My Experience on Black Friday!

This weekend Mark and I took the kids shopping.  Since they truly needed some new clothes, we decided to venture out on the craziest shopping day of the year! Black Friday!!!  We decided to go to Old Navy and then treat the kids to dinner.  Having four kids means when there is a sale on shirts for $5.00 , we have to take advantage of the situation, even if it means on Black Friday!

Before we headed out to the craziness, I knew I needed to set a plan, if I didn't I would walk into the store and be tempted with all the great deals and all the new clothes. As we all walked into the store the smell of new clothes and new trends grabbed my attention! ( I don't care to shop but I will admit I love clothes!) I looked at all the ladies working and how cute they looked in their new sweaters, boots and jeans.  All the people shopping  looking so much cooler than me!  I haven't been shopping for regular clothes since Marie was born.  The clothes I am wearing are becoming to big and my pre baby clothes I can't quite fit into. ( I can but I can't breath when I wear them!) The more I  looked  around at everyone else, the more uglier I began to feel.  I began to look at what I didn't have instead of being grateful for what I had.  I walked past the mirror and wanted to bust out in tears!

 ( Its not that we don't have the money to buy  clothes. The question is how much do I really need?  Thankfully, I learned to discipline myself and learn not to over indulge as hard as it is..  Years ago, I would of opened up a credit card and charged myself silly and then I would of come home and been sick to my stomach on how much I spent.  Anyone else have that feeling?  If so I have some bad news for you.  Credit Cards on not a blessing from God. If you don't have the cash to buy it then you don't need it. I don't think there is anything wrong with shopping and having things.  If God wants you to have them he will give them to you but there won't be an interest rate and monthly payments attached!  More on this later!!!)

I was getting sucked in to the world of materialism!  I was looking on the outside instead of the inside.  I know we all like to look nice and feel good about our self. But if we don't love what is in the inside first, nothing on the outside matters! Mark always says, its not what we wear but how we wear it!  Its the attitude.  The most beautiful women in the world are not the skinniest or the best dressed but the ones that know who they are and whose they are. We have to be very careful not to let those negative thoughts enter our head and most importantly we cannot feed them!

God whispered in my ear and reminded me of all the kids around the world this Christmas who will be not live another day because they simply don't have enough to eat and here I'm upset because I can't buy a ton of clothes.  He also reminded me that he will always give us what we NEED.  As I headed up to the cashier, my attitude changed and I was thankful for the few outfits we were able to buy. The best thing, the kid were so appreciated of what we bought them and there was no buyers remorse or feelings of regret!

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing.  Matthew 6:25.

Thankful for my Parents and the Risk They Take!

When people hear the word CHRISTIAN  they think boring, safe and afraid to live life. At least,  I know I did.  I thought calling yourself Christian meant having no life at all.  The reason I thought this was because the people who called themselves Christian that I knew lived in fear and were afraid to dream and take a chance in life.  So, the last thing I wanted to do was call myself a Christan! It really didn't make sense to me because If God was who they claimed he he was, then wasn't he much bigger than living in their small suburban life style? Why were these Christians so afraid of taking risks in their life. Isn't life more than joust getting married, have kids, work and retire?   I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that and I'm thankful for my marriage, kids and family.  However, I know I was put on this Earth for more than that and I want to live a life full of adventure and not afraid to take risk in my life!

Today, I'm thankful for my parents and showing me what risk really means!  They have been married today for 36 years and it was not an easy road for them. ( I know I lived it with them!)  In my eyes they are the most amazing parents!  Please know when I say this doesn't mean my childhood was perfect because it wasn't and they made their share of mistakes. ( By me saying they made mistakes, doesn't mean I don't love them! I believe if we don't recognize the mistakes we will continue to pass them on in our families. Its important to know why we do what we do?  Remember once we know better we can do better)  I wouldn't change anything, because its made me who I am today!

Despite their mistakes, they never gave up on life or each other.  They never gave up on their dreams and were not afraid to dream big.  I know their were days they wanted to kill each other and walk away,but because of the love they had for each other and my brother and I, they took the risk to keep loving each other.  Recently, they took the biggest risk in their life and that was making the decion to turn their life around and live for Christ.  (That is a story all on its own!)

Taking Risk doesn't mean life is going to be easy.  Taking Risk doesn't mean we will always know the answers or the outcome.  Taking risk doesn't mean that people will always like you or agree with you. Taking Risk doesn't mean you won't fail or make mistakes.  Taking  the Risk to love God and follow Christ doesn't mean people won't laugh at you and talk about you!  Taking Risk for God means all these things but it also means living a life that will be the most exciting ride you will ever be on.  It means living a life beyond yourself.  It means know living a life that is no longer self-centered but Christ centered. I'm so thankful I learned that living for Christ is everything but boring!  Its so much more than going to just going to Church!  Its living your life and your purpose that God placed on your heart!  Its about taking a chance, when everything else around you is telling you its impossible!  I don't serve the small God that most Christians serve. I serve a much bigger God. A wild, loving, fun God who is all about taking Risk!

 I can't thank my mom and dad enough for taking the Risk to love each other and to  yes to God!  Thank you for showing me that its never to late to try anything and its never to late to change. At the age of 55 years old, going on a mission trip to Cambodia is so awesome! I know this will only be the start of so many more adventures in their life! It gives me hope that after my kids are grown there is still so much more we can do with our life!
   Most importantly thank you for showing me that as my kids grow into adults that my job as a parent never ends.  That they will continue to need me to be the leader and to show them the way.  Even when I think they don't need anymore,there will be a place in their heart that will always need guidance and love.  So, its my job to continue to love God and show them the way even when its Risky!

One Season at a Time!

Last but not least is Marie!  I'm so thankful that Mark and I were able to have one more baby! As crazy as it may sound, I'm enjoying Marie probably more than I have with the other three.  Don't get me wrong, I love all my kids and being a mom, However this time there is just something different, Me! 

You would think it would be the complete opposite.  I'm busier now than I ever have been before.  I'm homeschooling the kids, driving the other three all over the place from gymnastics to karate and carting them with  me everywhere I go, from doctors appointments to the grocery store!  I think Marie might just spend her first year mostly in her car seat!  I'm sleeping less because Marie still wakes up during the night along with my two dogs!!! And yet, I'm enjoying Marie more as a baby than I did with my other three.  On top of it, I love to buy myself clothes! Now, I'm on a budget and shopping for me is always last on the list!  I never liked budgets and never wanted to be on one!!! So, how can I have more joy in my life than I ever have before.   Why, because its all on how I have chosen to look at my life!

From Marcia to Marie, I've worked very hard on myself  and my mindset (of course with the help of God), which is so important.  He has taught me, what ever you think about is the life you will create. However,  As I was working on my mindset, I found myself trying to do things on my time.  I was trying to control everything and make things happen on my own.  I wasn't giving it to God, totally trusting him and putting it in his hands.    I was still at times feeling stressed out, tired, worry, angry at times, anxiety, etc., You get the picture! I knew this couldn't be God and it wasn't! The reason I was feeling this way was because  I wasn't in his will and doing things the way he wanted .   God had to knock some sense into me and tell me to stop trying to do things on my own. I've learned when you are in his will everything works out. It might not be the way we planned it, but his plans are much better than ours will ever be. We will only know how big his plans are ,if we keep walking in faith and never give up no matter how hard life may be.    God will shut the door if he doesn't want us to enter, however we want things our way and we want them  now that we will try to blast the door open, when it needs to stay shut.  We think our kids don't have patience, adults are worse!  Just because God shut the door doesn't mean it will remain closed forever.  If he placed something on your heart to do, it will happen.  He just wants you to learn a lesson before he can move you forward and to have patience!  There is no rush even though we think there is!    When we are relying on our self we will feel all those negative emotions.  However, when you put everything in God's hands trust and let him guide you there is nothing but peace in your life.  I'm not saying everything will be easy and total chaos can be going on around you, like there is at times in my life, but I know God has my back!

God has also taught me that there are seasons in my life and to enjoy the most important one I will ever have  and that is being a mom!  Our kids are only with us for a very short time.  I realize how quick time goes by because my oldest is already 10 years old!  Before we know it, they will be out on their own living their life. 
Laying the foundation for your kids is vital! Of course,  we won't be perfect and yes we will make mistakes, but that is why its important that our kids have God in their life and not only in their life but first.  ( I tell my kids all the time don't be your faith in people or daddy and me because sometime in your life we will disappoint you.  We are not God and only God is perfect and he will never let you down.  I will write more on this later)

There are so many dreams God has laid on my heart and so much more I want to do for him in my life. Sometimes, I get a Little ahead of God and he has to remind me, One day at a time. He wants us to enjoy the gifts he has given us and sometimes we miss what is right in front of our face until it is gone.

 

When ever you feel worry, stress, anxiety, fear and all the other negative feelings.  Please know that is everything but God.  Put your trust in him and let him take care and lead you to the life he has promised!  I can't end my blog without saying, if you haven't picked up your Bible and or never read one before, pick it up and give it a try.  You will be amazed to what you will fine! I know I sure was! 

If you would like me to speak for your church or organization, please send me an email at kmcw1975@yahoo.com or contact me on facebook!   If you would like to leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!

Thankful for Marcia and the Birth of a New Me!

Today, I'm thankful for Marcia and all the joy she has brought to our family! She has a love for life and never wants the party to end! There is never a dull moment with her and when she isn't around we realize how boring our life would be without her! She isn't afraid to say what is on her mind or to try anything! She loves people and they love her! She already has the type of personality that can walk in a room and light it up by just being in it.

Marica's pregnancy, not only brought this amazing girl into our life, it also gave birth to a new me! Before and during my pregnancy, God was defiantly trying to get my attention, but I wasn't ready to listen. I was changing very slowly but I wasn't ready to totally give up the life I was living. I don’t really know why because the life I was living was making me miserable! It was what I knew and I was afraid of change or I should say changing myself. Also, I was afraid of what other people may think of me. Silly, that I would sacrifice peace and joy for the opinions of others. (Funny thing is those people I was afraid would talk about me where talking and laughing at me anyway. I might was well live the life I was intended to live and quite worrying about others.) I believed in God and knew Jesus but I wasn’t ready to live for him.

On one summer day when I was about 5 months pregnant, I was outside playing with the kids. A neighbor who lives around the block from me, stopped in front of my house and said something very rude. This person was someone, at this point in my life, I couldn’t stand. She made my skin crawl and now she was living down the street from me! I felt like I was living Desperate Housewives! After she said what she said to me, I through a fit! Lets just say the words that came out of my mouth were anything but nice! I even told her to get out of the car! Now, thinking about this makes me laugh because what in the heck was I going to do. Here I am a grown adult and pregnant and wanting to kick some butt!!! How ridiculous!!! She drove away and I through my water bottle at her car!! My blood pressure must of been sky high and as I was getting ready to walk in the house and call everyone one I knew and replay what just happened over and over again in my head and keep the fire going, I looked over my shoulder and saw my five year old daughter and three year old son looking at me. I never felt so dumb and embarrassed before in my life. Everything I was teaching them about respect, love and forgiveness I might as well thrown out the window. It doesn't matter what I say. its how I live my life that will make the most impact on their life. At that moment I knew something needed to change in me.

Looking in the mirror and taking a deep look at ourselves is not easy. Its so much easier to point our finger and blame everyone else and that was exactly what I was doing. It couldn’t possibly be me. It had to be everyone else! Wrong, it was me! I began to realize the only person I could change was me. As I began to look in the mirror I saw my imperfections. The wrinkles, pimples ( don't ask me how I still get pimples in my 30's!!!), and the beginning of gray hair. Most of all, I saw the person I never wanted to become. What happened to the girl who had so many dreams? Why was I holding on so many hurts, disappointments, grudges and insecurities? Why didn't I truly love the person God created? Why was I so angry at my husband? What happened to the marriage I dreamed of having but instead was slowly loosing? Why couldn't I ever be happy with what I had? The list goes on and on.

I'm thankful God began to open my eyes and helped change me. I've learned that we are co-creators with God. He has so much more planned for our life, but we have to be ready to do our work too. I was so use to comparing myself to others that I really didn't think there was anything wrong with me. Seriously, you don't have to look hard to see the world has so many crazy people, even in the church too! I thought I wasn't doing anything horrible, so it was all good! But I began to see what God was seeing. Yes, he loves us and wants more for us ,but until he can wash away all the crap that holds us back, we can truly never be the person God has called us to be.

As I began to look at myself, I forgave and make peace with the person who I couldn’t stand and many other people and experiences I’ve had. But, most importantly, I forgave myself! ( I will write about forgiveness at a later time! Forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person. It has everything to do with you. Its not an easy thing to do.)

I hope you continue to read my blogs as I share my journey on how I found forgiveness, joy, peace and love in my life. How I learned why I was a control freak and how my marriage has been restored! How everything I needed or wanted was right in front of me.  I will share the amazing experiences God gave me with speaking and traveling all over the U.S, London and Germany. How he gave me the opportunity to do a radio show, appear on PBS and be where I am today being a wife to my husband and homeschooling my kids!  At this point in my life, there is nowhere else I would rather be!   He placed so many incredible people in my path which has lead me to the place I am today. Looking at my life everything has changed and yet really nothing has except for me!

Living for Jesus will give you the meaning to your life that you have been searching for!

Why I'm so Thankful for My Son

My pregnancy with Markus and delivery was perfect. I had no complications and even delivered him naturally with absolutely no drugs!!! So you can imagine how shocking it was when Markus MRI report came back that he had a degenerating brain disorder.

Mom's just know when something isn't right. It's an intuition we are born with, especially when it comes to our kids. Sometimes the hardest thing to admit is, when something is wrong. As Markus was growing, he was such a happy and easy going baby. Being the second baby, I wasn’t as high strung as I was with Makenna. I wasn't so concerned and on top of all the baby milestones, but I just knew something was going. He wasn't hitting or doing some of the little things his sister did.

I knew not to compare the two because they were different and everyone matures and learns at different stages in their life. It goes for adults as well! But when he was 18 months old he still wasn't walking or talking. It was like he stopped progressing. He wasn't digressing but he really wasn't moving forward either.

After many talks with the doctor, he went to get a MRI. Any sort of test or procedure done to your kids is nerve wrecking. I remember as they laid Markus down on the table and began to sedate him, he just looked at me and mark with his big brown eyes. It was like he was saying, "why are they doing this to me. Please don't leave me." As mark and I tried are hardest not to cry, tears were pouring out of our eyes.

As I said earlier, test came back reporting he had a degenerating brain disorder. I'm not going to get into all the specifics in this bog. We made an appointment with the Neurologist and for the next two weeks we did nothing put pray and cry! Everyone was praying for him.

The day we went back to talk about the results, was the day Markus started to walk!!! The doctor's couldn’t explain why the test said one thing and clinically it said something different. The doctors did say he would have a harder time learning, it might take him a little longer to do things and motor skills could be a struggle for him. However, he will grow up to be a normal little boy! Thank God!

Today, Markus is 7 years old! In my eyes he is the most amazing little boy I know. He has taught me so much about life! He has taught me not to look at other people's faults but to concentrate on their strengths. He has helped me realize it doesn't matter what the world says. The world may look at Markus and see one thing but I see something completely different and all I see is greatness. (Honestly, it wouldn’t of mattered what the doctors would of said, because I know with God anything is possible.) We refuse to let the world label him. He just learns differently and is growing up on his time!

He may not be the all-star baseball player like his dad or the quarterback of the football team, but that is okay because he is not his dad! He's Markus and God has a different plan for him. (Who want to be like everyone else. Its more fun to be different! We all know I am!!) He has a love for reading, math, swimming and Karate! (He told me is goal is to be a master black belt and I know he can do it!)

Parents need to be careful that we don't let our Ego get in the way and want our kids to do what WE want or try to be something they aren't, just so we or they can fit in. Also, we need to watch our words because we can either speak life or death and whichever we choose they will believe. Let them know and see it in your eyes how much you love them just for who they are. Let them know that God loves them and has a much bigger plan for their life. Maybe its really hard to see a bigger vision for yourself, but I pray you see one for your child.

I'm so thankful for my son! He has taught me where we are weak God is strong and in those weaknesses is where God will shine! I'm thankful for the most amazing little boy. He has a spirit that loves God and reminds us everyday what love truly is! I don't know what the future hold for my son, but I do know whatever it is, it will be amazing!

The lessons he( as well as my other kids) has taught me cannot be written on just one blog! There will be more to come at a later time...Thanks for reading! If you would like, please leave a comment and add yourself to my blog! If you would like me to speak for your organization, school or church, please contact via facebook or email at

Depression

Since, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I figured this would be a perfect time to write about what I'm thankful for. Of course, I'm thankful for my four children. Each child has taught me a special lesson about life.. This blog will be about my oldest daughter Makenna. .


The day I found out I was pregnant with Makenna, saved my life and changed the direction of it forever. Let me rewind a few months prior to finding out I was pregnant. During this time in my life, I was going through a major depression. I don't mean depression like I'm having a bad day, because I gained two pounds kind of of depression. I'm talking about can't get out of bed for days, crying and feeling so low about myself I actually thought and tried to end my life. Looking back now, I don't think I was trying to end my life. It was a cry for help. As desperate as it sounds, I was trying to get Mark’s attention and wanted him to realize how bad I was feeling. ( if you are going through a depression right now, please know this is not the answer and to get help. Don't be ashamed to get help)

I was really good at hiding how I was feeling from everyone. Everything looked great on the outside but inside I was seriously dying. My parents didn't have any idea because I wasn't living at home. My mom knew something was going on, but couldn't put her finger on it. Mark and I were just married and he really didn’t know what to.

I wasn't depressed because I had some awful childhood. I have great parents (not perfect) who I knew without a doubt they loved and to this day love me. The world got to me. I was comparing myself to other people, wanting what I didn't have, trying to please everyone, caring what everyone thought about me, feeling like a complete failure. ( I can get into this more, if you ever hear me speak!) I was trying to control everything in my life. The more I tried to control my life, the more my life spinned the opposite way. (this is another topic at another time too.) I lost my best friend a few years before that and the topper to all this was I was drinking way to much. Some people can handle drinking. Drinking and me just doesn't mix. At the time it did, because I was having a blast or at least thought I was. However, the more I drank, the more I would get out of control. Everyone knows I can have a big mouth, so you can imagine what it was like when I drank. I hurt many people who were close to me. After having this so called good time, I would find myself in bed for a least a day or two extremely depressed.

One day thankfully, my mom came over to visit. I couldn’t fool her anymore and she found me laying in bed crying non stop. I was able to get some help, but it wasn't the help I truly needed. The doctor put me on medication, which was just like putting a band aid on an open wound.

This was not easy for my husband or my parents to watch. They didn’t understand what was going on with me. How could they, I didn’t even understand myself at that time either. As much as they loved me there was nothing they could do except pray and that was exactly what my mom was doing.

A few months before I found out I was pregnant, was the icing on the cake. I was at a wedding and drank so much and was so out of control. I'll never forget looking across the room to my parents and husband and seeing the look in their eyes. I treated Mark horribly and was so embarrassed and mad at myself the next morning decided to take an entire bottle of pills. I just couldn’t get my act together. The more I messed up the worse I felt.

At this point you may be thinking why in the world would I be sharing such a personal story on my blog. Honestly, because God has placed it on my heart to share, teach and help others through my experiences and lessons he has taught and still is teaching me. Believe me there has been plenty and still are lessons I’m learning today!!

Also, I do it to give someone hope. If there is someone that is feeling depressed or going through something please know everything will be okay. You are not alone. Many people looking at me today or even then are probably shocked to know this about me. Don't let outer appearance fool you. You don't have to pretend that everything is perfect. Don’t feel, if you are going through something, that you are a failure. Everyone, if they truly live their life fully, will go through hurt, disappointments, failure, loss, etc., you name it you'll experience it. In those dark and lonely moments is when you need to reach to the only one that can raise up and that is God! God will help bring the right people in your life that can help get you through the situation you are in and not to keep you there.

As my life seemed to be spinning of control, God sent me an angel from heaven for a daughter. She has truly been an amazing gift in so many ways. (her name means gift in Hawaiian) The day I found out I was pregnant I stopped all medication. ( I do not recommend that to anyone. Make sure you see a doctor) My whole body felt like it was going through major withdraws for the first few days. But thankfully, Makenna came into this world perfect with a wise and loving spirit. There truly isn't anyone like her.

The day I gave birth my life changed. No longer was I living a life for me. I wanted to give this baby girl the world. I knew the only way to do that was to change me. She changed me and I thank God every day for her and the meaning she has given my life. I pray that she grows up ( with the rest of my kids) to love me as much as I love my mom.

I'm so thankful God was able to get my attention and bless me with a beautiful daughter. I'm thankful that he began to open my eyes to what truly matters. I'm thankful that I no longer live for myself but for God. God is trying to get your attention, its up to you if you hear the message.


I haven’t been depressed since the day I found out I was pregnant!  I truly believe it was the healing from God!



Next Blog will be about my son!

Marriage Can Really Suck!!!

Yes, I said it, ,marriage can really suck and be hard at times! If you have been married longer than 2 weeks you know this to be a fact! Actually, all realtionships can be hard and require work, if you truly care about the person.

Mark and I have been married for 12 years! We have 4 kids and I love him with all my heart. We've known each other since we've been in the 4th grade! So, we know just about everything about each other, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it!

It hasn't been an easy road. Just a few years ago, we were like just about every other couple out there. We were focued on ourselves and what was in it for us. We got caught up in the world and the desires of the world and lost touch on what it means to have a healthy realionship. What kept us going is the passion we have for each other and the the birth of our kids. Even when we wanted to kill each other or when he would do something that made me want to puke all over him, there was still this passion that kept us together! After we had kids, we knew something needed to change becasue of the love we have for our kids. We learned that we couldn't do this alone, we needed God.

Love is not a feeling! Its a choice. I know that kinda stinks becasue if its a feeling, its easy to just give up on your relatioship. But when you realize its a choice, it takes sacrifice, and its not always about you, then everything changes! You now know you have a major role in the marriage too and you can't always blame your spouse! ( The sacrifice and all about you was hard for me to learn! I can be very high maintance at times. When I read the five love languages, I realized not just one was my love language but all five!!!)

Our marriage is not perfect and we still can get on each other's last nerve! Thankfully, God has taught us and helped Mark and I take a deeper look at ourselves and stop always pointing the finger at each other.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself and to help you with your marriage. When ever mark and I start to get a little cranky with each other, we recognize its becasue we are stuck on ourselves. When this happens, we try to ask ourselves, what would we do to save our marriage? If I knew Mark wanted to leave the marriage, would I be willing to do everything it takes to save it? Why wait to your realtionship gets to that part. Every day we should be thinking about what we can do for each other. Remember its not a feeling its a choice. Your husband can drive you up the wall, but if you have the additude of waiting for him to make the first move, then nobody will win and your marriage will fail. I know what Mark's love language is and trust me its the last one on my list! After taking care of 4 kids all day that is the last thing I want to do. However, I love him and that means doing things even when I don't feel like it! Guess what, when I give to him with out expecting anything back, he does the same for me and vice versa. Change the way you look at each other ad foucs on the positive and every day little by little thigs will get better...

Second, ask yourself what typ of wife do you want for your son? What type of husband do you want for your daughters? Then look at yourself and ask yourself are being those role models for them? Your kids are watching you and if you want a healthy marriage for them, you better get your act straight!

Most importantly, you can't do this without God. Remember your spouse will never fullfill you only God can. People will always disapoint you, but God is always faithfull! The more you deepen your realionship with him, the deeper your love will grow for each other!

A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.

My Random Thoughts on Voting and Politics!

My views today are much different that they were 4 years ago. I never really cared about Politics because all it seemed to me was a bunch of people arguing, pointing their fingers at each other and never agreeing on anything!

I didn't want to get involved because I love people. It might sound silly or even a little naive, but it 's the truth. I figured I would live my life one way and let everyone do whatever they want. I thought politics were just bunch of people who hated each other.

But the more my kids grew and the more I learned about God, my views have changed. I learned that I couldn't keep my head in the sand. The reason I needed to learn about politics was because of my love of people. Staying uneducated and in the dark wasn't helping anyone. I needed to learn and know where I stood on issues and why and who I was going to follow, because like the saying goes , "if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything." I was finding myself doing exactly that. Because I didn't know myself nor what I believed whatever anyone said sounded good to me. As I grew I realized everyone is screwed up and I couldn't stand on man's word nor the views of the world because like I said we are all messed up! None of us truly know what is best. The more I learn the more I do realize I really don't know anything and the only one I can trust is God and his word.

I never truly new God's word. I believed in God but didn't know him. I've learned it can know longer be what I think, it has to be about what God thinks. This was not easy for me, since I'm a the kind of person who rebelled against authority as a kid and even as an adult! Whatever my parents wanted me to do,(as much as I loved them) it seemed I wanted to do the opposite. You can imagine how hard it was for me to listen to God! I had to give up what I thought was right and trust in a much higher power!

See, it was God who convicted me. He knew how hard headed I was (and still can be at times) and put some great people in my life. They didn't nag me, they didn't argue with me, they didn't call me names because of my beliefs or views I had. Instead they stood strong on what they believed, supported organizations that had the same views as they did and voted for what they believed in.They lived their life according to scripture and loved people even if they didn't agree with them. As I learned and had questions, those were the people I turned to. They planted the seeds by living the life and being friends with me, even though we didn't see eye to eye. ( Remember its agreeing to disagree and doing it with love!)

I don't call myself a Democrat, republican, conservative or liberal. These names just cause division between people and that is exactly what the enemy wants. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:5. I'm a Christ follower.( I know when I say this, it freaks people out! Yes, I will proudly admit I'm a Jesus Freak!!!)

I will vote according to what God has convicted in my heart! We are all at different walks in our life spiritually. At the end of our life, its God we all have to give account to our actions and choices we make. I just pray that God continues to work on me. At the end of the day, I'm the only person I can change. Hopefully, the way I live my life and choices I make, will shine light on someone else. If I can change, anyone can!!!

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear-Matthew 13:16

Having Fun With Your Kids and Teaching about Giving at the Same Time!

Do you remember Halloween lasting only one day! We dressed up for school during the day and then came home and went trick-or-treating at night! Today, it seems to last all month. Mark and I took the kids trunk-n-treating, candypaloza and then trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Oh, I can't forget about toliet papering my brother's house!!!

As fun as it was, I'm glad its all over! I'm exhausted but we enjoyed every minute. Its not about all the candy but spending time with our kids, dressing up and just having some fun! I know there are people who don't go out on Halloween. I understand why and respect them for their choices. Mark and I just look at this day as other time to enjoy and have fun with our kids, family and friends.

As I'm looking at the bags of candy the kids have, it gives me another chance to use this experience as a great teaching moment. The topic Greed! (we don't have to have some big emergency to teach our kids)

Do your kids dump out their candy on the ground and then protect it so their siblings or even you can't touch their candy? Do they count almost every piece to make sure nobody has taken any? Do they scream if a brother or sister tries to take one of their pieces? Are they trying to eat candy for breakfeast, lunch and dinner!! I'm sure ,if you have normal kids, the answer is yes!!!

Use this time to teach your kids about giving, sharing and how much do you really need. If you look at adults you know, they can act just like kids on Halloween in their every day life. They don't want to share, the more they have the more they want and its just never seems to be enough. Do you want your kids to grow up to be like that? Trust me, if you have a greedy child now, if you don't get a hold on it, that child will grow up to be a greedy adult.

Its okay to enjoy things and have things. God wants you to enjoy the blessing's he has given you and your children. Its important we appreciate the gifts God gives us becasue every good and perfect gift is from above and not feel guilty. Let them enjoy the candy they have but help them see they don't need all of it! Its important for us as parents and our children to learn how much is enough.

Have your kids pick our 20 or so of their favorite pieces of candy for themselves and then put some of the candy in a bowl for the entire family to share and then give the rest away, whether its to a homeless shelter, church or people you know. Make sure you have a dissusion around giving and the reasons you are asking them to do this. Don't force it on them or they will just be angry. God doesn want an angry giver he wants a cheerful one.

There is really is know reason why they need to have bags and bags of candy hiding in their room! Not only will you help your kids not to be greedy but you will also teach them about balance and eating healthy. Most important as you teach your kids and have them give away their candy, make sure they see you tithing and giving in your every day life. Its not so much what you say but what you do that matters.

"The he said to them, watch out! Be on your guard aainst all kinds of greed, a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." luke 12:15