God in our homes

Monday again and so soon!! If you read my last post you will have seen a link to an excellent series about Christian homemaking.

This series asks whether you have a child centered or God centered home and offers advice on how to focus more on the latter. Well can I just say that of late I think my home has tended towards the kids ruling the roost. Much revolves around them (rightly so to an extent). However, lately with mischievous behaviour, attitude and a stroppy 2 and a half year old it has been hard to keep God at the centre of all this.

Colin and I need to be seeking God much more in these moments at home. We have been all to quick to turn on the TV and leave the kids to it. Don't get me wrong, they don't watch it all the time but they could watch it less. We could read the Bible together as a family, pray more, and be more discerning about what we watch and how we are glorifying God in our home.

God should be at the centre of my home. I certainly want Him to be. I want to be aware of his presence everywhere and for my kids to feel they live in a God filled home. It is too easy to get home and fall back into bad habits you wouldn't dream of displaying at Church. However, God sees it all! Even before we have sinned he knows we will!!!

So our aim as a family is;

⁶ Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV.

We can only do this with God's help. Colin and I need to be more radical in our Christianity and committed. We need to be fervent in prayer for our children, especially having one at school. I still am not totally at peace about the whole school thing because of the unnatural environment it is and peer influence. However, I am trusting God. Colin said that if God has taken a dealing in Jacob's life at such an early age, that he will protect him and has a plan for him.

So this is how I would like to make my home sing, not just today but always! I pray that God helps strengthen me and guide me to put Him first in my home. The responsibility of parenting is not to be taken lightly and we need to honour God's gift of children to us by investing as much as possible into raising Godly children, prepared to lead and defend their faith.

No Psalm today!

Hi all!! Today should be Psalm Saturday but I have not been able to prepare anything. I usually do my post first thing in my morning but today I have not done this. I need to get better at scheduling posts!!

Yesterday evening I had a bit of an epiphany. I discovered a blog which has an excellent series on Christian mothering. It is called A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. I have failed recently as a Christian mum. I haven't been spending quality time with the kids, I haven't been training them in the way they should go, I haven't been instilling God's word in their hearts and encouraging them with this. My house has become a child ruled house!!! It should be a God centered home! Discovering this excellent Biblical series has really made me re focus myself.

This all came to a head yesterday with Jacob's behaviour. He has been great at school but when he has been coming home he has kind of went off the rails. He has been violent towards his little sister and me, aggressive, rude, cheeky and such like. Not all the time but more often than I am willing to accept.

I am at fault too! I undermine Colin's discipline and decisions. I am far too bolshy for my own good and need to pray that God gives me a more submissive character. Colin is the leader of our home and I should show him more respect.

Today instead of switching the TV on and the PC on in the morning, I have been busying the kids with lots of chores. They have loved every minute of it. We all set the table for breakfast, cleared plates, they fed the cats, helped me bake biscuits, do some housework. I usually involve them in some of these things, but the problem is I am just not consistent enough. The Christian mother series covers so many aspects of parenting in one place. I think it is an excellent read and even study for mums.

They are watching veggie tales while I do this post. I don't feel guilty about this because I have spent so much time with them and I am going to do more things with them when I finish here!

I would urge all Christian mums and dads who haven't yet discovered this blog and series to take a look. It is excellent and life changing!

Click here for the link!.

Friday featured Blog.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV.

I wanted to devote Friday to highlighting a blog which I love, that inspires, encourages, teaches, restores and challenges. Blogs that are faithful to God's word, women that yearn to deepen their relationship with God and bring others to Christ.

Today the wonderful Casey from Ramblings of a Housewife has written a post. Casey is such an example to me. She has been having some serious health problems and is such a strong person. She is a mum to 4 beautiful girls and a wife. I love reading her blog posts as she is so positive when faced with adversity. I am delighted to share her blog with you all.

*************************************************************************************

Over to Casey!

There is one thing I need in my life more than anything else and when I neglect this need I notice a difference in how things go. I notice that I do things I shouldn't, I tend to seem down and depressed, and I just don't have any motivation. When I have this amazing thing in my life things can still be hard but I've got the world in my hands so to say.

What is this wonderful thing that I need more than anything? Simple, God! If I don't take time for God and neglect my responsibilities as a daughter of Christ then I don't give my all in everything I do in life. Studying the word and obeying what God wants me to do encourages me in all areas of life. I notice that the days where I read the word and live a life according to the scriptures, that I'm happy and know that I am loved by the greatest power there is. I may still go through hard times but with God by my side I know that he will help me get through everything.

I know he doesn't give me more than I can handle and even though it is hard to keep track of that when going through hard times, it is something we all need to remember.

I am going through some health struggles currently and I hate to admit this but I have neglected God more times than I care to admit. Thankfully I am able to ask forgiveness and be forgiven and there isn't a stopping point at which God says "no, you can't be forgiven anymore." I couldn't imagine living a life without God being the center.

I want to encourage everyone to spend at least 5 minutes of their day in the word. As a mom of 4 very young girls I know that this can be hard but for 5 minutes just sit down. Sit somewhere comfy and even if the kids are running around screaming like crazy just read the word for 5 minutes. I usually tell mine "girls, mommy is going to sit for 5 minutes and read my bible, you are more than welcome to play but mommy really needs this time and then I will be back to playing with you". It won't harm the kids for mommy to be in the word for that 5 minutes and even though it isn't completely quiet while you read you are still reading, which is the important part.

Don't neglect God, read his word, live a life according to him. You will notice a difference in your life I promise you!
--
With Many Blessings,
Casey Kolb

Thankful Thursday!

I truly, honestly cannot believe it is Thursday again already!!! Is it just me, or does time seem to pass quicker and quicker as we get older?
So today I am listing 5 things I am so thankful to God for. If you would like to participate then please visit Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey.

• Jacob is in his second week at Primary school. He is enjoying it even more than last week and his lovely teacher says that he has settled in really well. This is a real relief to me and at last I am feeling more at peace about this stage in his life. On Tuesday his teacher invited all the parents of the P1 class in for some information on what the children will be learning and how we can help at home. The school really encourages all the kids to learn for themselves and not spoon feed them with information. If a child is really really keen to learn something, then the teacher encourages this and the child can investigate further.
  I am so thankful to God that he has answered my prayers on this topic and shown me that this is the direction he wants for Jacob for now.
  

• My husband plays 5 a side football (soccer) every Wednesday with the guys from Church. He would say himself he is not at all sporty but feels he needs to do some kind of exercise. Well last night he scored another goal. The previous 2 weeks he has scored as well!! He is very pleased about this. I am thankful to God for encouraging him to keep doing this as it is good for him on so many levels.
  

• On Monday we were blessed with more mums and children at our Church Toddlers group. Several of our "regulars" were there also. We have introduced a Bible related craft at the start of the group also. This was quite a bold move for us because we really haven't done anything too "Churchy" with the children on a regular basis. So we made cotton wool sheep and the kids really loved this activity. I am thankful to God for blessing this work and for ensuring it is well received by the kids parents also. Emma also loved this activity and her wee sheep! I was going to put a photo up of this but my software for transferring images is playing up!! The sheep said "Jesus keeps me safe" on them.
  

• I am grateful for a God that forgives us and loves us like a Father loves his children. Sometimes I just can't take in why he would love us so much!

• I am thankful for sleep! It restores and refreshes me for the day ahead.
  

Try something new!

⁶ Sow your seed in the morning,
and at evening let not your hands be idle,
for you do not know which will succeed,
whether this or that,
or whether both will do equally well.
Ecclesiastes 11:6 NIV.

Those of you who know me please don't laugh! I am going to try quilting! I have come across lots of gorgeous ones on the Internet. A few weeks ago I ordered some lovely Moda fabric pre-cut squares. I don't have a sewing machine anymore, ( it got damaged when our house got flooded- another blog post!). So I will need to hand sew!
This is made of Moda fabrics and is just stunning! Obviously not a quilt though!!!

I am going to make a very basic small baby quilt to start with. I think this will be good for me as I can be at a loose end some evenings. I hope the hand sewing will slow me down and help me relax. I want this small starter quilt to be made with love. I will post some pics of my progress along the way as well!


I love this quilt featured on the Moda Bake Shop site which gives excellent tutorials from very talented people on different craft projects. My quilt will just be basic squares using some beautiful fabrics!

Once I get my design layout planned I will photograph it and share this first step with you all!

¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household
for everyone has warm^c]">[c] clothes.
Proverbs 31:19 - 21 NLT.

Love Collette xxx

Grumpy? Me? No!

Do you ever get the feeling it is going to be one of those days?? The kids got out of the wrong side of bed this morning. They have both been very grumpy and argumentative. Fighting over the most ridiculous of things (the name of Peppa Pig). Jacob declared he was still tired and wanted to go back to bed (this never happens!) so off he trotted upstairs. Emma began howling that she wanted to do the same! She is her big brother's shadow at the moment. I wouldn't let her go upstairs and she was not impressed. True to form, Jacob arrived back downstairs 2 minutes later. He must have taken a power nap!!!

I have given in and put the TV on for a little bit of calm! I have felt their crankiness rub off on me this morning and became fully aware that my day can go one way or the other. I can become Mrs Crank and scowl a lot or I can pray and ask for strength for the day!

¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIV.

Just because the kids are grumpy doesn't mean mum needs to be grumpy! I have a choice and need to remember this. All too often I have fallen into the trap of allowing my mood to dictate the mood of the day and I really want it to stop. So today I am going to be the example to the kids as much as I can and show them how God can strengthen us and answers prayer when we ask for His help. Children do find it harder to control their emotions than us adults and I would do well to remember that. I think sometimes I need to focus on who is the adult and who are the children in this relationship of mother and kids!!!

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV.

Making your Home sing Monday.

I can't believe it is Monday again already! Today I am joining Nan at Moms the Word for Making your Home sing Monday. If you would like to join in then please click this link.

Where do I start??? That is how I am feeling about my home at the moment! God has given me a lovely roof over my head but I sometimes feel it is all just a bit too much. Several weeks ago I came up with a list of chores to do each day. Guess what? My laziness has overtaken me and the list has fallen by the wayside!

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27 NIV.

I just can't seem to get on top of things. No sooner is one room clean and then another needs done. And so it carries on like a vicious circle. God has called mothers to be keepers of their homes ;

¹ The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:1. NIV.

I do so well with this some weeks but other weeks I am so lazy and demoralised. I blame hormones!!! However, I can't be led by my feelings all the time. The last week I have been caught up in anxious thoughts and worries with a child starting school. I have, to an extent, let these feelings take over. I need to prayerfully put this in perspective.

This week I am going to make my home sing by focusing on the above two verses through prayer. I need to ask God for his strength when I feel the temptation to be plain bone idle creep in. I cannot do things in my own strength.

Psalm Saturday!

Welcome to another Psalm Saturday. I am reading the Psalms and wanted to journal what I have been reading and learning from them.

Today I have been reading these verses from Psalm 66:

¹⁶ Come and listen, all you who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me.

¹⁷ I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.

¹⁸ If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;

¹⁹ but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.

²⁰ Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or withheld his love from me!

Psalm 66: 17-20 NIV.

This week I have been trying to pray as much as I possibly can. As you probably know Jacob started Primary school this week. I have been worried and anxious about this all week. He has been fine and just asked 5 minutes ago could he go to school to learn another letter today!!

It is good to know that God hears our prayers and does not reject them. He listens and knows our heart and how we feel.

I have been thinking about prayer lately and particularly for my children. I am not the best at praying for them at all. I really need to focus on this and pray much more passionately for them. Especially with Jacob being in the world of school. I worry about bullying, him being alone, peer pressure and all the worldly influences. A good Christian friend with grown children helped me with these concerns recently. I appreciate her wisdom and guidance. I need to trust God much more and pray for my kids much, much more.

I don't want to wrap Jacob in cotton wool but I do want him to have the best education possible and enjoy being a child. I have thought about homeschooling and will keep this on the back burner if we do begin to experience any problems at school. However, I think I do need to give school a chance. What I don't want is to be faced with a battle each day between our values and things he is picking up from friends at school.

I could write and write about this but won't. I should be focusing on the Psalm verses!! These verses just remind me how I need to pray so much for everything and be thankful for a God who listens!

Friday featured Blog

Welcome to another Friday featured Blog. Today I am delighted to have the wonderful Teri Lynne Underwood from Pleasing to You. Her blog is truly inspirational! Teri lead a thoughtful online Bible study on the book of Philippians which I took part in. I love to read her writing and she is such a knowledgeable lady when it comes to her Bible. So another fantastic guest post today. I hope you enjoy this as much I did and visit my bloggy friend.

OVER TO TERI LYNNE!

Image from Bing.com

The Greater Treasure

"To desire only what Christ gives and not to desire Christ Himself is to be bought off by little trinkets, never to own the greater treasure of His indwelling presence."

~ Calvin Miller, Into the Depths of God

Often I find myself yearning for something deeper in my Christian walk yet filling my days with activity and busy-ness. I wonder sometimes why I feel stymied but I often fail to recognize that it was I who detoured on my walk with Christ.

My prayers are filled (more than I'd like to admit) with vain repetitions. And my life certainly lacks a consistent manner of placing others ahead of myself.

Too many times I am busy with "Christian" things and I miss the joy and peace of a Christ-centered life.

Bought off by trinkets, my faith is far too often shallow and my focus routinely strays.

But ... I don't want to settle for the cheap - an imitation of faith.

I long to jump headfirst into the deep "greater treasure of His indwelling presence."

And so, I relinquish my need for attention and busy schedule.

I lay down my dreams of doing great things.

I listen more than I talk - to God and to others.

The result is that precious intimacy ... being with "THE GREAT I AM." A treasure beyond words, a fulfillment beyond description.

Today, I ask you ... What is your treasure? And I urge you ... Bask in the very real presence of Christ.

Thankful Thursday!

I can't believe it is Thursday again already! Join me with Sonya over at Truth 4 the Journey for another Thankful Thursday. This is when we list 5 things we are thankful to God for.

• On Monday, Jacob had his first day at Primary school. We have all been a bit anxious about this, but the big day had finally arrived. He looked very smart in his uniform.

We left his wee sister with her Dad and headed down for a 9.15am start. I asked him, "are you nervous?" and he said "my bones are wobbly!".

He was absolutely fine when I left him in the classroom as most of the kids are friends from nursery. Colin collected him at 12noon and he was quite happy and had a great time!

I am so thankful to God that so far the week has gone well. He has enjoyed each day and thank you Lord for protecting him.

• Our Church toddlers group began this week again! We had a good turnout considering it was our first Monday back together. We made a lovely banner poster of all the children's hand prints and a sign that says, " We are Townhead Toddlers group and God love us!".
  

• Answered prayers - a few weeks ago we had a meeting about our Sunday school devoted to praying for the way forward for this. On Monday evening we had an organisational meeting. Thank you Lord for providing a solid team of teachers, new teachers who are committed to helping, and enthusiasm for our new ideas!

• My tumble dryer!!! The rain has been persistent all week here and yesterday was my washing day. Thank you God for tools which help me run the household. I am so fortunate to be able to dry clothes in this way!

• Encouraging words from fellow believers. It is so good to encourage each other isn't it?
  

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 NIV.

How I came to know Jesus., testimony.

I became a believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and saviour 7 years ago. I was baptised around a year later.

I am not from a Christian family. My mum and dad are not Christians and I was raised with no specific beliefs. I was a typical teenager and got into trouble like most do! I went to university and enjoyed many of the aspects of that lifestyle. There are things I am just not proud of doing at all but I am too embarrassed to share here. Things that seem acceptable when you don't believe in Jesus. But when I gave my life to Him, I felt so ashamed of my past.

When I met Colin, everything changed. After a few months of going out together, Colin became ill. He became very anxious and depressed. I began to wonder if he was like this all the time as we had only been together for a short while. It was clear he was very ill and he had to take quite some time off work. Something told me to stick with him and see it through.

It was around this time that Colin gave his life to Jesus. He was baptised not long after this. I ashamedly didn't go to his Baptism. I was quite scared of it all. I accepted what he believed in but was not interested for myself.

Colin and the younger people of our Church had been praying for me during this time. I was feeling increasingly discontented with myself and Colin had given me The Word for Today devotional to read. I had also been to a few Church services with Colin and some very good friends of his. I was really amazed by the friendliness of everyone there. I felt love and acceptance like never before. People were unconditionally friendly and it was just the most beautiful atmosphere. This intrigued me and felt quite strange as well.

With hindsight God had been softening my heart towards him and breaking me into pieces. I was thinking of my life and what was wrong. I was now in love with Colin and we were talking about a future together. So I read the back of the Word for Today. This is a believers prayer of forgiveness. My heart broke as I done this and confessed all my past sin to God.

Colin and I married a while after that as a Christian couple in the Church we still attend. It is such a special place to me. I was such a shiny new Christian and took a while to get baptised. I still can't think why I delayed it. I just knew one day that hey I need to do that! I was so nervous and my mum and dad were there. I hate swimming and having my head under water but God gave me the courage to go ahead and be baptised in the pool that evening. I am so so thankful that he did. The joy I felt was immense and overpowering.

When I look at myself as a brand new baby Christian and now, I am amazed at the work God has done in my life and Colin's. I would be lost without God, I was! I have had so so many blessings in my life since coming to Jesus. I have had suffering and trials as well. God has been there to hold my hand every step of the way. He has blessed me with two beautiful children and called me to be a mother. The hardest job I have ever done! He has blessed me with a son who confessed his sin and accepted Jesus as his Lord and saviour just last week!

How can words even begin to describe my thankfulness to the God of heaven and earth. The creator of the world we live in.

If you want to know more about Jesus and how to live for him then please have a look at this. Discover God.

Are you ready?

Last night I was looking at these verses in my Bible. They speak for themselves I think.

29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days,
the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.[h] 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world[i]—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

Matthew 24:29-31 NLT.

34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:34-36 NLT.

These are daunting verses aren't they? At the weekend I spent my time preparing for a busy week ahead with Jacob starting school, our Toddler group starting back at Church and a new routine. I don't know why these verses came to me last night but they did! So ARE WE READY? I mean ready for the return of our Saviour, whenever He has planned that to be. Am I watchful, mindful, prepared, right with God?

Can I say that I am a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ? Have I committed my life fully to following Him? Denying myself and dying to my old ways. Leading a new life in Christ. Do I even pray about being prepared?

Jacob has said to me during our discussions, "I want to go to heaven", and I just think this is so lovely. At the tender age of nearly 5, he realises that heaven is our TRUE home if we believe in Jesus and have confessed our sins to him.

I am asking myself all of these questions today and focusing on the bigger picture. Trying not to get caught up in stresses and worries of the everyday world. They are not as important as what Jesus has revealed to us in the verses above.

So today, sorry if this all comes across as a little confused. These are my thoughts in progress! I want to encourage you today to think about these things, if you haven't already. I am glad God has put these verses in my mind. It's not a light hearted topic but these verses are a great reminder of keeping watchful and ensuring we keep to a narrow path.

The ABCs of me!

I found this idea at my friend Alicia's blog, More Than Words and wanted to try it! I loved her list and love her as she is a faithful bloggy friend!

The ABC's of me!

Age: I am 33 and will be 34 in November!

Bed size: Queen

Chore you hate: Ironing, will put it off for weeks.

Dogs or Cats: Cats, like looking at dogs but not having one in the house.

Essential start you day item: Tea and toast and Bible.

Favourite colour: Dependant on my mood!

Gold or silver: Silver

Height: 5' hmm think 4

Instruments you've played: keyboard, tried guitar, tried flute and clarinet failed miserably.

Job Title: Stay at home mummy!

Kid(s): Jacob and Emma.

Loud or Quiet: me-Quiet/ the kids - LOUD!

Married? How long: 7 wonderful years on Sep 14th!

Overnight hospital stay: the birth of my two kids.

Pet peeve: not tidying up after yourself.

Quote from a movie: I'll be back - Terminator.

Right or Left handed: Right handed.

Siblings: One little brother, he is 3 years younger than me but way taller!

Time you wake up: Whenever the kids bounce into our bedroom, usually around 6am sometimes

earlier!

Underwear: Of course!

Vegetable you don't like: I can honestly say none!

Ways you run late: Other people holding me up!

X- rays you've had: dentist, that's it!

Yummy food you make: Lasagne, beef casserole, cajun chicken, curry, apple crumble.

Zoo favourite: Elephants and monkeys!

Thanks for reading and feel free to join in, let me know so I can see your list!

Psalm Saturday!

Well it is Saturday again and time for some more sharing of the Psalms! I looked out the window this morning and guess what I saw? Rain! rain! rain! It just seems to be the only weather we are having here at the moment.

Last night I was reading some Psalms and came across these verses from Psalm 19 which fit in quite nicely with a weather theme!

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.^a]">[a]
⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
⁵ It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
⁶ The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.

Psalm 19:1-6 NLT.

When Jacob asks me how can he see God or how big is God I think of God's creation or "workmanship". I love verse 1;

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.

I tell Jacob that we can see God's creation all around us and while we cannot see him directly, we can see Him in his creation. You just have to look at the sky, the sun,the sea, the trees, mountains and flowers to see the work of a great Intelligent creator of everything. All things are provided for and perfect.

To a child, the sky seems to go on forever and ever and to me this gives a glimpse into the size of God. It is unfathomable but looking at the never ending sky makes this a little more tangible.

So today I want to remember these verses to humble me as a little speck in the midst of the Glory of God and his breathtaking creation.

Friday featured Blog.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV.

I wanted to devote Friday to highlighting a blog which I love, that inspires, encourages, teaches, restores and challenges. Blogs that are faithful to God's word, women that yearn to deepen their relationship with God and bring others to Christ.

Today sees a guest post by the lovely Amy Thue who has two great blogs; Girlfriends Get Real and Adventures of the Thue Crue. Amy is the mum of 3 girls and is a faithful follower of our Lord. I love Amy's honesty about being a mum and being a Christian. Amy is inspiring and encourages me as a mum. I hope you enjoy her post and visit her blogs here.

Over to Amy!

One of the best things that I have found in blogging is finding all of the believers from my little corner of the world in South Dakota, USA, all the way across the ocean to Collette in Scotland and everywhere in between.

I love Israel Houghton's song "You Are Good".

People from every nation and tongue

From generation to generation

We worship You

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

We worship You

For who You are

This song brings me to a verse in Isaiah.

"And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory." Isaiah 66:18

At times in our faith journey we can get weary and feel all alone in our quest to see Jesus. However, I am always reminded that there are believers everywhere worshiping Our Heavenly Father. There are believers everywhere that struggle daily with the same struggles that I face. And the awesome thing is that God is listening to me and God is listening to you. And He loves us no matter what corner of the world we live in. We can all celebrate God's grace and give glory to Him in all we do.

"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42

I want to always be teaching and proclaiming the good news. So many people still do not understand the truth of Jesus Christ. I love seeing believers band together and spread the good news to everyone.

There are people that we will tell that still are not ready to open their hearts, but don't give up on them. God can change the hearts of non-believers. I know because He changed mine.

Written by Amy Thue.

Thankful Thursday!

It's that time of the week again when I list 5 things I am thankful to the Lord for. If you would like to join in then please visit Sonya over at Truth 4 the Journey to link up.

• I am thankful that God has blessed me with a son and a daughter. They fight like cat and dog quite often, but really do have their moments of cuteness when they cuddle. I was baking fairy cakes on Tuesday and they both helped me, but Emma doesn't like the noise of the mixer. Jacob cuddled her and said I will keep you safe! How cute is that!
  

• An abundance of food in my kitchen! We take this for granted don't we?
  

• Friends! I have some lovely, special friendships and am so thankful for them. They encourage, admonish when needed, care, pray and are just such blessings in my life.
  

• Clothes on my back and shoes on my feet! Every now and again I feel sorry for myself and grumble about not having enough clothes or shoes. How selfish of me when I have a God who provides my every need. When I think of the poverty in this world I am quickly reminded of how selfish I can be.
  

• Team work. Yesterday, some of us gathered at Church to have a large scale clean up of the building. It was hard work but we all worked together as a team with a common goal. All of our kids were being looked after by one brave man who volunteered to look after 5 (2 his own) while we done this task.
  

⁴There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6, NIV.

So what are you thankful to God for this week?

Come on over on Friday!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV.

I am really excited about Friday! I wanted to devote Friday to highlighting a blog which I love, that inspires, encourages, teaches, restores and challenges. Blogs that are faithful to God's word, women that yearn to deepen their relationship with God and bring others to Christ.

So keep your eyes peeled on Friday this week! There will be a guest post from a lovely Godly lady and I will tell you all why her blog is so precious to me and glorifying to God!

Love Collette xxx

Child like faith.

¹⁷I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:17 NIV.

Jacob has really been enjoying reading his Children's Bible at bedtime lately. Colin bought this for him around a month ago and he loves it. What amazes me is his interest in the content and also what God is teaching Colin and I through this!

As adults our lives get so busy don't they? We have worries, distractions, jobs, and responsibilities. These all get in the way of God! Children don't have all of this stuff in their little lives and as a result can get connected with God in ways we find hard. What I have noticed is how accepting they are of God and his Word. They question, but not in the cynical way adults can do ( I have done this!). It is a thirst they have for knowledge! A natural curiosity.

Only last night, Colin read from Jacob's Bible with him and it was something that was new to Colin. He came downstairs and mentioned this and I told him how I had the same experience the other evening! We both agreed God is showing us new things through spending this time with Jacob.

God continues to amaze me with the many ways in which he speaks to us! God wants us to come to him like little children. Free of our distractions and worries. Just as we are. Like a child would go to his Father who loves him unconditionally and forgives them. I find this hard to do as I have so much going round in my head most of the time! May it be my prayer that I can wash myself of these distractions and come to God just as I am.

Friday featured Blog!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV.

I wanted to devote Friday to highlighting a blog which I love, that inspires, encourages, teaches, restores and challenges. Blogs that are faithful to God's word, women that yearn to deepen their relationship with God and bring others to Christ.

Today sees a guest post by the lovely Amy Thue who has two great blogs; Girlfriends Get Real and Adventures of the Thue Crue. Amy is the mum of 3 girls and is a faithful follower of our Lord. I love Amy's honesty about being a mum and being a Christian. Amy is inspiring and encourages me as a mum. I hope you enjoy her post and visit her blogs here.

Over to Amy!

One of the best things that I have found in blogging is finding all of the believers from my little corner of the world in South Dakota, USA, all the way across the ocean to Collette in Scotland and everywhere in between.

I love Israel Houghton's song "You Are Good".

People from every nation and tongue

From generation to generation

We worship You

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

We worship You

For who You are

This song brings me to a verse in Isaiah.

"And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory." Isaiah 66:18

At times in our faith journey we can get weary and feel all alone in our quest to see Jesus. However, I am always reminded that there are believers everywhere worshiping Our Heavenly Father. There are believers everywhere that struggle daily with the same struggles that I face. And the awesome thing is that God is listening to me and God is listening to you. And He loves us no matter what corner of the world we live in. We can all celebrate God's grace and give glory to Him in all we do.

"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42

I want to always be teaching and proclaiming the good news. So many people still do not understand the truth of Jesus Christ. I love seeing believers band together and spread the good news to everyone.

There are people that we will tell that still are not ready to open their hearts, but don't give up on them. God can change the hearts of non-believers. I know because He changed mine.

Written by Amy Thue.

Veggie Tales

I just had to share this with all of you. Right now the kids are loving watching Veggie Tales! I am sure many of you know and love these shows. I just love it and Jacob especially follows it really well and enjoys the fun. So I wanted to share the theme song with you all! They also have a fantastic website with all the DVDs but also games, activities, and even advice for parents! Click here for more.

I think it is a fantastic tool for teaching kids vital lessons about God ALONG WITH THE BIBLE of course. The Bible should be our first point of reference but these shows really reinforce the point in a fun way for them I think.

So here is a wee video of the funny theme song! Enjoy, Jacob certainly did!

Making your Home sing Monday.

Monday again and that means it is time to join Nan over at Moms the word for another Making your Home sing Monday. Feel free to join in by clicking here.

Today I am going to try and remember that I don't need to be Superwoman. Nan spoke about just being content with being at home and not having to fill our days with countless activities. Also Amy over At the Well today speaks about quiet time and how we shouldn't feel we have failed if we don't have quiet time in the traditional sense.

I think, as women we set ourselves up for a fall. I certainly do! We try to be the perfect mum, wife, serve God at Church, be hospitable, be a homemaker and also hold jobs down while fulfilling all these other roles. I am not saying that we should not strive for all these things but I do think that it is important to think about which roles are God given and how we obey God. I believe that eventually something has got to give, for me I chose to stay at home with the kids.

An example that springs to mind is service to God at Church. I used to have a real problem with this. I used to think I must be doing something, I must be seen to be serving God at Church in some way. Then my hubby, Colin, reminded me that serving God at home is of major importance. Being a mother is such a service to God. It is one of the biggest responsibilities I have been faced with in my life. To be in charge of a small human being is quite a thought! So now I do serve God at Church, but only really since the kids have gotten a bit bigger and less dependant on me.

I think we can make the mistake of comparing ourselves to others and trying to keep up with them without being prayerful about where God wants us and obeying his will for us at home.

³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5 NIV.

As women the Bible shows us that we have God given roles which we should fulfil. I don,t know about you, but I find my role as mum and homemaker challenging enough without pressuring myself to do everything else! Amy over At the Well speaks about being in "a different season of life". Our lives change constantly and especially if you have little ones. So it is not always practical to spend quiet time with God, alone, early in the morning with just the birds for company! If we really want to cherish God and spend time with him we need to get imaginative in how we do that and be prepared to change our approach.

So today, try not to do it all, be all things to all people, throw off your cape Superwoman! Put on some cosy slippers, stay home (like Nan says) and just enjoy your God given roles.

I don't ever want to leave Church.

Jacob said this to his Dad, after Church this afternoon,

" I like Church and want to stay there forever."

Today was one of those days were I felt VERY unmotivated to do anything. I get days like that particularly when I am hormonal! I am so so glad I forced myself to be obedient to God and go to Church with the children. I basked in praise to our Lord and filled up with the fellowship of other Christians. Beloved Christians who encourage, love, care and support you in your walk.

As a mum, I set an example, (whether I like it or not) to my kids. If I decide no Church today because mum is feeling lazy, then this is not good! I find myself growing when I am obedient to God even if my flesh says NO!

Ironically, our Bible study this afternoon was on the book of Jonah. Jonah disobeyed God and went the opposite way. Our Church has a Podcast of these studies, so this afternoon I listened to the study of chapter 1. The speaker talked about Jonah's disobedience and how this relates to us. Today I really identified with this point. I wanted to run away from God by not going to Church, burying my head in the sand and thus making the kids suffer by missing out.

¹ The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: ² "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."

³ But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Jonah 1: 1-3 NIV.

God showed me how important it is to be there by the actions of some small children. One by one our little ones all arrived and were so delighted to see each other! Shouts of each others names and some small hugs made my heart melt. These little ones are our future and what a responsibility we have to set a Godly example to them.

Psalm Saturday

Hello and welcome to Psalm Saturday! Today I share a verse, passage or full Psalm with you. My friends Deb from One Single Minute and Sandy at Sandy's Scripture and Prayer to share also join in so have a look at their posts! Feel free to take part and use my button above if you wish.

⁵ You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.

⁶ Hear my prayer, O LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.

⁷ In the day of my trouble I will call to you,
for you will answer me.

Psalm 86:5-7 NIV.

I am finding the Psalms really speaking to me at the moment. My life is full of blessings and good things but I still struggle. The kids really, really played up last night. I struggled to get them to bed and Jacob was particularly naughty! He just wouldn't do what he was told at all and Emma was the same. I also struggle with low moods sometimes. The past week I have been quite unmotivated and idle.

Not a pretty picture I paint! Aren't these verses wonderful and comforting though! God HEARS our prayers. He answers us when we face trouble. All we have to do is CALL to him. Of course, we should be praying every day and thanking God for his forgiveness and blessings. However, we have a God who sticks by us through good and bad. When it all gets to much I can CALL to him and he will answer me in some way.

Thank you Lord that you love me, a wretch like me! Undeserving of your forgiveness or love, nowhere near to being the woman you want me to be, learning constantly through you, being humbled every day when I think of your mercy upon me.

Times change!

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3 1-8 NIV.

My life seems to be full of seasons at the moment. My son starts school in just over one weeks time. My daughter is almost toilet trained. Our toddlers group is due to start at Church again. Sunday school starts mid September. Yet again, life is getting busier and changes are a coming!

Thank you God for this verse;

⁸Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV.

Thankful Thursday!

Hello! Today is the day I join Sonya Lee over at Truth 4 the journey to list 5 things I thankful to God for this week.

If you wish to join in then click on either of the links above.

- The first thing I am thankful to God for is entering the heart of my son, Jacob. You can read more about what happened here.

- I am thankful for prayer and how God listens. I am quite anxious about Jacob starting school, but God has been showing me how I need to rely on him by giving it all over to Him through prayer.

- I am very thankful for my husband, Colin. When I get things out of perspective, he is there to rationalise it all for me, give me a hug and tell me things are ok. Last night I got all weepy about Jacob starting school and hubby hugged me and was just so so kind.

- Two healthy, active children. I am so thankful to God for them. Yes, the days can be hard and sometimes I would be glad to see the back of them, but overall they are a blessing. They have heaps of energy, love each other and do the funniest things. We are making memories.

- Finally, I thank God for his precious Word. The Bible is our guidebook for life. It is a foundation for Christian living, NOT old fashioned but actually truly relevant.

Word Filled Wednesday!

Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Father) through photo’s & a Bible verse!

To link up join Penny Raine by clicking here!

Is Jesus in my heart?

Last night something lovely happened in our family. I was putting Jacob to bed as normal. He has a children's Bible which he really enjoys having read to him. After we read a few stories he asked lots of questions, as he normally does!

He asked about Heaven and how we get there. So I explained about Jesus dying for our sins on the cross, rising again from the grave and how we can have the gift of eternal life in Heaven by asking God to forgive all the bad things we have done, the sin. He has been asking similar questions for months now but last night he said he wanted to pray to God to ask for this forgiveness.

He said; "Dear God, sorry for all the bad things I have done in my life". He then asked;"Is Jesus in my heart now?".

I suggested he went downstairs to tell his Dad and a friend visiting from Church. I thought, no way will he do this, but he wanted to and did so!

Colin and I are so surprised by this. He is 5 in 3 weeks time and quite young but I am confident he truly understands what he has done.

The only thing I am unsure of now is what next? Do I do anything differently? Should I expect him to be a perfectly behaved child now?? (lol). I just am not sure.

I am so thankful to God that he has been working in my son's life and obviously opening his heart to him. It really is amazing how accepting children are and capable of understanding things we think are too complex for them.

However, this is uncharted territory for Colin and I! We have never done this before! I am rejoicing in this event but am concerned I do things the right way.

God will work it out if you let him!

How often do we try to work it out all by ourselves? We have a problem that rattles around in our brain for days, weeks or months and just can't seem to find a solution. Then we give it to God?

I hold both hands up here and admit that I have a tendency to do this. I get anxious and worried about stuff and then, several days later think, "wait a minute! I should be praying about this!".

Last night I was at a meeting about our Sunday school. We are at a wee bit of a crossroads just now and need to make a few changes to encourage more children to come along and accommodate those we have. Everyone has lots of ideas about what to do and there is much to think about and make decisions on.

So last night we all prayed for around an hour about this! Before we even have a planning meeting and put all our ideas forward, we have brought it before God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesisans 6:18 NIV.

God wants us to consult him in everything. By praying together about this, we have committed this work to God and asked for his Will to be done. It was so tempting for everyone to use the time to discuss all the ideas and possibilities but thankfully we did not do this. The time was used wisely to praise God, thank him for all the past work done in Sunday school, and to pray for the future. The Lord was there with us in that home and listening to our petitions.

When I came home I felt a real peace about the planning ahead. I feel confident that God has a plan and will carry it out through us as he sees fit. I am not worried about the logistics of where do we put classes, what format do we use and so on. God will provide and give us wisdom on what to do. Someone prayed that first and foremost we should be right with God in all of this as well. I couldn't agree more with what he said. How can we teach young ones and plan for them if we are not right with God ourselves.

So we have much to pray about over the coming weeks. We will have a planning meeting but I am sure that there will be a great deal of prayer going on leading up to that. I am so thankful that we have a God who wants us to speak to him and listens to us. I am thankful to be part of a praying Church. It is all for Him and to glorify His wonderful name. It is so not about us at all.