Don't foget to add Do your Husband to your list of things to do!

Getting ready for the kids to get back to school can be exciting, overwhelming, and exhausting!  It doesn't matter if you home-educate or send your kids to traditional school.  If you are sending your little one off to kindergarten, or watching your big one go off to college, it can be extremely emotional.  I didn't always home-educate. I remember dropping my daughter and son off on their first day of school, and I was a basket case!  I was one crazy mama!!

There is so much to do, especially if you work outside the home.  The list never feels like it gets shorter.  I thought I had all my supplies ready to start school, and now I've found out that my list is even longer than it was before!

In all the commotion, there is one very important must do that we cannot forget  If you have to add it on your list, then do so right now!  If you are married and want a rockin' marriage, then you must DO your HUSBAND!!! 

Yes, I know I’m crazy and love talking about sex!  The reason is that I know how screwed up our marriage was, and if God can use me and my mess to help married couples know how to have a HEALTHY marriage and sex life, than I’m all for it! 

I know there are days that I want to scream, please, just leave me alone, however our husbands  have to matter, and this means satisfying their needs no matter how tired we might be! If you want a thriving marriage, honor and respect for your man is crucial in your home.

So, it doesn't matter whether you do something fun and spontaneous, or just pencil him in on the laundry list of things to do.  But, whatever you do, don’t forget, and DO IT, or I should say, DO HIM!!!

Do you stuggle with People Pleasing?

People pleasing have been one of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome.  Maybe someone reading this blog today has struggles with the same issue.  Maybe you are a very social person like me.  You love people.  Going to parties and meeting new people is a good time in your book.  You love to connect deeper with people and the thought of saying goodbye to anyone sends you in tears and a broken heart.  I seriously hate goodbyes.  I can be at the airport and watch complete strangers cry as they leave their love one and I fall apart!  My family would tease (or I would say torture) me and say, “how about we take Kim to the airport and watch her cry!”   Now, do you understand why I need so much help!!

Loving and connecting people are God’s commandments.  The apostle Paul wrote about becoming all things to all people, so that he may by every possible means save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

However, we need to be careful. Paul does not say he has become all things to all people so he can be popular and loved by the world.  He says the opposite.   His reasons he found common ground and building relationships was so important so he could share the gospel and become a partner in its benefits  ( 1 Corinthians 9:23).

I will admit that what has held me back from taking the next step to following the desires God has given and placed on my heart is I was still holding on to the opinions and thoughts of people more than God’s.   To be honest, I was afraid to step out not so much of what people outside the church walls would say about me but inside.  Here Christ set me free but I didn’t experience complete freedom because I was entangled in trying to be what the Church wanted me to be.  I was allowing other people mold me to what they thought a Christian woman should be and look like.  God has and continues to love me and say, “I’m the one who is the author and giver of life.  I’ve made you the way I want.  I’ve called you for a divine purpose.  I’m the one who will change you and nobody else. You are my creation. Now get out and do what I’ve called you to do.”  He is saying the same to you.   If you make a mistake it's ok!  God can take your mess and make turn it into something beautiful.  He will redirect your steps if you continue to seek Him. 

If you are stuck like I was and sometimes it can sneak up on me, if I’m not careful.  There is hope!  You can live a victorious life and go after whatever God has placed on your heart once you know deep in your soul who He says you are.  Get in His Word.  Fill your mind with the words of God.  Pray and find a FEW people you can trust to share your struggles, dreams and allow them to cover you in prayers.  You will begin to live in the freedom Christ has called you to live.  Finally, saying goodbye to something that has been a thorn in your side.  This will be one goodbye that will not bring you tears!  So long people pleasing and hello freedom!

Bringing out the warrior in your child

Standing in the middle of a high school gymnasium stood this one young boy.  He had his dobok on, his belt tied tightly around his waist, and he was wearing the face of a warrior. He was focused, determined, and waiting for the testing to begin.  His parents sat in the stands trying not to boast in the glory of their son’s success, trying to be humble.  His presence down on the floor was a testimony of God and all His glory.  It took everything for these same parents not to stand up and scream, “There is our boy!”

Yes, this is our boy that I'm writing about. If you are a parent, you know the feeling, especially when you know what your child has had to overcome.  Years ago, doctors told my husband and me everything that my son would not be able to do.  His journey, though we know many other people have had much more to endure or overcome, has not been an easy one.  However, my husband and I refused to believe anyone else but God.  We knew that with Him all things are possible.  We look to God as he continues to guide our every step.  He has helped us find our son's passions, and nurture his gifts and talents.  This shy, timid boy who struggles with his motor, and at times, social skills, stood tall and confident in that high school gym with big dreams and a love for God and his family.  This is what it’s all about.  This is what makes it a great story.  Fighting against the impossible.  When everyone tells you it’s not possible, yet you are still standing, ready to win!

We do not boast about our parenting skills and ourselves.  We boast about God, because it is He who has taught and guided us along the way.   Parenting your children begins with how you view and see your children.  You may not have a vision for your life, but never pass down mediocrity to your children.  See them in the eyes of God, and you, my friend, will witness your children be and do more than you could possibly imagine yourself.   Also, begin to see yourself the way God sees you.  As you grow and become the warrior God has designed you to be, you will become a role model for your children.  You will show them by example that, no matter how hard life is, you never quit. 

A little side note:  My son was pulled to the side at karate practice yesterday.  He was told that the judges said he was one of the best students at the testing.  There were around 10 different schools involved, kids and adults!!! We are so proud of the warrior our son is becoming.

What brings you pleasure?

There may be people who read this blog and think this woman is just boring, prude and needs to lighten up.  These same people may have thoughts like she is so religious.  It's all about what you can't do or can do.  Most of the can do are about giving up something that brings people pleasure. Why would I ever want to so that someone may ask.   I guess you would need to ask yourself what is your definition of pleasure?

Is it gambling, strip clubs, bachelor, bachelorette parties  and drunkenness? Is it cheating on your spouse or choosing your friends over family?  If you would of asked my husband and I years ago we would of said YES to most of those questions.   We have experienced pretty much it all to some degree.  We did have limits.  However, if we would of continued down this road those same limits would of become a green light for more. 

Thankfully, God changed us.  This is really the only answer.  Little by Little He has changed our hearts.  We are so thankful.  Faith in Christ is not about rules and regulations.  It's about a new Freedom.  It's not about being perfect but living a life pleasing to God. 

My definition of pleasure has since changed.  It's about  having complete joy and love for my husband, kids, family and friends.  Pleasure for me is not having my past sins ( I know people hate this word!)  haunt me and keep me from pursing all God wants for my life.  Pleasure is not living a life of regret but living a life full of adventure  and being  role models for my children.  Pleasure for me is when I'm sitting at a baseball game like I was last night, seeing my kids cuddled up with my husband and him looking at me with that look that makes me feel like a young girl falling in love all over again!  Pleasure for me is a marriage free from lust, jealously, insecurity  and knowing we both have each other's complete heart!

Pleasure for me is laughing, dancing, joking, dreaming, giving, working and yes  even grabbing a beer once in while with my husband.  But, ultimately both my husband and I find our pleasure in the only place you can truly receive and find it  and the answer is in Christ.

What will happen the minute you say yes?

 

The minute you decide to make changes in your life or go after a dream that has been buried deep inside your heart, you will face opposition.  The minute you step out and do something different, there will be people standing at your doorsteps telling you it’s not possible.  The minute you are awaken from a dream of possibility the negative voice in your head will remind you how stupid you are and to go back to bad.  The minute you decide you want to save your marriage, relationships with children, family or even friends memories of your past will be brought back to your life reminding you of all the wrongs stopping you from finding forgiveness.  The minute you decide to get your finances in order, bills will flood your mailbox giving you an overwhelming feeling of despair.  The minute you decide you want to get healthy you receive a devastating phone call and find yourself comforting your heart with a gallon of ice-cream.  The minute you say yes to change and finally stepping outside of the ordinary and live a life of extraordinary, life will try to knock you down. 

This is when you decide are you going to let your circumstances or people stop you from living and experiencing all God has created you for.  There is nothing special about anyone that has gone out and did something great with their life.  The only difference is they said yes.  They made a conscious decision to work hard and  fight against the enemy and sometimes that enemy may be you. 

I can tell you years ago, when I decided enough was enough.  I needed to change.  My life was shaken and at times continues to tremble.  It will not be easy and many times you will want to quit.  Don’t quit. People will mock, laugh and turn their back on you.   You may feel or be alone.  However,  God is so faithful.  He  will send people in your life along the way to teach, support and encourage you fueling the passion so you can take one more step!  Remember its baby steps!! Each step you take, make sure you take time to thank God and Celebrate!!!

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

Here is a video of our mission trip! My daughter help put this together for us!! This might sound crazy to some people, but if God opened the door for us to move to Haiti, we would pick up our family and Go! 

Begging at the Backdoor

Our dog is outside barking to come in the house.  She has been outside all morning and now has decided she wants to come in to enjoy the comforts of her home.  She is scratching and jumping at the door.  This dog is persistence and doesn’t give up. 

At the same time as the dog is crying to come inside, cinnamon rolls are being made.  As my husband opens the door to let this crazy dog in, I open the oven to bake these yummy rolls.   Because my dog has some fear of smoke, she refuses to come in to rest and stays outside.  Here is the thing, there was no smoke.  She was allowing a negative experience from her past, to keep her from enjoying the benefits given to her as being part of our family.

Yes, this is a silly story about our dog.  However, looking at the situation, I can’t help but to reflect on my own life, non-believers and Christians who are afraid to enter fully in the Kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not just heaven but the life God wants for you here on earth.  God has promises for His Children.  He wants to give you rest and take your burden.  Because of strong holds that sometimes unknowingly exist we sit and beg outside the door but never receiving all the blessings that are promised as part of the family of God.   Maybe the reasons being of the fear of the unknown or possibly being haunted by sin, past failures never thinking they are good enough for God’s grace and mercy.  Instead of walking towards God they self-sabotage their relationship and stand outside the door afraid to walk through. 

We are not good enough.  It’s only because of Christ and what He endured on the cross that can bring us hope. He is the only reason we can have hope.  It’s nothing we have done, deserve or can do.  It’s only allowing God to draw us in and accepting the invitation of accepting Christ allowing Him to free you from your past hurts and use you to bring Him all the glory.  He wants to do more in you and me if we allow his power to free and work within each on of us…

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Blessings in a Wheelchair

It’s the middle of summer. I’m in the house doing laundry and getting dinner ready.  When suddenly, my kids run in the house to tell me their neighbor friend is over and wants to introduce me to her cousin.  I looked outside and notice an older black man sitting in a wheelchair.  I looked at my pile of clothes that needed to be folded.  I began to entertain the thought of just saying Hi and making an excuse on why I couldn’t take the time to talk.  Because that’s what I would have been doing making excuses.  There wasn’t anything I was doing that was so important where I couldn’t take the time to meet a new friend.

A few seconds after considering blowing the kids friend and cousin off, God spoke to my heart and said, “Do not judge him by his physical appearance.  Get outside and take the time to get to know him. Treat him the way you would treat anyone else. Don’t look at him the way the world sees him.  Look at his heart. Do not have pity on him.”  This scripture came to mind. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

I’m so thankful God doesn’t look nor care about our physical appearances.  He doesn’t care about our titles we hold, how many friends we have on Facebook, what car we drive or how much money we have in our bank.  He only cares about the heart. 

I walked outside and was blessed. I met and embraced my  new friend and so did my family!  He is filled with so much wisdom.  He was born with cerebral palsy and has had many struggles along his way.  Doctors told him he would never see the age of 30 and here he was getting ready to celebrate his 37^th birthday.  He loves the Lord and his heart was pure.  He doesn’t let his disability or his circumstances stop him from continuing to dream big and go after all God has called him to be and do. 

He was such an inspiration to me and thankful I listened, took the time and didn’t judge this book by its cover. 

Today, take the time to listen and get to know someone better.  Remember, the world may care about the physical and material possessions but God only looks at the heart! 

 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7