Melodic Monday: Slow Down!

When I found this video devotional by Jeremy Camp, I knew I had to share it with you! Jeremy really is a man after God's own heart. My daughter, Mackenzie, and I saw him in concert for her birthday. I was touched by his humble spirit and his desire to give all the glory to God. He has an amazing testimony... and has truly walked by faith.

I chose this devotional because though I desire to be more like Mary, sitting at the feet of our Lord, I tend to be more of a Martha. So, I am reminded to slow down and experience the joy and fullness of His presence. Be still and know that He is God!

Dollars & Sense: Homemade Cleaner

You know the saying... "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Well, I would suggest you make a homecleaner instead! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a cold glass of lemonade. And I never really understood the whole negative connotation associated with lemons. Our Creator made them and I think they are delightful. But I digress! I use lemon juice as part of a really simple, all natural, save-me-a-lot-of-money, homemade cleaning solution. Now, I am going to come completely clean, I am not a shining example of Proverbs 31-ness. My hubby will attest to that! But as I aspire to grow in my role as keeper-of -the home, I am learning some really cool things. While I do not delight in cleaning (I am still a work in progress), I am thrilled with this "recipe" and would like to share it with you. Drum roll, please...

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 cup of water

1 cup of vinegar


That's it. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! No poison. No fumes. So economical. How great is that? I put it in a spray bottle that I purchased at a dollar store. I used a permanent black marker to write "General Purpose Cleaner" and then I printed the "recipe" on the bottle as well. This way the kids can't conveniently forget how to make it when the bottle is low. ;0) Now, I will admit that I have yet to squeeze my own lemons to provide the juice. I use the bottled lemon juice and the kitchen counters don't seem to mind.

Be sure to come back and visit for more homeade cleaning product ideas!

P.S. Thanks to my husband for encouragement in my quest to become a Proverbs 31 women and for finding this recipe. (((Hugs)))

A Lesson in Loyalty

The disciples of Jesus lovingly called him Rabbi, which means "teacher." Truly He is! Our Lord delights in revealing His truths, sometimes in the most unlikely ways. In our homeschool, the children and I are doing a bible study on faith. This week the study focused on loyalty and faithfulness. Loyalty can be defined as being steadfast in allegiance to ones homeland, government, king or master or as being faithful to a person, ideal, cause or duty. We discussed what it means to be faithful and sought illustrations of faithfulness to God in the Scriptures. After discussing the life of Paul, the apostle, we concluded our lesson. But God wasn't done yet! Later in the day, the children were watching a program that showcased amazing animal stories. As I worked in the kitchen, I heard the kids summon me. They wanted me to hear the most amazing example of loyalty demonstrated over a lifetime... of a dog!

Hachiko was an Akita dog. He lived in Tokyo with his master, a professor at the University of Tokyo. For a year, the young dog and his caregiver had an established routine. Daily, Hachiko would walk the professor to the door threshold and say goodbye. As the end of each day approached, the canine would faithfully journey to the Shibuya train station where he would await his master's return from work. One day, Hachiko waited in vain. His master had tragically suffered a stroke at work and died. The Akito was given away to another family. Yet the dog repeatedly escaped from his new residence only to return to his former home. Eventually, Hachiko realized his master no longer lived there. So, he made his way across town to the station. For ten years, chuken Hachiko, translated "faithful dog Hachiko," returned each evening to await his master's return. His daily seeking of his master only ended when his life did. A statue of the Akito now keeps watch at the station in remembrance of Hachiko's steadfast commitment.

Wow. Utterly and completely committed. Faithful. Loyal until the end. My thoughts immediately turned to my relationship with my master. How often do I wait on the Lord? Do I meet with Him faithfully each morning at daybreak? Do I seek to be in His presence daily? Do I long to have Him by my side? How much do I yearn for His return? Am I willing to walk the distance, to endure? Will I continue to follow my Lord when I am unable to see His hand at work or when He seems far away? Over time, will adversity deter my allegiance? Will I be loyal to the King of Kings above all else?

Oh Saviour, daily may I seek you! Strengthen and empower me to be steadfast and enduring in my faith. May I long to be by your side and eagerly await your return! Thank you, Rabbi, for so lovingly teaching me about loyalty through the life of a dog.

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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:10

Walking with the Lord

Footprints 
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there were only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at he very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most, you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then I carried you."

Written by: Carolyn Joyce Carty

I am posting the poem "Footprints" in honor of my sweet sister, April and her precious baby, Delaney Brianne, who is now in the arms of our Saviour. As our family walks through this valley of loss and grief, I am comforted as the Lord reminds me He is always with us, and during our greatest pain and suffering... He carries us.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8

Resurrection Cookies

A great family activity to prepare little hearts (as well as mom's) for the Resurrection Day of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus!

Resurrection Cookie Recipe
Making cookies with your children to teach the true meaning of Easter!
You will need:
1 cup of whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch of salt
1 cup of sugar
plastic baggie
tape
Bible
Cookie instructions:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees (this is important ~ don't wait!)
1. Place the pecans in the plastic baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break them in pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.
~ Read John 19:1-3
2. Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. Let each child smell the vinegar. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and He became thirsty, He was offered vinegar to drink.
~ Read John 19:28-30
3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life so that we could have life.
~ Read John 10:10-11
4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand and let them taste it. Put the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.
~ Read Luke 23:27
5. So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
~ Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
6. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
~ Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
7. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid to rest.
~ Read Matthew 27:57-60
8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
9. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the door. Explain that tomb of Jesus was sealed.
~ Read Matthew 27:65-66
10. Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight and that the followers of Jesus were in despair when the tomb was sealed.
Read John 16:20-22
11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find His tomb empty.
~ Read Matthew 28:1-9
Recipe by: Wanda Long

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Wired for Worship

I believe we are wired for worship. God created us that way! My heart, my passion, my praise should belong to Him! We are called to love Him with all of hearts, souls, mind and strength (Mark 12:28). Yet, how many times do I let other things take precedence over God? If I'm not careful, I place other things before Him. I become tempted ~chasing after things of the world. I become distracted. Apathetic. Selfish.
I don't want to be a fence-rider. I don't want substitutes. I want to be completely, utterly, unashamedly surrendered and abandoned to my Saviour. Let the words of my mouth adore Him! Let my hands be uplifted in prayer and thanksgiving with a heart devoted to God!

You formed us from the dust
You breathed your breath in us
We are the work of your hands
Now we breathe back to You
Love songs of gratitude
Adoring You with all we have
We were created
To worship Your name
We were created
to bring You our praise
If we don't worship You
We'll search for substitutes
To fill the void in our souls
Worshipping other things
Destroys our liberty
But as we praise You we are free
'Cause we were created
To worship Your name
We were created to bring You our praise
So we will worship, so we will praise
You our Creator, for all of our days
This is what we were made to do
This is what we were made to do
So we lift up our praise to You

Written by: Vicky Beeching/ Yesterday, Today & Forever

Rock-a My Soul

I love our Lord. And I really like my rocking chairs. Did I mention that I am fairly passionate about my porch and a cup of hot coffee, too? Of course my love for God is paramount, but I love the way they all come together on a morning like this one. I can be so Martha. I have good intentions, but I can get so wrapped up in doing things, and going places and checking off my "to do" list that I let go of His hand and run impulsively down the path without Him! It's times like this that I get overwhelmed, worried, discouraged... And then there are times like this morning that I can be more like Mary. I take the time sit at His feet and be captivated by His love, His mercies, His beauty and His grace. As I rock in my chair and take the time to draw near to Him, I am ushered into His glorious presence. When I fix my eyes upon Him and purpose in my heart to spend time with Him, my heart is transformed. It is only when I stop looking inward and look to Him that my soul is free. The anxiety and depression flees and His grace abounds. Why would I ever allow my heart to be so fickle, so impulsive? Why do I let myself wander so far from Him when it is so wondrous to walk with Him? I am so grateful our Lord is unchanging ~ the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I am so glad He meets me on my porch and doesn't ask me where I have been. He just loves me.

Bloom & Grow

Rose was an ordinary girl with an extraordinary wish. She wanted to bloom! And when it happened, she wanted it to be spectacular.

Rose was not a flower. She was just a child named after one. With a name like Rose and a nickname like Blossom, how could she think about anything other than blooming? She thought these flowery thoughts everyday, but especially during the springtime!

But she had not yet blossomed. She had not yet bloomed. Go figure! Rose Blossom was a late bloomer! How could this be? Everyone in Rose's family tree had blossomed at an early age.

Rose's mom was a writer. She wrote funny stories, sad stories, believable stories and it-could-never-happen-in-a-million years kind of stories.

Dad was a handy man. He hammered, he sawed, he cut and he carved. A piece of wood would transform into something grand in his hands.

Rose's big brother, Josh, was a top-notch, first-place, trophy-winning athlete of the year.

Grace, her big sis, tapped, twirled and plied her way through each and every day.

Even her younger sis, Zoey, had already bloomed. With flour in her hair and a wide, gappy grin, she baked a blue-ribbon, county-fair winning, not-too-tart tart!

Her cousin was a painter. Her poppa played trombone. Grandma was a singer and was never out of tune.

Rose was ever so happy for her very talented kin. However, she could not help but wonder and ask God when it would be her turn to go out into the world and bloom.

Rose thought about faraway places that might provide a perfect spot to plant her self and bloom.

As her thoughts multiplied and grew, they became large enough to include trains, planes, motorcycles and canoes... palm trees, mountain tops, canyons and a bayou.

She was certain if her parents bought her a ticket, she could find the right spot.

Rose's family disagreed. "Rose," they repeated again and again, "You will have to bloom where God has planted you. Your talent will have to be home-grown!"

Rose could not wait any longer... She was ready! She was set! She wanted to bloom now, not later! After all, it was her birthday and she was certain it was time!

Her family showered her with hugs and kisses and we-know-you-will-bloom-soon wishes.

Through a flurry of gift wrap, Rose uncovered a shovel, a spade, a watering can and a packet of seeds. She looked pleased, but slightly confused.

Rose blurted, "You know how I adore the garden! But how will this help me to bloom?

"I think you have a green-thumb," her mom encouraged and hinted.

Rose still did not understand what this had to do with her desire to bloom. But she decided to weed out all of her worries and doubts as she dug and planted her seeds. As she sowed, Rose shared her budding thoughts and her heart with God... and her faith grew.

As promised, Rose did blossom. And she bloomed. Except, she did not notice yet!

Rose shouted, "Bravo" at her sister's dance recital, as she threw a home-grown bouquet.

To an under-the-weather friend, she delivered a bundle of flowers wrapped in a smile.

Rose arranged a vase full of sweet-smelling inspiration for her cousin to paint.

And an armful of daisies were picked for mom, just to say "I love you."

Often, Rose pulled a wagon filled with vegetables to the soup kitchen in town.

Many pumpkins from Rose's patch smiled brightly at the Autumn Harvest Fair.

As Rose Blossom shared her fruitful bounty with her little sis, it amazingly and deliciously transformed into souffles, pies and soups extraordinaire!

Finally, it dawned on Rose. She HAD blossomed. She HAD bloomed! Not only did she have a very green thumb, she had a happy heart!

These newly discovered talents and gifts were not only hers, but hers to give to others. Rooted in faith, Rose's kindness and generosity grew as readily as her flowers, fruits and vegetables.

And Rose blossomed, indeed. Season after season, year after year, she continued to bloom and grow, bloom and grow... daily growing in grace.

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As I wrote this children's story, I knew Rose's heart because it is my heart, too! For quite some time I have struggled with my faith and with where God has planted me. I now understand that God has called me...to be my husband's helpmeet, to be a homeschooling mom, and to be the keeper of my home. He created me wonderfully... to be a writer and an encourager, a question-asker and a truth-seeker, a planter and a nurturer. I admit I was a late bloomer, but I finally decided to grow where God has planted me!

If I'm not careful, I allow the weeds of the world to crop up in my garden and threaten my growth. During those times I feel more like a wall flower rather than a beautiful bouquet! I feel like I am wilting instead of flourishing! And then I abide in the vine... in my Saviour. That is when I bear fruit. That is when I bloom & grow. I desire to be a sweet-smelling fragrance to my Lord. May I plant seeds of encouragement and hope as I seek Him and share with you!