52 Lists Project: My Happiest Moments

 

In my 31 years, I have had lots of happy moments! It's hard to narrow down my happiest  but I'll try!

 

• The day I met my husband - I knew in my heart I was going to marry him! I was almost 16 years old, but I went home and told my mom, "I'm going to marry that boy." And I did! It's funny now, because she was thinking, "yeah, right" but five kids and 15+ years later, here we are!
• The day each of my children were born - Each birth was different and special in different ways. Mikaela was my firstborn, and she turned me from a little girl into a mother instantly. Eli was my firstborn son, and we bonded right away. Mercie was such a sweet baby, looking just like a doll. Silas was the first baby I breastfed, and that was a special bond between us that lasted 18 months. Titus was a very needy baby, and he nursed for two years!
• The day that Mikaela, Eli, and Mercie asked Jesus into their hearts.
• The day that Mikaela and Eli got baptized. {Mercie hasn't been baptized yet.}
• Hearing little voices singing praises to Jesus
• Seeing my children open their Bibles without being prompted
• Watching my children perform acts of kindness for each other
• When Silas puts his arm around Titus's shoulders
• Listening to my children recite scripture
• Special moments between Rod and I
• Being in nature, in awe of God's creation.
• Spending time with my parents and sisters
• Making new friends
• Talking about Jesus with other people - I love when I meet people who love to talk about Jesus as much as I do!
• When I realized that Jesus wanted more of me - he wanted a relationship with me, not just the motions.
• Knowing I'm saved! Seriously, knowing I'm going to spend eternity with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is pretty awesome! {especially considering the alternative...}
• When God speaks to me through his Word - powerful!

I'm going to leave you with a few of the Bible verses that make me especially happy when I read them.

 

 



Linking up with Chasing Slow:



52 Lists Project: My Pet Peeves

This week for the 52 Lists Project, we have to list our pet peeves. I almost feel a little silly doing this, but here goes!

• When people say {or type} "I could of done this" instead of "I could have done this". I don't know why, but that irritates me!
• When my kids put empty boxes back in the cabinets. If the cereal is gone, throw the box away!
• And when people put the tea or lemonade pitcher back in the refrigerator - empty.
• When people "forget" to flush to toilet.
• Running out of important things - toilet paper, paper towels, milk, eggs... Even though I am usually to blame for this!
• Messy handwriting - not just my kids, but anyone! I happen to have extremely neat handwriting, so this may be why I don't like having to decipher messy handwriting.
• Socks and sandals. Just sayin'.
• When people try to convince me that public school would be better for my kids. Really?!
• Gossip. I really don't feel comfortable listening to people sharing other people's business.
• Going somewhere and seeing everyone on an electronic device - toddlers to grandmas. Nobody interacts face-to-face anymore.
• When I go to the library and they don't have the book I want to check out - especially if it's a classic! And then the librarian hasn't even heard of the book...

What are you pet peeves? Do we share any? Let me know in the comments!

Linking up with Chasing Slow!

52 Lists: The Things That Keep Me Up At Night

This week, as I join Chasing Slow and several other blogs in The 52 Lists Project, we have to list the things that keep us up at night. As anxiety and fear are two of the 'thorns in my side', this list was easy to compose. I chose to write about the two top things that keep me awake at night. Anxiety is a constant struggle for me, although I do know that God is in control of all and sees the big picture. He knows what is best for my life, and if I trust Him, I will be in His Will.

 

Traveling is a big part of my life. Most of you know that my husband is a Pipeline Construction Tie-In Foreman. We travel. A lot. The jobs he works usually last three to six months - some shorter and some longer. The kids and I travel with him.

 

Travel...makes me anxious. A few weeks before I know we will be leaving, I lay awake at night worrying. "What if we have a wreck?" "What if we have a flat tire?" "What if we have car trouble?" The "what ifs" are never ending and get worse and worse...Getting control of my thoughts is not easy, but when I realize the enemy is trying to steal my joy and hinder my relationship and TOTAL TRUST in God, I can rebuke him in the Name of Jesus.

 

 

My children's salvation is also something that I worry about, when I should be praying about it! I know that I'm doing my best to lay the foundation of Christ in my children, but ultimately it's up to THEM to decide to surrender all and follow Him. Laying awake at night, I think of all of the things I should be doing differently, all of the mistake I've made in parenting, and all of the moments I wish I could take back. I worry that I won't do the right thing by my children, and that they will rebel against everything they've been taught. But...

 

 

I have to remember that worry doesn't help anything...but prayer does!

 

 

So when I am lying awake in bed, worrying and fretting over things that are truly OUT OF MY CONTROL, I remember WHO is IN CONTROL. I cry out to HIM, and HE HEARS ME. And therefore...

 

 

Linking up with Chasing Slow:

 

And I'm sorry if this became a sermon instead of a list.

52 Lists: My Favorite Snacks

I do love to snack! This list was super easy for me, even though maybe a little *embarrassing* at the amount of junk food! I narrowed it down to my top 3!

There is NOTHING like Blue Bell Cookies 'n Cream Ice Cream! It is by far my favorite ice cream in the world, although I do like homemade ice cream with crushed Oreos.

 

These Chew Dipps Granola Bars are delicious! I could seriously eat an entire box in a week!


I love the taste of these classic Lays! Especially dipped in cheese dip!

What are your favorite snacks?

Linking up with Chasing Slow:
 

 

 

52 Lists: Summer Goals

We are taking about a month break from schooling while we are home in Louisiana. We will be headed to North Dakota the first of June, and we will start school back the second week of June. We like schooling through the summer!

The list I'm supposed to make this week is my summer goals. So, here goes!

• be more active with my kids by playing games such as tag, hide and seek, basketball, baseball, and kickball
• grill as much as possible - it's so healthy, yummy and keeps from heating up the kitchen
• make homemade ice cream - my kids love it
• nature study - drawing and writing in our journals, going on nature walks, bird-watching
• fresh fruits and vegetables - it's so fun stopping at produce stands on the side of the road, and I have a feeling there will be some in ND
• sprinklers, slip-and-slides, and water balloons
• 3 birthday parties for my boys - 2 in June and 1 in July
• plenty of library visits - the one in ND should be in walking distance from where we will be staying
• arts and crafts - I'm really trying to do more of these with my kids
• try new recipes - sometimes I feel like I cook the same things over and over; I'd like to try one new recipe a week {at the least}
• finish homeschool planning - I'm pretty well finished, but I still have my preschooler's curriculum to finish writing and planning {I'm having TOO much fun with it}

What are your summer goals?

Linking up with:

52 Lists: The Things I Want to Be Known For

This list isn't that hard to write for me because I think about this quite often. I always want to be remembered by my children and husband as:

• a faithful wife
• an encouraging voice
• a gentle and quiet spirit
• a wise advisor
• a loving mother
• always ready to have fun
• willing to try new things
• unashamed of my faith
• a creative teacher

I want my children especially to see me:

• reading my Bible daily
• engaged in prayer daily
• ready to share my faith with others
• unashamed of my beliefs and being different from the world
• seeking after God's heart

Linking up with Chasing Slow:

52 Lists Project: Things That Energize Me

I have been participating in the 52 Lists Project with Chasing Slow. This week we are supposed to list the things that energize us.

• Spring Weather! When the weather is beautiful, I feel so motivated to clean the yard, play outside with the kids, go to the park, and enjoy the outdoors!
• Summer Break! We don't take the entire summer off of homeschooling, but the month or so long break we do take gives me a fresh outlook and makes me ready to tackle the next year!
• New School Books! Only homeschool moms will understand this, but opening a big box of new, shiny books for the school year really pump me up!
• Time Between Jobs! When my husband has time off between jobs, usually a few weeks to a few months, we have the best time! Visiting with family, seeing our friends again, going to church with our church family, and catching up on yard and house work in Louisiana is such fun and so energizing.
• Reading the Bible! Reading through the Bible gives me encouragement and motivation to live a life that is a pleasing aroma to God!

I'm linking up with Chasing Slow:

52 Lists Projects: People I Admire

When I read the list title this week, I immediately thought of two people that I admire more than anyone else I know - my mom and dad.

 

My mom and dad are two of the most wonderful people I know! They are great parents and even better grandparents. My dad is a retired Baptist pastor, and my mom used to work at State Farm Insurance - but they are anything but "retired"!

They are missionaries to Central America - particularly Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras. They go down for weeks or months at a time and minister to the people through preaching, door to door {or hut to hut} in the villages, Bible schools for kids and adults alike, and more.

They fully trust and rely on God to provide for all of their financial needs - they have no steady income other than donations to their ministry. They down-sized their house and possessions in order to down-size their expenses. Now, that's faith in God!

I admire my parent's faith, their dedication to God and their commitment to the people of Central America. They say "yes" when God calls them to go somewhere, without hesitation.

Mom and Dad, I love you!

Check out their website:

 

Linking up with Chasing Slow:

 

52 List Project: Your Favorite Books

I don't have a lot of free time to read books, but over the years I have read some really amazing books. Here are my top 5 books:

1.) NLT Study Bible:

I love this Bible! It is a nice hardcover Bible with lots of informative and helpful commentary. I have used this Bible for years now; in fact, I'm on my second one! My first one's cover fell of and the binding tore. Oh well, you know the saying:

 

 

2.) The Fussy Baby Book by William Sears:

 

Really, any book by Dr. Sears is a great read! The Fussy Baby Book helped me get through a really tough period in my life - Titus's first year of life! He cried non-stop and was never happy. This book really, really encouraged me.

 

 

3.) Crazy Love by Francis Chan:

 

 

Wow! What an eye-opening and convicting book. This book really called me to be more in love with God. A quick, easy read {other than stopping to ask forgiveness many, many times} that I recommend.

 

4.) The Power of a Praying Mom by Stormie Omartin

 

 

I read this book when my oldest daughter was young and I plan to re-read it now!

 

5.) David C. Cook's Journey Through the Bible:

 

 

Although we use this as a history resource in school, I find myself perusing it throughout the day. It's full of interesting facts and colorful pictures that really make the Bible come alive!

 

What are your favorite books?

 

Linking up with my friend at Chasing Slow:

 





52 Lists Project: Favorite Quotes

 

 

 

 

Linking up with Chasing Slow for the 52 Lists Project.

 

52 Lists Projects: Week 9

We are on week 9 of the 52 Lists Project, and this week, we must list the places we want to go.

My family travels a lot with my husband's job. He is foreman in the pipeline construction industry, and his job takes us all over the US. Each job lasts from 3 months to a year, and the kids and I always travel with him. We have been to many different states, some more than once!

The more I thought about the places I would love to go, only one place kept coming to my mind:

 

Nicaragua! My parents are missionaries primarily to Central America, and their heart is in Nicaragua. In fact, they just returned from a month long stay down there, and in less than 25 days, will be returning to Nicaragua. They have many ministry opportunities and on-going projects, including building churches and discipling pastors and teachers.

 

 

I would love to go down there with my parents, my husband, and my children, ministering to people and meeting needs and sharing the love of Christ.

 

 



My parents have a blog, "Walkin' It Out". You can read more about their ministry, I Am Ministries, and about their trips to Central America.

 

 

Linking up with Chasing Slow.

 



52 Lists Project: Week 8

We are on week 8 of the 52 Lists Project, and this week we have to list our favorite albums. I will be frank here - I only listen to Christian music {aside from Christmas music!}, and I have done this for around 8 years. I made a vow to listen to only Christian music, and I am proud to say, I have kept it. Christian music helps keep my mind focused on God and the things that matter. It keeps my heart worshipful and my attitude in check. Anytime I am having a bad day, losing my temper, frustrated or upset, I will listen to some praise and worship music and instantly, my attitude improves. So, here is a list of some of my favorite Christian music to listen to.

 

WOW HITS

 

These have always been a favorite of mine, even as a teenager. These CD's have all of the best Christian music of the year. I don't have 2015 or 2016 yet, but this 2014 edition is wonderful. We listened to it on the trip to North Carolina. Some of the songs on this CD are:

 

"Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave

"Jesus, Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns

"One Thing Remains" by Passion

"Your Grace Finds Me" by Matt Redman

"Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets

 

 

BEAUTIFUL THINGS by Gungor

 

I absolutely love this album and this style of music - alternative worship. Some of my favorite songs on this CD are:

"Beautiful Things"

"Cannot Keep You"

"The Earth is Yours"

"Please Be My Strength"

 

REMEDY by the David Crowder Band

 

David Crowder is one of my favorite artists, and this album is just amazing. My favorite songs on this CD are:

 

"The Glory of It All"

"neverending"

"Remedy"
"Rain Down"

 

SONGS FOR AN END TIME ARMY by Rick Pino

 

Rick Pino's music is kingdom worship music. It is so deep, it always brings into a rich, worshipful experience with God. My favorite songs on this album are:

 

"I Am A Voice"

"Show Us Your Glory"

"Fire of the Holy Ghost"

"You're Not Alone"

 

I hope you have enjoyed looking through some of my favorite albums. I recommend all of these! What are your favorite Christian albums?

 

Linking up with Chasing Slow and the 52 Lists Project.

 

52 Lists Project: Week 7

I have been participating with Chasing Slow and the 52 Lists Project. It's week 7 and we must list the things that make us feel healthy.

{The Good News Translation}

• walking - I was walking for 30 minutes a day when we were in Ohio, and I felt great! I plan to start walking again when the weather stays warm!
• cooking from scratch - There is nothing like making a meal from scratch - without boxed food or canned soups!
• fresh meat - My husband hunts, so we always have fresh deer meat. Venison has less calories and fat than beef, plus it's chock full of vitamins, protein and iron. We also butcher cows and process the beef - steaks, roasts, and ground beef. Fresh meat tastes so much better than store-bought and it so much healthier.
• drinking water - I drink a ton of water, but I haven't always. I used to drink Diet Coke all day long. I quit drinking Diet Coke for over a year, and drank nothing but water, but I allow myself to drink a glass a day now. I drink 4-8 water bottles a day, depending on my activity level. It makes me feel so good!
• fresh vegetables - I love when we get to go pick peas, shell them, and cook them! Fresh vegetables taste so delicious!
• being outdoors - Fresh air has so many benefits - it boosts your immune system, helps your digestive system, and helps you to think clearly.
• working in the yard - Raking leaves and planting flowers is so rewarding, as well as great exercise.
• laughing - Laughing and giggling with my husband and kids makes me feel so healthy and so alive.

What makes you feel healthy?

52 Lists Project: Week 6

I have been participating in the 52 Lists Project with Chasing Slow. It's been a lot of fun, and some of the lists have been more difficult to write than others. This week's list is "List the ways you can love others." I'm going to list the ways I can {and should} show love to my husband and children.

 

Gosh, there are so many ways I can love my family!

Rod, my husband:
cooking healthy, hot meals every night
keeping his clothes clean and mended
serving his dinner by fixing his plate
keeping his tea glass full
giving him a back massage
being available whenever he needs me
listening to him without giving advice or judging
cleaning out his truck
respecting him
speaking kindly, no matter how I feel
greeting him with a hug and a kiss when he comes home
always saying "I love you" before hanging up the phone
cooking his favorite meal and dessert

Mikaela, my 13 year old:
braiding her hair when she asks
making jewelry with her
sitting on her bed and talking with her
listening without interrupting or being rushed
cooking and baking with her

Eli, my 10 year old:
playing a board game when he asks
building Legos with him
listening to and laughing at his jokes
snuggling on the couch
watching a movie with him

Mercie, my 8 year old:
working a puzzle with her
playing doll house with her
playing a game when she asks
letting her read a book to me
brushing and braiding her hair

Silas, my 5 year old:
playing cars with him
holding him when he asks me to
lying in his bed with him for a few minutes at night
reading books to him
coloring with him

Titus, my 3 year old:
pushing him on the swings
singing to him
telling him stories
building blocks with him
rocking him at night

 

 

There are so many ways I can show love to my family. I need to make a concentrated effort to do each item on my list during the month of February, especially since it is Valentine's month.

To see what other the other participating bloggers are grateful for {or to link up your list}, visit Chasing Slow:

52 Lists Project: Week 5

We are on week 5 of the 52 Lists Project, and this week we must list the things we are grateful for.

 

Wow, this list could be never-ending for me, because God has blessed me abundantly and beyond measure! Let me try to pare it down...

salvation
forgiveness
the hope of eternal life
a beautiful, comfortable home
central heat and air conditioning
running water
electricity
pantry, refrigerator and freezer full of food
closets full of clothes and shoes
washing machine and dryer
two nice vehicles
my hard-working husband
my 5 wonderful children
the spiritual gift of teaching
the ability to stay home with my kids all day, every day
my prayer-warrior parents
bookshelves full of books
enough Bibles in our house for every family member
my family's health
living close to my extended family
homeschooling
children who bless me daily with hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation
a husband who supports homeschooling 100%
the ability to travel with my husband
church family

There are so  many more things I could add to this list! I am so grateful everyday for my Savior, who has blessed me with every blessing I could imagine.

Linking up with Chasing Slow!