Just the other day while on face book, I was looking at my name, and all of a sudden I realized my back name was misspelled. Of all the times I had seen my name on there for the last several months that I had the account, I just realized it was misspelled.
Funny how you can see or read something a 100 times or more, and then suddenly something new jumps out at you, or finally sinks in!
I think that is a lot like the Bible. No matter how many times we can read it, something new always has a way of popping out at us. So it is very exciting to keep reading, and see what new and wonderful things we will learn!
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3
~ So keep reading because you never know what you will learn next!! ~
In Him,
Mae
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Love your children a little more!
I am currently reading a book called Sandi's Anchor of Hope by Romaine Stauffer.
It's a true story about Sandi's childhood, which was full of abuse, neglect, betrayal, and constant upheaval. Her mom cared more for her drink and constant stream of men in the home, than for her 3 children. I've read up to the 8th chapter now. What a very sad and tragic child hood for someone to have to go through.
But fortunately it has a good out come in the end. She finds hope and true love in God. And learns that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound!
It is the kind of story that makes you just want to hug your children a little tighter. Give them more of your time, and attention. Love them more. Confirm them more. Encourage them more. Correct them love and care. And makes me want to reach out and touch the lives of all those dear and innocent children that is in the those abusive and neglectful circumstances.
I believe there is many more situations out there one would realize. We need to be aware of it. And be watchful for children that are suffering in bad homes. What was neat in this book is that the teachers and so on, really had an opportunity to be a blessing to this little girl, and reach out to her with love and care, and give her extra time and attention. But maybe they didn't always realize or know to what extent of the sorrow and neglect she was going through in her home.
My hat goes off to the many families that do foster care. What a great opportunity that foster parents have to really pour in to these dear broken lives. What a huge responsibility though.
A book like this also makes me really hate alcoholic drink way more than I already did. What a great evil the bottle can be. Of course I know a person can keep it under control, but more often than not the bottle controls the person, and ruins the home. What terrible stuff. But that is not the only thing that can take person's time, money, and devotion though. It is surprising just how much time electronics can steal of a person's time and attention.
I look forward to reading the rest of the book where Sandi's experiences God's love for her, and life starts to improves. I love good endings!
Give your children and extra hug today. Snuggle up on the couch and read a book. Tell them how much you love them, and about our great God that is always with them!! Help them to learn a Bible verse that gives them hope and comfort.
In Him, Mae
It's a true story about Sandi's childhood, which was full of abuse, neglect, betrayal, and constant upheaval. Her mom cared more for her drink and constant stream of men in the home, than for her 3 children. I've read up to the 8th chapter now. What a very sad and tragic child hood for someone to have to go through.
But fortunately it has a good out come in the end. She finds hope and true love in God. And learns that where sin abounds, grace does much more abound!
It is the kind of story that makes you just want to hug your children a little tighter. Give them more of your time, and attention. Love them more. Confirm them more. Encourage them more. Correct them love and care. And makes me want to reach out and touch the lives of all those dear and innocent children that is in the those abusive and neglectful circumstances.
I believe there is many more situations out there one would realize. We need to be aware of it. And be watchful for children that are suffering in bad homes. What was neat in this book is that the teachers and so on, really had an opportunity to be a blessing to this little girl, and reach out to her with love and care, and give her extra time and attention. But maybe they didn't always realize or know to what extent of the sorrow and neglect she was going through in her home.
My hat goes off to the many families that do foster care. What a great opportunity that foster parents have to really pour in to these dear broken lives. What a huge responsibility though.
A book like this also makes me really hate alcoholic drink way more than I already did. What a great evil the bottle can be. Of course I know a person can keep it under control, but more often than not the bottle controls the person, and ruins the home. What terrible stuff. But that is not the only thing that can take person's time, money, and devotion though. It is surprising just how much time electronics can steal of a person's time and attention.
I look forward to reading the rest of the book where Sandi's experiences God's love for her, and life starts to improves. I love good endings!
Give your children and extra hug today. Snuggle up on the couch and read a book. Tell them how much you love them, and about our great God that is always with them!! Help them to learn a Bible verse that gives them hope and comfort.
In Him, Mae
Thursday, September 17, 2015
busy fall and representing God
I haven't been able to post anything lately, due to our very busy fall time here. We are back at school work full force, as well as finishing up our gardens, and preserving vegetables.
I love this time of year though, when it starts to cool off, the leaves are turning colors, and we are harvesting everything from our gardens.
Even though I haven't been able to post my thoughts here, I have been thinking lots. I will just share something quick and short this time.
One of the main things that I have had on mine mind lately is that we if are truly children of God, then we are to represent Christ in everything we do all the time -- 24/7. Others should see Him in the way we live our lives in a daily basis, in the choices we make, the things we do, places we go,the movies we watch, books or magazines we read, ect.. ect.... Everything should point towards Christ. If it is not apart of Him and who He is, then it should not be a part of us either.
If we truly love God, then our lives should surely show it!!
Hope this has been an inspiration and a blessing to you to day!
In Him,
Mae
I love this time of year though, when it starts to cool off, the leaves are turning colors, and we are harvesting everything from our gardens.
Even though I haven't been able to post my thoughts here, I have been thinking lots. I will just share something quick and short this time.
One of the main things that I have had on mine mind lately is that we if are truly children of God, then we are to represent Christ in everything we do all the time -- 24/7. Others should see Him in the way we live our lives in a daily basis, in the choices we make, the things we do, places we go,the movies we watch, books or magazines we read, ect.. ect.... Everything should point towards Christ. If it is not apart of Him and who He is, then it should not be a part of us either.
If we truly love God, then our lives should surely show it!!
Hope this has been an inspiration and a blessing to you to day!
In Him,
Mae
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Writing for His glory
To all of you that are reading and following this blog, this I write to you....
~ I thank you so very much for being here and taking the time to read my posts.
~ may you be blessed, strengthened, and encouraged as you read what God puts on my heart to share here.
~ may you yearn and seek after Him with all of your heart,soul, and mind,
~ and seek His wisdom, guidance, and instruction daily , and put Him first always.
~ I pray that I will always seek God's wisdom and Will before writing,
~ and that all that I write will be blessed by Him, and will be a blessing for all who read,
~ and that God will be glorified and praised by it.
~ I pray that I grow in His wisdom and understanding so that I am filled and over-flowing, so it can flow into the lives others.
Maybe you have been visiting here a long time, or just newly found my blog. Either way if you have been blessed, and like what you have read, I would enjoy it much if you would take a moment and leave me a message letting me know. And please pass on the word to all your friends. Share it on face book, e-mail, ect...
I am so happy that I have this blog to be able to share with others all that God has been putting on my mind and heart.
May I only always write for His glory!
In Him,
~ Mae
~ I thank you so very much for being here and taking the time to read my posts.
~ may you be blessed, strengthened, and encouraged as you read what God puts on my heart to share here.
~ may you yearn and seek after Him with all of your heart,soul, and mind,
~ and seek His wisdom, guidance, and instruction daily , and put Him first always.
~ I pray that I will always seek God's wisdom and Will before writing,
~ and that all that I write will be blessed by Him, and will be a blessing for all who read,
~ and that God will be glorified and praised by it.
~ I pray that I grow in His wisdom and understanding so that I am filled and over-flowing, so it can flow into the lives others.
Maybe you have been visiting here a long time, or just newly found my blog. Either way if you have been blessed, and like what you have read, I would enjoy it much if you would take a moment and leave me a message letting me know. And please pass on the word to all your friends. Share it on face book, e-mail, ect...
I am so happy that I have this blog to be able to share with others all that God has been putting on my mind and heart.
May I only always write for His glory!
In Him,
~ Mae
Walking in His steps
I just finished reading the book, In His Steps, by Charles M. Sheldon.
It was really good.
And I am left with, "Are we truly walking in His steps?" "Are we suffering for Him?" "Are we reaching out to the lost, suffering and hurting souls?" "Are we doing as He would do in every little detail and area of our lives?"
May we all ask our selves these questions, as we continue to walk after, seek after, and love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds.
Walk in His steps.
In Him, Mae
It was really good.
And I am left with, "Are we truly walking in His steps?" "Are we suffering for Him?" "Are we reaching out to the lost, suffering and hurting souls?" "Are we doing as He would do in every little detail and area of our lives?"
May we all ask our selves these questions, as we continue to walk after, seek after, and love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds.
Walk in His steps.
In Him, Mae
Thursday, July 23, 2015
In His Steps ( book)
My oldest son just bought this book recently. ( he is always looking for great Christian books to purchase to read, plus for his own personal library one day) So I have borrowed his book and am enjoying it immensely! It is an old time classic, and is the adult version for the children's book, What would Jesus DO?. This is the book where the , " What would Jesus Do." saying has came from. Or better know today I suppose as WWJD.
One may wonder when in the world I would ever have time for reading so many books. I do not have a lot of time for sure. But I grab minuets here and there, especially when I am nursing my little one. And when I lie down some days after lunch for some quiet time. The only things I read is my Bible and great Christian books or literature.
This book is written about a pastor of a church that has pledged along with many of the church members for a year not to do any thing without asking first, "What would Jesus do." And many of them are business people , ect.. So form that day on in all aspects and dealings concerning their businesses and decisions they make, they ask the question, what would Jesus do? And things in their businesses and community begin to chance because of that pledge they made.
It seemed it was new for these people to bring God into every aspect of their lives though they had been professing Christian all along prior to this.
But that shouldn't be so should it? If we are truly living are lives completely for God, then all the time for as long as we live every thing we do should be centered around what Jesus would do and what His Will is for our lives. It shouldn't be something new to us, but it should be the norm, any thing else would be strange to us.
We need to always consider in everything What would Jesus do.
Here is a few examples.
~ Would Jesus watch or want us to watch this movie, TV show, ect...?
~ Would Jesus use His time this way?
~ Would Jesus use His money this way?
~ Would Jesus read this book or magazine?
~ Would He hang out at a place like this?
~ Would Jesus listen to this kind of music?
A lot of time I think things are done with out a lot of time considering this because I guess we get the mind set that these things really don't matter, but if we stop and take a moment to think about it, we know the answer in our hearts. Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." And all these things do matter. God wants every little detail of our lives to be after His Will. He wants us walk after His steps.
1 John 2:6 " He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
May this be an encouragement to you today, as you mother your children and walk after God.
~In Him,
Mae
One may wonder when in the world I would ever have time for reading so many books. I do not have a lot of time for sure. But I grab minuets here and there, especially when I am nursing my little one. And when I lie down some days after lunch for some quiet time. The only things I read is my Bible and great Christian books or literature.This book is written about a pastor of a church that has pledged along with many of the church members for a year not to do any thing without asking first, "What would Jesus do." And many of them are business people , ect.. So form that day on in all aspects and dealings concerning their businesses and decisions they make, they ask the question, what would Jesus do? And things in their businesses and community begin to chance because of that pledge they made.
It seemed it was new for these people to bring God into every aspect of their lives though they had been professing Christian all along prior to this.
But that shouldn't be so should it? If we are truly living are lives completely for God, then all the time for as long as we live every thing we do should be centered around what Jesus would do and what His Will is for our lives. It shouldn't be something new to us, but it should be the norm, any thing else would be strange to us.
We need to always consider in everything What would Jesus do.
Here is a few examples.
~ Would Jesus watch or want us to watch this movie, TV show, ect...?
~ Would Jesus use His time this way?
~ Would Jesus use His money this way?
~ Would Jesus read this book or magazine?
~ Would He hang out at a place like this?
~ Would Jesus listen to this kind of music?
A lot of time I think things are done with out a lot of time considering this because I guess we get the mind set that these things really don't matter, but if we stop and take a moment to think about it, we know the answer in our hearts. Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." And all these things do matter. God wants every little detail of our lives to be after His Will. He wants us walk after His steps.
1 John 2:6 " He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."
May this be an encouragement to you today, as you mother your children and walk after God.
~In Him,
Mae
Monday, July 6, 2015
Louie Giglio ( Passion Talk Series DVD set)
I was recently given this DVD set as a gift. We watch them together as a family. So far we have only managed to watch the first two. We really enjoyed them. I do not know how the rest will be, but I imagine that will be just as good. He is great speaker, and really holds your attention. The first DVD was really amazing as Louie describes our Milky Way Galaxy and how great our God is in His perfect creation of the stars and planets, and how small we are. You would just have see it know what I mean. It was very well done.
I am enjoying the gift of this DVD set very much. And now I have just placed and order for this exact set for a family member. I found it on www.amazon.ca for $58.00. There you can view the DVDs and read what all they are about.
I am sure there is web-site as well where you could learn more about Louie Giglio and the Passion Talk ministry. I do not personally know anything of Louie or Passion Talk only this DVD set, and the first 2 of the DVDs we watched. Might be wise to check that out if one is interested.
I am enjoying the gift of this DVD set very much. And now I have just placed and order for this exact set for a family member. I found it on www.amazon.ca for $58.00. There you can view the DVDs and read what all they are about.
I am sure there is web-site as well where you could learn more about Louie Giglio and the Passion Talk ministry. I do not personally know anything of Louie or Passion Talk only this DVD set, and the first 2 of the DVDs we watched. Might be wise to check that out if one is interested.
inspirationals and devotionals for moms
I have recently ordered these 3 books, and I loving them!! Such great inspiration, wisdom and truth, and helpful advice! If your a busy mommy with several children I am sure you would find them a blessing as well. Full of great stuff!
You can check them out at www.aboverubies.org
Right now you can buy these as a set for only $35.00.
You can check them out at www.aboverubies.org
Right now you can buy these as a set for only $35.00.
yearning for wisdom
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 4:5
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
If any one needs wisdom it is us mothers busily keeping up with our children and all the issues that arise every day all day!! If your a mom with little ones, ya' know what I mean . Some days are way more crazy than others though.
So we need lots of good godly wisdom to successfully handle it all right?!!
And by the above verses it sounds like it is a very great thing to have for certain sure, better than gold in fact! Wow, you can't get better than that can you?!
And by James 1:5 it does seems easy enough to come by. If any of you lack wisdom, just ask God!
Yes, all we have to do is yearn, desire, and seek after wisdom, earnestly praying and crying out to God for it, and our Heavenly Farther who holds all wisdom will gives us liberally what we need. He is just waiting for us to ask.
We wants us to seek and desire His wisdom and not the world's wisdom. We can find out what God thinks of the world's wisdom when we read
1 Corinthians 1:19 " For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness";
I love to start my day with a prayer for the Lord to help me get through the day while I am yet lying in bed, and I prayer for wisdom for that day to handle all the issues that will arise. And also I pray in the middle of a situation for His help in how to handle it. Try it, it works!! And it will calm you down too when you take a breather and stop and pray!
So yearn for wisdom, and God will fill you up. Seek after Him, and He will direct your paths.
In Him,
Mae
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. Proverbs 16:16
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
If any one needs wisdom it is us mothers busily keeping up with our children and all the issues that arise every day all day!! If your a mom with little ones, ya' know what I mean . Some days are way more crazy than others though.
So we need lots of good godly wisdom to successfully handle it all right?!!
And by the above verses it sounds like it is a very great thing to have for certain sure, better than gold in fact! Wow, you can't get better than that can you?!
And by James 1:5 it does seems easy enough to come by. If any of you lack wisdom, just ask God!
Yes, all we have to do is yearn, desire, and seek after wisdom, earnestly praying and crying out to God for it, and our Heavenly Farther who holds all wisdom will gives us liberally what we need. He is just waiting for us to ask.
We wants us to seek and desire His wisdom and not the world's wisdom. We can find out what God thinks of the world's wisdom when we read
1 Corinthians 1:19 " For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness";
I love to start my day with a prayer for the Lord to help me get through the day while I am yet lying in bed, and I prayer for wisdom for that day to handle all the issues that will arise. And also I pray in the middle of a situation for His help in how to handle it. Try it, it works!! And it will calm you down too when you take a breather and stop and pray!
So yearn for wisdom, and God will fill you up. Seek after Him, and He will direct your paths.
In Him,
Mae
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Sweet Journey and Sweet Relationships ( books)
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Sweet Relationships
Sweet Relationships is a powerful Bible study on Titus 2:4-5. This book will guide you toward sweet relationships with those you love the most. Teri’s personal writing style, intertwined with Scripture and study questions, practically breaks down these verses that are vital to Christian women.
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Sweet Journey
Whether you are struggling with discouragement, anger, fear, loneliness or simply want a closer walk with Jesus, Sweet Journey is a Bible study leading you in the right direction. This book has the potential to dramatically change your life
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This is two books I defiantly want to be getting in the near future! I just love books that draw me closer to the Lord.
These books and more great recourses can be found at the Maxwell Family web-site.
www.titus2.com
This CD looks like would be great too! Lots of great stuff to check out!! :) I just love that families like this are making great products available like these to encourage and inspire us.
Loving Your Husband CD
This session holds eye opening truths as to a wife can improve her relationship with her husband.
Monday, June 15, 2015
summer, gardening, animals ,children and fun!!
Here it is soon to be the first day of summer for 2015!! The days are getting much longer now. Doesn't get dark till about 12 or 1 p.m., and then light again by about 3 a.m. Pretty neat!!
It has already seemed like summer for awhile though. We still have cool evenings and mornings a bit though.
Our garden is going like crazy, but unfortunately so it the weeds too! But what is a garden with out a few weeds huh!? We just got lots of much needed rain here. That is so good! Now we have to wait for it to dry up a bit and then attack those weeds! I honestly can't stand weeds!! Nothing more I like than a nice clean looking garden! :)
We have a bigger garden this year with lots of variety. We even managed to get Chinese cabbage which we started our selves by seeds in the house. So that's exciting! This year besides starting seedlings in our cold frame we built last year, we also set up fluorescent lights in the basement and I started some plants that way too under the lights. They turned out really well. I just planted out the rest of the tomatoes we started under the lights. They look great!
The children are nearly finished with school. Maybe about 3 weeks or more left. We get a bit behind when we go to Texas in the spring time.
Nathan who turns 15 in July is finishing up 9th grade. Clayton just turned 13 yesterday completed grade 6,and Samuel age 11 is finishing up with grade 4. Sarah turns 8 in July and is almost done with grade 2. Then we have Anna ,5, she did Kindergarten this year. Then our 2 youngest Benjamin 3 1/2, and Daniel one.
Lots out door fun things are occupying the childrens' time now, besides helping with the garden and other summer work projects we have lined up. Always so much to get done in the months with no snow! The summers are short and sweet here in our neck of the woods! Some of our projects are: painting the house, replacing some windows, putting up a fence for our cows.
Yep, we got cows!!! They are at someone place for now though. I am anxious to get our fence up so we can get them. So we can milk our cow!! I am so happy to finally have a milk cow!! Lots of fresh milk, cream, home-made butter!!! YAY!!!
We got our chicks ( 125 of them!) in early May. They will be our meat chickens come late summer/early fall. Yay, for our freezer!
The big weekend I had planned for most of a year was just last weekend ( June 5th-7th) An Above Rubies Ladies Retreat held here in our Northern Alberta area!! I am so glad I got to be a part of organizing and planning it! It was a very special weekend! Nancy Campbell author of the Above Rubies magazines for over 37 years was our speaker. She is so gifted in speaking and ministering to ladies. And what a great message she had for us. We had a big turn out, over 100 ladies and teens, and several babies too! Sadly we had to turn down ladies. Lord Willing we hope to have another ladies retreat in this area though, or a family camp with both Nancy and her husband Colin.
Now that I am not busy with the preparing of the retreat, I will put my energy in to other things again. I want to spend more time reading great books, reading my Bible, and memorizing Bible verses. Plus posting more great things on here for your enjoyment and encouragement!
Wishing you a very great summer! Stay strong for God! Keep Him first in your life!
In Him,
~Mae
It has already seemed like summer for awhile though. We still have cool evenings and mornings a bit though.
Our garden is going like crazy, but unfortunately so it the weeds too! But what is a garden with out a few weeds huh!? We just got lots of much needed rain here. That is so good! Now we have to wait for it to dry up a bit and then attack those weeds! I honestly can't stand weeds!! Nothing more I like than a nice clean looking garden! :)
We have a bigger garden this year with lots of variety. We even managed to get Chinese cabbage which we started our selves by seeds in the house. So that's exciting! This year besides starting seedlings in our cold frame we built last year, we also set up fluorescent lights in the basement and I started some plants that way too under the lights. They turned out really well. I just planted out the rest of the tomatoes we started under the lights. They look great!
The children are nearly finished with school. Maybe about 3 weeks or more left. We get a bit behind when we go to Texas in the spring time.
Nathan who turns 15 in July is finishing up 9th grade. Clayton just turned 13 yesterday completed grade 6,and Samuel age 11 is finishing up with grade 4. Sarah turns 8 in July and is almost done with grade 2. Then we have Anna ,5, she did Kindergarten this year. Then our 2 youngest Benjamin 3 1/2, and Daniel one.
Lots out door fun things are occupying the childrens' time now, besides helping with the garden and other summer work projects we have lined up. Always so much to get done in the months with no snow! The summers are short and sweet here in our neck of the woods! Some of our projects are: painting the house, replacing some windows, putting up a fence for our cows.
Yep, we got cows!!! They are at someone place for now though. I am anxious to get our fence up so we can get them. So we can milk our cow!! I am so happy to finally have a milk cow!! Lots of fresh milk, cream, home-made butter!!! YAY!!!
We got our chicks ( 125 of them!) in early May. They will be our meat chickens come late summer/early fall. Yay, for our freezer!
The big weekend I had planned for most of a year was just last weekend ( June 5th-7th) An Above Rubies Ladies Retreat held here in our Northern Alberta area!! I am so glad I got to be a part of organizing and planning it! It was a very special weekend! Nancy Campbell author of the Above Rubies magazines for over 37 years was our speaker. She is so gifted in speaking and ministering to ladies. And what a great message she had for us. We had a big turn out, over 100 ladies and teens, and several babies too! Sadly we had to turn down ladies. Lord Willing we hope to have another ladies retreat in this area though, or a family camp with both Nancy and her husband Colin.
Now that I am not busy with the preparing of the retreat, I will put my energy in to other things again. I want to spend more time reading great books, reading my Bible, and memorizing Bible verses. Plus posting more great things on here for your enjoyment and encouragement!
Wishing you a very great summer! Stay strong for God! Keep Him first in your life!
In Him,
~Mae
Home-schooling With a Meek and Quiet Spirit (a book)
I am currently reading this book. And what a great find it is!!I know this book as been out for awhile now, but I have just came across it. And I am so happy I have! Home-schooling with a meek and quiet spirit is just what I desire and long for.
It takes a close and growing walk with the Lord . Anxious to see what all else it contains as I grab minutes here and there to devour it!
If you would like to learn more about this book and several more that Teri Maxwell and her Husband Steve Maxwell has written please check out their wonderful web-site at www.titus2.com
Their web-site contains many great resources for home-schooling families. They have something for everyone.
In Him,
Mae
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Building a relationship with God
There is nothing more special than a great and close relationship with God.
But for that to happen we have to draw near to me. We have to make Him our top priority, and the very center of our life.
First He can not just be God to you . He has to become your God, and your Heavenly Father. Each of us can boldly say, " He is my God, and my Heavenly Father." And He will call you child.
Then start drawing near to God, and seeking after Him and the things that pertain to Him.
There is nothing more that He wants than a relationship with us.
He wants to be the very center of our lives.
He wants to be in our thoughts, and in our conversations.
He wants walk and talk to us.
When we love and serve God with our while heart our life will be consumed by Him.
The decisions we make, the places we go, the things we do, the friends we keep, and the things we think about will all be based on His will and desire for our lives.
We will enjoy reading and praying, and spending time with the Lord.
We will want to memorize Bible verses. And then when you go about your day you can sing them out! Quote them to your children.
And when we have that close and flourishing relationship with God, He will always be our first response in time of trouble. We will go to Him in prayer over every issue we face. And He will help us to resolve it in His way, and he will give us peace and comfort as well.
I just love having a close relationship with the Lord. I could not imagine going a day with out Him as my God, my Father, and my constant Help.
If God is not the center of your life, then I encourage you to start today and build that relationship.
He is waiting for you, waiting to call you, "child".
In Him,
Mae
But for that to happen we have to draw near to me. We have to make Him our top priority, and the very center of our life.
First He can not just be God to you . He has to become your God, and your Heavenly Father. Each of us can boldly say, " He is my God, and my Heavenly Father." And He will call you child.
Then start drawing near to God, and seeking after Him and the things that pertain to Him.
There is nothing more that He wants than a relationship with us.
He wants to be the very center of our lives.
He wants to be in our thoughts, and in our conversations.
He wants walk and talk to us.
When we love and serve God with our while heart our life will be consumed by Him.
The decisions we make, the places we go, the things we do, the friends we keep, and the things we think about will all be based on His will and desire for our lives.
We will enjoy reading and praying, and spending time with the Lord.
We will want to memorize Bible verses. And then when you go about your day you can sing them out! Quote them to your children.
And when we have that close and flourishing relationship with God, He will always be our first response in time of trouble. We will go to Him in prayer over every issue we face. And He will help us to resolve it in His way, and he will give us peace and comfort as well.
I just love having a close relationship with the Lord. I could not imagine going a day with out Him as my God, my Father, and my constant Help.
If God is not the center of your life, then I encourage you to start today and build that relationship.
He is waiting for you, waiting to call you, "child".
In Him,
Mae
Monday, April 27, 2015
Above Rubies ministry and retreats
Above Rubies is a magazine to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers, and home makers. Its purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God's truth in the nation. The name has been chosen Proverbs 31:10 AMP
"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,
"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,
who is he who can find her?
She is far more precious than jewels and her
value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls
Nancy Campbell is the editor and founder of Above Rubies.
Her magazine goes out to over 18 countries.
Nancy travels all over the world speaking at ladies retreats and seminars encouraging and strengthening women in their high calling of being a wife and mother.
There may very well be an above Rubies ladies retreat in your State, province, or country. Just check out the above rubies web-site and click under retreats.
www.aboverubies.org
They are perfect for getting to know the above Rubies ministry better, hear Nancy give her wonderful, inspiring, and encouraging messages. You can view all her books and study manuals that she has available. Meet other like minded moms. And be refreshed and uplifted!!
Right now I am helping to organize an Above Rubies retreat in my part of Alberta. I am so excited about that! I have been to 3 of her retreats, but this is my very first time to organize one. Lots of work, but way more fun!!
I can't wait till the retreat, only 6 more weeks! It is June 5th-7th, 2015.
If your in Northern Alberta, you may be able to attend this retreat! You won't be disappointed!
check out our web-site.
www.albertarubiesretreat.weebly.com
her price is far above rubies
"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman,
who is he who can find her?
She is far more precious than jewels and her
value is far ABOVE RUBIES or pearls ."
Proverbs 31:10
Yep, if you can find a virtuous woman you will be lucky!
You will have something with great value.
Cause her price is far above rubies!
Her tongue will be full of wisdom and kindness.
She will look well to the ways of her house hold, eat the bread of idleness.
Her children will arise and call her blessed, and her husband also, and he will praise her!
Proverbs 31:26-28
Friday, April 17, 2015
A Woman After God's Heart
A woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
The latest book I am reading. And what a treasure it is!!
Elizabeth George shares practical, scriptural insights on how you can pursue God's priorities concerning:
~ Your husband - - foster a deep commitment to serve and honor him.
~ Your children -- pray faithfully for them and teach them God's Word.
~ Your home -- create a nurturing atmosphere and a tapestry of beauty
~ Your walk with the Lord -- grow through love of Scripture and in discipleship
~ Your ministry -- learn to reach out and become an encourager
Only wished I had found this book years ago. I am certain it would have been a tremendous help thus far in my parenting and marriage, and walk with the Lord.
Another book I have read several years ago and loved, was the book called The Power of a Praying Wife, by Storime Omartian. It was very good too. And I found it to be very helpful. I have read and reread it!
Also early on in my parenting when we just had 2 and my oldest was about 3 years old, a longtime friend put me on the mailing list for the Above Rubies magazines. Now that has to be the greatest thing that has impacted my mothering and being a wife. I am ever grateful for the Above Rubies ministries by Nancy Campbell, and the magazines she puts out. The encouragement and inspiration in those magazines have really kept me going as a wife and mother. I have gleaned so much form her. I also have been able to attend 3 Above Rubies ladies retreats and got to hear Nancy Campbell speak. And now I have the very great privilege to be part of organizing an Above Rubies ladies retreat in my area of Alberta!! I am so excited! It is only 2 months away now to be held June 5th-7th, 2015. I praise the Lord for making it all possible!!
Nancy Campbell has written several books and teaching manuals as well as the magazine too. Two of hers that I have and love are The Power of Motherhood, and The Gate Keeper of The Home. These are the kind of books that you want to have on your bed stand to reread and refresh your memory from time to time. Nancy's husband Collin has written a very great book for men called, Where Are the Real Men of God, which we have as well and my husband has read to the family during our devotional time
I believe God has given us all the information we need for being the great Godly wives and mothers that we need to be and He wants us to be, right in His Word the BIBLE. But some good godly authors do a really great job of bring all those goodies out of the Bible, making it easier for us to read and grasp and to put into practice. And I thank the Lord for these authors like the ones I have mentioned above that have read and researched their Bibles deeply about the topics of mothering and marriage and have took time to write these books.
May we all diligently seek and desire to be a woman after God's own.
In Him, Mae
P.S. To learn more about Above Rubies and to be put on their mailing list please visit www.aboverubies.org
The latest book I am reading. And what a treasure it is!!
Elizabeth George shares practical, scriptural insights on how you can pursue God's priorities concerning:
~ Your husband - - foster a deep commitment to serve and honor him.
~ Your children -- pray faithfully for them and teach them God's Word.
~ Your home -- create a nurturing atmosphere and a tapestry of beauty
~ Your walk with the Lord -- grow through love of Scripture and in discipleship
~ Your ministry -- learn to reach out and become an encourager
Only wished I had found this book years ago. I am certain it would have been a tremendous help thus far in my parenting and marriage, and walk with the Lord.
Another book I have read several years ago and loved, was the book called The Power of a Praying Wife, by Storime Omartian. It was very good too. And I found it to be very helpful. I have read and reread it!
Also early on in my parenting when we just had 2 and my oldest was about 3 years old, a longtime friend put me on the mailing list for the Above Rubies magazines. Now that has to be the greatest thing that has impacted my mothering and being a wife. I am ever grateful for the Above Rubies ministries by Nancy Campbell, and the magazines she puts out. The encouragement and inspiration in those magazines have really kept me going as a wife and mother. I have gleaned so much form her. I also have been able to attend 3 Above Rubies ladies retreats and got to hear Nancy Campbell speak. And now I have the very great privilege to be part of organizing an Above Rubies ladies retreat in my area of Alberta!! I am so excited! It is only 2 months away now to be held June 5th-7th, 2015. I praise the Lord for making it all possible!!
Nancy Campbell has written several books and teaching manuals as well as the magazine too. Two of hers that I have and love are The Power of Motherhood, and The Gate Keeper of The Home. These are the kind of books that you want to have on your bed stand to reread and refresh your memory from time to time. Nancy's husband Collin has written a very great book for men called, Where Are the Real Men of God, which we have as well and my husband has read to the family during our devotional time
I believe God has given us all the information we need for being the great Godly wives and mothers that we need to be and He wants us to be, right in His Word the BIBLE. But some good godly authors do a really great job of bring all those goodies out of the Bible, making it easier for us to read and grasp and to put into practice. And I thank the Lord for these authors like the ones I have mentioned above that have read and researched their Bibles deeply about the topics of mothering and marriage and have took time to write these books.
May we all diligently seek and desire to be a woman after God's own.
In Him, Mae
P.S. To learn more about Above Rubies and to be put on their mailing list please visit www.aboverubies.org
Friday, April 10, 2015
Our ever present Help
Psalm 46:1-2
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea."
We well know that God is our ever present help in time of trouble, but let us not forget that He is also our ever present help all the time too!! He is with us each morning when we arise, with us as we close our eyes at night, and watching over us as we sleep.
Moms when we are tending our babies, schooling our children and doing all the mundane daily tasks, He is with us through it all. May we remember to always call upon Him for His strength, for His joy, for His peace and comfort, and for His wisdom while we go through out our day mothering our blessings.
Don't wait for trouble to come to call on Him. He is there for you any time, all the time! And I think we will find that lot less trouble we will have if when we make Him our constant companion and not just our back up plan when things go wrong.
"Casting all your care up-on Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 124:8
"I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that kept thee will not slumber."
Psalm 121:1-3
Yep, our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth!! Praise the Lord!!!
May you always know that God is our ever present help all the time!!!
In Him,
Mae
how we travel
How we travel.
We have just returned form our month long trip to Texas. Went not bad after-all. All my worries and concerns for nothing!! lol!! We had a great visit with family and friends, and great traveling as well!!
Praise the Lord!!
Not sure how many trips it is now that we have made back and forth from Alberta to Texas, but I know it is several. And by now we actually kind of got a routine going that is most likely the reason things are going more smoothly on the road. And of course with God's great protection over us and His helping me to have a better attitude. Probably that right there is what makes all the difference!
Here I will share how we roll on the road, in case you’re planning a trip and would enjoy hearing how our troop of nine manages a 4 day road trip, keeping our sanity intact!! If we can do it you can too!!
Packing suit cases:
My rule is no over packing, just a 4 or 5 out-fits; if we need more we will shop second-hand while we are there. Also we told the kids this time that they had to pack in way so that we would only carry in 2 suitcases plus our bathroom bag in to the motels, not the usual 5 or 6. So the big boys packed their travel clothes in one bag, and I packed for the rest of us in one suite-case. Then anything extra we needed went in a big tote container.
The older ones (ages 14 and 12) can now do their own packing, YAY!! Plus my oldest also supervised the packing of our 9 year old too (he just had a Birthday, he is 10 now)!! I was left to help the younger 4 from our 7 yr. old down to our 10 month old Daniel. Oh, our 7, 5, and 3 yr. old packed though!! You should of seen all the things they packed, lots and lots of clothes, play shoes, good shoes, play sandals, dress sandals; lots of little books, and little trinkets and goodies that you just can't possible live 30 days without; and lots of blankets ( it was hard to convince them that we had several already down here). The little ones really over whelmed me this time on packing, I went over their stuff and took out some I clearly knew they would not need, but they still had too many goodies. So my sweet 14 year old decided to help me out, and went in the room with each sister and lovingly dumped out their back-packs and traveling bags, and helped them slim down a bit. He was good!! I finished helping our 3 yr. old son pack, boys are easier!! :)
Loading the van:
Now that all the suite cases, and totes are packed, snack box full and ready, a box full of diapers and baby wipes ( to go conveniently under a van seat ), it is time to load the 15 passenger van with Dad supervising. (That’s his role) We have the last seat in the back taken out for more space for our luggage.
Oh and don't forget his tools, and the last item to be loaded is the ice chest with makings for sandwiches.
And we're off!
Our departure date and time was preset, and now the long anticipated day is here. The van was loaded the night before along with car seats and booster seat buckled in place, and double checked. The kids are up early, fed, and dressed, and the older ones take the younger ones out and buckle them. Mom and dad walk around the ones for one more quick check to see if we missed something important; mom grabs a few more items; Dad shuts off water, sets the heat to right temp, locks the doors, and out the we go.
Hey, forgot the most important thing we always do before the kids go out to the van (as well as each morning when we leave the motel rooms). We all gather in a circle, kneel down, hold hands and pray together. Each one says a prayer (some short some longer, but all heart felt) for protection and wellbeing on the trip. (My favorite one that one of our dear ones pray is, " help us get to the motel fast and that there is a pool, don't let us get sick, and make sure mom doesn't get mad at me.") Children and prayers, you got to love it!! :) And you know God does too!!! They touch the heart of God like no one else!
For motion sickness:
The first few trips we made, some of the children got sick a lot along the way. Was not fun! We soon realized that we need to carry ice-cream pails with lids, lots of paper towels, and free breeze! Then someone told us of gravol for motion sickness! YAY for that! This is now our second trip using that, and no one sick at all!!!!
So we give a gravel tablet to each child a half hour if possible before heading out each morning. (Expect our oldest that doesn’t seem to need it)
Traveling with GPS and Getting a motel room:
We have used GPS now in our traveling several times. Very handy. Hubby sets our trip head of time, he programs where we will stop for each of the 3 nights on the road, and usually has the first night's room already booked. Then for the following nights just after lunch I start looking on the GPS for motels in the town where we will be stopping for that night.
I start making the calls, looking for motels with either a large family suite, or two adjoining rooms, or if we have no other choice 2 rooms right next to each other. This trip down we did well, the first night while still in Alberta we had to get 2 separate rooms, but next night we got 2 adjoining rooms, and the last night a large family suite complete with a king size bed and whirl-pool! We are finding it harder to find motels with large family suites.
The kids love the GPS so that they can count down the time till the time we arrive at the motel, and they get really excited when they see the flag!! And it is handy for when we get off the road at a gas station, so easy to follow that purple line and annoying voice back on our route again! OH ,if only my mom and dad had that in their travels years ago!!
Breakfast:
The motels we stay in have continental breakfast, which is usually open at 6:00 a.m. So at 6 me and the older ones are ready to go eat, then when one of the older ones finish they go back to the room and see if one of the younger ones are now up and ready to eat, or takes Daddy's place in the room with little ones, and he comes and eats. Some motels have really good breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and waffles. So we eat well. And have everyone fed and ready to hit the road by 7 or 7:30 a.m.
For lunch on the road:
We mostly just do sandwiches which I make up as we travel. I call for one of the boys to grab our lunch stuff out of the ice-chest in the back of the van. Then I start making up the sandwiches, and pass them back to the children. Then for myself and hubby. Once we are all done back to the ice-chest got the meat and cheese, ect..
Plus we have loaded snack box between the front seats so I can easily get out and pass snacks. Also plenty of water bottles. Having a bunch of snacks already bought and ready, makes for no need for begging for goodies at gas stations cause we already got everything, and cheaper too.
Gas and bathroom stops:
The only stops we make during the day are for gas and bathrooms. Usually just the times we stop for gas is all we need for bathroom stops too, but occasional we make quick stops at rest areas as well for bathrooms.
Here I should note that our 4 youngest ones (yes even our 7 year old) wear diapers on the road. So at bathroom stops I take the girls and baby with me to ladies bathroom, our oldest is in charge of our 3 year old son and they head off to the men's bathroom, while Daddy gets gas. Everyone goes potty and diapers changed if needed. (The diapers are a major time saver I tell you, if it wasn't for the diapers we would have to stop much more often for potty breaks)
Supper:
For our evening meal we either eat in a restraint after we have got our room for the night. Or call in pizza delivery to our room. Either way is very wonderful after a long day on the road!! Since we make our day time stops to a minimum, we make good time and can stop fairly early in the evenings, anywhere from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. That way no one is too worn out, although even by then little ones are going a bit crazy!
Some trips we have planned certain sightseeing stops (like Yellow Stone National Park, Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments, The Red Woods in California) and so then our traveling was different those times, but we haven't done that in a while.
~ Here I should share a thing we have just started for our restaurant outings which has helped a lot. We have choice each of our older sons to be in charge of one of the younger ones to help them get seated and get their food if it's buffet style. They know who they are in charge of, and works pretty smooth. For example Clayton is in charge of Anna, so he holds her hand going in to the restaurant, helps her dish her food, and get seated, then he gets his food. They all do that. Going out each boy again holds younger siblings hand, helps them in the van, and buckles them up. (Same procedure goes for getting them out too) Together daddy and I are both in charge of baby and over-all overseeing everything
Pools:
We always try to make sure we get a motel with a pool, and if it has a slide even better! It gives the children something to look forward too during the day while on the road, and gives them a way to burn energy off before bed time. And a way for mom and dad to relax, especially in the hot tub!
We don't do the typical swim wear stuff, so if you’re like me you may cringe at the mere mention of public pools and hot-tubs because most people's swim attire unfortunately isn't exactly family friendly (sad but true bathing suites are very skimpy anymore, or maybe they always have been and I am just more aware of it with a hubby and growing sons). But we have done very well, there hardly ever has been anyone else swimming. And very often we have the whole pool room to ourselves!! For this I praise the Lord! I have made it matter of earnest prayer before we start our travels that if we do get a motel with a pool that it be family friendly. I normally would not have my family in public swim area at all, but when traveling getting to play in a pool at the end of the days makes our days more doable, and it means so much to the kids. God cares about these little things!! I am a firm believer that nothing is to big that God cannot handle nor to small that he does not care!!
Well I believe that pretty much is our traveling how-tos is a nut shell.
Hope this you find this helpful in your traveling or ate last an entertaining read at the least!! :)
Here is one final tip, if you travel don't stress, just take it all to the Lord in prayer! He is with you where ever you go!! Our ever present Helper, Protector, and Guide!
In Him,
Mae
We have just returned form our month long trip to Texas. Went not bad after-all. All my worries and concerns for nothing!! lol!! We had a great visit with family and friends, and great traveling as well!!
Praise the Lord!!
Not sure how many trips it is now that we have made back and forth from Alberta to Texas, but I know it is several. And by now we actually kind of got a routine going that is most likely the reason things are going more smoothly on the road. And of course with God's great protection over us and His helping me to have a better attitude. Probably that right there is what makes all the difference!
Here I will share how we roll on the road, in case you’re planning a trip and would enjoy hearing how our troop of nine manages a 4 day road trip, keeping our sanity intact!! If we can do it you can too!!
Packing suit cases:
My rule is no over packing, just a 4 or 5 out-fits; if we need more we will shop second-hand while we are there. Also we told the kids this time that they had to pack in way so that we would only carry in 2 suitcases plus our bathroom bag in to the motels, not the usual 5 or 6. So the big boys packed their travel clothes in one bag, and I packed for the rest of us in one suite-case. Then anything extra we needed went in a big tote container.
The older ones (ages 14 and 12) can now do their own packing, YAY!! Plus my oldest also supervised the packing of our 9 year old too (he just had a Birthday, he is 10 now)!! I was left to help the younger 4 from our 7 yr. old down to our 10 month old Daniel. Oh, our 7, 5, and 3 yr. old packed though!! You should of seen all the things they packed, lots and lots of clothes, play shoes, good shoes, play sandals, dress sandals; lots of little books, and little trinkets and goodies that you just can't possible live 30 days without; and lots of blankets ( it was hard to convince them that we had several already down here). The little ones really over whelmed me this time on packing, I went over their stuff and took out some I clearly knew they would not need, but they still had too many goodies. So my sweet 14 year old decided to help me out, and went in the room with each sister and lovingly dumped out their back-packs and traveling bags, and helped them slim down a bit. He was good!! I finished helping our 3 yr. old son pack, boys are easier!! :)
Loading the van:
Now that all the suite cases, and totes are packed, snack box full and ready, a box full of diapers and baby wipes ( to go conveniently under a van seat ), it is time to load the 15 passenger van with Dad supervising. (That’s his role) We have the last seat in the back taken out for more space for our luggage.
Oh and don't forget his tools, and the last item to be loaded is the ice chest with makings for sandwiches.
And we're off!
Our departure date and time was preset, and now the long anticipated day is here. The van was loaded the night before along with car seats and booster seat buckled in place, and double checked. The kids are up early, fed, and dressed, and the older ones take the younger ones out and buckle them. Mom and dad walk around the ones for one more quick check to see if we missed something important; mom grabs a few more items; Dad shuts off water, sets the heat to right temp, locks the doors, and out the we go.
Hey, forgot the most important thing we always do before the kids go out to the van (as well as each morning when we leave the motel rooms). We all gather in a circle, kneel down, hold hands and pray together. Each one says a prayer (some short some longer, but all heart felt) for protection and wellbeing on the trip. (My favorite one that one of our dear ones pray is, " help us get to the motel fast and that there is a pool, don't let us get sick, and make sure mom doesn't get mad at me.") Children and prayers, you got to love it!! :) And you know God does too!!! They touch the heart of God like no one else!
For motion sickness:
The first few trips we made, some of the children got sick a lot along the way. Was not fun! We soon realized that we need to carry ice-cream pails with lids, lots of paper towels, and free breeze! Then someone told us of gravol for motion sickness! YAY for that! This is now our second trip using that, and no one sick at all!!!!
So we give a gravel tablet to each child a half hour if possible before heading out each morning. (Expect our oldest that doesn’t seem to need it)
Traveling with GPS and Getting a motel room:
We have used GPS now in our traveling several times. Very handy. Hubby sets our trip head of time, he programs where we will stop for each of the 3 nights on the road, and usually has the first night's room already booked. Then for the following nights just after lunch I start looking on the GPS for motels in the town where we will be stopping for that night.
I start making the calls, looking for motels with either a large family suite, or two adjoining rooms, or if we have no other choice 2 rooms right next to each other. This trip down we did well, the first night while still in Alberta we had to get 2 separate rooms, but next night we got 2 adjoining rooms, and the last night a large family suite complete with a king size bed and whirl-pool! We are finding it harder to find motels with large family suites.
The kids love the GPS so that they can count down the time till the time we arrive at the motel, and they get really excited when they see the flag!! And it is handy for when we get off the road at a gas station, so easy to follow that purple line and annoying voice back on our route again! OH ,if only my mom and dad had that in their travels years ago!!
Breakfast:
The motels we stay in have continental breakfast, which is usually open at 6:00 a.m. So at 6 me and the older ones are ready to go eat, then when one of the older ones finish they go back to the room and see if one of the younger ones are now up and ready to eat, or takes Daddy's place in the room with little ones, and he comes and eats. Some motels have really good breakfast complete with scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and waffles. So we eat well. And have everyone fed and ready to hit the road by 7 or 7:30 a.m.
For lunch on the road:
We mostly just do sandwiches which I make up as we travel. I call for one of the boys to grab our lunch stuff out of the ice-chest in the back of the van. Then I start making up the sandwiches, and pass them back to the children. Then for myself and hubby. Once we are all done back to the ice-chest got the meat and cheese, ect..
Plus we have loaded snack box between the front seats so I can easily get out and pass snacks. Also plenty of water bottles. Having a bunch of snacks already bought and ready, makes for no need for begging for goodies at gas stations cause we already got everything, and cheaper too.
Gas and bathroom stops:
The only stops we make during the day are for gas and bathrooms. Usually just the times we stop for gas is all we need for bathroom stops too, but occasional we make quick stops at rest areas as well for bathrooms.
Here I should note that our 4 youngest ones (yes even our 7 year old) wear diapers on the road. So at bathroom stops I take the girls and baby with me to ladies bathroom, our oldest is in charge of our 3 year old son and they head off to the men's bathroom, while Daddy gets gas. Everyone goes potty and diapers changed if needed. (The diapers are a major time saver I tell you, if it wasn't for the diapers we would have to stop much more often for potty breaks)
Supper:
For our evening meal we either eat in a restraint after we have got our room for the night. Or call in pizza delivery to our room. Either way is very wonderful after a long day on the road!! Since we make our day time stops to a minimum, we make good time and can stop fairly early in the evenings, anywhere from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. That way no one is too worn out, although even by then little ones are going a bit crazy!
Some trips we have planned certain sightseeing stops (like Yellow Stone National Park, Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments, The Red Woods in California) and so then our traveling was different those times, but we haven't done that in a while.
~ Here I should share a thing we have just started for our restaurant outings which has helped a lot. We have choice each of our older sons to be in charge of one of the younger ones to help them get seated and get their food if it's buffet style. They know who they are in charge of, and works pretty smooth. For example Clayton is in charge of Anna, so he holds her hand going in to the restaurant, helps her dish her food, and get seated, then he gets his food. They all do that. Going out each boy again holds younger siblings hand, helps them in the van, and buckles them up. (Same procedure goes for getting them out too) Together daddy and I are both in charge of baby and over-all overseeing everything
Pools:
We always try to make sure we get a motel with a pool, and if it has a slide even better! It gives the children something to look forward too during the day while on the road, and gives them a way to burn energy off before bed time. And a way for mom and dad to relax, especially in the hot tub!
We don't do the typical swim wear stuff, so if you’re like me you may cringe at the mere mention of public pools and hot-tubs because most people's swim attire unfortunately isn't exactly family friendly (sad but true bathing suites are very skimpy anymore, or maybe they always have been and I am just more aware of it with a hubby and growing sons). But we have done very well, there hardly ever has been anyone else swimming. And very often we have the whole pool room to ourselves!! For this I praise the Lord! I have made it matter of earnest prayer before we start our travels that if we do get a motel with a pool that it be family friendly. I normally would not have my family in public swim area at all, but when traveling getting to play in a pool at the end of the days makes our days more doable, and it means so much to the kids. God cares about these little things!! I am a firm believer that nothing is to big that God cannot handle nor to small that he does not care!!
Well I believe that pretty much is our traveling how-tos is a nut shell.
Hope this you find this helpful in your traveling or ate last an entertaining read at the least!! :)
Here is one final tip, if you travel don't stress, just take it all to the Lord in prayer! He is with you where ever you go!! Our ever present Helper, Protector, and Guide!
In Him,
Mae
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
packing/road-trip/seven kids/schooling
Packing for 4 day road trip.
That is what I am suppose to be doing right now anyway.
Fun huh!? I wish!
Packing for 2 adults and 7 children ( of course they do most of their own packing, but still I over-see it all, and make sure all is in order)
And knowing that in just few short days, we will be all stuck in van ( all nine of us) for 4 VERY LONG days. ( seems long anyway with all the noise, little ones, fussing, big ones sometimes arguing, some sometimes sick)
Then at the end of the 4 loooooong days on the road, a month at a home away form home, schooling ( though we are trying very hard to get as much as possible done now, so we will have less to do then), and all my other mommy duties! Oh fun!! not!
Not the best attitude going into a trip like this which is always excited for the rest of my crew.
So I am working on changing that.
I am taking it to the Lord in prayer. ( Isn't that so awesome how we can take EVERYTHING to Him, and he understands, cares, and provides all the help you need)
Praying that He will give me the endurance I need for this trip, patience when the little ones are fussing and going crazy, and a good dose of humour to handle it all!
Also praying for joy as well. JOY in stead of DREAD ( yes, I have been dreading this trip ever since our last one)
And praying that some ones life will be touched by our presence, either on the trip or at our destination. That God will bring great things out of what normally would be a long, hard, weary trip. ( unless that is you love traveling with a van load of young-ones that get tried of being on the road after just one hour!)
Praying that we can be a blessing to others, and that others will be a blessing and encouragement to us as well. And that we will be witness for Him everywhere we go. so that others can see Him in us.
Praying for His protection over us as we travel, and with those sharing the road with us.
So in just few days this big ol' 15 passenger van will hit the road, ready or not!
To traveling across many a miles, and different states, stopping at gas stations, rest-stops, restaurants, and at the end of the weary, long days and biggest highlight of the day, a motel with a swimming pool!! ( if we are lucky)
There is few bright spots in road trips: for the kids it is restaurants and swimming pools.
For me it is having sit-down time for reading my Bible, taking notes and letter writing, and reading good books! ( busy moms now what that's like) I try to make the most of all that sitting time.
If you have a road trip coming up soon too, I hope and pray you too can find joy and peace of mind in it all. I wish you all the best in your travels! And I know God will be with you where ever you go!
And don't forget, nothing is to great that our God can not handle or two small that He does not care, so carry all your troubles and concerns to Him! ( the One who holds the world in His hands!)
In Him, Mae
That is what I am suppose to be doing right now anyway.
Fun huh!? I wish!
Packing for 2 adults and 7 children ( of course they do most of their own packing, but still I over-see it all, and make sure all is in order)
And knowing that in just few short days, we will be all stuck in van ( all nine of us) for 4 VERY LONG days. ( seems long anyway with all the noise, little ones, fussing, big ones sometimes arguing, some sometimes sick)
Then at the end of the 4 loooooong days on the road, a month at a home away form home, schooling ( though we are trying very hard to get as much as possible done now, so we will have less to do then), and all my other mommy duties! Oh fun!! not!
Not the best attitude going into a trip like this which is always excited for the rest of my crew.
So I am working on changing that.
I am taking it to the Lord in prayer. ( Isn't that so awesome how we can take EVERYTHING to Him, and he understands, cares, and provides all the help you need)
Praying that He will give me the endurance I need for this trip, patience when the little ones are fussing and going crazy, and a good dose of humour to handle it all!
Also praying for joy as well. JOY in stead of DREAD ( yes, I have been dreading this trip ever since our last one)
And praying that some ones life will be touched by our presence, either on the trip or at our destination. That God will bring great things out of what normally would be a long, hard, weary trip. ( unless that is you love traveling with a van load of young-ones that get tried of being on the road after just one hour!)
Praying that we can be a blessing to others, and that others will be a blessing and encouragement to us as well. And that we will be witness for Him everywhere we go. so that others can see Him in us.
Praying for His protection over us as we travel, and with those sharing the road with us.
So in just few days this big ol' 15 passenger van will hit the road, ready or not!
To traveling across many a miles, and different states, stopping at gas stations, rest-stops, restaurants, and at the end of the weary, long days and biggest highlight of the day, a motel with a swimming pool!! ( if we are lucky)
There is few bright spots in road trips: for the kids it is restaurants and swimming pools.
For me it is having sit-down time for reading my Bible, taking notes and letter writing, and reading good books! ( busy moms now what that's like) I try to make the most of all that sitting time.
If you have a road trip coming up soon too, I hope and pray you too can find joy and peace of mind in it all. I wish you all the best in your travels! And I know God will be with you where ever you go!
And don't forget, nothing is to great that our God can not handle or two small that He does not care, so carry all your troubles and concerns to Him! ( the One who holds the world in His hands!)
In Him, Mae
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
It's all about Him
I just love thinking about God, and reading and meditaing on His Word.
I love thinking about how our lives belong completely to Him
How He wants us to live our lives.
And how everything we do should be about Him and for Him.
It is not about us at all.
It is all about Him.
It is about how He wants us to live our lives.
What He wants us to do and not to do.
Where He wants us to go, or not go.
The thoughts He wants us to have.
Yep, it's all about Him.
It's not about us, our wants, our plans, or what we think is right.
It is about what plans He has for us.
What He says is right.
What kind of friends He wants us to keep.
How He wants us to raise out families.
It is about Him.
It is not about me and you.
It is all about God.
The One who created, and breathed life in to us!
He is the reason we are here.
It is only because of Him that we live, breath, and move.
All about Him, nothing more and nothing less!
Our life belongs to completely Him.
We are here to serve, honor, adore, and worship Him.
How He wants, and the way He wants us to worship Him.
Not our way, not the way we think we should, but His way.
And His way leads to life everlasting.
I am so glad it is not about me.
It is my honor and joy to love, obey, serve, and worship Him in all I do!
To put him first in everything.
To seek him diligently each and everyday.
Putting all my trust in Him.
Knowing He holds me safe and secure in His hands.
Giving my life completely to God.
For Him to use as He desires and pleases.
Because I know it's all about Him, and not me.
And that one very glorious day I join Him in heaven.
Yes, what a glorious day that will be when we see Jesus coming in the clouds to take us home to ever be with Him in Paradise!
So live your life too for God, and God alone.
In Him,
Mae
I love thinking about how our lives belong completely to Him
How He wants us to live our lives.
And how everything we do should be about Him and for Him.
It is not about us at all.
It is all about Him.
It is about how He wants us to live our lives.
What He wants us to do and not to do.
Where He wants us to go, or not go.
The thoughts He wants us to have.
Yep, it's all about Him.
It's not about us, our wants, our plans, or what we think is right.
It is about what plans He has for us.
What He says is right.
What kind of friends He wants us to keep.
How He wants us to raise out families.
It is about Him.
It is not about me and you.
It is all about God.
The One who created, and breathed life in to us!
He is the reason we are here.
It is only because of Him that we live, breath, and move.
All about Him, nothing more and nothing less!
Our life belongs to completely Him.
We are here to serve, honor, adore, and worship Him.
How He wants, and the way He wants us to worship Him.
Not our way, not the way we think we should, but His way.
And His way leads to life everlasting.
I am so glad it is not about me.
It is my honor and joy to love, obey, serve, and worship Him in all I do!
To put him first in everything.
To seek him diligently each and everyday.
Putting all my trust in Him.
Knowing He holds me safe and secure in His hands.
Giving my life completely to God.
For Him to use as He desires and pleases.
Because I know it's all about Him, and not me.
And that one very glorious day I join Him in heaven.
Yes, what a glorious day that will be when we see Jesus coming in the clouds to take us home to ever be with Him in Paradise!
So live your life too for God, and God alone.
In Him,
Mae
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
singing His Word
"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.1
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.1
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" Deuteronomy 6:6-7
What a better way to keep God's Word in your mouth and pouring out of it to your children than singing God's Word.
If you are working on memorizing Bible verses a great way to learn them is to sing them I have found, and in doing so your children hear the verses at the same time. They can learn them along with you too. Or even if they don't actually learn the verse so they can say it from memory, they are at least hearing His Word.
I go around the house singing off Bibles verses when ever I think of it. I either sing the verses I am currently learning, or refreshing my memory on the past verse I have learned.
Keeps my memory up on all the verse I have learned, keeps me happy and cheerful, and my children are hearing His Word.
Also I sing out little bits of different hymns, like the chorus of the hymns. I don't carry a tune, and I know it probably don't sound the greatest, but that isn't what matters I know, so I am ok!!!
If I can do it, you can too! :)
So belch out those Bible verses hiding in your memory , and let God's Word come flowing out of your mouth continually!!
In Him,
Mae
Monday, February 2, 2015
winter fun
Here it is 13 degrees F right now where we live. It is still not very cold, but has cooled off from what we had last week. For a couple weeks in January we had plus temperatures. Some days it was even up 50F. One particular day like that, we found out it was 10 degrees warmer than it was where my brother lives in Texas. Pretty neat! It was nice having that warmer weather, giving us break in the winter. Was much easy getting the little ones dressed to go outside. One down fall though was that meeker amount of snow we did have melted mostly gone. So now we are waiting for more snow for the ski hill to open again.
One up note though is that during the warm weather we ended up with running water in an area out in the woods. Then when our temps dropped again, we were left with a frozen skating rink. What great delight for the children! we now have our own ice rink! a nice gift from God. They will just have to keep the snow cleaned, and will have a wonderful rink all winter now!
School is going great with 4 students in grades, 9,6,4, and 2. Oh and pre-k, can't miss dear Anna!!
Benjamin is our lively 3 year old who loves to get into mischief.
Our youngest little "big" guy is growing fast, getting around every where, and super lovable and huggable is now over 8 months. Gotta love Daniel!!
I know haven't been posting as I should, and as I would like too, but with school keeps me busy. Plus I also have the great honor of helping to organize an above Rubies ladies retreat here in my area. I am so excited about being apart of this wonderful event for moms, and wives. It will be a time of encouragement, inspiration, relaxation, and meeting with other like minded mommas. I praise the Lord for this great opportunity! I am so excited about the upcoming retreat and have been having lots of fun planning and organizing. But that has been keeping me a tad bit busier than usual.
Well I will keep posting here as I can.
Take care, and God bless!
In Him,
Mae
One up note though is that during the warm weather we ended up with running water in an area out in the woods. Then when our temps dropped again, we were left with a frozen skating rink. What great delight for the children! we now have our own ice rink! a nice gift from God. They will just have to keep the snow cleaned, and will have a wonderful rink all winter now!
School is going great with 4 students in grades, 9,6,4, and 2. Oh and pre-k, can't miss dear Anna!!
Benjamin is our lively 3 year old who loves to get into mischief.
Our youngest little "big" guy is growing fast, getting around every where, and super lovable and huggable is now over 8 months. Gotta love Daniel!!
I know haven't been posting as I should, and as I would like too, but with school keeps me busy. Plus I also have the great honor of helping to organize an above Rubies ladies retreat here in my area. I am so excited about being apart of this wonderful event for moms, and wives. It will be a time of encouragement, inspiration, relaxation, and meeting with other like minded mommas. I praise the Lord for this great opportunity! I am so excited about the upcoming retreat and have been having lots of fun planning and organizing. But that has been keeping me a tad bit busier than usual.
Well I will keep posting here as I can.
Take care, and God bless!
In Him,
Mae
Friday, January 30, 2015
dissapearing posts
Just a quick post to explain why at one occasion you may visit my blog and read my posts, and then visit back at another time, and see a certain post has disappeared.
Well if you have ever noticed that and wondered why. Well here is the explanation for that.
Sometimes I have written something in haste, and later when I have had more time to think, I realize maybe I should not have wrote that. Maybe it was not very edifying or encouraging, or something. So then I take that post off.
If I would spend more time in prayer and thought before posting, the chance of that happening would be less I know. Think and pray!
Well there you have it. You now know the mystery for disappearing posts.
In Him,
Mae
Well if you have ever noticed that and wondered why. Well here is the explanation for that.
Sometimes I have written something in haste, and later when I have had more time to think, I realize maybe I should not have wrote that. Maybe it was not very edifying or encouraging, or something. So then I take that post off.
If I would spend more time in prayer and thought before posting, the chance of that happening would be less I know. Think and pray!
Well there you have it. You now know the mystery for disappearing posts.
In Him,
Mae
Thursday, January 15, 2015
True beauty
I try my hardest not to go to the yahoo's home or main page, but when I switch from my one e-mail account to the next it brings me to the yahoo's main page against my will anyway.
And there I ended up having to see all the news clips of the celebrities , movie stars and such.
The head lines that go with their pictures almost always go something like this.
~ She awed the audience with this dress (which is very low cut, tight, and most likely a slit all the way up the side)
~ got the looks in this short skirt
~ she still looks great in this bikini at 60!
~ caught every one's attention at the award night with this out-fit ( which is tight and short)
~ stunned the audience in this daring out-fit! ( very low-cut bodice, with cut-outs here and there)
~ she turns heads in this hot new dress
You get the picture.
Skimpy, sexy, and fashionable. It is all about the outward appearance. That is the world's beauty it seems. And this is short-lived, and does not bring true joy or lasting happiness at all.
That is certainly not what I want for my girls. I want my girls to have God's beauty. I want them to know what true beauty is all about.
True beauty comes from the inside out.
It comes from knowing, loving, and obeying God.
It comes form a life completely consumed with God.
And from a changed life in Christ.
A life filled with joy, peace, happiness, contentment, and fulfillment that only comes from serving and walking with God.
True beauty comes from humbleness, modesty, politeness, kindness, patience, godliness, honesty, being sincere, ect.. ect...
You get the picture. True and lasting beauty comes only from God, and living a Christ like life.
And this is what I want for my girls. I want them to know they do not need the latest fashions, or dress skimpy to be beautiful. And they do not need to catch all the guys attention. Only one good Christian guy that will fall head over heals in love with them, and be their loving husband till death do part them is all they need.
May your life be filled to the brim with God's beauty too!
In Him,
Mae
And there I ended up having to see all the news clips of the celebrities , movie stars and such.
The head lines that go with their pictures almost always go something like this.
~ She awed the audience with this dress (which is very low cut, tight, and most likely a slit all the way up the side)
~ got the looks in this short skirt
~ she still looks great in this bikini at 60!
~ caught every one's attention at the award night with this out-fit ( which is tight and short)
~ stunned the audience in this daring out-fit! ( very low-cut bodice, with cut-outs here and there)
~ she turns heads in this hot new dress
You get the picture.
Skimpy, sexy, and fashionable. It is all about the outward appearance. That is the world's beauty it seems. And this is short-lived, and does not bring true joy or lasting happiness at all.
That is certainly not what I want for my girls. I want my girls to have God's beauty. I want them to know what true beauty is all about.
True beauty comes from the inside out.
It comes from knowing, loving, and obeying God.
It comes form a life completely consumed with God.
And from a changed life in Christ.
A life filled with joy, peace, happiness, contentment, and fulfillment that only comes from serving and walking with God.
True beauty comes from humbleness, modesty, politeness, kindness, patience, godliness, honesty, being sincere, ect.. ect...
You get the picture. True and lasting beauty comes only from God, and living a Christ like life.
And this is what I want for my girls. I want them to know they do not need the latest fashions, or dress skimpy to be beautiful. And they do not need to catch all the guys attention. Only one good Christian guy that will fall head over heals in love with them, and be their loving husband till death do part them is all they need.
May your life be filled to the brim with God's beauty too!
In Him,
Mae
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