A Poem On Homemaking

Having a Mary Heart and a Martha Mind 

Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I’ve no time to be

A saint by doing lovely things, or watching late with Thee,

Or dreaming in the dawn-light, or storming Heaven’s gates,

Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates.

Although I must have Martha’s hands, I have a Mary mind,

And when I black the boots and shoes, Thy sandals, Lord, I find.

I think of how they trod the earth, what time I scrub the floor:

Accept this meditation, Lord, I haven’t time for more.

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace;

Forgive me all my worrying, and make my grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give men food, in room or by the sea,

Accept this service that I do -— I do it unto Thee.

—Cecily Rosemary Hallack (1898-1938)

He's ALIVE!!

Watch FREE: Children are a Blessing

Wonderful short film about God, family and LIFE -all through a solid Biblical perspective. Watch FREE online through April 30th.

Turn 2 U

TGIF

Sometimes a song just helps

Super Tuesday!

I rarely get political on this blog.....because that's not what this blog is all about. But I live in Ohio and today I will be voting! It's a BIG day here in Ohio. I hope that you are a voter who votes, whomever you vote for. I feel very blessed that I can vote....and humbled to pray and trust for the outcome.....whatever it may be....I trust a great and mighty God who really is in charge of it all. I never forget that....even when my candidates don't win. He knows what He is doing.

Here's some great thoughts from Nancy Leigh DeMoss :

Pray for America
• Pray that God will turn people’s hearts toward Himself, and that He will be glorified in the outcome of the upcoming election.
• Pray that God’s people will demonstrate a spirit of repentance and prayer--individually and corporately. (2 Chron. 7:14)
• Pray that God will raise up righteous leaders who will model integrity and authenticity. (Eph. 4:1-2; Prov. 14:34)
• Pray that Americans will see their spiritual poverty; that our nation’s citizens will awaken to their great spiritual need. (Joel 3:12)
• Pray that godly men and women will be placed in positions of authority so that God’s people can rejoice. (Prov. 29:2)
• Pray that leaders we elect will be just, fear God rather than men, and depart from evil. (2 Sam. 23:3; Prov. 1:7; 14:26; 16:6)
• Pray that citizens will seek wise leaders who listen to biblical counsel. (Prov. 1:3-5)
• Pray that citizens will vote with wisdom and discretion. (Prov. 3:21b)
• Pray that people will be able to see truth (Ps. 86:11), that error will be exposed, and that people with wicked agendas will be made weak. (Prov. 25:5)
• Pray that Christians will speak the truth, but in love, concerning those running for office. (Eph. 4:15)
• Pray that Christians will avoid negativity, fault-finding, and contentiousness, but instead, will stand out as God’s loving, pure children. (Phil. 2:14-15)
• Pray for truth in the media. (Prov. 12:22)
• Pray that Christians will put their confidence in God, rather than any political candidate. (Ps. 118:8-9)
• Pray that Christians will look to God to overcome the enemies of truth and righteousness. (Ps. 60:11-12)
• Pray that those who love righteousness and truth will fulfill their responsibility to vote. (Matt. 22:21)
• Pray that God will work through leaders to keep the doors open for His Gospel to be proclaimed. (Col. 4:3a)

Prayers Please

Prayers please for all the tornado victims yesterday! Areas of my state (Ohio) got hit hard. I got home yesterday just in time to clean out the storage area under my stairs just incase we had to take shelter. It was pretty bad for a while but the hubs me and all the kiddos were home together. I was so thankful to have the family together. Last year we had a scary moment weather wise too.....but hubs was out on the road working....that was hard. It's times like these I wish I had opted for a home with a basement. My brother has a basement but is 10 mins down the road. 10 mins is too much time to risk the drive. Do you have a plan set up in your home? Ours is the storage area below our stairs. We keep little in there so we can fit safely during bad storms. We keep a flashlight and some blankets with us. I take my cell phone, purse and any cash in the house in with us...plus some water and blankets. Shoes ON are a must just incase you come out and there is broken glass. If you don't have somethings worked out....please think about it now! Please pray for everyone who weren't as lucky as we were.....there are many. Any fellow Southern Ohioans here's our local Red Cross number: ‎513-241-8315 Call them to see what they need to help with the Tornado relief. Stay away from affected areas until emergency crews can finish what they need to do. It's dangerous and they don't need to add you to their list of worries. If you belong to a local Church....fling open your doors to neighbors in need and get ready for some serious mobile ministry opportunities! Thanks everyone! Thank you God for watching over us and using this opportunity for our good......even if it's HARD to sort through it all right now and find understanding. May we each be able to show and grow your love to reach others for your Glory during this time of need!!

Encouragement

Find any opportunity to encourage someone you know today!

Have you ever had no choice but to go through something really hard? I have.....many times in my life. The people who stand out most when I think back over those trials were the ones that offered me encouragement. Encouragement is such a powerful tool! We should all use it way more often than we do. Encourage someone you know today!

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it. Proverbs 15:23

Always Remember....

Look what we found in our grape juice bottle! Awww..... Happy Sunday and remember -

Jesus LOVES you !!

- He wanted me to remind you in case somewhere along the way.....you forgot.

14 and 40

Happy Monday friends! This year my twins turned 14. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BOYS!! Wow. Double WOW. They are such good kids...er...ummm...I mean young men! Boy are they changing. My guys are the first kid on the right and left...my youngest is third from the left. This is the usual crew of boys who spend lots of time at my house. I have a 16 year old daughter also...but she stayed out of all the party pictures....in fact she avoided "the boys" almost all night long....I don't blame her....LOL! They had a blast....we all were super tired the next day. It's always FUN opening our house and home to a big bunch of young people....young folk love hospitality too!! For myself and most moms I know in the same season of life, this is one of our biggest ministry fields. Don't overlook it....our young people need strong loving Christian adults in their lives....YOU can be one of them very easily...in some cases you may be the only one they get!! Here's a funny before and after, it'll speak for it's self:

I on the other hand quietly turned 40 this year. 40 is good so far.....thanks God! Thanks for everything. Have a great Monday and enjoy wherever you are at in life right now!!

9/11

Remember......

Back to School!

Yep the kids are back to school!!! I like to take the first few weeks to get back to studying more myself!! 2Tim 2:12 "Study to show thyself approved unto God.."
~ Just as my kids need good rest for school....so do we parents! Resting in the Lord helps me to be ready for whatever the day throws at me- most days it's a LOT!
~Healthy breakfasts produce results! Along with good physical food...don't forget your spiritual food!

Along with my bible studies I have picked up what I hope to be a great book....it's about Evangelical Feminism and how it's killing our families, our churches and our country. The book is well over 550 pages so I hope over the next few months to get through it. If it's good I may do a review!

I've done a bit of sprucing up around the house and am getting ready to swap out curtains....I hang heavier ones for fall in certain areas. I usually start to decorate for fall in September and give the home a good scrub as the holiday's near....I may do a home tour then when things are all cute! I love fall decorating.....the rich earthy colors go so well in my house!! Can't wait!! We recently cleaned and moved into our family room a large blue couch my brother had gifted me! I'm super excited about this change....it's HUGE and could hold 5 people!!! Seating has always been tight here when we host the holidays...not any more! I hope to work on hospitality more this year and open my home to more people as the Lord leads....more than just at Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Oh here's a picture of the book I'll be keeping chair side for the next few months...if you've read it....did you like it?

The Father's Love

Pass the tissues please =]

The Extreme Team.....

I was told today that I have graduated to the extreme team.....LOL! Why was I told this? Well because. Because I did something today that some people may think is too much. What'd I do?............drum roll. I rinsed barbecue sauce off leftover pork chops from 2 nights ago so I could use the pork in pork stir fried rice tonight. I didn't find it extreme at all...seemed really normal to me. I am fully aware that "my normal" seems sometimes strange to others...wink wink. Did I really want to throw away 3 perfectly good pork chops that were left over just because of something as simple as barbecue sauce??? NO WAY! They rinsed off pretty darn good too...and honestly...once they are chopped all up into itty bitty bits and in the stir fried rice with all it's veggie and soy sauce salty goodness....who will ever know? Well my wallet will know. My bank account will know...my freezer will know cuz I didn't have to raid it for a fresh pack of pork, and my tummy will know....because it's got another great meal. Here is the offender...heehee, on the left...them and their co conspirators- on the right...a few strips of leftover pork loin that I pulled out of the freezer. Looks like a pretty good pile-o-meat to me! Neither on their own enough for much...but together...they'll make a great team for tonight's dinner!


























All chopped up and ready to go!

Dinner is served



You know, one of my favorite scriptures about leftovers (yes even leftovers are in the Bible) is John 6:12....when Jesus was feeding the multitudes: When they all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."

Please share your tips that may label you one of the extreme team!!

Quick thank you to Stacy @ Moderate Means if you are reading this for the blog award! I'll blog about it soon!

Simple Thanks

Happiness

Every once and a while I like to take the whole day to just on purpose look at ALL THE THINGS I have in my life and be thankful for them. I know it sounds silly...but it helps. What does it help you may ask? It helps to see that my needs truly are met. It helps to see that a lot of my wants are even met too. It helps me to be really content with what I have and enjoy where I'm at! Like today I woke up very thankful for my clean soft sweet smelling bed and pillow....for the air conditioner window unit softly blowing cool air in my spacious bedroom. For the windows that let the morning sun shine through....yet kept the night rain out while I was dry in lullaby land. For my dear husband who tries hard every single day. Thankful for the slippers to warm my feet and the hot coffee in my mug...with my favorite creamer to make it sweet. Thankful for the lamp and the light ...even the electricity to turn it on when I couldn't quite see the pages I wished to read of a book I owned. For the soft couch I sat on and the carpet at my feet. For the wonderful words of Life God has preserved for all these years for me to read. For Mercy for Grace....for love and sacrifice. For the hot water to shower with in the bathroom. For the sweet smelling soaps and shampoos to wash my body with and the nice fluffy towels to dry it. For the closet filled with nice clean clothing and the choices there in and decent shoes....more than one pair even! For the washer and dryer that help me do the task of washing easier and lift some of the burden. For my health to be able to care for my family and home. Being here at home each day. Perfume.... and lotion to help my dry work cracked feet and hands and bring relief. For the noise and laughter of children. For the food that is in my refrigerator at lunch and the means to keep it fresh and cool. To be able to choose what to eat and have a place to prepare it comfortably. For the hot running water in the sink to clean up the dishes and the ability to do so. For the ability to read and write and communicate over the Internet....for bloggie friends. And this is just part of my day! I'm positive the second half will bring many more moments of thankfulness to my lips! There are a million more I haven't even mentioned.....it seems that every moment can have something to be thankful for...if you just open your eyes to see it. Tonight I will lay down with a wonderful sense of contentment and thanks...that my needs are met. And the JOY at seeing that even some of my wants are in there too...what a blessing! If you haven't ever stopped to notice all these things with a heart of thankfulness...I encourage you to do so!

~Moxie

Keeping things Clean

I got a wonderful compliment from my mother in law the other day. She complimented me on my home and how clean it was!! If you are a daughter in law...well those kind of compliments are just wonderful....if you are a stay at home mother to four kids....then that compliment can make your heart sing just that much more. It's uplifting and it's validating. She then asked the all important question of...."How do you do it??" Here's my short list of how.

1.) It's important to me. I believe it's the job God gave me to do and I wish to bring honor and glory to Him in all I do...even in my home making....so I wish to do it well. I believe God is a god of order. I also believe that order can help promote peace. I want this for my home...for my spouse...for my children and for any guests we may bring in.
2.) Eliminate clutter. A decluttered home tends to look cleaner even if it's not. Open surfaces just look neater. Clutter takes way more TIME to take care of...period.
3.)Do little bits each day to stay ahead.
4.) My kids help. They each are responsible to pick up their items. This didn't come naturally and had to be trained into them...but hey that's my job! And it's never ever too late for them to learn. We have a chore chart on the fridge that rotates each week. Each of the four kids has only one thing to do that takes them between 10 to 15 mins a day...and that's about it. They each put their own clothes away and manage their own rooms how they see fit (with in reason). With six people doing something every day...well things get done! Dad does the grass and trash take out on Thursdays and is a great handyman! That is enough for him as he works for us daily at his outside job. I have my own list of "mom" things to do.
5.) RELAX and enjoy your home...however you keep it! If how you currently keep it frustrates you....then don't be afraid to make changes where you can. Don't kill yourself if you are in a season where it just can't be helped....illness and young babies about! My home was WAY less neat when the four were 6 and under.....Oh man those were the trench days! It's OK....they do grow up and there is a light at the end.....for real...I promise!

And that's it! We don't go for white glove clean here either...real people just can't live like that. We go for progress and realise that when a kid wipes something down....it WILL end up cleaner than when they started but may not be perfect......the inventor of perfect needs shot anyway.....LOL....it's not reality! And I "mop" my kitchen floor with a wet towel and my feet....and just swish it about because I HATE stooping and squatting (thanks FLYLADY). My Granny would probably scold me for NOT bending on hands and knees with a scrub brush...but why when my floor is clean!??!!
~Moxie

So Beautiful!! ENJOY!!

Please LOVE and FORGIVE each other today.

~Moxie

Let it Ring!

* Just clicked my blog to make sure the player size would fit and couldn't help but note today's Bible scripture on my blog....

"Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back."
Luke 6:30 (NIV)

Ugh. I read this once someplace and it seems fitting here, today...

Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness....these are not what God asks for His government, He demands death to self....servanthood and the pursuit of holiness.

Man I have some serious conflict issues in the areas of my Earthly Government and how to Honor God in it all. Do you ever deal with conflict in this area too??

Let them ALL GO...........

~Moxie