Loving the Word!

Some excitement to share, an answer to many prayers! A miny praise report! ~~~

I have prayed ever since I have started to read the Bible that my own family would find God's word precious.

3years ago I rededicated my life to Christ, during that time I wrote him a letter, sometimes writting is easier to pour out your thoughts to Him. In that letter I asked the Lord to please teach me how to be a Godly woman.. His answer was this, read my word from cover to cover.

I did read..it was such a journey, a life changing journey! I became in love with His word and thru the Word, the Holy Spirit has taught me much.

With this excitement, I began to teach my children Bible stories.. their love of God blossomed beautifully. At around the same time, I decided to homeschool and our daily Bible time has been precious.

Meanwhile my husband got saved with me..but he didnt have the lightning effect that I had. Its been a slower journey for him but my prayers have only increased.

3 years later my husband made the commintment to read his entire Bible, I cant tell you how excited it has been for me to see. My heart jumps for joy! I praise God everytime I see my hubby reading away...one night he read for over 2 hours. Praise Jesus.

I hope this encourages anyone that has a husband that isnt quite on fire or verbal like you are about Jesus and the Word. Keep praying, please do not give up...

The Bible is very precious in our home.. my children see me and now their father loving the Word and reading.. this I think helped my children grow up loving the Bible also. My two younger children love Bible time and its so sweet they pretend to read it often. My oldest takes time to study on his own as well...I cant tell you how much I love to see my son reading and soaking in the Word.

My son read the Bible for awhile but then I seen he wasnt reading like he was so I prayed again. The enemy will do everything he can to distract us and keep us away from God's Word.. our prayers for our loved ones are important. The Bible is important! So I started praying and wow...he is on fire again, going to his room, shutting the door so he can read. Thank you Lord!

My biggest hope is that anyone that spends time with me sees how much I love God's word and that inspires them. My brother and my sister are not reading thru the Bible, amazing!

The passion of my son has continued into a collection, a collection of KJV Bibles. He wants to make sure that anyone he meets has a Bible, if they dont, he wants to give one to them.. I hope his collection GROWS!

 

 

Psalm 119:18 "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."

 

Hebrews 4:12  ^"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

 

Psalm 1:2 " But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Joy in the Morning

  
 Morning J O Y~these 2 words bring me comfort, peace, encouragment and a smile.

Let me explain, my own time of tribulation. At night during my many trials I struggled. I would toss and turn with overwhelming worries. Satan threw many fiery arrows (Espesians 6:16) at my weakest time of the day. The air would feel so heavy and hot around me. My mind was in a war with fear, I could feel sweat form on my forehead. I would utter these words, faster and faster, "Jesus, I cast you all my burdens, you do not want me to worry...you have given me a sound mind..take away my fear." I would by the grace of Jesus fall asleep. In the night I would wake again- there the fears would flood in my mind again. Quickly I would pray for peace and fall back to sleep holding on to my Savior.

I would wake in the morning, the promises of scriptures would meet me... Joy in the morning. I was released from the drowning fear, a prisoner set free.

"...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalms 30:5

"Cause me to hear they loving-kindness in the morning." Psalms 143:8

If you have suffered nights with no peace of mind.. maybe you have forgot to do something that you needed to do, maybe you are going over what you need to do the next day, overwhelming guilt where you failed.. going thru a trial and cant see past it? Let me encourage you, to seek His face, pray to Him and give Him all your burdens..He wants to set you free..He wants to give you peace and go a step further with a
gift of J O Y in the MORNING!

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Our Simple Country Life

Be of Good Courage!

To be a good mother sometimes we have to say to our children, "no" and sometimes we have to say "not right now." We say those things because we truly want our children to appreciate the things they have already.. to be thankful when we do say "yes." Our heavenly father is just and perfect in all his ways and he wants us to be thankful for all we have and to count our blessings even in difficult times. He also test our patience and makes us wait. When our prayers are answered we see that everything works out, His time is perfect and there was never a reason to worry and not trust Him completely!


When our family moved to another state for my husbands job we seen that this new state is not where we wanted to live forever..we began to pray the Lord would guide us back home. 3 1/2 years later our prayers were answered at the most perfect time. While waiting we met wonderful friends, we were convicted to homeschool, fell in love with a church and grew incredibly close to our Lord and savior. He had a reason to say, "not now" and I look back on those years and think, wow.. If I had gotten my way, I would have missed out on the Lords incredible path for us!
 

With this in mind I will always be strengthen to wait on the Lord.. He is always teaching us lessons in one way or another, So that we can be wiser, stronger, to trust in Him and to live out the scripture, "walk by faith and not by sight." Not to mention to spread and share our testimonies to encourage others. It may be hard to tell your story for whatever reason but the Lord wants us to share what He has done thru us.

Now I am waiting again on the Lord, for a home of our own. Its only been a month in waiting but when living with others, the time ticks by slowly. But when the enemy wants to bring me down, discourage my husband and me..we are brought quickly back to truth and to our experience on the Lords time. We truly can wait on the Lord and never worry! He cares for our every need! There is a reason, a very good reason why we have not found a home just yet...but I can praise Him all day long for a house, I know He will provide!
           
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." psalm 27:14

Celebrating my journey in the Word

I am celebrating my journey into the Bible, I have not yet finished reading the entire word of God but almost there! Reaching the New Testament was such an exciting moment for me! :} :}

I have been a christian for a long time but my way of thinking and living never reflected Jesus. My thoughts were,  i dont lie, steal.. i pray when I need something..


Then the Lord put me in places in my life where He was the only one I could rely on opening my eyes. 


I remember writing a letter to Him.. praying to be closer to Him..to learn His ways..to be the woman that He wanted and created me to be. I remember feeling very overwhelmed not really knowing how he wanted me to live. So I wrote a lengthy note pouring out all my thoughts.


He anwsered me with this.. read my letter to you from page 1

I obeyed and its been one of the best steps of my life. Reading the Bible has transformed me. I have grown in wisdom and a close relationship with my savior.


If you have not taken the journey of reading the Bible from page 1 then I encourage you to start this goal. You will not be the same!


Reading the Bible has taught me His ways and strengthen my faith. I can teach my children all that I have been learning. I can feel the Holy Spirit guiding me thru temptations and truths, opening my eyes over and over again.


I feel like the woman who found an amazing hair salon, wants to tell everyone to go there because it is so great but for me its my Bible. It is a treasure of mine, our homes daily instruction book, our love letter from our heavenly Father. I want everyone to read the Bible! I want to quote and memorize scriptures all day long. I love every word written, His perfect ways.


The Word of God is Alive, working within you! Whatever problem you may have or advise you seek can be found in the Bible.


 The Bible equips us to serve God: "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"Ephesians 6:17

Charles Stanley author of "When the Enemy Strikes" wrote

"A person cannot live the Christian life with consistency and victory if he does not make a commitment to pursue the truth of God's Word. You must know the commandments and principles of God. The commandments and principles are there in the Bible for you to read, but you must make the intentional effort to read the Bible and to reread it day in and day out, year in and year out, so those commandments and principles become a part of you. You must fully take them into your spirit so that your responses, choices, and decisions are almost automatic according to God's Word."

Maybe you have read the entire Word of God once, but I think that you can never read your Bible from page 1 enough! If its been awhile, start again today!

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Far Above Rubies

A Quote to Start your Week

Its Monday again, a new week! Praise the Lord for this day!

I know Mondays arent the most popular days, I already have a 'to do' list myself! But I know at the end of the day when I see my list checked off, I did my duty as "keeper of the home." A job created for me!

 "That they may teach the young woman to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers of the home.." Titus 2:4-5

I wanted to share with you a quote that I have come to memorize and say to myself often.

"I am my neighbors Bible;

He reads me when we meet..

He may not even know my name,

Yet he is reading me." Pearl Anderson

..."and ye shall be witnesses unto me.." Acts 1:8

I hope that you will do the same and memorize this quote. Each day & moment strive to be a witness for Christ.

Take the extra time to smile

Stop yourself from yelling

Stay calm and patient during a frustrating time

Be in thanksgiving, search for things to praise your Father for, let others hear!

Show Christ is in you to everyone & anyone...family, friends, neighbors, strangers you meet day to day.

Its the little things you do

Start memorizing scriptures and be ready to help someone with the Word

Pray for someone

Say something encouraging

Send a 'thinking of you' note

Bake for your husband or an elderly man/woman

Give your children extra xo's

Start praying for the Lord to help you, ask for him to show you opportunities to be a witness by your behavior, words and gestures. Pray to be a blessing in someones life today!

What are things that you do? Would love to hear!

The Lord provides deals!

When something breaks you dont have to run out and buy something in a hurry! Its been a lesson from the Lord & my husband to be frugal. I am a proud frugal girl now! ;]

I have had things break several times. Right now our poor 4 peice toaster is missing parts like the lever, the writting has rubbed off and it doesnt toast perfectly..but it does get the job done, it toast our bread, just takes a little longer! The pretty stainless steel toaster looks nice and shiny in the stores, but I realize its not something I need. Even if mine looks pretty awful it still does the job and helps remind me to tuck it into the cupboard for more counter space. ;} plus it was free!

Not everything we own needs to be the latest gear and look.

When something does break down and has absloute no use for it, you can wait and pray on the Lord to provide a good product with a good price. My poor dyson gave me 6years of loyal service, scored my dyson will sales, discounts and a coupon..it was a great tool in housecleaning and kept our trucks clean too! For 2 weeks I have been without a vacuum..which is crazy because I used mine almost everyday!

I want to get a vacuum and will..but I want to search and pray for the best deal for my family!  

Its been interesting with no vacuum...been sweeping alot..having the children go around with a small plastic shopping bag to pick up. I even take my big rugs outside and beat them, like the old days! The small rugs have been going in the washer. Its been fun being creative! Its been more work but it will be worth it when I find that good, brings a smile, deal!

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Another item we waited on was my daughters bed. She outgrew her toddler bed and we sold it off craigslist. We searched for a bed at all of the furniture stores but it was either made really cheap or very expensive. So we waited and prayed..

She enjoyed sleepovers in her brothers bedroom, on the floor with sleeping bags..even used the air matress! She had fun and finally the Lord answered our prayers and we found her a beautiful wood day bed with little hearts carved into the wood. like it was made just for her! It was in a showcase home and never been used! It also came with a brand new comfy matress... all for the price of $30.00 What a deal the Lord provided us with! We had sold her little bed for $5 less then her new bed~

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow...." Matthew 6:31-34






Is there anything in your home that isnt perfect or you needed to buy and waited on the Lord to provide? Would love to hear!

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Women Living Well
Our Simple Country Life

Anger is Ugly!

Ever have that feeling when a person wronged you and you want to stand for your right? get even with harsh words? take revenge? think evil thoughts for that person? wanting to make that person pay for what they have done? Begin to yell?  

This can happen in so many ways in our daily lives;
 

*Rudeness from a stranger 

 

*Bad driving

 

*A Company overpaying you on your bill

 

*A service of any kind with a bad turnout, not what was promised or expected {such as lawn care, salons, cleaners, plumber, restaurant}

 

*A friend or family member not being what they should be

 

*Your husband mistreating you

 

*A complaint or put down.

 

We live in a fallen world surronded by people who are not perfect.

 

We need to remember that we are not perfect and are forgiven, so we should be able to understand others faults. things go wrong, words are spoken too quickly!

This has been a problem for me, I am a bit of an "ex diva." I thought, "its who I am!" No, it is a sin.

I was always ready to show my strength with words, rant my rights or dissaproval of what was wrongly said or done to me or my family! even sometimes to my family.. :(

The Lord is working on my heart.. This part is dying and I am so very glad. There are still struggles.. but I have come a long way.

We should not be eager to be angry with others who are christian or non christian. "Dont just pretend that you love others: really love them." Romans 12:9

When we begin to get angry, rude, raise our voice.. its ugly!

James 1:19-20"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."

"Dont quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible." Romans 12:18

Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies writes, "Is it weak to have a gentle and quiet spirit? No. It is a woman of strength who keeps a gentle spirit in the face of harshness and rebuke. It is a strong woman who keeps an even temper when she feels overwhelmed and angry."

She also writes, "Sweet words are becoming to a woman."

Let us stop attacking one another. Let us stop looking to find something to fight about.

Let us be living among eachother with love, patience, prayer and understanding!

Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another."

God thinks of us as precious when we are gentle. I think of my daughter who watches me and how I behave. I would never want to see her 'quick to anger.' This is not easy and this goal needs to be put in prayer, Jesus wants to help you!

I found this prayer from Stormie Omartian
Lord, Help me to be so filled with Your love, peace, and joy that envy over anything never enters my heart or my mind. Help me to be loving and kind at all times so that I never fall prey to the cruelty of my own wrath. Don’t allow the torrential power of anger to wash away my life in a moment of weakness. Give me patience and peace in my heart because I look to You for all I need~ In Jesus Name, Amen

How do you deal with anger? Have you struggled?

Much love, Sarah beth

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Far Above Rubies
Women Living Well
Our simple Country Life
Raising Homemakers

You are a Strong Woman!

I love proverbs 31. God is good to give us ladies a detailed list of what a woman of God should be. I love this woman! Isnt she lovely? OH how I long and strive to be her! I often hear how the Christian woman character is to be meek, gracious, forgiving..  BUT

if you are striving to be a proverbs 31 woman you are also

                                      S T R O N G!

It takes courage to stand up for Christ in this world. Our ways are not popular but often looked at as weak! Its easy to sin...to push away the truth of His word. The world has twisted what it means to be a woman..

Wives tend to nag and complain..lead over her husband..it takes strength to keep calm, to find the joy, forgive and to submit to our husbands. I also have to say that being obediant to God's voice is often hard. But God is faithful and brings you peace and strength each time you submit, even if its something we dont think we can do or want to do. Each time I say yes to Him, I gain confidence, strength! I also see his plan unfold and learn that His ways are always better even if we cannot see right away..each YES I say to Him, the easier it is the next time.

"Walk by faith and not by Sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

You are a strong woman when you make the step to walk by faith!

"Who can find a virtuous woman?" proverbs 31:10

The term "virtuous" is from a noun meaning strength, efficiency, ability.

Girls, never let other people on this earth make you feel weak in your journey to walk with Him. There can be wonderful people who build you up and encourage you..others who are not being serious about their faith do not understand yours. I have had friends in the past, sometimes family members looking down on my choices..sometimes getting down right mad with me! which lead me to doubt. I want to encourage you today to never doubt how wonderful you girls are who chose HIS ways over your own!

"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised." proverbs 31:30


I hope my thoughts today were a blessing and an encouragment! How have you gained strength in the Lord lately?

"The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything." ~author Unknown
 
Blessings, Sarah beth
 
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Children & TV

For the past year I have cut down on my childrens time infront of the tv. If we go a whole day without tv then I jump for joy! I know it doesnt sound like a huge goal but we use to spend alot of evenings watching tv. Especially when my children were younger and I felt incredibly tired after dinner and clean up. My husband also worked nights and it was easier for me to just flip the tv on.

God opened my eyes to the truth concerning the shows on today. Its funny for me to think back and ask myself why I didnt see things before..when Jesus shows you the truth, it really does set you free. What I do not like about tv: many of the shows are about dating and crushes. Why I do not like "crushes" is because I am teaching my children God's word which is to wait til marriage. Its not easy to wait so we will not be dating but waiting on the Lord for Him to show my children who is the one He created for them! Many reasons why my husband have chosen this, maybe another post! You also see alot of girls wearing indecent clothing such as short skirts, short shorts, low shirts, skimpy tank tops. The kids in the show often are always disrespecting their parents and siblings. Seem to focus on having things and the girls are always concerned with how they look. Some shows I find to be scary with the themes of magic. Even in my mind I thought it was harmless and my children knew better, but I should have. What we watch, we model. We start to believe this lie: its harmless. But the truth is that playing around with sin is not harmless at all. Jesus died for our sins!

I also want my children exploring, playing, learning.. when we sit infront of the tv we are not doing anything productive.

There is alot of other things children can be doing instead of tv. Playing outside, puzzles, board games, reading, coloring, help with cooking and baking, taking a walk, gardening, working in the garage alongside daddy, playing games like simon says, I spy {our popular games! lol} playdough, sidewalk chalk, riding bikes, shoveling snow, painting, the list goes on!!

One of my favorite things to say is watch nature, not tv! I love God's creation especially animals. I love to watch them..and hope to pass on the same passion to my children. We have been blessed with many chances to watch nature. One time we had a bunny have babies underneath our deck. We have had plenty of deer in our yard. It was alot easier when we lived in the country. But even now we are taking joy in seeing the animals in our new home state. Wild horses, lizards, bugs, birds, rabbits, groundhogs even snakes.

I bought my children a small bug keeper with a vent built all around, they love to catch different bugs and study them for a few hours..even caught a lizard once. We throw alot of old bread outside and wait to see all the different birds come to snack..sometimes bunnies will join too. Its so fun to watch thru the glass!

Ask the Lord today if there is any movies or shows that He doesnt want your child to watch. Pray that the tv is on less. we should always be giving our goals to Him. He wants to help us! Before clicking the tv on, ask yourself..is there something else the kids can do right now??

Much love,
Sarah beth

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Always Learning!

God is always faithful and its sweet to trust in Him. I am always learning and growing closer to Him, maturing in my faith.

I recently had to fly back home with my oldest son, he had a scheduled visit with his bilogical father. When I knew the time was coming up I was nervous like always. Its a big trip if we fly or drive. Working out the details with my husbands job and with my youngest two children can be a big task itself. As the time got closer it was clear to me that this trip I would fly alone with my oldest, leaving my other two children at home with my brother and husband. I was happy the details were working out smoothly but deep down I had anxiety about leaving my home, husband and children. I really love being home and I hate to leave. I dont like to be away from my husband either, i miss him terribly! I kept thinking once my son is with his dad it will just be me..how weird will that be! It scared me! I also had thoughts about my children being taken care of here, who would do my daughters hair!? lol What would they have for dinners and lunch? I started to pray and gave all my worries to Him.

I think as a wife and mother you become so used to your routine and taking care of everyone that its hard to imagine stepping back. Slowly I thought about all the postives for this upcoming trip... time spent with my almost 2 year old neice, visiting with my mom and sisters...enjoying the flight and time alone with my oldest..

The trip has come and gone and now my son and I are safely back at home! I can honestly say that yes I missed my husband dearly and my children but the trip was wonderful.. I accomplished alot of things and made incredibile memories with family...I enjoyed one on one with my neice and the chance to grow our bond! Back at home, my husband accomplished alot as well..I came home to alot of projects and a very clean home...the kids were proud to show me all that they did together. ;} All in all, it was a bittersweet trip! I have to say that I am thankful to God for providing the time that I got to spend with family. I am always learning to let go and let God take over!

The road of life bends and twist around..sometimes it can be scary.. I am really learning that if you trully give every situation to Him he will hold your hand and change your heart. Whatever we may be going through now or in the future we can trust in Jesus to get us through it!

Here are some photos of my trip!

Me, my mom, sisters and my neice

My mom and me!

my sister and best friend, Jessica

My sweet neice and me!

Such a great flyer, loves the window seat. He was great company! treasured our time!