Think About It Thursday – Where’s your focus?

I heard a saying today…”Your focus determines your future”

Wow.  That’s something to take into consideration, especially with all the things that demand our time and energy these days.  We let worry take over and forget that if we seek His kingdom, He takes care of it all (Matthew 6:25-34).

Focus is defined as: a central point, as of attraction, attention or activity.  The things and activities that we spend our time consumed in is what we’re focusing on and that is what will produce fruit in our lives.

The girl in the photo above sees the entire skyline, but she is choosing to only focus in on a certain part to take a picture of.  There’s so much negativity and wrong doings that we hear about day after day, and while it’s fine to take notice of it – it’s not fine to dwell on it and let it affect our everyday lives.

Have you ever heard this saying “Who you will be next year depends upon two things – the books you read and the people you meet”?  Amazingly true, change doesn’t come by sitting around doing nothing.  We have to decide that we’re going to do what it takes to be a different person one year from now.

Proverbs 13:20 – He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

As a teenager in youth group, we were always told ‘You become like who you hang around.’  But I don’t think that only applies to the younger crowd.  Even at my age, I want to surround myself with God-fearing, Bible-reading, Discipline-Administering, Honest-to-Goodness moms that provide me with an example to follow, as well as a friendship.  And I want to provide those friends in return, an example of a Godly wife and mother.  But it’s hard for me to be those things if I don’t take time out to study God’s Word or to worship at His Feet.

There is also a stack of books that I’d like to read sometime in the next five years soon.  As soon as I finish one, I will share about it here.  These are books about self-improvement – spiritually and relationally.

The challenge – to decide to focus on something that will make a positive change for your future…a book to read and that person that you’ve been interested in hanging around more because you think they’re a great example grab them both and get learning from them.

The prayer – God, I humble myself before You and I ask You to train my eyes to see the focus that You have for me.  I thank You that as I seek and worship You, I don’t have to worry because You’ve got a plan for me.

Think About It…

Dancing to the beat of their own drum

Last week, we made our own drums and this is a picture of my little musicians singing and playing their drums to some music in the kitchen.  The idea came from a kid’s craft book and the moment Hosanna saw it, she wouldn’t leave me alone about making them until we did.  They were simple and the kids loved them!
To make them you will need:

• Empty Oatmeal Containers (or any other kind you have on hand, Zoe’s was a feta cheese container)
• Construction Paper
• Crayons
• Yarn
• Scotch Tape
• Unsharpened Pencils
• Cotton Balls
• Saran Wrap
• Rubber Bands

1. Begin by having the kids color the cover for their drum.  Attach it with tape to the outside of the container.  I cut circles that we taped on the lid and wrote the first letter of their name on it.
2. Poke hole in the side of the container and put the yarn through tying to secure.  Put the lid on.
3. Cut a small square of plastic wrap, place 3 cotton balls in the middle.  Center the pencil on the cotton balls and gather around the pencil, secure with a rubber band.  Repeat with second pencil.

They really enjoyed singing and dancing with these drums.  The only thing I would probably change is to use hot glue to glue on the lid as they came to me a few times to have me put the lid back on for them.
But it was a great thing to do on a cold winter’s day!

{Project 52} Week 1

I have decided to do a project.  I know...who has time for that?  Well, I'm going to make time. 

Because I'd like to improve my photography skills and take more pictures of our family, I'm going to purposely take pictures every week.  Then I will post my favorite (or favorites if I can't decide).  At the end of the year, I will have a summary of our year in pictures and probably make a photo book.

Week 1 is a picture I took the other day after we had gotten a little bit of snow and Hosanna and Judah headed outside.  You could still see grass poking through, so I guess she considered the driveway a more appropriate place for making a snow angel and somehow, she centered herself right between the tire tracks.  To me, snow angels are such a reminder of childhood and that's why I love this picture.

Think About It Thursday - The Work of Your Words

This is the beginning of a new year.

If you could purpose to change one thing, what would it be?  Your busy schedule, your exercise routine, the amount of quality time you spend with your kids?  This list could go on and on.

I was reading the other day and came across this quote:
     "All the words I had ever spoken, they are making my children who they are.  What we speak into others, this is what they become." Anne Voskamp

Oh, my.  How true this is.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.  The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.  The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.  Proverbs 10:19-21

The book of Proverbs is studded with verses regarding the tongue and how it's misuse can lead to our downfall.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.  Proverbs 12:18

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  Proverbs 18:21

God has given us care and charge over our children and the things that we say TO them and ABOUT them shape who they are.  No, it isn't easy, but mothering is my job so I'm going to do it the best that I can.

The challenge...Put a reminder of one of these verses (or another that reminds you of the power of your words) in a visible place where you can be reminded of it daily.

The prayer...Lord, help me to thoughtfully speak life to those around me.  I am so grateful for the job that you've given me as a mother and I pray that the things I say glorify you each and every day.

Think About It...

Song of the Month - Love Is Not A Fight

An iPod - one of my favorite Christmas gifts ever.  A device that allows me to listen to hundreds of songs whenever I please is absolutely wonderful!

I love music and it's ability to change the atmosphere and attitudes around us.  Music makes us feel good, it encourages us and makes us think.  That's why I've decided to share a song with you each month.  A song that has spoken to me, has a great message or has gotten me through a trying time.  I believe that what we listen to can have a powerful effect on our outlook and how we view things.

This particular song was brought to my attention by my husband.  He pointed it out to me on an app that he has on his phone.  Then when I was looking it up later, I found out it was from the movie Fireproof (that's why it sounded so familiar!).

But it has a powerful message.  We all come in contact with people who have experienced broken relationships and I don't think we can remind ourselves too much that 'love is not a fight, it's something worth fighting for.'

She calls them the princess-es

There are toys...

and there are TOYS. 

With 4 children in this family, we got plenty.  This is one that has been enjoyed over and over.

These are Disney Princess Favorite Moments Dolls.  They aren't very big, which is good (they don't take up much space) and bad (a possible choking hazard).  So at our house they can only be played with at the dining room table and must be put away when you are finished playing with them.

These dolls can be purchased individually or in sets.  Hosanna has some individuals and the Tiana set, which has a prince and horse with carriage.  Their little clothes are rubbery and can be difficult for the kids to get on and off.  They have also ripped certain pieces of clothing right in half.  Yes, I said they...all of them (except for Shiloh) enjoy playing with them. 

Overall, these are toys that the kids have asked over and over to play with.  They love them.  These princess' have slept in barns, rode on buses and been covered in Play Doh.  They are versatile and keep the kids captivated and using their imagination.

Quote of the Day: (while playing with these princess')
"They choosed not to get married 'cause it was way past their bedtime."


In other news: This little lady is 13 months old today.  My, how time flies!

Disclaimer: I wasn't paid to say this. It's just a post about some toys we enjoy around here.

The Attitude of I Refuse

Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking at the Sunday morning service at our church.  I've decided to share my notes with you.  It was an exciting topic that I hope will inspire you to make a choice this year.

New Year's Resolutions date back many, many years to a Roman god named Janus.  He is usually pictured to have 2 heads, one that looks forward to the new year and one that looks back to the past.  Making resolutions usually was about forgiving your enemies and looking forward to your successes in the new year.  This Janus guy is where we get January from. 

Modern day resolutions vary from getting in shape, improving finances or careers, becoming more organized, reducing stress and volunteering to help others.  Research has shown that, while 52% of participants were confident that they would succeed, only 12% actually achieved their goals.

Last week, while listening to the radio, I heard the song, I Refuse by Josh Wilson.  The words struck me and as I prepared for last Sunday's service I was lead to read them aloud.

Sometimes I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright, when I know they're not

The world needs God, but it's easier to just stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer, Oh I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else, to do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose not to move, But I refuse

Those are thought provoking words.  God has called each of us to a certain time and place, He doesn't change His mind regarding that which He's called us to (Romans 11:29).  Our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers need the hope of Jesus.  We are called to be the light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16 and 1 John 1:5).

So in addition to whatever self improvement goals you are setting for yourself this year...

I challenge you to adopt (take something and make it your own) the attitude of I REFUSE...

• not to show God's love
• to be a bad example in my attitude, words or actions
• to let another day go by without letting 'that' person know they are loved by God and myself
• to ignore the Spirit's leading
• not to take the opportunity to pray with someone when I know they have needs to be prayed about

We attended a marriage seminar this past spring, it was an incredible study about marriage and what it should look like according to God's Word.  We learned there are three characteristics that are essential to every successful marriage, but these are also the things that we need to reach people for God.

1. LOVE - 1 Thess. 4:9b - you, yourselves, have been taught by God to love one another.  Paul said it so well in 1 Corinthians 13 - without love, I am nothing!
2. FORGIVENESS - Col. 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
3. ENCOURAGEMENT - 1 Thess. 5:11 amp - Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another.

Reminding ourselves to engage these characteristics in our relationships will lead to positive PR for God.  We are walking advertisements for Him.  If we claim to be His children, we should ACT like it!

Statistics show resolutions don't have sticking power...adopting something is making it YOUR OWN.

The challenge...adopt the attitude of I REFUSE to let someone else do what God has called me to do.

The prayer...God, you have called us to be your children and the light of the world.  I refuse to leave you out of every day situations and I choose to share your hope with those around me today!