Although I am memorizing Psalm 1 with my daughter I felt that God was leading me to do something on my own so I am joining with Beth at Power of Your Love to memorize this verse:

I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God: I will gird you, though you have not known Me.....Isaiah 45:5 (NASB)

Since I am trying to focus on the names of God I would try to break this verse down. I look up LORD which means Jehovah ("I AM", The One Who is The Self- Existent One). God never changes. His promises never fail. When I am faithless, He is faithful. (info taken from the Rose Publishing Names Of God chart). Since I really don't totally understand what it means to gird I had to look that up too. :-0
gird  /gɜrd/ Spelled Pronunciation [gurd]
–verb (used with object), gird⋅ed or girt, gird⋅ing.
1. to encircle or bind with a belt or band.
2. to surround; enclose; hem in.
3. to prepare (oneself) for action: He girded himself for the trial ahead.
4. to provide, equip, or invest, as with power or strength.

I love the thought of God surrounding me. I recently memorized Psalm 139 and there is a part that says that God will both precede and follow me. But when I read this verse I think that it means more to prepare for action. To power and strengthen. So today I pray that God will strengthen me and prepare me for his work.

"Soooo... there is this TAG: going around in Blogville, and I'm it! Yea, I love it!"
Thank you "Soooo... there is this TAG: going around in Blogville, and I'm it! Yea, I love it!"
Thank you Laurie for thinking of me! (Please visit her blog by clicking on her name.)

Here's the rule.I tell you seven things about me that you wouldn't know.Then...I tag 7 fellow bloggers to share 7 things we wouldn't know about them.

I am not very good at listing things about myself! So hopefully this goes well.



1. I like to smell (sounds strange I know). But it helps me create a mental image so you will often see me smelling my children. Just trying to capture that sweet baby smell. (besides when they stink ;-))

2. I love to gather ideas but I have a hard time implementing them.

3. I am very introverted. Although God is working on me there are still times when I have a hard time talking to people. Thats why I like spending time with my family and reading. :-)

4. I next to never buy anything for myself.......preferring to buy for my kids or husband. (unless its books)

5. my favorite season is fall. Just the thought of going to the apple orchard makes me happy.

6. I hate having my picture taken :-) but I regret not having pictures of me at the hospital with the babies.

7. I am not a crier. It takes a lot to make me cry comes! It must be from years of holding it all in.

OK so here are my picks
Deb at One Single Minute
Beth at I am Heading Toward my Destiny
godsown at My Journey
Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey
Peggy at The Power of Your Love

I know that I don't have 7 but duty calls so I will have to try to add more later!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

1. That my girls are finally not sick. It feels like we have had a sick one for months.

2. I am excited and thankful that we are able to have a mini-day vacation. Another way that I am enjoying my husband working only 4 days a week.

3. I am thankful for Robins! Whenever I see them I am reminded that it is finally spring. At this time of year emotionally I really need spring.

4. I am thankful that my son and I have been getting along well the past couple of days. I continue to pray that we will have a good relationship and I would be able to show him the love of Christ.

5. My husband! Most day I am not thankful enough for him but I am blessed to have him. He a loving father, husband and brother in Christ.

19 years and a flashback

There was a time in my life when I never wanted to share my "testimony" because of all that I have done wrong and all the wrong that has been done to me. I think that it is one area where God has really been changing me. To go from a fear of what others may think to a fear (healthy fear) of what my Lord may think. 1990 was a census year, I was 17(soon to be 18)years old and had my first baby on this day (3/23). I have been trying to look back and see God in my life during that time. It is hard but I know that He was there.
I was homeless (at least thats what was checked on the census) living at a roach motel. My home life before was bad my dad and step-mom were using serious drugs daily. No one ever slept and my dad had to let me boyfriend move in (mostly for protection). I think that I wanted to be "good" and I would have loved school but when there is partying all night long it is hard to sleep, which makes it hard to go to school.
Many things transpired to make me leave in my 5 month of pregnancy. In the beginning we went from place to place. Where ever we could find to sleep. Finally ending up at a hotel with weekly rates and a small kitchen.
My boyfriend was way to young (althought he was older than me) and immature to handle having a pregnant girlfriend much less a baby. I was alone a lot of the time while he went out and played with his friends. I am sure all of this contributed to my codependency problem.
March 23 I was working (on month before my due date) when my water broke! I was so scared I had no idea what I was going to do. My boss gave me a ride to the hospital and I was left to have a baby. Things went fast once they hooked me up to the pec drip. I was only in labor 49 minutes. Through most of it I was blessed with a nurse that cared (which I was more attentive but I have no idea what her name is). Which was a good thing since my boyfriend left thinking that he has enough time to go out and celebrate with his buddies(he did manage to make it back just minutes before Z was born).
My life totally changed when I first held Z. He was so little (5lbs 3oz) and so cute. I wanted so much more for us! This was one of the turning points in my life. I knew that it would not be easy and it has never been. Although now I am blessed to be married to a wonderful man that adopted my son when he was a little boy.
We ended up in a program for teen moms and I worked, went to school and raised this beautiful child that God gave to me. I had lots to learn I didn't come from a home where things were "normal".
I still have lots to learn but I know that despite how hard it has been I would never change I thing. That's enough for today I will try to continue this later but now I am off to make birthday pancakes!!
Happy Birthday Zack!

shocked!

I am shocked that godsown choose me to recieve a blog award. I haven't been blogging very long (I still prefer journaling Shhhhh)so I don't really think to much about others reading my blog. This is also my first blog award. The more time I spend blogging to more I become addicted which leads me to the rules ;-)


Two rules accompany this award:

1. Confess 5 things you are addicted to.
2. Pass the award on to 5 deserving bloggers.

Five addictions: (in totally random order!!)


1.Bible study, with little ones it has been hard to make it to church every week so I am loving both Bible studies I am in. My dh can stay with the kids and I can enjoy drawing closer to God and having fellowship with other believers.
2. my husband having him gone so much over the past months has reminded me that I am really addicted to him reading!!!
3. I read 2-3 books a week plus my Bible and numerous blogs
4. my kids I am addicted to spending time with them, finding great ideas for them, teaching them about Jesus, reading to them, exploring life with them and just loving on them!!!
5. taking pictures some many wonderful memories to preserve

so now I am suppose to pick 5 bloggers! Not an easy task!

Five deserving bloggers:
1. Cristine at Journeying Forward. One of the few bloggers that I know in really life and one of the reasons that I felt lead to start blogging. She has encouraged me in ways that she may never know!


2. Sharon B. at Quiet Reflections. Many time her words have been just what I needed. Recently I was having a bad attitude about serving my family (it can get a little crazy here and no one was doing their jobs ;-)) and I read her blog about Dying to Self. Lets just say it was just what I needed to be reminded of my own need to die to self.

3. Angie at Bring the Rain! Angie is amazing she has been through a lot but she trusts in God thru it all. On nights when I have struggled with the pain of my past I have been blessed by reading her blog. I often find myself moved to tears but I am always reminded how Great our God is.

4. Sonya from Truth 4the Journey I try ever week to join her for Thankful Thursday. I need to be reminded to be thankful. She always has a wonderful list of things she is thankful for.

5. See Saw Faith at Focused on the Center I love her description of herself "I am silly, serious, confusing, confused, illogical, creative, messy, emotional and blessed beyond all measure." That alone is enough to make me want to read her blog because I can totally relate!!!


If you have received the award already, then just accept it as confirmation of your blogs impact.

Ultimate Blog Party 2009

My head is totally spinning!! 5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a blog party! I have checked out some great blogs! I have read tons this morning and there is no end! I am not even sure if I did this right but I sure gave it a try!

A brief introduction since it is after 6 and the babies will be up soon! I am wife to MJ and we have been married 11 years. We have 4 kids with really big gaps. Our first born is Z who is 19 on 3/23. Next we have M she is a wonderful joy and great helper to me. Then we have the double trouble :-) Z 19 months and A 8 months. I stay at home (ok the truth is its really hard to leave the house some days!!). I love to spend time with my family, read, journal (blog which I just started), crafts with the kids, I homeschool (only 1 right now), I am not very good at it but if I can find time I enjoy sewing and crocheting (I am just learning), and spending time with my Lord and Savior. I try to find joy in every day life! Even when I finally get ready and the baby spits up in my hair and all over my clean clothes! You would just have to see her little face after!

My wish list:
1. Ultra Chic Diaper Bag from “Made by Michelle” (I really NEED a new diaper bag!! and this one is just perfect!!)
2. $30 gift certificate to Christian Book Distributors Provided by: A High And Noble Calling
3. Melissa & Doug Role Play Dress Up Costume Provided by: Good for the Kids
4. $100 gift certificate to either Pedal Cars and Retro or A Rocking horse to Love
5. 2 Life journals Provided by: Mom’s Toolbox
6. $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com by Shoshana of Just Say these Words
7,8,&9 I would love any of the $50 Target gift certificates from Shoot-Me-Now, Agoosa, or beginner baby blog
10. The Dot Girl’s First Period Kit, (1) Before She Gets Her Period by Jessica Gillooly, PhD and (2) Scensibles Disposal bag 50 pack boxes
Provided by: Dot Girl First Period Products
I hate to admit it but my oldest dd is going to be 12 very soon. So I had to add this one to my list. I have been checking out their site and am impressed.

11. Pepsi Tote Full Of Loot Provided by: my Good Sense

12. Children’s “I’m An Author” Story Writing Kit
Provided By: Tara Brown
Details: Cherish Bound
another one I had to add for my dd she love to write books

13. #11 Aromatherapy book and a sampler of therapeutic essential oils Provided by: Jennifer at Oils For Wellness

I have just started learning about aromatherapy so this would be great.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

During this week have been reading and studying the names of God's. I was reminded of a song that we use to sing in church. Its a great reminder when I get to sing the names of God in this song!!

You are the alpha, omega, beginning and end
You're my savior, messiah, redeemer, and friend
You're my prince of peace
And I will live my life for you.

Thankful Thursday

today I am having a struggle being Thankful (lack of sleep and days of sick kids). But I know that on days when I don't feel thankful I need to make a list :-)

1. I am thankful that I can hold A! My dear little one has not been feeling well and just wants to be held. I have to let go of some of the other things that need to be done and enjoy what a blessing it is to hold a wiggle baby. Even if it is hard to type with her one my lap :-)

2. I am thankful that my husband had jury duty on Tuesday and got done early enough that we could enjoy the day as a family. The weather was perfect! it was a beautiful day!



3. I am thankful that I can hear my daughters laughter. What a sweet sound.

4. That after years of praying my daughter has a wonderful friend.

5. I am thankful that God loves my children more than I do! It is hard to see them not feeling well or struggling with life but it is great to know that God cares about it even more that I do.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

I picked this song for 3 reasons today.
1. I just got a book (I Would Die for You by B & D Higgins) about BJ Higgins that this song is based on.
2. The video I found has clips of The Passion. God has placed on my heart a desire to watch The Passion again.(I have said that I would never watch it again) I had a VERY hard time the first time (I was very angry to see how cruel people could be) but I'm praying that God will give me a different perspective when I watch it again.
3. Last but not least what a wonderful reminder!

"And I know that I can find You here
'Cause You promised me You'll always be there
Times like these, it's hard to see
But somehow I have a peace, You're near
And I pray that You will use my life
In whatever way Your name is glorified
Even if surrendering
Means leaving everything behind"

Thankful Thursday

5 things that I am thankful for this Thursday

1. Date night! It has been way to long! Between my dh working out of town and Christian conferences (one for each of us)it has been a too long since we have had any time together so this Sunday we have my MIL lined up to babysit. Praying that every one keeps on the track to getting healthy.

2. The library and free days at the Children's museum. Like every one we are feeling the budget tightening so it is great to be able to have fun free stuff to do. The girls love the library and have tons of fun in the kids area. Games, puzzles, crafts and you get to borrow some new books to them it doesn't get any better. Then it is off to the museum for some more fun. WOW! They should sleep well tonight.

3. Antibiotics my little one had a ear infection and it is hard to have a little one in pain.

4. my camera I have not been thankful for having one. I have been a bit of an (mostly internal) complainer about it. So to day I am grateful that I have a camera and that it works.

5. I am thankful that I am sticking to my bible study (BSF). We're in Numbers (which is hard for me) but I am amazed at what God has been teaching me. Aaron being an example of our eternal High Priest really gives meaning to some of the reading I have done in the NT. What really stand out in my lesson is from Numbers 16:47-48 when Aaron intercedes for the people, "he stood between the living and the dead and the plague stopped" That is what Jesus did for me. He death on the cross keep me from death! Instead I have received Eternal Life. Praise God!

Prayer for my children

I missed last week at Pray for our Children! Not that I didn't pray for them but I didn't pray that God would guard their mouths. So since last week there were some issues with this.

This week I am praying that God would guard the words of my mouth and the mouths of Z and M. Since the youngest 2 don't speak I pray the my example for them would be glorifying to the Lord. Lord, let the words of my mouth be acceptable to you. Help Z, M, and myself to speak words that uplift. Lord may our words encourage one another and build each other up. Thank you Lord for the wonderful gift of speech you have given us!


Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.

1 Thessalonian 5:11a Therefore encourage one another and build each other up

Names of God

Today as I was doing my Bible study questions one really stuck out to me. It was concerning Moses (Numbers 16) and how he knew how God was going to react to Korah. The question made me ponder how well I really know God. I know that I am saved but do I really KNOW who God is? I have a desire to study in depth who God TRULY is. Often I find myself reading quickly and just getting the the idea and not fully understand the depth what I am reading. I am hoping that this will get me to slow down and have a focus. So I am going to try to start at the beginning with:

Elohim is Creator in Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

What do I know of God as the Creator? I know I am daily amazed by how wonderful God's creation is. I see my babies grow and I am awed by how wonderful God formed them in my womb. I watch the baby learn to use her hands such a seemingly simple thing but the complexity of it boggles my mind.
I love this time of year when things are starting to grow. There is so much beauty in God's creation that I have a hard time finding words. This week I am going to take time out to meditate and read about God the Creator.

For this is what the LORD says—
he who created the heavens,
he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth,
he founded it;
he did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
he says:
"I am the LORD,
and there is no other. Isaiah 45:18

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

My God is Might to Save!! Today I need to be reminded that God takes me as he finds me.......all my fears and failures!! I surrender!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:
1. the nice weather outside...........I have been really needing to let some fresh air in my house and soul. With the kids sick and being cooped up all week it is wonderful to be able to let the breeze blow in.

2. My friend T. she is so helpful to me!! She offers all the time to take my daughter home from church group. Tonight I really needed the help and I am so thankful she was able and willing. She is also very encouraging to me too!!! I miss walking with her!!

3. The washing machine has been my friend this week. With a toddler vomiting all over I am glad that I have a washing machine and don't have to do it all (she managed to get lots of things soiled) by hand or lug it to a laundry mat.

4. My son. Some days it is hard to be with him but I am thankful for what a blessing he can be. Today we are battling so I am praying that God will use this for his glory!!

5. Creative outlets I started crocheting and have really been blessed with being able to create (even if its not much yet). I am thankful that God has made me with the desire to create things of beauty!

Word-Filled Wednesday

Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.