I Won Again, and Again!!!

I am so excited.  I won another blog giveaway on Friday and another one today.  I am telling you I hardly ever win anything but since I started blogging last fall I have won four giveaways.  I won a necklace (I am still waiting for it to be delivered), and a cute Gussy bag in the Spring. 

I won a gift certificate to  The Vintage Pearl from The Chatty Mommy who just so happens to be a fellow Long Islander :) 

I won a Road ID from Randi.  Randi’s blog is The S Club 4.  What exactly is a Road ID?  You can read about it here. 

Have a wonderful weekend.  And thanks to my blogging friends Rachel and Randi!

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

This morning I was reading Proverbs 28 and I spent some time in verse 13:

“He who covers his sins will not prosper,

But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”

I have read this verse lots of times.  It is even highlighted in my bible.  But today it struck me.  I went on to read the commentary in my bible, The New Geneva Study Bible.  Here is what I read:

-The orderliness and well being in one person’s life is linked to an intensely personal relationship with God.

-Unconfessed sin is the ultimate disorder in life. 

-Confession and repentance lead to a restoration of a right relationship with God, based on mercy (Psalm 32:1-4, 1 John 1:6-9).  All other relationships depend on this. 

So today I am meditating on this and contemplating its meaning in my life presently.  Won’t you share what you do to keep that intensely personal relationship with God? 

~Theresa

Completing Him Marriage Challenge

It's week #7 in our Summer Completing Him Challenge! Here's this week's challenge: Support his vision. Discuss his vision for your family. Where does he see your family in 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. Share with us how you let your husband lead.  Visit Courtney at Women Living Well to read more. 

First I have to tell you that I did not get around to making the eggplant parm. dinner last week.  Honestly it was just way too hot to be heating up the kitchen with the oven on.  I will make it though when it cools down.  I get the idea of the challenge…to go out of your way to see what your husband likes to eat and then make it for him.   As I have shared before my husband loves all of the food I make for him.  He really is a content man in that area.  I enjoy cooking and baking so it makes it a little easier for me. 

Now for this week’s challenge.  I will talk to him again to see if there have been any updates, but I am pretty sure I know what his vision is.  The problem is supporting it.  I support it to a certain degree but then get impatient.  I have to work on not complaining about things when they don’t happen when I would like them to.  For me that is hard.  Another lesson in patience and trust.  I am seeing more and more how my desire to be in control causes me all sorts of problems.  I know God is in control and sovereign over all so I don’t need to carry this burden.  There is a saying that old habits die hard.  While I am not sure if that is biblical, I am sure I can find a proverb that relates.  I will have to think about that one.  If anyone knows one off hand, please share.                                        

~Theresa

TRUTH FOR THURSDAY

This week I am continuing "Truth for Thursdays" on Being Refined As Silver. To read the first post on this topic click here.

Recently I have been reading the book "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I thought this may be a good way to share the lies we believe that she writes about, but more importantly the truths of God's Word. This book seems like a good one for a group to do together, but since I am doing it on my own, I would love to hear your comments about it.

Last week I wrote about countering lies with the truth and today I would like to continue on that.  As I was rereading that chapter I was thinking of what she wrote about how this applies to the way we relate to other Christians.  Our culture has spoken lies to us in this area too.  What are we to do when we see a sister in sin?  Society would tell us to turn our heads the other way, mind our own business, not be so judgmental, let everyone live their lives their own way.  Well we know that is a lie.  What does the bible say about it? 

“If one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins.”         James 5:19-20

I can’t help but think of Nathan and David.  If you remember David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and then in an attempt to cover his sin when she became pregnant he had her husband Uriah killed and then married her.  The LORD sent Nathan to David.  David then confesses and Nathan gives me the sad news that the child who is born to him shall die.  Nathan was a faithful friend.  He did what was right even thought it must not have been pleasant.  He is an example of fearing the LORD more than man.  I can just think if I were in his position all the thoughts that would be running through my head. 

Sometimes we see something going on in a Christian sister’s life and we desire to do what is right but act in fear.  We fear losing that friendship, we fear being labeled as judgmental, we fear being misunderstood and we might even fear that they will point out some sin in our lives.  We are to examine ourselves first and then go to that sister in love. 

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”  Matthew 7:3

It is summed up by Nancy Leigh DeMoss very well on page 252.  She writes, “We must remember that in Christ and in His Word, we have the Truth that sets people free.  That is Good News!  And it is essential news.  There is no other way for those we know and love to be delivered from darkness, deception, and death.  If we truly care about them, we will prayerfully and actively seek to restore them to God’s way of thinking.  We must learn the Truth, believe it, surrender to it, and live it out- even when it flies in the face of our culture.  Then we must proclaim the Truth with boldness, conviction, and compassion, seeking to turn sinners from the error of their way and to restore those who have wandered from the Truth.”

Please pray with me for wisdom in applying this.  Let us remember that our goal is to restore a sister to a right relationship with God and/or to help her change a sin area in her life.  It is not about proving we are right or attempting to exalt ourselves.  Also pray with me that when a friend comes to us to point out a sin area in our lives, that we would have a humble spirit.  That our pride would not prevent us from hearing The Truth.  That we would respond biblically and take the necessary actions.  That we would stay focused on The Truth and that it would set us free!

~Theresa

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

Facing Your Fears

In Mark Chanski’s book, “Womanly Dominion-More than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit”, he discusses how to face your fears based on Psalms 46, 27, and 23.  On pages 186 he writes, “This is what a woman of dominion will do when assaulted by crippling fears about what might happen in days to come:

Do what you are responsibly able to do.

The horse is prepared for the day of battle,

but victory belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31).

Stare your worst fears right in the eye.

The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,

but the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1)

Experience liberation from paralyzing fears. 

You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).”

Many of our fears are about the future and include “what if’s”.  God tells us in his word to fear not.  Here are just a few verses:

So we may boldly say The LORD is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?  Hebrews 13:6

For I, the LORD your God, will hole your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13

Say to those who are fearful hearted, Be strong, do not fear!  Isaiah 35:4

I am so excited to include a video in my post.  I hope you enjoy it.  I think it is beautiful. 

 

 

What is it that you are fearing?  Cast your care on him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).  Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD (Psalm 31:24). 

~Theresa

Vintage Pearl Giveaway

No, I am not hosting, but my blog friend and fellow Long Islander, Chatty Mommy is. She is celebrating her 100th post so stop by and say hello. You can read all about her giveaway here.
Don't you just love giveaways? My necklace that I won in Sarah Mae's (Like a Warm Cup of Coffee) giveaway is on its way. I am so excited! Now maybe I can win a pair of earrings to match.

Completing Him Marriage Challenge

The following is from Courtney at Women Living Well’s blog:

The Way To a Man's Heart Is Through His Stomach
We are to week #6 of the "Completing Him" Marriage Challenge and this week's challenge is: Make your husband a priority. Ask him what his favorite dinner, dessert and drink are. Be sure to serve him all three one night this week. Bonus: cook his favorite dishes all week long!

Why would I make such a challenge and how is it significant? Here's a couple reasons:

1. Often times, meal plans can end up catering to what the children like. This is one time that we are going to take our husband's preferences above everyone else's preferences - including our own!

2. On special occasions like Father's Day and our husband's birthday, our husband becomes the center of attention. This is our chance to make him a priority for no reason other than we love him. Wouldn't we appreciate it if they did this for us? Let's go first, and make a special day just for our husband's. Get into it - maybe make it a surprise and get the children involved. Take just one evening and shower him with kisses, hugs, and all his favorites. It's not good to spoil your children - but it's okay to spoil (and I do mean bless!) your husband!

3. Take this opportunity to display our love. Titus 2:3-4 says the older women are to teach the younger women to "love their husbands". Selfishness hinders love. Take the time to give thoughtful care to how you can exhibit love to your husband.

My husband’s favorite meal is eggplant parm. and spaghetti with my homemade sauce.  Actually anything with my homemade sauce.  In the fall and winter I usually make sauce once a week, but since it has been so hot here I have been making other things instead.  Last week we had a day where the heat wasn’t so brutal so I made sauce.  He gets so happy when he smells it simmering.  We had sausage, spaghetti and fresh Italian bread (from the bakery).  My husband prefers to drink water, so that is easy.  I have been putting fresh lemon juice in it so he doesn’t get kidney stones (a doctor once told us that).  I will have to ask him about dessert.  I know he likes pound cake although I don’t think I’ve ever made that (I don’t have a Bundt pan).  Maybe that is something I will work on.  So the plan is to make that meal this week,  hopefully on a day when it is not super hot out.  It is difficult enough to keep the house cool without having the oven on.  To be honest, my husband is happy whenever I cook.  I am blessed that he is so thankful and absolutely loves my cooking. I will post pictures and recipes when I make the meal later this week. 

~Theresa

Walking In The Truth

 

This week I am continuing "Truth for Thursdays" on Being Refined As Silver.   We have been going through the book “Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

We have reviewed the lies women believe about God, about themselves, about sin, about priorities, about marriage, about children, about emotions and about circumstances.  In Section Three, Nancy Leigh DeMoss gives us helpful hints on how to walk in the Truth.  The two major points of her book are:

1. Believing lies places us in bondage.

2. The Truth has the power to set us free.

It all starts with listening to Satan’s lies.  How?  By allowing things such as music, TV, magazines, and people to expose us to ungodly ways of thinking.  I personally am amazed at the things that some Christians partake in.  I know we have freedom in Christ, although I think this is often misapplied.  Rock music with lyrics that are full of sin, movies that are full of foul language and ungodly behavior, fashion magazines that promote women being way too skinny, half dressed and having the appearance of a harlot are just a few.  The argument sometimes goes like this…I can watch those things, I am not doing it.  My question would be …what is the benefit to being exposed to those things?  Is it building up your faith?  Helping you to be a better Christian?  Loving others?  Aren’t there better alternatives to these things? 

Once we allow Satan’s lies into our minds, the progression continues if we dwell on those lies.  If we do not immediately reject those lies we will start to believe them.  What we believe we will act on.  After we act on them, we set up patterns that put us in bondage. 

I can’t help but think of the way some girls dress.  Now let me say that I do not believe females should dress so frumpy that it is difficult to tell if they are a male or female..  There is a way to dress that is both pretty and feminine without exposing every body part possible.  How do these girls end up dressing like this?  I believe it is because they were exposed to this type of dress by shopping in certain stores, watching certain celebrities, and following the world’s standards.  By not  being told the Truth,  they have allowed the lie to take hold of them.  Before long they are dressing in ways that could cause a brother to stumble and make some women uncomfortable around them.  They wear skirts so short that you can see everything when they sit down (they don’t even sit with their legs crossed), they have their bra straps hanging out because this is the current fashion trend, and they wear skulls and crossbones but it doesn’t mean anything.  Really?  I don’t think so.  These girls are in bondage.  They believe they have to dress this way, that it is their right and that they have liberty in these areas.  And their parents have a responsibility in all this.  They did not present the Truth and by not saying anything they allowed this to happen.  We need to fear God and His Word more than hurting our children’s feelings because they do not get their own way. 

So what areas are you in bondage?  What lies have you believed and allowed to take hold of you?  Maybe they are deep rooted issues that you have struggled with for years.  Or maybe they are matters that seem relatively insignificant that you are just recognizing now.  Whatever they are, there is hope.  The pathway from bondage to freedom involves at least three steps:

1. Identify the area (s) of bondage or sinful behavior.

2. Identify the lie (s) at the root of that bondage or behavior.

3. Replace the lie (s) with the Truth. 

The Truth has the power to overcome every lie.  Once you know the Truth and start believing and acting on it, you will be set free. 

The Truth has the power to set you free.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

The Truth has the power to sanctify us- to purify our minds, our hearts and our spirits. 

“Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth.” John 17:17

Each time the Enemy bombards our minds with lies, we must learn to counsel our hearts according to the Truth and act on the Truth, regardless of what our feelings tell us.  Our feelings can change minute by minute but the Word of God is unchanging.  Sometimes we must say God’s Word over and over again.  We must not allow those lies to send us in a downward spiral.  We can ask God for His grace to help us to act on His truths.  We can’t wait until we feel like doing the right thing, we must obey and our feelings will follow sooner or later.   We can do the right thing, regardless of how we feel!

Windows Live Writer

I just found out about this program called Windows Live Writer (thanks Danielle).  I have been trying to find out how I can change the font on my blog posts and now I know.   I am so excited.  I know there are a bunch of things I can do with this new program but it may take me a while to figure it all out.  So please be patient with me.  I hope to post my “Truth for Thursday” tomorrow using this program which should make it easier for me.  Okay, time for me to get better acquainted with my new program.   

Here is a picture from this past winter.  Nice to remember when it is so hot outside right now.

Picture Perfect Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. It was such an amazing day. I woke up to find my favorite coffee (decaf with vanilla creamer) and fresh bagels waiting for me.

Oh, and a vanilla frosted french crueller from the bakery. My husband got up while I was still sleeping and surprised me. The kitchen was decorated with balloons and a Happy Birthday Banner that the kids helped put up.

The kids and I went out in the yard and ran through the sprinkler (yes, I did too, it was really hot). My husband got some work done and then we ordered take out from our new favorite restaurant. It is Dixie's Smokehouse Texas BBQ. They have delicious food. We ordered a bunch of it and headed to the beach. We ate at the picnic area which is elevated so you look out and see the water. We were the only ones there, it was awesome. Later we went down to the water and the kids built sand castles while I dug my feet into the moist sand. It was so peaceful. There was one windsurfer out on the water and that was it. It was as if we had our own private beach. That is the benefit to finding a small town beach and going later in the day. Here are some pictures of our gorgeous beach.



I didn't have my camera with me, and I am not such a great photographer so I found these photos on the Soundbounder blog.
If you want to learn more about our beautiful Long Island Sound, check out his blog.

After going home and cleaning everyone up we went to my mother-in-laws for cake and ice cream. The cake was delicious. Vanilla cake with custard and fresh strawberries for the filling and fresh whipped cream. Our bakery makes the most delicious cakes. Everyone loves them.

Then I opened my presents. I must say shopping for presents is not easy for my husband but he did a wonderful job. I gave him a list of things I would like, along with the sizes. I got two pairs of Bermuda shorts, 2 pairs of flip flops, one pink, one green (you never can have too many flip flops!), two nail polishs, and a Sephora eye makeup set. I try to use the most natural products I can find, and Sephora has a nail polish line called "OPI for Sephora". It is free of some of the icky chemicals although it is a bit more expensive. I wanted to try something different for the summer so got a bottle of this blueish greenish color.
My mother-in-law gave me this:

Okay, let me explain. First of all, she doesn't think I am not a good cleaner. I was telling her how I need to clean all the mini-blinds in the playroom because they were so dusty and the feather duster wasn't getting it all. She mentioned that I should try the Swifter duster. So she picked one up for me and gave it to me along with some money to buy whatever I wanted. See, I told you she was sweet.

I also had received some other money gifts from my mom and my aunt so I put it all together and had fun doing some Lands End shopping. They are having a super summer sale and I got some great deals like leather flip flops for $14.99 reduced from $39.50.

I also got a bunch of t-shirts and a couple of layering tanks. I love the quality of Lands End products and a great return policy. You can return anything at anytime, no questions asked. And you don't have to mail it back, you can just go to a Sear's store. No, I am not a spokesperson for Lands End, but I should be with the amount of their stuff that I own.

The best part about my birthday yesterday was how happy the kids were. They said "It feels like everyone's birthday today" and "It is like a family birthday". Everyone enjoyed how we spent the day and that is what made it so much fun. How do you like to spend your birthday?

Here is Courtney's challenge this week. To read more head over to her blog Women Living Well.

Week #5 Challenge: Make a list of 5 things you currently do and ask your husband to prioritize them for you of what is important to him. For example - a clean home, home cooked dinner, coupon clipping, service at church, having friends over for dinner, watching/doing sports with him, etc.

Okay, this should be a fun one. My husband is very laid back and never complains about any of the things I do regularly like cook, take care of the house or teach the kids. I will ask him about this later and will be surprised at what he says.

This is what I think:
1. Quiet time for myself; reading, praying, blogging
2. Taking care of the kids
3. Encouraging others
4. Cooking nutritious meals and being a good shopper
5. Cleaning the house (really he never,ever has had to ask me to do this) LOL

I will post later to see what he thinks. Hey you never know maybe he will add something to the list that I have never thought of!

Okay I asked him and he said "umm". After looking it over for a few minutes in deep thought this is what he said:
1. Quiet time for me
2. Just being there (no talking), quiet embraces
3. Keeping the family schedule, including reminding him
4. Good shopping plans
5. Taking care of kids (including nutritious meals)

#2 is a new one added to my list. My husband likes to just be with me without talking. I, on the other hand, am a yapper. It is difficult for me to not talk when we are finally alone. I will have to work on this one. The other ones are fairly easy ones because I enjoy doing them. It reminds me of how we are to love our enemies. It is easy to love those who are loveable but we are commanded to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:43)

TRUTH FOR THURSDAY

This week I am continuing "Truth for Thursdays" on Being Refined As Silver. To read the first post on this topic click here.

Recently I have been reading the book "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I thought this may be a good way to share the lies we believe that she writes about, but more importantly the truths of God's Word. This book seems like a good one for a group to do together, but since I am doing it on my own, I would love to hear your comments about it.

THE LIE: "IF MY CIRCUMSTANCES WERE DIFFERENT, I WOULD BE DIFFERENT."

THE TRUTH: "NOT THAT I SPEAK IN REGARD TO NEED, FOR I HAVE LEARNED IN WHATEVER STATE I AM, TO BE CONTENT." PHILIPPIANS 4:11

Isn't is so tempting for us to blame everything on our circumstances? We blame it on our upbringing, our environment, the people around us. "If our circumstances make us who we are than we are all victims. And that's just what the Enemy wants us to believe. Because if we are victims, then we aren't responsible-we can't help the way we are. but God says we are responsible-not for the failures of others, but of our own responses and lives." (page 219) I am seeing more and more of this victim mentality all around. Our young people are growing up learning to blame rather than take responsibility. Even when our circumstances are difficult we can choose to respond in a biblical way.

When we face difficult circumstances we have an opportunity to learn to be content as Paul did. I have heard from many older Christian couples who have shared the difficult financial times they went through early in their marriage. You would never know it by looking at their present situation. God taught them much during those times and they wouldn't have it any other way. Although they are in a much better financial position, they learned to be content during those difficult times.

What circumstance are you facing today that tempts you to start the "If only..., things would be different"? Remember that we serve a wise, loving, sovereign God whom we can trust to control every circumstance in our lives. We can have peace and be content by knowing that every circumstance in our lives has been filtered through His hands and will be used for our good.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Here is Courtney's challenge for this week:
This weeks Marriage challenge is: Admire Your Husband. If you are a blogger write a post all about your husband and what you admire in him and then show it to him! He will smile! If you are not a blogger, list the things you admire about your husband in the comment section and show it to him!

The top ten things I admire about my husband Tom:

1. His love for the LORD. He has a strong faith and trust in our LORD. No matter what the situation, he always points it back to God.

2. His dedication to do what is right. He knows what he believes and has strong convictions which he sticks to.

3. He has a willing heart. Whenever there is a need, he puts the other person first. And he does so without complaining.

4. He has a grateful and content heart. He never criticizes me and is always happy with what I do. Whether it is the way I keep the house, dress the kids, cook. He is happy with my efforts.

5. He is humble. He is so very intelligent and often times it means that people don't understand him. Rather than prove how smart he is by explaining in ways that others might not understand, he lets it go. He doesn't have to prove himself. He knows who he is.

6. He is handy. He can fix anything. When something breaks he knows exactly what to do. I don't have to depend on someone else for those mechanical failures.

7. He is such a fun Dad. He loves doing fun things with the kids and he makes everyday fun for the kids. There is lots of laughter in our home.

8. He is very protective of us. He defends us physically, spiritually and emotionally.

9. His forgiving spirit. He does not hold grudges or bring up past hurts. If I ask him to forgive me, I know he does. He follows the example of our LORD by burying it in the deepest part of the sea.

10. He has a joyful spirit. He is a happy person who treasures every blessing, no matter how small. He has an outgoing personality and will talk to anyone no matter where he is. He is always ready to give an account of the hope that is within him.

TRUTH FOR THURSDAY

This week I am continuing "Truth for Thursdays" on Being Refined As Silver. To read the first post on this topic click here.

Recently I have been reading the book "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I thought this may be a good way to share the lies we believe that she writes about, but more importantly the truths of God's Word. This book seems like a good one for a group to do together, but since I am doing it on my own, I would love to hear your comments about it.

THE LIE: "IF I FEEL SOMETHING IT MUST BE TRUE."

THE TRUTH: "THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED; WHO CAN KNOW IT?" JEREMIAH 17:9

How often do we as women believe this lie! If you listen closely enough you can find it everywhere. Here are just a few examples:
-I don't feel like serving my family. They don't appreciate me anyway.
-I don't feel forgiven.
-This situation is hopeless.

How often our feelings can change, even throughout the course of a day. Isn't it wonderful that God's word is unchanging? We don't have to be a slave to our feelings and allow our feelings to dictate our lives. We can choose to believe the Word of God regardless of what our feelings are telling us. We have the most powerful weapon against Satan's lies. We must look at our feelings through the lens of God's Word to see what is true.

So when you don't feel like serving your family remember Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others."

When you don't feel forgiven, remember 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

When you feel like your situation is hopeless, remember Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." And Philippians 1:6 "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Praise God for His Word!
"The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever." 1 Peter 1:24