished offspring
RV, Beloved children
NAS, Precious ones
NEB, Dearest offspring
JER, Darlings
NAS, Treasures of the womb.
Now there are some good names to call your children!

Hebrews 11:7 is a great Scripture, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

For 100 years, Noah did the same old thing - hammered, nailed and keep on building his ark. He didn't have time to do all the things that everyone else was doing. He just kept on slogging and being faithful, doing the same thing every day for all those years - but in doing so he condemned the world. Yes, he changed the world because he stuck with the job he was given to do! He changed the world by doing the same thing day after day after day. And at the same time he saved his family!

You may feel that you are just doing the same old thing every day, but as you are faithful to raise godly children, and build an ark for the saving of your house, you will condemn the world around you. You are accomplishing far more than those who go out to seek a worldly career to the detriment to their highest calling. Your influence goes on into the generations and even into eternity.

Isn't it amazing that our daily faithfulness in the home will have its impact on earth -- and also for eternity? It can change the world! We have to remember that bearing and raising children is a long-term investment - in fact, an eternal one! In a culture where everyone wants everything to happen instantaneously, we must learn to think long term - for the future. So rejoice and be glad in your high and noble calling. YOU ARE CHANGING THE WORLD! Remember, you have the most important career in the nation!


Love from NANCY CAMPBELL, Above Rubies



By the way, are you on my email devotion list? It will encourage and strengthen you as a wife and mother. If not, and you would like to, all you have to do is send a blank email to subscribers-on@aboverubies.org



Blessings,
Sarah beth

Linked with:
Homemaker by Choice

Prayer Basket

Here is an idea I read about in Homeschool Enrichment Magazine. Great Christian magazine!


The idea is a prayer basket. Cut strips of paper in different colors, we cut green, white, red and pink strips.

We used these colors for:
Green: specific prayers for our family and home {peace in our home, kind to one another..ect}
White: Friends
Red: Countries
Pink: Family members

My children and I all grab one from each color. We then pray together. My children find this soo exciting, wondering who and what they will pick! :} Great way to help your children to start praying during the day and feeling excited about prayer! When we have our long break during the day, my children come back to the table grabbing the basket. Its always fun to start the day or resume back to lessons with something fun and powerful!

Blessings,
Sarah beth

Linked up at:
Far Above Rubies
Women Living Well
Our Simple Country Life

First day fun & tips for your Homeschool

Summer is quickly ending {sniff sniff} and when August arrives we slowly begin our homeschool year. I would like to share with you some tips and encourage you! I have a passion for homeschooling, I have to first say that I never planned this for my life, God did. The path for schooling for my children was never prayed for, I had to send my first child to school for a year and half to finally see what the Lord wanted me to do. Pretty sad that he had to YELL for me to hear!

First of all I have to say this, learning is natural. Each day your child is learning. They are processing information, building, using their imaginations, trial and error.. And God created our children to be this way. Children are so incredibly smart and their interest in the world around them facsinates me.. they love to learn!!

Mothers, do not stress yourself and try to make your homeschool a mini public school at home. One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Ruth Beechick:

"Homeschooling is naturally natural. Dont work too hard on making it artifically schoolish."

First day Fun
Last year we took a field trip to the childrens hands on muesum..it was alot of fun! We have started lessons but our offical day is coming up soon, my children are hoping for another trip to the muesum~ I love making the 1st day special!

We also like to dress up & take 1st day photos~

My goodness my children have grown so much in a year!

A new tradition will be a tasty breakfast! We will be trying Overnight Crockpot Oatmeal & warm Apple Butter on hot biscuits.

Our Routine

First thing, this is not exactly how my day goes everyday. The best thing about homeschooling is being flexible. I use this guide when we get off track and it is my hope for a normal day.  

Our homeschool day begins with two B's: Breakfast & Bible. Its such a joy for me to sit down and enjoy breakfast with my children while discussing a Bible story and scriptures.

After we break for chores. I joyfully clean along side my children praising them for their hard work and help. I also pray over them to have happy hearts. My children know that they are needed in our family and we trully love their help. Stick to age appropriate chores. All of my children are expected to make their beds. More examples is my oldest son checks on all the trash pails, my daughter may sweep or organize the childrens books, my youngest checks our pets water dish.

Next we meet back up at the table, hold hands and pray for our day and for our homeschool. We usually begin with writting and/or spelling moving on to math.

We take another break..my children usually head outside to play in the sand, swings, run around or complete a puzzle. I like to look to my checklist of cleaning, phone calls or maybe preparing a craft, project or experiment. If i havent already would take my shower and dress for the day. All of my goals for the day with cleaning and schooling our wrote on a whiteboard, read why its an important tool for your home!

Everyone is ready for lunch at this time, we gather together, eat and start reading our history or science lesson. As of right now we have science and history everyother day, one day being history, the next science. :}

We move on to our other subjects, my 4 & 5 year are usually done for the day and work on a craft, maze booklet, color, play or watch an educational video. Usually they are ready to just play! ;} I continue to work with my oldest. Our lessons end around 3pm, the goal is 2pm!

Homeschooling is all about balancing..first and foremost my duties are serving my husband~one way I put him first is providing a neat, sweet smelling home so while my children are working on a lesson I can wipe down the counter, throw dinner in the crockpot, light a candle, sweep....ect. right now one day a week I am folding clothes and while I am folding my children are plopped on the ottomen working on their workbooks or reading to me. I love it!

Most Important Tool

Prayer! Pray over your children while they are learning esp during those moments of frustrations! Pray for God's leading and flow of your day. Pray that he shows you your own teaching style and your childrens learning style. Pray your children have happy hearts and good learning attitudes!

Always remember Homeschooling mom's that Jesus wants to help you! Homeschooling is not easy, we have hard days..He is there for you, lean on Him!

Would love to hear other suggestions and tips, your traditions for the 1st day and your routine! Please share!

Linked up with:
Women living well
Far above Rubies
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2011/08/homeschool-room-virtual-tour-and-link.html
http://raisinghomemakers.com/2011/homemaking-link-up-39/
Our Simple Country Life
Time Warp Wife