This week at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee you can look forward to:
(I'm planning on getting a Motivate Me Monday button - Emily Rose, will you do this for me?)
If not, here's your chance! My friend Laura is having a giveaway on her blog where you can win this yummy treat. It will even come to you in a brown paper package tied up with string, 'cuz, you know, it's one of her favorite things!
Yucko!
Teach your sweeties the Ten Commandments by using the tune from "Doe-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music. Here it goes:
(Hey, I memorized them as an adult this way too!)
Teaching my children the word of God works for me!
A 5 AM Poem
by Dana
Late to bed
Early to rise
Out from the covers
Sleep still in her eyes
She needed to start
Her morning out right
With God's Holy word
And the Spirit's insight
With a mug in her hand
And a prayer in her heart
She knew what she'd gain
From her bright early start
Christ-centered thoughts
Strength for the day,
Love for her children,
To show them the way.
Respect for her husband,
And compassion for all
Who needed her attention
When they gave her a call.
If your spirit is willing
but flesh is too weak
The Lord said to ask
and you'll find what you seek
'Tis a gift to rise early
and see yourself grow
So come meet with the King
For you reap what you sew!
Do you ever feel like all of a sudden you can't control your lips and words fling out that you later regret and feel like a shrew for?
Um, that's me most mornings and evenings when I'm a total crank, and yes, those are the times my poor hubby is home.
What's a gal to do?
Yesterday morning (miraculously) I actually kept my mouth shut when I was feeling very "attitudy" towards my husband for something. On top of my non-morning-persona-but-still-getting-up-early-anyway thing, the kiddos woke up way early and I seriously CRIED! But, I hid my tears, prayed that God would help me be positive and "tame the tongue," I persevered and by the GRACE OF GOD managed to put a smile on my face and eventually one in my heart.
Did you catch that? A smile in my heart.
My attitude is the hardest thing for me to tame. If my attitude were better, my words would be much gentler and kinder.
"From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34
Oh how I wish my thoughts were always rosy and sweet, but alas, they are not. My mind often fills with judgement, negativity, and criticism - most of the time toward the man who I love so dearly. I am praying about this and I try to think often on what a good man my husband is, but he could be perfect and my crankiness just seems to win more battles then it loses.
Last week, I actually told my three year old that I was going to sit on the step until I could be positive (this is what I do with her when she is whiny). She thought that was a good idea. Can you say humbling?
What do you do to push out crankiness and a negative attitude?
Angry words,
O let them never
From the tongue, unbridled slip.
With the soul's best impulse
Ever check them,
Ere they soil the lips.
Angry words are quickly spoken,
Bitter thoughts are rashly stirred.
Fondest links of life are broken.
By a single angry word.
(Found here)
If you would like to be added to our e-mail list (a place where we share encouragment), please e-mail me and let me know that you'd like to be a part of it! Thanks! :)
I have been so inspired and encouraged by the 5:16 gals (and our fabulous e-mail and forum correspondence), that I thought how great it would be for others to experience them as well...or at least what we’re all learning! In fact, I want to be inspired, encouraged, and motivated by anyone out there who has something to share!
Starting today (and every Monday) I will have a Mr. Linky up where you can post on your blog and then share:
You do not have to be part of the 5:16 club to participate!
I'm picking Monday's so that everyone can have some encouragement and wisdom passed onto them to find refreshment in starting off the week. Here's how it will work:
Let’s say this past week God has really shown me about my time with Him and how I should spend it. I then pass on what I’ve learned on how to spend that time by writing a post about it and then link to Mr. Linky like this:
Sarah Mae (devotion resources)
(Linked directly to the post so that people don't get confused.)
Make sure you link back here so others can join!
So, here goes!
I LOVE THE 5:16 CLUB! I don't necessarily love it when the alarm goes off, but once I'm up and sitting comfy cozy on my couch with my warm coffee and bible, I am a happy little peach! Knowing that I have so many women praying for me is so encouraging as well - I know all the prayers have helped in getting my behind up to start the day with the Lord!
One thing I have really soaked in this week is how important our time is. Ephesians 5:15-17 says this:
"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
The literal rendering of Ephesians 5:16 is "redeeming the time." We are redeeming our mornings, and in turn our days, for the Lord!
Therefore, I now propose that we change the name of the 5 AM club to the 5:16 AM club (after Ephesians 5:16) - what do you think? (Who doesn't want an extra 16 minutes of sleep?!)
I can't wait to hear what you all are learning and what thoughts you have to share with the rest of us! Have a wonderful day!
"Time is your slave, completely available and cooperative.
He hasn't a lazy streak in his entire makeup.
What's more, he provides you with an equal break every day you live, for no one else has more or less time than you when any day or week begins...
Our goal, then, is not to find more time but to use time more wisely...
God has given you (as He gave His Son) sufficient time in each day for you to fulfill His perfect plan - including the interruptions!"
-Chuck Swindoll
"Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
Emily Rose over at Simply Vintage Girl is hosting "A Homemade Christmas" every Thursday. I have really enjoyed the great ideas so far!
I wanted to contribute by passing along the site Rethinking Christmas and its Most Popular Gift Ideas. It is brought to you by a group of advent conspirers and it has some fantastic homemade Christmas ideas (like the belated thank you letter).
Hope you take away from it some great ideas, I know I have!
"We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night...but I'd never thought we were poor."
Read the whole amazingly beautiful and touching story about true sacrifice and what it means to be rich by going here.
What this family did works for me!
When You Call Yourself Names (From the blog Holy Experience)
This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read...if you have a few moments, please read it. Your soul will be blessed.
Here are the reasons our family is choosing to abandon the tradition of Santa Claus:
1. Santa Claus has become an idol to many children, and we don't want our children having any gods before the Lord.
2. The obvious one - the tradition of Santa Claus takes away from the real meaning of Christmas and promotes getting, not giving.
3. We want our children to trust us. If tell them year after year that Santa is real and you just have to believe, and they one day find out you lied to them and he isn't real, it is not only crushing, but dangerous ground when it comes to their belief in God. Perhaps, they think, that God isn't really real either.
Yes, I celebrated Santa Claus with my family as a child and I have wonderful memories (I could have sworn I heard reindeer on my roof every Christmas eve!) I also remember crying when I found out he wasn't real...and even then I continued to believe because I wanted so badly for him to be real.
Also, we are not sheltering our children from Santa Claus; they know who he is, we watch Santa Claus movies, etc., we just treat him like any other fictional character, that's all.
I know that many Christian families choose to incorporate Santa Claus into their Christmas traditions, and you won't find any judgment here! We also realize that to many we are horrible parents (hi dad, love you!) denying our children of the fun and wonder of Christmas, however, we think the fun and wonder comes from the anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus and His coming again one day.
How did you find out there was no Santa Claus? And be honest, how old were you (I believed until I was probably eleven!)
With the Advent season fast approaching, I realized how much I wanted to be intentional this year. Intentional about learning and hearing again with a fresh heart the story of God's promise and His faithfulness in bringing Christ to the world, and how Christ will come again. Intentional about teaching my children about the real meaning of Christmas by using a Jesse Tree and a service oriented Advent calendar (I will talk about these more in the coming days). Intentional about laying aside my wants and greediness, and instead giving to Jesus by giving to the poor, the hungry, the needy.
The below video is a powerful reminder of what this season is really about, and how we can be intentional this year.
Good morning girls! Whew, this was tough getting up so early, but seeing your comments really made my morning - you guys are awesome! Off to get some coffee...
(Grab the flair and link it to this post!)
What is a 5:16 gal?
A 5:16 gal is a gal who has decided that she wants to redeem the time with her savior. She is choosing to rise early, before the day takes her away, to sit at the feet of Jesus.
What is the 5:16 club?
The idea for the 5:16 club originated here, and began as the 5 am club. While the ultimate goal is to rise early, circumstances don't always allow (pregnancy, new baby, illness, etc.). The real purpose of this club is to encourage and journey with one another as we seek to spend time with the Lord every day - whatever time of the day you are able.
Why 5:16?
Ephesians 5:16 says, "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The literal meaning is "redeem the time." We are seeking to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity to seek the Lord with all our hearts. Why? Because the days are evil. We must prepare for battle each and every day - sometimes just to get through the day!
Where do we "club?"
We "club" over at the 5:16 forum where we study scripture, pray for each other, and encourage one another in the Lord! Come join us for our latest study! If you're on Twitter, you can find the gals at the 516 Twibe where you can chat live!
The 5:16 Gals:
Debbie, Blessed
Lisa, Fields of Grace
Tammy, Beck's Bounty
Terri, The Four Scarbarys
Jenn, One House School Room
AmandaE, MommaNotes
Kim, Surrendered & In The Potter's Hands
The Southern Housewife, Her Southern Charm
Leslie, Wild Olive Shoot
Katie, Adventures in Katie Land
Lisa, Extravagant Grace
Jennifer T., Song of My Life
Denise, Sunflowers, Chocolates, and Little Boys
Marci, Striving for 31
Becky, Holiday In The Sun
b. ellen, Joyful Living
Katrina, By His Good Grace
Melissa B., Living On The Edge
Whitney, Whitney Caroline Designs
Jodi
Katie, My First Year As A Wallace
Alison, Starting A New Life
Lizzie, Lizzie's Home
Marge, Decorating For Holidays
Lu Anne, Rocky Top Mom
Emmy, Orts in Montana
Marian, Miss Marian May
Suzy, My Thoughts
Lisa, Mama's Smitten
Kim, Dancing Practice With God
Lisa
Sylvia
Laurel
Angela, A Cup Of Coffee And Him
Helen
“I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart. We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.”
John Piper
Okay, so you really don't have an assignment, but I wanted to get your attention!
Kimba, who is also on board with our little club, has said that she will be praying for all of us and asked if we would also pray for her to be able to get up and spend time at the feet of Jesus. Lisa also mentioned this.
I think that one thing we can do every morning (and evening before bed) is pray for each other - for each other's days, families, etc. The first thing we can pray is that we will all get up (even if it's not at 5 AM) and spend time with the Lord before our day begins. I am definitely going to do this, and I encourage you to join in!
Anyone have any other suggestions about how we can encourage one another and spur each other on?
Read all about the 5 AM club here! If you want to join in, let us know so we can pray for you!
The Marie Antoinette Award
"I wish I were closer to Jesus
but not enough to get out of my bed
for an early morning prayer before the
rushes of life take me instead."
Sara Groves
So, anyone out there still interested in being a part of the 5 am (or early morning) club?
UPDATE: Even if we are in different time zones, you can still be a part of the "club." Just get up at 5 am or an early time your time. It doesn't even have to be 5 am - heck, make it 7 am if that works better for you! The point isn't the "time" per se, as it is starting the day with Jesus before any distractions. :)
If you like what you read, make sure to vote for her!
Sometimes it's easy to forget that we have miraculous power in Jesus Christ.
I know for me that often times I get bogged down in feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, like a failure, etc. Some days I strive and strive and fall so short, and others I don't even try. But I have the power of Jesus in me to accomplish the things I myself won't, and the grace to enter into when my efforts falter. I have the promise of God that HIS strength will carry me through, change me, grow me, and will refresh me to begin anew each day.
Here is a verse that encouraged me this morning, and perhaps will you (I personalized it a bit for ya!):
Hebrews 10:15-25
And the Holy Spirit also testifies to YOU; for after saying,
This is the covenant that I will make with YOU
"After those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws upon YOUR heart, and on YOUR mind I will write them,"
He then says,
"And YOUR sins and YOUR lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let YOURSELF draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure watter. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL..."
