Is It Just Me Or Is TweetDeck Is The Devil?

The horns may be hidden, but let me tell you, they are there.

TweetDeck.

The super addicting desktop Twitter application that connects you to thousands of people all chatting all the time. The "conversation" never ends.

Installing TweetDeck is the worst possible thing you can do if you want to live.

I'm serious.

Soon your bills will go unpaid.
Your husband will start to go crazy by the chirping sound he hears every couple of seconds.
The stench coming from your kitchen will increase in potency.
The smell your body offers after days of sacrificing a shower for tweeting begins to waft.

Not that I have personally experienced any of these things. *Ahem.*

Do NOT install TweetDeck. Do not follow me @sarahmaeblogs. Do not give in to the DEVIL!

Okay, so maybe calling TweetDeck the devil is a little far-fetched...but don't ever say I didn't warn you.


Excuse me? Did you just ask "what is TweetDeck?" "It's going from a plate to a platter."

I Think I Have "Vanity" Issues

Some of you may have noticed my new profile pic. It's pretty sweet...makes me look all sassy and perdy. My friend Allison is responsible for this; she took that beautiful photo. It is not beautiful because I am somethin' special, but because she is THAT GOOD. The problem is...

I just want to stare at it.

What's that song....?

"I feel pretty, so pretty..."

Before I get all carried away with myself, or you think that I am some beauty queen, I would like to bring some reality to the scene.

Beauty Queen Land:

Reality Land:

It is fun to play "dress up" and bask in all the girliness, but the truth is, I wouldn't trade my life with that of the beauty queen. The wrinkles show a life being lived, the stretch marks are a reminder of how amazing God created my body to give life, and the chin hair...well, we all know what that does!

So, while I sit here and stare at myself in black and white, indulging in just a wee bit of vanity, know this: it is my heart that I hope Jesus will one day stare at and see a most beautiful woman pleasing to Him.

"Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3,4

My House Is A Mess

So I must unplug today, because when I talk "messy" I mean bad (scroll to second pic for the horror show).

Have a super Monday! :)

Saturday Score! Charming Art Prints From L. Herbert Designs!

First things first - the winner of the BabyLegs giveaway is...

Heathahlee, of Butterfly Genes! Haha! She is the gal who makes those lovely tassels and gave one away a couple weeks ago - now she's a winner herself! You know what to do friend!

Today's Saturday Score is...

A delightful art print from L. Herbert Designs!
(Specifically, the winner will get to choose either two 5 X 7 prints or one 8x10 print!)

This gal can go from a whimsical and charming creation to a simple and chic piece of art! Take a look:

(my favs below)

Amazing, right?! Those birds are going to go right by my desk!

Here is what Laryssa has to say about her art prints: "My prints are special, because they are truly hand made! I paint the originals and my husband and I cut the paper, make the giclee prints, package and mail them all ourselves.

You can’t get these prints in any big box store. I really like unique art for my home, but I don’t like the outrageous prices that most artists charge! That’s why I’ve priced my artwork affordability. I want the paintings in your hands, so you can enjoy them!"

Now, I have to tell you, I am especially fond of Laryssa and her art because she is one of Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee's sponsors. It means a great deal to me when someone thinks enough of my blog to want to invest in it...and I am honored to be promoting her business!

To Enter The Giveaway:

• Take a few minutes to peruse her art prints, then come on back and tell me which print you would like if you win.
• For TRIPLE entries, post about this giveaway on your blog and leave the link in the comments.

The "Fine Print"
You must be 18 or older to enter
Open to U.S. only

Just For Fun
Laryssa is offering Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee readers 10% off your (already entirely too inexpensive) entire order if you use the coupon code "COFFEE" when checking out! The discount will be available for seven days starting today!

Laryssa (who, by the way, happens to have a fab smile) also has a lovely blog, Heaven In The Home, and you can follow her on Twitter @HeavenInTheHome

(Today's post is linked with Femina Freebies)

Never miss a Saturday Score (or coffee) by clicking here!
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Dream: A Daisy Field

Emily Rose and I both share a dream...

"It has been a dream of mine since I was very young to have a field filled with daisies, one where I could sit and read, run or walk through, as well as photograph.

One day I hope to find that field . . .

. . . but for now I’m content with my little patch of daisies." -Emily Rose

The above picture was taken by Miss Emily Rose, and it inspires me. It's simplicity fills me with tranquility. It takes me to a field where I am lying under the wild blue and feeling my God in the wind.

I enjoy this picture so much that I am entering it into the UPrinting summer photo contest. I really want her to win because she has such talent - just take a peek at her other photos! If this photo wins, she nabs $250 plus her photo blown up to a 16x20" Gallery Wrapped Canvas Print.

If you look over on my left hand sidebar you will see that UPrinting sponsors Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee. I sincerely appreciate them and how they treat bloggers. I know they sponsor a few other blogs, and what impresses me the most is how generous they are and how respectful they are with regards to what we (bloggers) do. I HIGHLY recommend them if you want business cards to promote your blog, you want your beautiful family pictures blown up, or you need any other type of "media." (Keep your eyes out for a giveaway soon!)

"UPrinting.com is a leading online provider of business cards, color brochures and mailing postcards."

I look forward to showing you the business cards they are making for me!
Now, if you think that the daisy photo is worthy of such an honor, would you kindly leave a comment about it? I really want to encourage Emily Rose in her lovely photography. Thank you!

I’ve got to get out of myself
out of these walls of skin and bone
I am stuck
struck with the urge to flee
free
the spirit in me
and jump
into the wild blue

(you can find my other poetry here)

Some Thoughts On "Judging"

"If we be modest and charitable in our censers of others, and decline judging them, and judge ourselves rather, we shall not be judged of the Lord." Matthew Henry

Three General Rules:

1. Look At Yourself First

"...first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." Matthew 7:5


2. Only Judge Within The Church

"For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." 1 Corinthians 5:12-13


3. Judge With Great Discretion

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1

More Verses On Judging

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." John 7:24

"But you, why do you judge your brother? Or again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God." Romans 14:10

"Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only One Lawgiver and judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:11-12 (See an interesting take on this scripture here.)

Scripture That Relates To Judging

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16

{To overseers}"...holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."

Points On Judging From The Matthew Henry Commentary (specific to Matthew 7:1-5)

• Judge ourselves, not our brother
• Do not sit in the judgment seat, to make our word a law to everyone
• Do not despise him or set him at naught
  
• Do not judge rashly
• Do not judge uncharitably, unmercifully, nor with a spirit of revenge or desire to do mischief
• Do not judge the hearts of others, nor their intentions
  
• Do not judge their eternal state

In Summary

The overall picture I get on judging is just not to do it unless necessary to preserve sound doctrine and/or to weed out false teachings. We do not judge someone based on our opinions (or feelings) of that person, and we are not to condemn anyone. For the most part, we are not to judge people, but rather content. It is the "content" we judge, rebuke, and correct. We also must be very careful if we choose to judge because we are but sinners. We are faulty and we err. Do not take judging lightly. Please be very careful not to lay extra burdens on people because of your opinions. If the scripture is not clear on a particular issue, perhaps you should be extra diligent in not claiming truth in the grey.

I like what Jasmine Baucham has to say that relates to judging: "Daddy always says that our orthopraxy falls into three categories: opinion, persuasion, and conviction." I encourage you to make it a habit to know the difference between the three. (Orthopraxy is correctness or right belief with right action.)

I tend to take pretty strong stances on certain things, as I'm sure many of you do. Let's make a point to really examine why we believe what we do so that on a day of questioning, we can be clear with scripture why it is we hold fast to the belief we hold. Examine things for yourself. Cling to humility...but be confident in the Lord.

I also want to add a general note to all: please please please give people the benefit of the doubt, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

*If you have found some of my posts to be judgmental, please read this post - you may be right!

"But examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Who Wants To Go On A Retreat?

Step out of your comfort zone, with your blog, and your life!

This unique retreat is hosted by Jen Houck of One Mom’s World, Sarah Pinnix, of Real Life Blog, and the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center in beautiful Boone, NC!

Survivor: the Blogosphere will feature speakers inspiring us to push the envelope, take it to the next level, and go beyond our comfort zones in our blogs, and in our lives. Attendees will not only be inspired by presenters, but will actually GET OUT and experience mountain adventures. From Fly-Fishing to Hiking, you will be renewed with a new perspective… from the top of the mountain! Culminating with a spa experience, you’ll be ready to take on the blogosphere, not only survive… but thrive!

Speakers include:

Maria Bailey from NewBaby.com, MomTV.com and MariaBailey.com

Audrey McClelland, Jane Couto and Sharon Couto from MomGenerations.com

And...me! {no pressure, no pressure...}

We are going to have so much fun! Oh, and did you notice the little part in the description about a SPA EXPERIENCE?! Hello! What are you waiting for?

Go register!

I Am Looking For A Sponsor For The Type-A Mom Conference

Please contact me if sponsoring me for the Type-A Mom conference perks your interest. We can discuss the details and how I can specifically promote your business to hundreds of women.

Thank you! :)

Event Ticket: $100 (early bird registration, open until 6/30)
Travel Expenses: $150
Full Sponsorship Bottom Line: $250

I've Been Called A "Java-Hugger"...

So I decided to make it official...

Java-Huggers unite!

Thanks for the button Emily Rose! :)

Nope, This Isn't The Post...

...where I delve into the topic of "judgment."

This is the post where I say...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry because the fact is I have had a *judgmental* spirit many times when discussing certain issues I tend to be passionate about. I don't know the line with judging/truth/reproving, etc. I am just trying to figure it out. I know there is a place for judging because we must hold fast to the truth, and often times truth is offensive. On the other hand, I don't want the responsibility that comes along with judging someone - I will be judged by God with the same measure I judge someone else. That's a scary thought because I know I am a mess in many areas in my own life! Talk about a plank! I know we are called to judge sometimes and in certain situations, but I don't want that to be the crux of my "ministry" here. Nope, don't want it. Truly, I just want whatever *truth* God leads me to share to be doused in humility and grace.

I have much more to communicate on the subject of judgment, but for now, just know that I am seeking meekness.

While I'm on the humble train, I would just like to say that I have a chin hair. Yep, you heard correctly. Chin. Hair. It's pretty long too, and I have to pluck it once a month or the little sucker will just grow and grow.

Whew! Now that my chin hair issue is out there, I feel confident that I can never really be "judgmental" because you all have that one on me! :)

Suffering

"How unfinished and rebellious and proud and unconcerned we would be without
suffering!

-Chuck Swindoll

I'll be writing more on the subject of being judgmental as soon as I wrap my mind, heart, and intentions around some things.

What Does It Mean To Be Judgmental?

I'm thinking about this question today...

Articles I'm Reading...

On Marriage

The Battle We Face
"Dave is such a good dad to his kids! Kylie is so lucky to have a husband like him. I wish my husband took more time with our kids."


On Raising Children

ABC Jesus Loves Me
"A free Preschool Curriculum website - Dedicated to preparing a child for Kindergarten in a simple and non-stressful way while giving the child a solid foundation in both the Bible and education. "

Purposeful & Intentional Parenting
"You're the mom, what are you going to do? Now you could just react to whatever mood they throw at you or you could have a plan that you have put into action and are prepared to handle your children and whatever issues they are dealing with."

Receive & Respond
"Trust is hard to pin down and obey is just a plain yuck word. It felt very outside – in."

Encouragment For Stay-At-Home Mom
"I’d love for you to listen to Dr. Laura’s conversation with James Dobson regarding the beauty and importance of staying at home."

The Early Years - What They Rarely Tell You
"What is never said to me, however, is one important fact that may help other young mommies as they deal with the here and now: the here and now will bring about much personal fruit."

On Living For Him

Hosea 14 - Be Melted As You Read God's Most Beautiful Love Song To His Bride
"There is a perfectly loving husband (God), and a wife (Israel, the Church, you, and me) who has been unfaithful, and has been caught the arms of another lover."

Paradise Lost - A Look Inside The Prodigal Mind
"What prompts the prodigal to leave faith and support for ambiguity and isolation and why does the prodigal return?"

What Parts Of The Torah Can We Still Keep Today
"While YHWH eventually gave us just ten that EVERYONE was to keep, we must remember, these ten are just part of the larger picture taken from YHWH's Torah."

On Blogging

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A Blog
"These mistakes are almost a right of passage, but why waste that time with mistakes you can easily avoid?"

Why I Don't Care About My Blog's Traffic
"Someone’s bound to yell at me for this. But I simply don’t care about my blog’s traffic. Why? That’s just a number. Here’s what I do care about..."

Random

Lisa's Blog Conference Speaker Topics (Just go read them - hilarious!)

Turn Your Blog Into A Book!

Saturday Score! BabyLegs (Not What It Sounds Like!)

*The winner of last weeks Saturday Score of some yummy Homemade Gourmet is Allie Z. of Life in the Z Lane! {Happy dance} Contact me with your snail mail you lucky gal you! :)

This weeks Saturday Score is...

BabyLegs!

How stinkin' cute are these leg warmers?! I know! You can find BabyLegs at Mom4Life (along with other amazing mommy and kiddo stuff, including the New Native Baby Sling, which I won, and LOVE, thanks to a giveaway from Extravagant Grace!)

Check out these unique features of BabyLegs:

• BabyLegs protect you little ones sweet little legs from wind burn and chill.
• Feet remain free to allow for successful crawling, walking and dancing.
• With BabyLegs, crawlers can roam free without rug burn!
• They help keep socks on!
• They fit most newborns through size 10 (for images of BabyLegs on children of several ages see below).
• BabyLegs are fun to use as arm warmers too!
• They help make diaper changes a breeze
• BabyLegs keep legs warm year round
• They provide light weight sun protection
• BabyLegs make EC'n, diaper changing & potty training easier
• Jazz up any dance class with BabyLegs
• Make a fun fashion statement with styles for every occasion with BabyLegs!

The White Burst style of BabyLegs is up for grabs today...you can see them on my babes here:

Perfect for a three year old or a three month old (one size fits most)!

Now, I just have to share another cool thing with you about Mom4Life. Military moms, listen up! "Being a mom in a military family carries with it added blessings and difficulties. We want to honor the MANY sacrifices being made by these behind the scenes heroes around the country and let you know that WE APPRECIATE YOU! During the month of July any mom that is a military wife or is enlisted herself is encouraged to enter to win this amazing selection of USA made products valued at over $768.00." Go here to see all the details. Oh, and everyone else in July can get 4% off any made in the U.S.A. product!

Oh, and Mom4Life offers FREE shipping in the U.S. - no minimum order!!! I know, they rock.

Now, to enter this Saturday Score, dance your way over (you know, pretend you're in leg warmers and doing some awesome jig) to Mom4Life and check out all the fab stuff they have, including the bazillion styles of BabyLegs (because, even if you win, you'll want more!).

Oh, and if you're really cool and just want to be my friend, even though you won't get extra entries, you can subscribe to my blog here. It makes me feel all special. :)

(contest open to continental U.S. only)

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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.

-Wall Street Journal

Go Ahead - Give Your Kids What They Want!

In the spirit of this article from At the well and this one from We are THAT family, I now give you the below article from the talented (love how she writes) Dana from Composing Hallelujahs! (the new host of Motivate Me Monday). Dana is a Texas wife and blog-at-home mom of four. When she's not blogging, you'll find her homeschooling her cowboy-to-be son and three dancing-princess daughters. She also enjoys decorating cakes, blasting the house with heart pounding worship music and learning to ballroom dance with her silly romantic husband.

Go Ahead. Give Your Kids What They Want!

so maybe you're thinking, "Oh great, she's one of those mothers!" You know, the kind that lets her kids run wild, eat sugary snacks all day long and let's them do, go, and have anything and everything and then claim they're just "expressing themselves".

but notice i didn't suggest you give your kids EVERYTHING they want. {mm-hmm. still wondering? read on}

i'm actually a rather strict mom, compared to the "average jo" kind of mom at least. We have rules {probably too many in some people's eyes} and we do our best to be consistent and require obedience and respect and all that good stuff. {but please don't think they are all perfect little angels. cute? definitely. funny? for sure. perfect? yeah right!} I'm no Capt. VonTrap with a whistle, but the shoes stay off the furniture, no jumping on the beds and so on and so forth...

I'm also a teeny tiny itty bitty bit of a control freak/perfectionist {insert embarrased chuckle here}. That does NOT mean my house is in perfect order, but it means that I like to do certain things a certain way! So, I end up saying no to the kids quite a bit when they want to do something... like {gasp} help me with something! {which is probably WHY my house isn't in perfect order cause i'm trying to do it all myself}

now, i'm not talking about giving them the toy they whined for in the store {goodness gracious, no, never do that!}, i'm talking about giving them the feeling of value and belonging they desire, but don't know to put into those words.

some statements i usually say "no" to {normally without thinking, the "no" just comes out automatically} are things like...

"Can I help?" "No" {because it will go faster if i just do it}

or "Can I do the dishes?" "No" {cause i don't want to clean up a watery mess}

or "Can I vacuum?" "No" {it's too heavy for you and i don't want you to break something or scratch the baseboards}

or "Can I go with you?" "No" {because mommy needs some quiet time even if it is at the super crowded and noisy grocery store}

isnt' that silly of me?!?! and then... and then we wonder why it's a struggle to get the kids to help with the chores when they are older. sooo, i'm working on throwing caution to the wind {uh, not really throwing, more like underhand tossing} when it comes to giving my kids what they want. {but really it's what they need}.

When it comes to contributing to the family unit, our children need to feel that they are important and valuable to the survival of the family {this is also why we have chosen NOT to give an money/allowance for everyday chores, but only for above and beyond things and projects, like preparing a garden bed, helping dad build something, etc...}. Being a part of something bigger than themselves gives them a reason to work hard and remain committed and "loyal" {that's one reason why gangs are so appealing to many youth}

so next time your little one is wanting to water and weed the garden {even though they might pull up an actual plant or drown another}, or get the clothes out of the dryer {even thought half of them get dropped on the dusty laundry room floor}, or tag along on a trip to lowes {even though you were hoping for a moment of quiet}... show them how much you love them and just give'em what they want! ;)

Choosing To Be A Stay-At-Hom Mom Living On One Income

Lizanne of Clay Jar People emailed me some great questions on being a stay-at-home mom and how to manage a family on one income. She gave me permission to post her questions.

Choosing To Be A Stay-at-Home Mom Living on One Income

1. Were you at home before you had kids? Or did you only decide to stay home once you had babies?

I did work, but I knew that once I had my first child I would quit and stay home to
raise my child.


2. How do you manage to feed a family of 5 on one income? That's hectic!

It's really not that bad if you are willing to give up other things. We don't go
out to eat (fast food here and there), we have one vehicle (and a motorcycle),
we don't buy a bunch of things (no iphone, no flat screen T.V., no cable, no laptop, etc.) and
we budget. Our grocery bill is usually around $200-250/month.


3. My husband is planning to study part time, possibly full time, for about 7 years... How do you think we could manage since we want kids in that time?

Start living on one income now - save everything you make from your job. Get frugal.
Budget. Pray. Make staying at home your only option - seriously. When I got
pregnant, I was working for a non-profit making beans and my hubby was still in
school and working at a hot dog shop! If you want to be a full-time mommy and you
have limited finances, you have to be ridiculously committed, but it is worth every
"sacrifice" in the world.


4. How do you cut on your grocery budget?

Snacks are the first to go. I don't make very many exciting meals, and we don't eat
a lot of red meat. We pretty much stick to the basics! It makes for a great diet
program!


5. Do you guys have life insurance or pension? And what about savings?

We do have life insurance and a pension plan. My husband works for a School District
so we have excellent benefits. We do save - we follow Dave Ramsey's principles on
saving and it has worked very well for us.


6. I don't know how the cost of living compares in the US with South Africa, but its quite expensive here. For example, renting a small one bedroom flat costs R3000 which I think is about $300. I suppose its pretty much normal... But where does one cut costs?

You have to be willing to sacrifice "luxuries." Start with what you absolutely
need, and work up from there.


7. How do you manage with one car with kids? We have one car, which isn't an issue because I take the bus to work. But if we had kids it would be tougher. How do you manage?

My husband has a motorcycle, so that helps, but in the winter I either have to drive
him to work or stay home. On the days we stay home I try and plan for friends to
come visit, or we do other fun things.

Thank you for the awesome questions! I truly believe that you will never regret
staying home and raising up your sweeties for the Lord. :)

"Good point!" comment alert!

Robin: "Two questions: Is it easy to stay at home on one income? Is it easy to work outside the home with children? I have done both, so I know the answer to both. No. Which one would I die trying to accomplish? The first."

Amy: "So many people talk about the sacrifice that it takes to stay at home but I would like to mention the huge sacrifice that it takes to work outside the home. The sacrifice on our children's lives."

Anne: "If you have to work, let the Lord redeem it!"

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5:16 Gals Update *Update on the Update

*Whew, that took FOREEEEEEEEEVAH! Please check the list and make sure you are on it if you requested to be, and make sure your link is correct. If you want to be added to the list or something is wrong with your link, please leave a comment on this post. Thanks gals! :)

**I corrected the "Twibe" link

Tonight I will finally be updating the 5:16 club list. I am SO sorry I put it off so long...I have a ton of catching up to do! Also, if you are on Twitter, I have started a 516Gals Twibe (my husband thinks that name is hilarious - he tells me I'm the chief of my "twibe") where you can actually say good morning to other 5:16 gals before or after your time with the Lord (or anytime, for that matter!). I'm not sure I'm going to keep the forum. If I do, I'm going to need your ideas and some help to get it going and keep it active.

Alright gals, I'll see you bright and early in the a.m.! :)

A Husband's Covering

Good morning friends! Today I am over at The Great Adventure with Katy Lin for the My Husband Rocks birthday bash! Wanna party with me?

An excerpt from my guest post article, A Husband's Covering:

Life can sure beat us up sometimes. As if it isn't enough that we deal with our own lies and wounds, many times we also have to deal with attacks from the enemy. It is on those days that I am especially grateful for my husbands covering.

What Is A Husband's Covering?

For me it is a place of safe vulnerability...Read The rest of the article here!

(This post is linked with Wifey Wednesday and works for me!)

Coffee talk here daily and never miss a post by clicking here!

Do You Live In The Gray?

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the worst,if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."

-Theodore Roosevelt

Discipline! Obedience! Black & White Issues! Have I Forgotten About Grace?

NO!

But maybe...

I love grace...I bask in the glorious grace brought forth by Jesus Christ! Perhaps, however, I have not properly communicated just how vital grace is, not only in our lives, but in the training and correcting of our sweet babes.

Oh that we would wrap the discipline and training of our children in grace, gentleness, patience, and love.

We must train and discipline our children, for no matter how "natural" sin is for them and their curious ways, Proverbs 22:15 teaches us that "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him." It is for love that we drive that foolishness from their hearts. We love them enough to guide them in righteousness. What is so important to remember in training our children is to lead them gently, remembering how the Lord so graciously leads us. So often I falter, yet my God has been ever patient with me, pouring His grace over my failures. May we do the same with our children, extending gifts of grace in the midst of transgression.

I now feel that is necessary to add one more thing.

I have this platform (my blog) to share with you things I've learned, wisdom I've gleaned, and other such things, but I am only a wretch who happens to have a covering of grace. I'm not going to get it all right, and sometimes I'm going to flat out fail. I can tell you this though, I love my God and will do my best to honor Him and His word with this blog and all I have to say and with all of who I am. That won't be good enough for everyone, and that's okay. Our identities are not found in one another, but rather in Christ Jesus, who loves us and gave His life for us. I will always stand by the truth of the Living Word, even when it is unpopular. I will also gladly fall into the arms of grace when the going gets tough and the pressure to get it all right surrounds me.

Today, let's all let ourselves be enclosed in the arms of grace.

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." Psalm 103:8

Related Articles:
Training and Discipline Techniques for your Kiddos (A.K.A Civilizing Those Darn Sin Natures!)
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Remember Who You Are and Make Good Choices

Today I have a special guest post for you from Tiffany, the gal behind my favorite "food" blog, Eat At Home (the chicken and cheesy rice casserole is divine!). Enjoy!

Our Family Saying: "Remember Who Are and Make Good Choices"

A few years ago my husband and I were blessed to be part of a Sunday School class of older adults, most of whom were in their seventies. They had asked my husband to teach the class, but we were the ones to truly learn. These lovely people had been walking with Christ for decades and His love and wisdom poured from them.

One day before class started they were sharing the advice given to them by their parents during their childhoods. One man said his father always told him to “remember who you are”. A woman shared that her parents told her to make good choices every time she left the house.

Jim and I latched on to these two pieces of advice and put them together into one saying, “Remember who you are and make good choices”. We say this to our children at least once a day. We tell them when they are going out to work, or just going out for a bike ride. We want it to become part their thinking. They often say it to us as we are leaving the house too.

Our goal is that this will be in their minds as they go into the world for activities and work and fun with friends. We have explained that “remember who you are” is to remember that they are part of our family. They are loved by us. They are children of God through Christ. Sometimes we add to the saying, “Remember who you are in Christ”.

We’ve told our children that we want them to make good choices. We want them to remember what they have been taught and make wise choices about their actions and words. Will they make mistakes? Absolutely. Everyone makes mistakes. But if they remember who they are in Christ; who they are in our family, they will know that they are forgiven and loved no matter what. They will make the good choice to come to us when they are in trouble and need help. That’s the best thing we can hope and pray for in raising our kids to follow Christ.

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I've Been Interviewed...

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Saturday Score! Can You Smell That? Yummy Homemade Gourmet!

*The winner of last week's Saturday Score (a HeathahLee tassel) is (by random number generator) Michelle, of Lollypops and Lizards! Congrats! Now email me your snail mail please!

Today's Saturday Score is brought to you by Stephanie Gordon, Senior Distributor & Meal Consultant for Homemade Gourmet! You can practically smell this score...so what is it?

A Homemade Gourmet mini 4 meals in 4 minutes collection!

Are you drooling?

I am.

I like Homemade Gourmet...they have a cool mission: "With God’s help, Homemade Gourmet^® strives to bring families back to the dinner table by providing quality, affordable, easy-to-prepare meals, education and direct sales business opportunities."

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Now go tempt your taste buds here and then come back and leave me a comment telling me which mouth-watering recipe is your favorite!

Contest will be open until Friday at 8pm Eastern time and is only open to the continental U.S. You must be 18 or older to enter.

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