Real Refreshment - for moms

I'm still on the road from our weekend at the Real Refreshment Retreat in Atlanta. It was such a blessing to spend time with old friends, to meet new ones, and to connect with those we have met online. Being able to hug and sit with women I've prayed for and women who have prayed for me - it's just a special thing. It's a powerful experience. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity. 

I've taken a detour on the way home for an adventure with the kids - surprise! (shocked, I'm sure)

As I reflect on the amazing time we spent - there are a few particulars that come to mind: 

Heidi Saint John. Heidi Saint John. Heidi Saint John. 

Did I mention I thought Heidi Saint John is awesome? She is. Truly. And very sweet. And funny. 

Really funny. 

You can see her at TTD in May as well 
(I can't wait to hear her again in TN) 

She gave a heart felt talk that was down to earth and jam packed full of goodness that I needed to hear. 

I know others felt the same. She encouraged moms, homeschool moms in particular - to stick together, to give each other grace, and to encourage each other. She also had a lot to say about generational curses. If you aren't familiar with that - it's the notion of the "sins of the fathers" being passed down in families. Many times it's dealing with abusive kinds of traits and habits that end up getting passed down in families. 

I had a comment from an Instagram friend when I posted the above pic that she had once taken her son to a counselor (Christian counselor) who told them basically, that they were doomed to fail because of the generational curses being passed down. She now knows better as she has become a Christian and has studied her bible (thankfully) but I was so sad to hear of someone being irresponsible enough to discourage someone looking for help. Good grief! Our God is so much better than that! He is full of love for His children and He has wonderful plans for us. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give 

you hope and a future.               Jeremiah 29:11

Isn't that better news? The God of the universe loves us and has plans to prosper us with hope and a future. Heidi Saint John shared some of her personal story of how she overcame (through the power of God's love) an abusive past. She encouraged us that with the power of Christ - those bonds of sin are broken and we are FREE to walk in grace and love. Powerful stuff. 

Another great reminder for me this weekend: 

What an awesome reminder that He can take the character traits of our children (even the ones we find difficult - sometimes especially the ones we find to be difficult) and turn them into a powerhouse for the Lord? That's right. God of the universe. He can handle our children, and He can help us handle them - to train them for Him. It was a terrific reminder that the foundation we are laying in the lives of our little ones will go a long way in determining their future. It's important that they are grounded in truth, and grace, and love. 

The Apologia ladies were wonderful as always. Each speaker did a fantastic job and each were a blessing to me and the other women I spoke with. According to the web site, "The Real Refreshment Retreats are designed to recharge your spiritual batteries" and I must say - it did exactly that for me. 

On a final note - we were reminded to find joy in the "normal" things of life - Rachel Martin  

spoke about how when people go through tragedies in life - they would give anything to get back to the "normal drudgery" of every day life. Moms who have lost their children would give anything to hear them bickering with each other, or to step on their messy Lego's. It's a profound thought and a sobering one - also a true one. We are not promised tomorrow. We must live today, and live it well. 

With that - I am off to scratch the back of a little boy needing my attention, and to make plans for our day tomorrow. We will enjoy our adventure tomorrow - and every day thereafter, as I am determined to find joy in each one and to share that joy with my children. 

These are the real gifts in our lives. 

1000 Gifts and counting: 

Back scratching-  boy cuddles - little hands reaching to hold mine (even though they are getting bigger)- road trip adventurez - girlfriends - prayer warriors - family babies - new baby smell - time with extended family -  special  cousins and making memories - time to be refreshed and encouraged. 

Linking with: 

 Bigger Picture

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring

#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  

Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  

Marriage matters

Forgiveness is an intentional decision and act of the will to release another from the legitimate and rightful claim that you have against them due to their offense. In short, it is a voluntary giving up of the demand for a personal balancing of the scales of justice on your part. As such, you let go of future appeals to this particular offense in subsequent matters or dealings with the offender as if they are still in moral debt to you for it.
                                                                                                           ~Ben @TheBenediction


This definition of forgiveness makes perfect sense. It is what forgiveness is really about, as it is exactly what God, through His Son Jesus, has done for us.

Putting this forgiveness into action when we are living with our human hearts and desires, is another story all together. How do we go about "living out loud" this godly form of forgiveness?

Prayer - laying it all at the feet of the Savior - day by day, moment by moment, again and again - until we have it down pat - is the only way we can manage such a feat when we have been deeply hurt.

Micah 7:18-19

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.  You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

It isn't always easy to "delight to show mercy", but it can be done. If we take captive our thoughts, by stopping in our tracks the moment the ugly hurt and anger riddled thoughts begin to bubble up from the surface - if we immediately lay them down at His feet and pray for strength, God will help us find something else to think about. It's amazing how He will respond when we step up to obey. 

When I found myself angry at my husband, I turned it over to the Lord. I didn't know where to start to take control of my thoughts, but I started by stopping - and not allowing myself to finish the angry thought. I replaced it instead with a simple (and sometimes through gritted teeth) "Thank you Lord for my husband". I began slowly, daily to add to this mantra "Thank you God that he is such a hard worker" and you know what? It grew to become "Thank you God for this amazing man who loves me and puts his family first". 

It didn't happen over night. But, the more thankful I became, the more appreciative I was of my husband, the more he responded in kind as he sensed a change in me. Our communication opened up and God began to get the glory in our marriage. 

Forgiveness is crucial - Jesus is the way - thankfulness is the key! 

Read more about forgiveness and gain valuable insight for your marriage from the series: 

Linking: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring

#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View   
  Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  Thursday Quick Tip
 What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  

Advice for Seekers by Charles H. Spurgeon

I believe the words out of my mouth were "Oooooooo" followed by "Ahhhhhhh" when I opened my Advice for Seekers. I am of the opinion that any "lover of books" will feel the same upon first glance at this remake of the original text. It has an "old" feel to it but has been masterfully re-created to represent the original text by Charles H. Spurgeon from the 1890's. 

Spurgeon addresses issues such as "what is keeping you from a closer walk with God?"  and whether or not you are seeking a biblical definition of salvation or the definitions man has invented and created along the way. 

Do you regularly check opinions heard from the pulpit and various other mediums against what God's Word has to say to you? This little book will make you want to! 

Please take just a moment to view this video from YouTube: 




God is not the author of confusion. He wants you to KNOW His LOVE and for you to walk in it! 
His Peace that passes all understanding is available for you - no matter who you are or what you've done. He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE and wants you to live yours abundantly! 

Spurgeon does a masterful job of breaking things down to the simple truth of the matter. This little book will empower you to seek to know God more fully and help you understand His love for you. 

From the vintage feel to the good 'ole fashioned truth - you will love this book too. Most of all it will encourage you to get out of your own way and get to KNOW the ONE who really loves you!

*I received a copy of this book at no expense in exchange for the review 
as always the opinions are my own 

God wants to bless your family

I'm excited! I'm fired up! 

It can be a wonderful thing to let the kids go spend time with the grandparents. It is hard to leave them, but it's also important for them to have the special time with Grandparents and. . . . . .  who knew it could be so awesome for me to spend a little mommy time without them?

I don't like being away from my kids, but this weekend was really good for me and good for them as well. 

This past week has been a whirlwind of activity. We plowed through our homeschool as I prepared to attend the BEECH Retreat. The boys have had special time to spend with grandparents and with daddy, so I could go and learn, grow, and renew. I am coming back to them a better woman. I return refreshed and renewed.

Although it has been hectic, getting it all done, it has been so worth-while! I cannot express how grateful I am that God provided the opportunity for me to participate. I've learned much in the process and believe whole heartily that He intends to bless my family through it. 

God wants to bless my family. He wants me at home teaching my boys, and He has been faithful in providing financially for me to do so. 

God wants to bless your family too. He wants us to have life and have it abundantly!!! 

Gods love for us is so great, so deep, and so wide! We cannot comprehend the depths of His love for us. As much as we love our children, as much good as we want to see for their lives - He loves us even more than we are capable of understanding. We are His children. 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

* privilege of seeing God's plans come to fruition
* inspiration to Go forth and do what I am called to do 
* Grandparents & making special memories 
* One on One time with my little guy 
* physical strength to do what I need to do (and healing) 
* God's amazing provisions! 
* fun with new friends 
* time with old friends
* opportunity to share my heart 
*  BEECH Retreat!!!!

linking with:  Bigger Picture Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home
 The Wellspring - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days   Raising Mighty Arrows -Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs  Works-4-Me   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed

Monday 4 Moms - Love one another

Hebrews 10: 19-29 

 “…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Heb. 10:23 


Today's bible reading is one that can sometimes be uncomfortable - and it certainly doesn't fit into the politically correct venue. It's all about the two edged sword that is the truth in the bible. 

"He who promised is faithful" is a wonderful promise for those who have faith in the blood of the Lamb. But for those who deny His Deity, who reject His gift - for those - that faithfulness brings another promise. A promise that isn't pretty. 
It reminds me that we, as Christians have a job to do. Sharing His truth of love and forgiveness is the most important thing we can do, here on earth. It begins in our own homes. It should carry out into the rest of the world. 

"Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God; for God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us." (1 John 4: 7-11)

God says we shall "know them by their fruit" 
In today's Christian society - that  means "know them by what comes out of their mouth - behind closed doors" It means "know them by the way they treat others" it means "know them by the way they love others in my name" it means "how they act online".  

How are you treating others today? in your home? in your community? online? 
Do the people you work with see Christ in you? Do the circles you socialize in know the love of God through you? 

My heart breaks when I come across Christian sisters treating others in an ungodly way. Especially, if they are in a position of authority within the Christian community. Your words matter. Your actions count. It is your testimony for Him - and He IS faithful. 

"You shall know them by their fruit"  The world is watching sisters - to whom do you belong? 

From the "She reads truth" bible study - I read about how good works should come from a heart of gratitude and not as a way of "earning our way around what he did for us". What is being laid on my heart today is that gratitude for what He did for us - should be producing fruit in our life. If we love Him - it should be coming through loud and clear. And by living a life of gratitude, we can show that love to others. Amen? 

#1000 Gifts and counting: 

Faithfulness of our Father God, steadfast love we can count on, His grace, the way He sends encouragement from unexpected sources, the opportunity to teach His word to my children, ninja costumes and the imaginations of little boys, the smell of cinnamon in the house, rough and tumble little boys all cuddled up to mommy, speaking for Creation Expo, 

Mostly this week I am thankful for our new little cousin - this fresh life - precious one: 

Welcome baby Luke! 

* I am speaking at the Creation Expo from Media Angels - you can win a ticket here today 

linking with: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom   Welcome Home  The Wellspring #1000 gifts
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word     Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

Encouragement for Women - Peace

I've talked with a lot of people who are struggling with life in general and many who 

are struggling with election results. So many are out of work, or have had their salaries 

cut. Families are still loosing their homes by the minute and more of that is expected. 

How do we find comfort when the world around us feels as though it is crumbling? 

We've had personal struggles of the sort that would sensibly insight the use of medication on my part- I'm so not joking. If I were left to my own devices I'd be about one panic attack away from hospitalization. Seriously. 

But, I've not been left to my own devices. I have the Holy Spirit to guide me, I can have 

a peace that passes all understanding - all I have to do is remember to exercise it! 

The bible is the living, breathing Word of God. I have access to it daily. By soaking it up,

I am exercising my faith - growing it - leaning on Jesus. 

Our Creator hasn't promised us that life will not hurt. He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us - and that we can have peace in the storm. 

It's easy to trust Him when things look good. It's not quite as easy when the going gets tough, but that is exactly when we need to trust Him the most. It may come more natural

to trust Him during the dark days if we've been practicing on a regular basis. I want to keep my mind steadfast, by filling it with His Word daily and putting it into practice. 

Our God is mighty. He is steadfast and true. His perfect peace is ours for the taking. 

How? Trust Him. No matter what the outlook or the outcome - trust Him. Have a heart of gratitude in the small things and in the big ones. There is always someone whose need is greater. Pray for them, reach out to do what you can. Remember we are here to serve Him - not the other way around. Thank Him, even for the hard stuff. 

And walk in His peace. 

I'm thankful today: 

*grace for mommy 

*friends who listen and check on me 

*stormy days 

*access to medicine 

*food on the table 

*healthy food for our children 

*time outside 

*field trips to the farm 

*colors in Creation 

*filling up on God's Word 

Thank you for nominating me for

 Best Photo and Best Field Trip/ Nature Blogs

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday 

  Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls 

1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

31 days of HsEncouragement - Soul

As homeschool Moms - we are "on" pretty much 24/7.

 If we aren't staying on top of our own health - things can go from bad to worse quickly.

 Along with healthy eating and exercise - we must care for our spiritual well-being.

 Actually, most importantly, we must care for our spiritual well-being. 

Many go to church each week. We go, we sing, we listen, learn and fellowship. It's a good thing to gather in the house of God and to fellowship with one another. It is good to feed our Spirit as we listen to God's Word being preached from the pulpit. 

But, there is more. There is so much more for those who will choose to spend time with Him daily. To truly walk with Jesus, means more than showing up for church. It is more than prayers before eating, and before bed at night. Those are all good things, but there is more. 

Staying in God's Word will light our path and show us the way 

I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "Pray without ceasing" 

We are to go about the course of our day - in prayer! It's important (always) to look at the surrounding scriptures in any text. I find it interesting that in Thessalonians 5:16 we find 

"Rejoice evermore"  and then 

"Pray without ceasing" followed by verse 18 which says

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus" 

So, our instructions are clear. Be joyful. How? By praying without ceasing. About what? Thank Him. Thank Him for everything. EVERYTHING. 

My son just threw himself in the floor because he doesn't want to do his work. . . . 

"Thank You Jesus" 

I have no idea how we are supposed to pay these bills, and we're already behind. . . 

"Glory be to God" 

I don't feel well today and I'm having trouble getting going . . . . 

"Praise the Lord" 

Crazy talk you say? I don't think so. Crazy like a fox, maybe. 

"Thank you Jesus" when my son is pitching a fit because he is strong and healthy and able to do so. Someday God will use him for great and mighty things. 

"Glory be to God" although I cannot pay these bills because we have food to eat and clean water to drink. He is faithful to provide all our needs. 

"Praise the Lord" even though my body hurts because I could be in a country without access to much needed medical care and medicine. As long as there is breath in me, I will praise the name of Jesus! 

What a difference perspective makes. Entire attitudes changes when you change focus.

You would run me out of town - tar and feather me for hypocrisy - if you caught me on the wrong day. I do not write these things because I have it all perfected or because when my children are bickering . . . again . . . I throw my hands up and say "hallelujah" but because - I should.

 One thing I can tell you for sure is that upon the occasion when I do manage to do things the right way - God is glorified in my home. When I do look up instead of laying in - something wonderful happens. The enemy is defeated. It also has a strange and wonderful affect on my children. Surely does get their attention - better than any old lecture would for certain. Perspective changes, and attitudes change. 

I want to encourage you to begin each day in the Word and in prayer. There is no better thing for any parent to do - and for the homeschool Mama who spends all day with her children - it's impact means that much more. 

Please let me know if you find these reminders and information useful or if there is something else you are looking for. I am happy to share what God has led us through (some pretty big challenges) and how He continues to carry us through each day.

 - visit others participating in 31 days series from The Nester here -
- Read my other posts of encouragement for your homeschool here-

linking with: 

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring #ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  
Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  
fresh brew