Let The Barfing Commence...

So, it turns out I'm going to be hormonal for a little longer than a week...

(Yippee!)

Day 15 - Developing A Workable Schedule

We are pretty much half way through "31 Days to Clean"!

How many of you have a schedule? How many of you have a schedule that you actually follow everyday? How many of you like to write schedule's but never get around to following them?

I am in the latter category.

I love to write schedules and make myself little plans, but following them is, well, not my best strength. In order to remedy this fault of mine (and yes, I consider it a fault) I have decided to come up with a schedule that fits my God-given self! It must be flexible, easy, and workable.

I want you to do the same - up for the challenge?

For those of you who hate the word "schedule," please don't brush me off here! I am not suggesting to pencil in something for every minute of the day (or hour for that matter). What I'm going to suggest is coming up with a schedule (routine, mama's workable day, whatever you want to call it) that works for you.

Here are some suggestions in creating a workable schedule:

Go back to your list of priorities and review it (if you haven't made one yet, now is the time). If you're priority is to keep your house in order and pay attention to your kiddos, but you find yourself on the computer more often than not, you may have to regulate yourself by setting a time limit.

Make sure to schedule time for your hobbies (blogging, reading, writing, scrap booking, etc.) Maybe you only have time in your day for 15 minutes of a certain hobby, or maybe you can block out two hours. Whatever the case, use the time you've scheduled, otherwise you will probably end up wasting time or losing it altogether. I schedule my time with Lord as the sun is rising - not because I'm a morning person but because if I don't it won't happen. I need that time in the morning to give me strength and insight for the day.

Do what comes naturally. When creating your workable schedule, figure out what's already "set" in your day. What already comes natural to you? Start there and don't try and change it - just go with it - you will add on from here. For example, every morning my kiddos watch a morning video and then eat breakfast. We also eat dinner at 4pm (yea, I know, we're weird) and bedtime is 6:30pm (for the babes, not us). This works, it happens naturally everyday, so why change it? (At least at this point - in the fall I plan on homeschooling my three year old so our schedule will change).

Write it down and then stick it somewhere you see everyday. Yes, it can and will change - be flexible.

You can be as detailed or simple as you like. You can come up with a complete cleaning schedule with different things to do each day of the week, or a general one. Either way, do what fits you.

Here's my very general schedule:

5 am - Wake - spend time reading scripture and praying

6 am - Peruse the blogosphere

6:15 am - Make Jesse's lunch and help him get ready for work

6:30 am - Kiddos up - watch video (Right now my little girl loves Angeline Ballerina!)

Around 7/7:15 am - Breakfast

7:45 am - 11 am - Kiddos play, me clean (son takes nap from 8:30 am - 10 am)

11 am - Lunch

11 am - 1 pm - Errands, park, play, grocery shop, etc.

1 pm - 2:30 pm - Kids take naps - I can do whatever I want (although I should use this for cleaning time)!

3 pm - Start dinner, set table, general pick-up

4 pm - Dinner

4:45 pm - 6:30 - Family Time - play, read, take a walk, etc. (no T.V.)

6:30 pm - Kids to bed - oh yea baby!

7 pm - FREEDOM! (Okay, I know that saying "freedom" sounds like I have a bad attitude towards my babes, but I don't! However, I do enjoy the relaxing down time after a full day of toddlers!)

7 - 8 pm - Computer time/writing

8 pm - Time with my man (unless he has softball, then probably more blogging time!)

10 pm - Bed - oh sweet rest, I love you!

Cappuccino Without An Espresso Machine - Hello!

If you like coffee as much as I do, and you love going to lovely little coffee shops like Javateas, then you will love learning how to make your own coffee shop drinks at home! Check out my friends Crash and Addi (who happen to own Javateas) for a new coffee drink EVERY DAY! And yes, they even tell you how to make cappuccino without using an espresso machine!

He Called Him Friend

"And Jesus said to him [Judas], ‘Friend, do what you have come for.’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him...Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him...Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head...took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. After they had mocked Him...they had crucified Him...Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit." Matthew 26:50-27:50

You can find the source of this beautiful painting here

Close Your Eyes And Listen

Trust me on this one, it's worth the time it might take to download...

Super Yummy Recipe - No Bake Cookies!

Thanks to Lisa over at Stop and Smell the Chocolates for hosting a "Would You Like Chocolate With That?" link up.

I have to give my super sweet, wonderful Aunt Vikki credit for this one! She brings me a batch of these delightful cookies almost every time she comes visiting, and let me tell you, she is one No Bake Cookie extraordinaire! So, I would like to pass along this healthy (hey, it has oats in it!) chocolate, easy, amazingly delicious cookie recipe on to you. Enjoy!

First things first - the ingredient list:

1 1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. cocoa
1/4 c. margerine
1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. peanut butter (creamy)
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 -4 c. oats

Okay, here we go...

1. Bring the sugar, cocoa, margarine and milk to a boil. Stir continually and boil for about four minutes (don't boil too much longer or you will end up with a bunch of crumbs when all is said and done!)
2. Remove from heat and immediately add the peanut butter.
3. While mixing, add the vanilla, then add the oats one cup at a time.
4. Put spoonfuls on long sheets of wax paper (you can dip your spoon in water between each scoop to help). Let them sit for a couple of hours until they harden (or you can put them in the fridge for faster "hardening" time.
Eat up! And remember, they're healthy, really, they are! ;)

My Husband Rocks! Friday

It's that wonderful time of the week again when we get to publically honor our husbands. You wanna know why my husband rocks? My husband ROCKS because he has stellar talent! Check out this Settlers of Catan game board he MADE:

For more great husband "honorings," check out Katy Lin's blog "The Big Adventure."

Day 14 - Time Management

Ever feel like you have a billion things to do but not enough time to do them?

(Just for fun, let's put a "billion" in perspective: One billion seconds ago it was 1959. One billion minutes ago...are you ready for this one? Jesus walked the earth!)

I always say, if only I had more time! There are so many things in life I want to do and be, but I feel stifled by the restraints of time. But you know what? I don't use my time wisely. I am a slave to time, and I have allowed it to be stolen from me more times than not. What a waste!

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

I decided to "number my days," and I discovered that if I live until I'm 70, I have 42 years left on this earth (or 504 months, 2,184 weeks, 15,330 days - I have already been alive for 10,367 days). How am I going to use what I've got left? How are you going to use what you have left?

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." Michael Altshuler

We are never going to "find" more time, which is why we are commanded to use it wisely (Ephesians 5:15,16). I like what Chuck Swindoll says,

"God has given you...sufficient time in each day for you to fulfill His perfect plan-including the interruptions!"

I never looked at it that way! Here I am complaining that there is not enough in the day (life), when what I'm really doing is saying, "God, you didn't know what you were doing when you created time on this earth." Um, He knows exactly what He's doing, and He knew exactly how much time we would need to accomplish His purposes. Talk about a renewed perspective!

There are plenty of time management resources for you to get your hands on, so for today your challenge is simply this:

Take an honest appraisal of your time. Write out how you are using the hours in your day, and keep a log; be specific. This is a good exercise to do, because once you can figure out exactly how you are spending your time, you can then pull the weeds of wastefulness and work towards a more productive and time wise schedule (which we'll be talking about on Monday).

"Those who make the worst of their time most complain about its shortness." La Bruyere

How Important Are You?

The other day I felt like such a failure.

I was comparing myself with others, and was in a general "I stink" rut. Debbie has some good thoughts about comparing yourself with others here, but I'd also like to share something I came across recently: (It's from the Wall Street Journal)

How Important Are You?

More than you think.
A rooster
minus a hen
equals
no baby chicks.
Kellogg minus
a farmer
equals
no corn flakes.
If the nail
factory closes
what good is the
hammer factory?
Paderewski's
genius wouldn't have
amounted to much
if the
piano tuner
hadn't shown up.
A cracker maker
will do better
if there's a
cheese maker.
The most skillful
surgeon needs
the ambulance driver
who delivers the
patient.
Just as Rodgers
needed Hammerstein
you need someone
and someone
needs you.

Day 13 - Feeling Overwhelmed

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The house is a mess. Dishes all over the counter tops, toys everywhere, papers askew. It’s depressing just looking at it all. "Didn’t I just get this messed cleaned up?"

When I look around at the mess, I see Mount Everest. I get stuck, I feel depressed, and I have no idea where to begin...or if I even want to. I just feel so...overwhelmed sometimes.

After learning about the curse, I at least have a clearer perspective on my housework. I can see the eternal reasons for taking care of my home and family, and the immediate gratification of a well-kept home is like the cherry on top. But, I still struggle with being overwhelmed from time to time. So, what’s a girl to do?

Here are some things I’ve come across that have been helpful:

When the house is a mess, only work on one room at a time.
This little nugget of advice has helped me so much! I tend to just start cleaning, haphazardly moving from room to room, cleaning a little here and a little there. Then I started only doing one room at a time - what a difference! I stay focused on my task, and when I’m through with one room, I can look at it and see results.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Sally Berger

Be generous to your trash can.
Throw things out! The more things I realize I don’t need and can definitely live without, the less stress I create for myself. Just let it go!

Get rid of half the toys.
Okay, maybe for you half is too much (or not enough), but the point is, your kiddos don’t need 5000 things out. Grab the toys that the kiddos don’t play with all that much (or just won’t even notice there gone) and either get rid of them or send them to the attic. You can pull them out on a rainy day.

Do the 15 minute thing.
Fly lady says to put the timer on for 15 minutes and go to work, doing everything you can in that time frame. It is helpful, especially to those who like a challenge.

Just get moving!
I spend so much time fretting and being overwhelmed that I stay stagnant, which leads to me feeling worse, and then ultimately, I give in to laziness and a "why bother" attitude. Just get up! Force yourself to do SOMETHING.

"Action is the antidote to despair." Joan Baez

Envision the big picture.
You know that warm and comfy feeling you get when you walk into a home that is well taken care of, clean, and inviting? It’s not sterile (I know people who actually put plastic coverings on their furniture - how uninviting) but tidy, warm, and peaceful. That’s the kind of home I want, and that motivates me to see the big picture instead of the piles. What’s your big picture?

Get alone, first thing in the morning, and spend time with God.
This is probably the best advice I can give you. Spending time with the Lord before the day begins helps me to refocus, get my priorities straight, and gives me the true rest and refreshment I need to take on the day. I can’t take on my day without His strength.

Challenge for Today:

Light a candle, find a cozy spot somewhere quiet (only for 10 minutes - send the kids outside, wait until naps, or pop in a DVD), sip on your favorite beverage, close your eyes, and envision your big picture. Think about your home and what you want it to be. Do you want it to be a place of refuge? Inviting? Warm? Fun? Picture your home in all its clean and organized glory, and then burn the image into your brain and heart. Now grab your journal (or notebook, or scrap of paper) and write down your big picture. Ask God to help you physically create your vision, thanking Him for the ability to do so.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

31 Days to Clean

100th Post...And 100 Things About Moi

Okay, so I'm giving in and doing the 100 things about me. (Remember that old rhyme, "one, two, skip a few, 99, 100? I'm so tempted to do that right now.)

If you are so curious as to who I am, and want to spend the time to read 100 things about me, you'll have to mosey on over to the sidebar where I added a link to it. Oh, and if you're curious about Amanda, well, e-mail her and tell her to get blogging! ;)

For this post, I'm actually going to list my favorite comments from YOU! Your comments bring a smile to my face, and who doesn't like comment love? Without further adieu, my Top Ten Favorite Comments list:

10.) "I think I love you. Is that creepy? LOL" Darla @ UltraBeautyBoutique

9.) "And your post has spoken to me so much this morning. This is like the answer to my question to God. Thank you." Charlie

8.) "Well, it isn't possible to be a "perfect" wife since Jesus was the only one who was perfect. We are all sinners and struggle daily." Lisa

7.) "Thanks for the inspiration to clean!" everychapter (This is so funny, because if you knew me in person you'd be cracking up that I inspired someone to clean!)

6.) "Ohmygosh Sarah Mae!!! I knew I liked your for a reason. I have the goosebumps right now, and I have to apologize because I didn't get past the first part of your post. I AM A PENN STATER!!!! Along with KIMBA!!! OH yeah. Fight on State, Fight on State, Roar Lions Roar. We'll hit that board, roll up the score, Fight onnn , Fight onn! Ok, now I can go back and read the other random things about you!" Debbie

5.) "You are like a breath of fresh air. I love reading your words and thoughts." Kimba

4.) "You are better than Flylady!" Debbie

3.) "Have I mentioned I love your blog? It really IS a great place to start the day." Kat

2.) "I'll try to remember the beauty as I stuff the 4 inch overhang into my undies." Debbie

My number one favorite comment is (drum roll please)...

1.) "I like your blog - it's very nice! And welcome! I've only been blogging a little over a month, so I'm still new." Lisa (This is number one because it was my very first ever comment...it was so exciting!)

Child Rapists - Live On, According To The Supreme Court

Today the Supreme Court shut down a law allowing child rapists to be put to death because, "The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion. (Read entire article here.)

I beg to differ.

The rape of a child most certainly destroys a life. When an eight year old (what this particular case is based off of) is brutally raped by her step dad, her life has been torn from her as she knows it. Her innocence has been betrayed, and her life hereafter will reflect the deep wounds of her heart, which are usually much more painful then physical wounds. We can only hope for her healing, but until that takes place (if it ever does) she will most likely act out in ways that will dig her life (and potentially others lives) deeper into a pit of self-destruction and despair. I pray this doesn't happen, but statistically, it probably will. This little girl's life has been taken. The wicked man who committed this outrageous crime should not live to breathe another breath.

Do I believe in the death penalty? You bet. Especially when it comes to the rape of innocent little children.


*Update
I received a very thought-provoking comment and wanted to put it right on this post for you all to see:

"As a Mom, and former child abuse/sex crimes investigator...I hear you and agree with you about the devastating seriousness of the crime. Buuuut, I have never stood behind the death penalty. Every single life is sacred.....no matter what sins one commits, there is forgiveness and redemption available. I don't feel it's our (collective our...as a nation) right to choose when a person dies. God decides. Vengeance is His. Look at Paul......there is always hope and redemption available to anyone, even the most heinous sinners and criminals. It is VERY hard to separate feelings about the crime from the criminal though. Just as it can be hard to separate feelings about the sin from the sinner. But in my heart, I'd rather a person live the rest of their days locked in prison as opposed to being killed by the state...if it means they might have a chance to come to know The Lord and be forgiven and redeemed. Very difficult subject. Thanks for blogging about it :-)" Tiffany

Day 12 - Overcoming Laziness

Join in the "31 Days of Cleaning" fun by starting here (of course, you can jump in anywhere!), and if you like what you read, join me everyday by subscribing here!

(By the way, it's WFMW, and overcoming laziness works for me!)

"How soon 'not now' becomes 'never'." Martin Luther

Laziness - this word carries connotations of shame or pride, depending on who you talk to. For me, it was an issue of shame.

I had to confess my sin of laziness, but it took awhile before I was willing to do so. I didn't want to admit that I was lazy - tired maybe, but lazy, not me! Well, it is something I struggle with, and I know I'm not the only one. If you struggle with laziness, the first thing you need to do is confess this sin to the Lord, and then allow His grace to wash over you as you seek to have a spirit of diligence.

How do we overcome laziness?

This is a tough one! Remember how I said when I first started this series that it was somewhat of an experiment to help get myself together? Well, I'm right smack dab in the middle of this struggle! Here are some words of wisdom I've come across, perhaps they will help you as as you strive in the fight against idleness:

"I don't have any problem when God commands, "Thou shalt not kill" or "Thou shalt not steal," but, "Thou shalt not be lazy" seems a bit harsh. However, after thinking about it, I came to realize that when we're lazy, we are guilty of killing. Killing time. Which is another way of saying killing life. For idling away time is not living; it's lingering...
Remember, we are never lazy when it comes to the things we want to do; so, it is not a matter of a lack of energy, but a lack of motivation. Therefore, to overcome laziness, we need to master motivation. If our reason to act is great enough, we will have the will to act. We need to think. Think of the reasons why we want to act. Think of and focus on the benefits we will gain by acting. Frequently reflecting on the person we can and want to be can help motivate us to act." Chuck Gallozzi

"So much attention is paid to the aggressive sins, such as violence and cruelty and greed with all their tragic effects, that too little attention is paid to the passive sins, such as apathy and laziness, which in the long run can have a more devastating effect." Eleanor Roosevelt

"Laziness travels so slowly that poverty soon overtakes him." Benjamin Franklin

Today, every time you find yourself saying, "I will do that later," I want you to stop and pray, asking God to give you a spirit of diligence. Then, with an obedient heart, go to work. If (and when) you fail, allow His grace to lift you up and begin again. I know you can do it!

"Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for your real master and not merely for humans." Colossians 3:23 (God's Word Translation)

Are you a hard worker? Don't you deserve a little time off once in a while? All of us have heard about the vice of "workaholism," but did you know that the reverse is also a dangerous place to be? What could be wrong with being a little lazy? Find out when you join Alistair Begg for Truth For Life. Click here to listen to this message!

Weird Layout

I know my blog doesn't look so hot right now, but bear with me, I'm in transition (and it could be a long transition!)

Help! Five Posts Away From 100th Post!

I guess in the blogging world your 100th post is pretty special. I am almost there (four posts away now), but I don't know what to do to "celebrate" it. I need ideas, please...and I really don't want to do the 100 things about myself. Any unique ideas? What did you do? Share away!

I'm probably making more of deal of this than it is, but I am an "I" personality, so I can't help it!

Day 11 - Using Your Personality Style

Yesterday I encouraged you to figure out your personality style by taking this free test (if you haven't taken it, what are you waiting for?!) I wanted you to do this so that you could better understand your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can use them in your cleaning/organization efforts.

Today we're going to look at the best ways to get and stay motivated for each personality style. Here we go!

The "D" Style

You are very results oriented and you like the bottom line. You're not into routine, and you want the fastest way possible to get your work done. You thrive on challenges, and you are also a great motivator. Let's use these qualities to get you moving!

Motivation: Challenge

You need to be challenged; so try giving yourself a challenge each day. Maybe it's one big challenge, or a few small ones. Either way, you will achieve real results if you meet your challenges. If, for example, you want to go to sleep in a clean bedroom each night, challenge yourself to spend 20 minutes a day straighting up your room and making your bed. Challenge yourself to do it during a particular time of the day until it becomes habit (say between 9 and 9:20am every morning). You need to see results or you will soon give up, so developing a habit for you is imperative! Heck, challenge yourself to form a new habit, just one, and give it all you've got!

The "I" Style

You would rather do practically anything than clean! You're super fun and very people oriented, so cleaning your home, with no one to really talk too but little ones, is extra hard on you. If only you could have someone over every day to talk and clean with you, this whole cleaning thing wouldn't be so bad!

Motivation: Positive Feedback/Fun

Here are some ways you can get motivated:

1. Reward yourself (or have someone reward you) for doing certain tasks. For example, if you keep your home in order and clean for a week, your husband takes you out to dinner (or some other fun thing). Work something out with your hubby where you are rewarded for your work - have tangible goals that you have to meet, but keep them small and realistic - you are not detail oriented!
2. Have fun with cleaning! Play your music loud, dance while you clean...just make it fun!
3. You dream of having a clean home, but you just don't think it's possible with your personality. It is! You can and will have a clean and welcoming home! Just think, if you can keep your home tidy, you will be more willing to have people over and be the fun hostess that you are!
4. Ask your husband/friends/kids to tell you when you are doing a good job - you need all the positivity you can get. Negative feedback just puts you in a slump!

The "S" Style

You are a sweetie! You S types are so friendly and soft, you make us D types melt! You are extremely loyal and supportive; you need security and stability. If someone is willing to gently guide you and teach you ways to be clean and organized, you will fair very well under their authority. In fact, you enjoy having someone guide you, you find comfort in it.

Motivation: Affirmation

You need to be affirmed in that what you're doing matters, and that you're doing a good job. Some tips to help you would be:

1. Ask you husband or kids to affirm you when you do a good job
2. Affirm yourself! This may be difficult for you, but when you complete a goal or give your best efforts at something, tell yourself, "good job!" Thank God that He is the ultimate provider of stability and security, and His promises will never fail.
3. Find a program that teaches and guides you - you can find plenty on the web, such as flylady (and of course, this series! :) )

The "C" Style

You are a super detailed person, and you love structure and quality. You are a natural organizer, but you can sometimes be critical and perfectionist, which can get in the way of the big picture. You seek facts, and you want to know the most systematic way to get things done.

Motivation: Structure

Make a schedule and get yourself into a routine. You won't have much trouble with this, but what you may have trouble with is how to do everything "right" and still relax to spend time with your husband or kiddos. You need to have realistic expectations - get what you need done, but don't expect perfection. Strive for excellence, but land in the softness of grace.


I hope all of this is helpful! I know for me, being an I/D type, that I need all the help I can get! I thrive on positive feedback from my hubby - when he compliments me, I feel like I could clean the world! I also like to clean when I have someone helping me or just talking with me as I do it. Anyone wanna come over and chat over dishes?

Giving In To The Tag...

Lisa over at Stop and Smell the Chocolates decided to tag everyone who looked at her blog today! We have to list 6 unimportant things about yourself, so here are mine:

I went here...

To become this...

But, incidentally, do this...

(Which, by the way, doesn't count as one of my six; being a full-time mommy is important!)

I would love to play this...

Guitar Playing, originally uploaded by rjt208.

(But sadly I'm seriously musically challenged.)

I really enjoy this...

Nuyorican-9.jpg, originally uploaded by Raúl!.

(especially slam poetry...in a cafe...with lot's of coffee)


I have a license to drive this...

(But I don't)



And I love love love eating this...

(I can eat a whole serving at one sitting! YUMMY!)

Okay, so here's the deal - if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged! Here are the rules:

1) Link back to the person that tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog.
3) Share 6 unimportant things about yourself.
4) Tag other bloggers to participate, at the end of your entry.

Day 10 - What's Holding You Back?

Have you managed to stay "up-to-date" with all the "31 Days to Clean" challenges?
Let me guess. You really wanted to follow along, even commit to finally getting it together, but alas, it’s just too much...it’s just too hard. My question for you is,

What’s holding you back?

I know for me it usually comes down to four aspects:

• Personality
• Laziness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Time

We are going to go in depth into these areas over the next few days, unraveling each aspect on a different day. During this time you will have "evaluation" challenges; challenges in discovering what’s holding you back and where you need to find your motivation. I must stress something here; getting organized, clean and/or scheduled is not easy or simple if you you’ve struggled with these areas for a long time. We most likely won’t change overnight (at least for the long haul). It takes hard work, diligence, skill, and perseverance. Don’t believe it when you hear or read somewhere that says becoming Miss clean and organized is "simple" or "easy" if you just follow certain tips and formula’s. This is a race, a life journey.

All I want you to do today is take this personality test. Perhaps you’ve taken it before, maybe you would consider taking it again. Tomorrow we will go in depth with the aspect of personality, but in the meantime, just have fun discovering how God made you! (I would love to know your personality style - after taking the test leave a comment letting me know "who" you are! I happen to be an I/D).


If you would like to make sure you receive all the posts in this series, subscribe here.

SUPER Giveaway - "Reclaiming the Culture"

I am so excited about this! Families Against Feminism is giving away a DVD set put out by Vision Forum called "Reclaiming the Culture." Here are the DVD titles:

What is Biblical Femininity? (DVD)
Guerilla Apologetics for the Glory of God (DVD)
We Cannot But Speak (DVD)
Providential Nexus of Jamestown and Plymouth (DVD)
The Promise: The Beauty and Power of the Fifth Commandment (DVD)
Training Dominion-Oriented Daughters (DVD)
Foundational Elements of a Godly Estate (DVD)

You can read a review of the DVD's here. You have until Friday to enter!

Let This Be The Year

Let this be the year Lord,

that we finally put away the old

and cling to the new, giving true worship to You

Let this be the year,

that we take off our mask and begin to ask,

who do You say I am?

Let this be the year,

That we bend a knee in worship and

raise our hands without fear

(or at least the hands of our souls)

Let this be the year

that we pursue You with passion

and give our all to heed your call

Let this be the year

that we open our mouths and speak to the lost,

piercing hearts with the gospel and watching God invade

because we obeyed

Let this be the year

that I let you break through the walls that guard my vulnurablity

and instead give me, authenticity

Let this be the year

that we get up and seek you as the sunrise seeks the horizon, and

before the tides of the day wash our desire away

Let this be the year,

that we take in all of your splendor, hardly blinking an eye

that we would lift your name on high

Let this be the year,

that we give our lives to you

as you give us the desires of our hearts,

not our desires, but Yours, implanted and brought forth

by You and for You

Let this be the year Lord

that we remind ourselves everyday

that nothing but the blood of Jesus

has set us free

In Serious Need Of Decorating Help

I need serious decorating help.

This is my "sanctuary," but as you can see it is clearly lacking. I would love some suggestions on what to put above my bed...but it has to be cheap, real cheap, as in "I-don't-really-have-a-decorating" budget cheap. I am creatively challenged. HELP!

If you'd like to post your bedroom sanctuaries, Mr. Linky is now up - click here to add yours!

My Husband Rocks! Friday

So today I open up my mail to find a medical bill from 2006...2006!!! It said, "We have tried to contact you for several months. FINAL NOTICE!" I glanced down at the "Amount Due" box to find that we owed $175! I called up the doctor's office and explained that I was unaware of this and asked if we could make payments; the lady said that was fine.

When my husband got home I told him about the bill and he immediately said, "We paid that! I remember going in and paying that bill." I was kind, but I really didn't believe him, I mean, how could he remember a particular bill from more than two years ago? However, I told him I would look up our old bank statements.

Sure enough, he was right, we had paid the bill! I could hardly believe it. I called up the doc's office right away and explained that we had indeed paid, the date we paid, and the proof to back it up. She said, "Okay, I'll take care of that." Just like that.

Now, if my husband weren't around (for some random reason) and I received this bill I would have paid it; I would never have even looked into it.

So, why does my husband rock?

He has the best stinkin' memory in the world! (Just don't tell him that if we're ever in a fight or betting on something.) Ah, I love that man!

To be a part of "My Husband Rocks! Friday" head on over to Katy Lin's blog, The Big Adventure.

Day 9 - Dealing With Distractions

I hope you have your "bobbing" shoes on because today we are going to make like a gazelle and flee!

Proudgrits over at Roots & Wings introduced to me to the saying, "intense like a gazelle!" Apparently it is a term from Dave Ramsey that means to flee from financial traps, i.e. credit cards, by bobbing and weaving like a gazelle does when trying to escape from a cheetah. You can check out his full description here.

Well, I'm borrowing the term for today as it relates to distractions. Distractions pull us away from our priorities and leave our goals empty. We must scream "CHEETAH" when we sense a distraction and then bob and weave to get away! (Some distractions are important, however, like our husbands wanting a kiss, or our children asking us to read a book. Even if we are in the middle of something, always take time for them).

Ask yourself some questions:

What is distracting you from getting up early in the morning and spending time with the Lord?

What is distracting you from doing your housework?

What is distracting you from finishing that organizing project you began?

What is distracting you from spending quality time with your kids? Training and teaching them well?

Figure out your main distractions (computer, telephone, T.V., etc.) and then find ways to flee them. For example, I turn the ringer of my phone off during most of the day so I do not get sidetracked with talking. I'm working on not even turning my computer on in the morning until I spend time with the Lord. These are a couple of ways that have helped me "bob and weave" from the distraction cheetah.

What are some ways you have "bobbed and weaved?"

As for your bedroom sanctuary challenge, keep it up! I can't wait to see the pictures over the weekend!

"Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler." Proverbs 6:4-5

31 Days to Clean - jump in anywhere or start here!

Keeping Commitments - A Lesson Learned

I committed to doing two different things on the same night. In order to fulfill one of them I had to break my word to someone else. I felt horrible, and I don't ever want to make this mistake again.

In lieu of my folly, however, I learned some very valuable lessons:

1. If you want your word to mean something, follow through and honor your commitments.
2. Before committing to anything, check to make sure you don't have anything else on that date. Don't ever say yes rashly or because you "feel bad" saying no. Always be forthright, even you think you will disappoint the person asking.
3. If you make two commitments for the same time, honor the one you committed to first.
   

I want to be a woman whose word means something. I want to be a woman of integrity.


How have you learned how to be a woman of integrity? Any hard life lessons to get you there?

Day 8 - Making Our Bedrooms Sanctuaries

31 Days to Clean

Tomorrow we will be looking at how to deal with distractions, but for today, let's just think "refuge."

I was inspired yesterday by A Little Loveliness when Melissa decided to make her bedroom a personal sanctuary.

This is what Melissa has to say about her experience with a neglected bedroom:

"Soon I realized how much my neglected bedroom was bringing me down. Rather than providing a nourishing place of refuge, my bedroom was actually draining me of energy and joy. Awaking to the site of my ironing board, my first waking thoughts were of the mountains of housework awaiting me. And I arose already feeling defeated."

Wow! I feel the same way when I wake up - defeated and overwhelmed. I want a personal refuge, a sanctuary where I can find rest, peace, and comfort. So...

Today's Challenge is:

Take back your bedroom!

Yesterday we worked on getting it cleaned up (that's okay if you didn't get to it, that's what today is for!) I want you to have renewed vision for your bedroom. We are going to spend today and tomorrow working on making this room a refuge.

I know this may be a huge project for some of you (me included), but let's do it! I'm not going to tell you specifically what to do because I don't want to add to your "overwhelmed" level. Just do what you can. Work hard and keep the goal (refuge) in mind. We will take today and tomorrow (plus you always have the weekend!) to work on this. Why so much time? Because we are going there. You know where, under the bed! And not only under the bed, but in the closet. We are going to clean them out and get it in order! Are you in? Good, because I really want to see some sanctuaries by the end of the weekend!

Need a little help figuring out where to begin or how to go about this? Check this out:

Making Your Bedroom A Restful Sanctuary (This site also has a TON of great organizing ideas!)

Need a little inspiration? Check out these bedroom sanctuaries:

Massinger Spa and Sanctuary
Unique
A Little Bit Country
Artsy

Homemade Strawberry Jam; Easier Than You Think!

I have always been intimidated about making my own, homemade jam. The thought of it would send me running from anyone I knew who might ask me if I wanted to make it. I literally thought it was hours of labor, and I just wasn't into that. Turns out, I was wrong. It's actually pretty easy too!

Julie, my pastor's wife, wise woman, and friend told me about a place where I could go and pick fresh strawberries. I had never picked my own strawberries, and truth be told, I didn't even know you could! However, I went, I picked, and I love it! Then came the inevitable. "Have you ever made strawberry jam?" Julie asked. Oh, what the heck, I thought, I'm game!

It was EASY and FUN and now I feel like a professional JAMMER or something! Here's all you do (I promise, it's easy):

What You Need:

• 4 Cups Sliced Strawberries
• Sugar
• No Cook Freezer Jam Fruit Pectin (picture of package below)

• Find a place where you can pick your own strawberries, and gather bunches! (Okay, so maybe this part isn't as easy, but it's worth it, so find one!)

Mouth watering, aren't they?

• Wash them well
• Slicey dicey!
  

Slice 'em up so they are good for mashing (action shot below...)

This is Julie; she's a serious strawberry slicer!

• Mush, mush,mush! You can use a potato masher for this.
  

Here's the hard part, ready?

• Follow the directions on the back of the package (it involves mixing the package contents with sugar - really, that's it).
  
  
  
• Mix all together
  

• Stir for five minutes (this is actually on the back of the package as well)
  

• All done; see, I told you it was easy!
  

Ta Da! Deeeelish!

The homemade jam will last about three weeks. If you want it to last a couple weeks longer just add about 1/2 tsp. of lemon juice or one crushed vitamin C tablet (per batch). You can thank Julie for the tip!

Great uses for this homemade Jam:

• Topping on toast
• Topping on ice cream
• Topping on Pancakes or waffles
• Topping for Angel Food cake

*Microwave for about 30 seconds to get liquidy

Any other ideas for how you could use the jam?

Day 7 - A Life Of Joyful Self-Discipline

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How do we live a joy filled life of self-discipline?

I think the joy part comes in the accomplishment of living a self-disciplined/self-controlled lifestyle that is pleasing to God. Below are some tips to help you on your journey toward a life of self-discipline.


Six Tips in Leading a Self-Disciplined Life (This works for me!)

1. Commitment

You have to be willing to commit to a lifestyle of self-discipline. I must say again that this does not mean perfection, but an earnest "giving it your best."

2. Set and complete goals

This is important! Start small, don't say you're going to clean the whole house when you know you will get tired after 45 minutes! My goal, for example, is to clean my kitchen every morning by 9am, and I intend to complete that one little goal. The reason I'm choosing that particular goal to work on is because I don't like cleaning my kitchen, so I want it out of the way before the day really begins. Don't get too wrapped up in the setting of goals unless you feel you can complete them - remember, one step at a time!

3. Do what you say you will do

This has everything to do with integrity and trustworthiness. I want to be someone who follows through with what I say, but I've got to commit to doing it...will you?

4. Learn to say "no"

If you can learn to say "no" you will free up time and much unneeded stress. Seriously, this has helped me big time! If it's not a priority, or you're only doing it out of guilt, don't do it! Saying "no" is all part of time management, so only say yes if you know you can commit without your other priorities falling on the way side.

5. Practice

Anyone who has learned a life of self-discipline will tell you that it took time and practice. As we continue to work toward the goal, focusing on what lies ahead, we will naturally become more self-disciplined - but it takes hard work. Practice, practice, practice! Practice getting up early until it becomes a habit. Practice getting your kitchen cleaned before noon until it becomes second nature. Don't give up...

6. Don't give up

This says it all - don't give up.



Now for some of YOUR tips:

Over at everychapter, this gal has found that setting a timer or playing some music helps her to get going and be efficient. She always rewards herself at the end of a task.

Anna has used the site Remember the Milk as a useful resource to keep her on task. It doesn't always work for her, but it might work for you!

Ms. Good & Crazy says that she works after the kids are in bed (now she just has to figure out what to do now that it's summer and they stay up!)

Rachel often focus's her thoughts on the fact that procrastinating about cleaning takes longer than the actual cleaning! This helps her to get up off the couch (or computer) and tackle the job she's been putting off.



For some more great tips, check out this very helpful article on developing self-discipline by Grace to You Ministries.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Today's Challenge:

Let's work on making our bedrooms sanctuary's! First things first though, today let's work on a general bedroom clean-up, vacuum or mop, plus a little decluttering.

Tomorrow the fun will really begin in working toward a bedroom sanctuary!

Have a great day!

Thinking Outside The Box - Pictures Looking Down At Your Babes

Oh Mommy over at Classy Choas challenged us to take a picture looking down at our child. Here is mine:

So sweet and innocent...

Softball Wife

My honey hitting a home run
Me (clearly having a bad hair day), "what's going on, what happened?"

You may have heard of "soccer moms" but are you aware of "softball wives?"

Perhaps you are one them yourself. If you are, you are aware, of course, that softball isn't just a game, it's a way of life for three months out of the year. It's a time when we "give up" our men on a certain weeknight (and some weekends) because softball is just something they really really...like.

I try to go to the games and support my man, but I rarely ever actually get to see him play. I am usually running after my 14 month old little boy (who isn't walking yet so he still puts everything in his path in his mouth) trying to stop him from eating everything in sight. Then there is the other one, the two and half year old, who wants to be pushed "bigger" every 26 seconds. In addition to chasing the little gravel eater and pushing the little thrill seeker, I have to watch to make sure the other kids aren't throwing balls or other random objects at my children...or running them over with various contraptions on wheels. It just so happens that the moment I turn my back from the game, my husband hits a home run, or does some other amazing softball feat. Immediately after the amazing play, without fail, his team members look at me gleaming with excitement and say, "did you see that?!" Um, no, I didn't...maybe next time. "Great job babe!" I shout, but I know that he knows I didn't see it. So what's the point? The last few games I just stayed home, put the kids to bed early and enjoyed just being with myself...

and the blogosphere, of course.

However, because I love my husband dearly, and I know he really like me at his games, I'm going to keep going, chasing my little rascals around, and making sure to almost see every home run!

Day 6 - Self-Discipline

31 Days to clean - If your new to joining us, click here!


Yesterday we talked about the curse, and how because of it our domains rebel against us. How in turn we are left feeling overwhelmed and depressed at the mess that just never seems to stay cleaned. How do we overcome this? How do we use it to motivate us?

Here's how:

We have to keep our eye on the eternal value of our work. If we are in Christ, then everything we do not only has value here on earth, but it has value for eternity. What we do actually earns us rewards that will last, literally, forever. We have work that was created by God for us to do, and we have the power, approval, and authority to carry it out. We also have to remember that the Lord is using our domains, and the struggles therein, to perfect us in our worship and service to Him.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1: 2-4


How we take care of our domains - how we stay on task - is all about our response to God. He gave us our domains, He gave us, as women, the ability to give life to them! We have to decide what are response to Him will be. Will we respond grudgingly, and feeling hopeless because it's just another "rule" to follow, or will we accept our tasks with joy, giving thanks for all the goodness and blessings we have been given? Remember, He knows our weakness, and He's not looking for perfection (He already sees us as saints if we are covered in the blood of Jesus!) Taking care of our domains is something to cling to, to take joy and honor in, and ultimately is something that will lead us toward Christ like character and humility. And if you're anything like me, we need all the grace we can get! Now let's look at some helpful tips in leading us toward self-discipline.

"Like a budget for money you need a budget for time." George MacDonald

Isn't that a great quote? I love it, but how the heck do we actually gain the self-discipline to put it into action? This is where you come in. I want your tips and suggestions of what has helped you in your self-discipline journey. What keeps you "on task?" How do you use your time wisely?

Give us your best suggestions and then tomorrow I'll post them, giving you credit of course, along with the tips I have gleaned along the way.

(As for our cleaning challenge, keep working on your home office/desk/bookshelves, etc. We'll have a new challenge tomorrow).

Persevere!

Confessions Of A Stumbling Wife

I am a stinky wife.

Okay, not as in smelly (at least the last time I checked), but stinky as in...I so often fail as a wife.

I'm a stumbling wife and I'm coming out with it. First of all I have to confess that I can be super self-righteous. I have such a critical spirit sometimes, and I always have "the answer" about how we as women should act as wives. I hate this about myself. I hate that I can be so judgemental, so "I've got it all together" when I soooooooo...... don't!

Here is the real me (A.K.A stumbling wifey):

Sweet Man 'O Mine: Honey, can you please clean up the toys outside when the kids are done playing with them, I don't want them to get ruined.

Me (stinky wife): Yea sure, quit bugging me about it, I'LL DO IT! (Mind you, this is my response even after he asked me politely several times and I always forget to do it).

Sweet Man 'O Mine: Honey, can you come sit with me on the couch...

Me (stinky wife): Honey, I'm on the computer...why do you want me to come over now? (In other words, "I'm too busy for you, deal with it").

Sweet Man 'O Mine: Could you please just not argue with me, can you just say, "okay?"

Me (stinky wife): Whatever (rolling eyes).

I have many more examples, but the point is, I fail all the time. I really really really want to be the "excellent" wife, but I completely stink at it! I fall way short nine times out of ten. I honestly want to submit to my husband, be kind and gentle, respond to him in love, and be a servant to him (and my family in general). If someone asked me how they should do all the above things, I would say, "you make a choice and then you do it." Grrr....

I am trying to make the "choice" everyday, but it's so darn...

hard.

How do you overcome selfishness day after day? How do you fight your flesh minute after minute? How do you become,

The Excellent Wife?

Day 5 - Staying on Task

My before and after pics...

This wasn't even everything in the drawers!

Now I can work!

I still have a couple more drawers to do, plus my bookshelf, but I am pooped for today and I still have to clean my kitchen! Wanna continue this challenge tomorrow?

31 Days to Clean - Start here if you're just joining us!

The issue of self-discipline and staying on task often finds its way to the forefront when we begin something or "commit" to taking care of our homes. The question is, how do we stay on task and keep disciplined?

Tomorrow we will look specifically at self-discipline, and some helpful tips on getting some, but for today, let's focus on the "why" of the difficulty of staying on task.

First of all, raise your hand if...

• You ever wonder why it’s so difficult to keep up with your work...to keep "on task?"
• You ever feel like no matter what you do things just get messy anyway so why bother?
• You feel depressed and overwhelmed at the work that just keeps piling up?

There is a reason that the laundry keeps piling up along with dishes, the dust settles, work in general just seems so unproductive, and staying on task can be overwhelming. Two words:

The Curse

That's right, that darn little curse where God pronounced judgement on our domains:

"Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. "Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you shall eat the plants of the field..." (Genesis 3:17-18)

Because of Adam's sin (he is ultimately accountable for the fall, not Eve, because he was given responsibility for life and work in the garden before woman was created) our domains rebel against us as we have rebelled against God. Our commands to rule, subdue, and be productive are all the harder to fulfill. Everything is heading toward decay, and we are striving against it. No matter how many loads of laundry we do, there will always be dirty clothes. No matter how many times we clean the kitchen, for as long as we live it will get messy again. This is all part of the curse. Work is not the curse, unproductive work is.

So how do we overcome the curse?

That's what we're going unpack tomorrow. We will not only look at ways to overcome the curse, but how to use it as a powerful motivator.

In the meantime, let's get to work on today's challenge!

• Have you spent time with the Lord today? If not, challenge yourself to get up early everyday to meet Him first thing - remember, I'll get up with you!
• Have your six list done? If not, go ahead and do it now.
• Have your mission statement in view - read it over and be reminded of why you are taking care of your domain. (Haven't done this yet? That's okay, work on it when you have time, it will greatly motivate you.)

Today is an organizing day! Whether you have an office, or just a desk, we are going to organize them, as in, opening all the drawers, taking everything out, THROWING THINGS AWAY, and putting our office items in order (magazines, bills, stationary, etc.). For me, I don't actually have an office, but I have a desk that is completely cluttered, and writing at it is getting to be not only a hassle, but a distraction. I also have a bookshelf near my desk that is screaming to be dusted and ordered. So, let's get our "work spaces" into working order! As always, I'll post pics, feel free to post yours (I love seeing them)!

Tips for organizing your home office

How to rejuvenate your office

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How are some ways you have seen the "curse" at work in your homemaking?

(If you enjoy cleaning and are a "natural" at it, please stick with us, we need you and your valuable input and tips!)