Blessings

                        Count Your Blessings
                              author unknown
                       Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
                           Count your gains instead of your losses.
                            Count your joys instead of your woes;
                          Count your friends instead of your foes.
                          Count your smiles instead of your tears;
                        Count your courage instead of your fears.
                        Count your full years instead of your lean;
                      Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
                       Count your health instead of your wealth;
                             Count on God instead of yourself.

Wednesday Scriptures

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late,  to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127

I think that it is so sad, that in so many churches today that people seem to think children are an inconvience. I believe that if more Christians would start leaving their family size to the Lord, that we could have such an influence on America and the world. We as mothers have the privilege to possibly be raising pastors, and missionaries, and future mothers. What a great ministry. How exciting!

Sunday Thoughts

While at church today, our pastor made mention of something that I had never thought of, but was really a neat thought. He said that the military has worked so hard to get Jesus' name out of things...military things, but that they are sending Christians all over the world. He also mentioned that some of these Christians are starting churches. It was really an insightful thought. What a neat thought...I mean the military is sending Christians all over the world, at virtually no cost to us, and what a great ministry oportunity. I didn't think about it like that...but wow.

Toy Review

I really really like the Melissa and Doug toys. One of our kiddos got some Melissa and Doug food toys. Great toys. They are a bit pricey, but they last longer than a lot of plastic toys that are out there.

       Also could use them to learn with, such as matching pieces that look alike.

Motherhood

Sometimes as mothers it is easy to get very frustrated. There is always someone needing something from us. The kids are fighting for the hundredth time that day, we still need to make dinner, it is almost time for church, the kids still need a bath before we leave, and we have run out of dish soap for the dishwasher. Don't get discouraged. It is so easy to feel like you just cleaned something and five minutes later it is dirty again. But I encourage you, when you are the most frustrated, and the noise is overwhelming...take all of it to the Lord. Stop. Give the kids something that will keep them busy for a minute, and take a small minute to stop and ask the Lord to bless your day. Ask Him for patience when you feel like yelling, ask Him to give you wisdom. And don't forget to thank Him for your blessings. Giving thanks is so important. If you feel tired in the morning and you feel overwhelmed...send a prayer up to the Lord to bless your day. Look and see what are the most important chores to get done that day...maybe just three, and make a list to do those. Think about what you would like to do with the children that day and make a note of it. It could be something as simple as painting or reading books. Make that a priority. It will help you to realize that not everything must get done, and that you can get things done better when you prioritize what is really important. Remember your chilren will only be young once, so enjoy them while they are little. Remember, that we as parents have a duty to be teaching our children about the Lord. We can teach them as we go along with our daily duties. We can remember that when the Lord blesses us with something, that we can show our children that the Lord blessed us, and it can teach them to be thankful. It's important to remember what a blessing and privilege we have in raising our children.

Wednesday Scriptures

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preperation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverence and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:10-18

Kitchen Stuff

I thought that I would share some of my new kitchen things. I did really awesome on my grocery shopping trip this week, and came in under budget, so I was able to buy some new pans.

I have been wanting to try some cheesecakes, but I didn't have the springform pan to make them in.  The other dish I just wanted...thought it would be nice to have for another dish I want to make.

My other new items...these I got for my birthday are

Some decorater tips and bags. I really love those disposable bags. I have become interested in decorating cakes. I am by no means an expert, but I hope to take some classes to learn how to decorate better. I also want to learn how to work with fondant. Fondant just makes a cake look so pretty.