tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69379209373649975702024-03-05T12:01:44.319-08:00Real MomsReal Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-9532079572798574582014-05-05T19:10:00.000-07:002014-05-05T19:10:30.352-07:00Real Mom's Summer Passport Information & Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hey, All! We are wrapping up our spring semester at Real Mom's but there is a ton of fun to be had together with our kids, as families or solo with our kiddos! Please read below and follow the links for all the information, guides, suggestions and dates for a TON of local and regional activities and things to do and see. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Summer Passport - <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLw3q-PedD0M0czd2ZYSEJyTlk/edit?usp=sharing">Click here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Animal Fever - <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-PedD0dlg0MDM4STU1ZWc&usp=sharing">Click here</a><br />Career Day - <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-PedD0RXZpSmJTZkxucE0&usp=sharing">Click here</a><br />Too Hot! Stuck Inside? - <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-PedD0N19BVGVoYVF5bDg&usp=sharing">Click here</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Summer Park Dates</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">We will be meeting one Tuesday a month for a</span><strong style="background-color: white;"> park play-dat</strong><span style="background-color: white;"><b>e</b> during the summer months at these locations:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">May 20th - Fossil Creek Park</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">June 17th - Lee Martinez Park</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">July 15th - Gardens on Spring Creek</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">August 19th - City Park</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Happy Summer!</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-68064876547156713682014-03-13T12:58:00.005-07:002014-03-13T13:00:59.285-07:00<div class="page" title="Page 1">
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 24pt;">Knowing you are LOVED and ACCEPTED </span></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt;">Scriptures for Renewing Your Mind with Truth</span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Calibri;">Notes from the speaker Kelly Kuppinger on March 4th, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Our thoughts must be governed by Truth (not feelings):</span></h2>
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Proverbs 23:7 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Proverbs 14:12 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Romans 8:6 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mid governed by the Spirit is life and peace.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9pt;">Agape Love:</b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Romans 12:2 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">what God’s will is</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">- </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">his good, pleasing, perfect will.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">John 3:16 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“For Go</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">d so loved the world, that he GAVE His one and only Son that whosoever believed in Him would </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">not perish but have everlasting life.”
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Romans 8:35-38 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Who shall separate us from the (agape) love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or
sword? </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">36 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">As it is written:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">[j]37 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">No, in all these things we are more
than conquerors through him who loved us. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">38 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">[k] </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">neither the present nor the
future, nor any powers, </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">39 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.</span> <img alt="page1image16312" height="0.480010" src="file:///page1image16312" width="2.880000" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Romans 5:8 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">3</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">”</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">we are united with Christ. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">4 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 6pt; vertical-align: 5pt;">5 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">God decided in</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 12px;">Ephesians 1:3-5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Dwelling on Christ</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">’</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">s love and acceptance (not man</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">’</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">s) brings freedom, confidence and joy:</span></h2>
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Isaiah 2:22 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Proverbs 29:25 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Galatians1:10 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people,I
would not be a servant of Christ.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Matthew 10:28 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“ </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">The Fear of the Lord:</span></h2>
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Proverbs 14:27 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">– “</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Proverbs 1:7 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">– “</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Proverbs 14:26 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">– “</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Ecclesiastes 12:13 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Luke 1:50 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Psalms 33:8 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Psalm 25:14 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him; and he makes known to them his covenant.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Job 28:28 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">God says- </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“Behold, the fear of the Lord, THAT is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">u</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">nderstanding.”
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Deuteronomy 10:12 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">– “</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk
him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all thy soul,</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">This is a process:</span></h2>
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Heb 12:2 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“Says he’s not only the a</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">uthor, but the perfecter of our faith. </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Phil. 1:6 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Romans 8:1 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">”<br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Proverbs 16:18 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9pt;">James 4:6 </span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9pt;">“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri,Bold'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Romans 5:9 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">Since we have now been justified by </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">(Jesus’) </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 9.000000pt;">him!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">RENEWING OUR MINDS: STOP, DROP, ROLL AND REPEAT</span></h2>
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P</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">artially adopted from “Called To Obedience” by Howie and Dennie Dowell)—</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">this can be applied to ANY CHALLENGE
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt;"><b><u>STOP </u></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">Recognize that you are believing a lie which can cause sinful behavior (2 Cor. 10:5a). Pray and ask God to show you that your
thoughts are sinful before you sin.
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt;"><b><u>DROP </u></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">to your knees in prayer (literally or figuratively)
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">PRAY according to Colossians 1: 9-11, ask</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">ing God to “ fill you with all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">so that
you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”</span><img alt="page1image54296" height="0.720030" src="file:///page1image54296" width="230.740000" />
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;"><b><u>CONFESS</u></b> any thoughts or attitudes that are sinful </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">(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.”)
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;"><b><u>CLAIM</u></b> </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">the Holy Spirit’s power to overcom</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">e the sinful thought or attitude (Phil 4:13) </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">“I can do all </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">things through Him who gives me
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">strength.”
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt;"><b><u>ROLL </u></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">your fingers through the pages of your Bible to find the Truth. This allows you to:
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">FORCE you mind to change from the sinful thoughts or attitudes to godly ones. (2 Cor. 10:5 </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">“We demolish arguments and every
</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ).
Watch destructive your self- talk!! Memorize Scriptures
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">SINFUL THOUGHTS LEAD TO SINFUL ACTIONS
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">GODLY THOUGHTS LEAD TO GODLY ACTIONS </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt;"><b><u>WALK ON</u></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">: Do what the scriptures say.
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10pt;"><b><u style="background-color: white;">REPEAT</u></b> </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: 10.000000pt;">this outline when those same sinful thoughts or attitudes occur again </span></div>
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Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-17739982367647592082014-02-15T10:27:00.000-08:002014-02-15T10:33:06.217-08:00Raising Responsible Children <br />
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<span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Fantastic talk on the topic or raising responsible children from Sara McConahy at Real Mom's on February 4th, 2014 in case you missed it or need a refresher!</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What does responsible mean? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Trustworthy, sensible, mature, reliable, dependable,
in charge of, capable of being trusted and morally accountable for one’s
behavior are some definitions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">II.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why be responsible?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Taking it to the heart level, being responsible is a
way to fulfill two commands given by Jesus: 1) treat others the way you would want to be treated. 2)
Consider others more important than yourself. Being responsible loves God and
loves others – two greatest commands given in Matt 18. At the heart of
responsibility I think we find sacrifice and integrity – a giving up of self
for the better of another. Responsible means you are going to do your chores
instead of play. Tell the truth instead of lie. Come inside when I ask instead
of when you want, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">III.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Responsible Parable… Responsibility is like an ARM!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Responsibility is like an arm… when a child is born
he has arms, but they are of no use to him… yet. He flails and flaps, unable to
hold a thing, to push, pull, lift -
do anything. Yet everything is there, in his arm, to one day do all these
things and a hundred more. His arm only needs time and experience and the bones
will harden and the muscles with strengthen. Then this arm will be useful in
all circumstances and able to hold that which is entrusted to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We all know that being responsible is a process.
This is called <u>raising</u> responsible kids not <u>birthing</u> responsible
kids. They don’t come out that way!
This requires seeing parenting with the big picture in mind through the
details of life. Raising responsible kids is daily, thoughtful, careful, risk
taking, faith stretching work. It will have successes and failures. The when is
today, tomorrow and each day as long as your children are in your care. What a
privilege to see a baby arm grow into a strong useful one. You and your husband
carry a responsibility to raise a responsible child!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">IV.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Barriers/obstacles to becoming responsible: With that said – your child
is unique! Just as you are unique! Although we can define being responsible
with a few specific words, each child will be unique in the ways they process
learning and exercising responsibility. You may have a child that embraces and
handles responsibility very well. Or maybe not, or maybe they could care less –
why are you talking to me about unloading the dishwasher when there are toys to
play with!! Maybe: Internal drive to follow rules, be organized, be focused, or
maybe they get overwhelmed easily, or forget what you just told them to do
because a squirrel just ran in front of them.. squirrel!! There are so many things that are at
play – environment being one, boy/girl, birth order, age, health and
disability, strengths and weaknesses. No cookie cutter parenting. The big picture recognizes that an arm
is an arm but the time it takes to fully develop varies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">V.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Helps to becoming responsible:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Modeling: (Toning your arm) Children do what they see more than they so
what they are told.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Environment is important. Even though we are not perfect we need to check and see if
there are areas in our lives that we are consistently irresponsible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Are you consistently late, not reliable to the people who are waiting
on you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is your yes, yes and no, no; or do you bail on commitments?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you follow through on statements/promises (especially with your
kids… “I will play with you in just a minute.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you and your family do things for the sake of others even when it is
inconvenient?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you work hard?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you take care of property?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you spend more than you make? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you spend your time on facebook/pintrest/blogs at the expense of the
things you are responsible for and are a God given priority? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you need to be perfect?? NO and you aren’t going
to be! We are in process too and need to rely on the grace, wisdom, and
strength given to us through Jesus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Appropriate level of responsibility at appropriate age: (Picking up a
ball and learning to throw)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Teaching children how to be responsible starts with
telling them what they CAN NOT do. I am telling you to give them appropriate responsibility at
the appropriate age. Going back to our definitions: your 2 year old is not
trustworthy, sensible, mature, reliable, dependable enough to make the
decisions they think they can make – YOU ARE – and you need to be the one who
maintains responsibility for those decisions and you gradually give opportunity
to be responsible as they exhibit ability to be trusted. Responsibility starts
with their ability to obey you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Honesty: (Bicep Training) Being responsible is
being trustworthy. Being trustworthy means you tell the truth. One cannot be
responsible and a liar at the same time. Let me encourage you to take lying
very seriously in your home. Trust is the foundation of relationship. If you
cant trust that your children are telling you the truth, it is going to be very
hard to entrust them with responsibility. Be careful of “half-truths”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Restitution: Exodus 21:33-22:14 gives us a biblical principle of
restitution, which is the restoration of something lost, stolen or broken.
Biblically it is restoring + some… Being responsible means taking care of
property - yours or others. Another
definition: the restoration of something to its original state. Clean up at
others homes after play? Clean up after self in own home? Clear plates?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Prepare/instruct/resource: Nothing is more frustrating than being giving something you
are responsible for that you: 1) don’t know why you are doing it. 2) Don’t know
how to do 3) and don’t have what you need to do it. Obvious with football that
after modeling comes coaching and practice. Give the child a ball and teach the
child how to throw! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6.
Opportunity <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sort laundry and/or fold laundry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Match socks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Clean up room/pick up toys/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Set table/clear table<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Help with preparing meals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Put away folded clothes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Get ready in the morning and evening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Shoveling/mowing/yard work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Projects with dad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cleaning car<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">11.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Allowance for
spending/gifts/clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">12.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Own bank account<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-29376865719634395052014-01-15T13:47:00.003-08:002014-01-15T13:47:46.279-08:00Hello, wonderful ladies! This blog post is to share all about the awesome talk that our friend, Lindsey Ray, gave to our Real Mom's group on January 7th regarding ANGER. All about how it manifests itself in our hearts and ultimately impacts our home and family and best of all - how to battle it! Thank you, Jesus for the hope that is found in you! <br />
<br />
Here are the notes and verses to read and meditate on to help us with this battle!<br />
<br />
1. A little on Anger<br />
A. Anger is an outward expression of an inner sin that needs to be addressed.<br />
1. Pride - wanting to be in control of the situation or comparing (I am not as good as so and so or I have it all figured out)<br />
2. Discontentment - Trial or Waiting on God to answer a prayer<br />
3. Wrong goals - "Me" Centered and wanting convenience in your day<br />
4. Fear/Lack of trust in God - Possibly over the hearts of your children or a break through in sin<br />
5. Claiming perceived rights - Things we think we have a right to but aren't promised in Scripture<br />
6. Unforgiving hearts - Over anyone and specifically remembering to forgive our children for sin that they caused against us that may have led to bitterness in your heart.<br />
B. Anger is more than "Mt. Mama" eruptions (when it boils over)<br />
1. Typically think of "fits of rage"<br />
2. Can also be resentful attitudes, self-pity, irritability, controlling/demanding actions, unkind worlds, sarcasm, the silent treatment, withdrawing, gossiping/venting, etc.<br />
C. The consequences of anger affect more than just us.<br />
1. Cause emotional/physical pain (Gen. 4:6-8)<br />
2. Leaders to more anger (Proverbs 15:1 and 18, Proverbs 17:14, Proverbs 22:24-25)<br />
3. Leaves us open to further attack (Ephesians 4:26-27, Proverbs 25:28) - Like a city without walls is a mans heart which is open to attack and Satan does want to get a foothold!<br />
4. Does NOT result in the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20, 3:17-18) - behavior can and may change but not the heart.<br />
5. Leads us to isolate ourselves - "secret battle". Satan wants us to be along and open to attack.<br />
<br />
2. My Self-Sufficiency Cycle<br />
A. Starts with Trust/Pride in Self Determination then goes to Walking in your own strength to Anger Trigger to Responding with Anger to Guilt to A vow to work harder. Circular cycle that can go on and on and on if we are not fighting it and trusting/seeking the Lord.<br />
<br />
B. Problems with this Self-Sufficiency Cycle<br />
1. Focus is on ME - God allows trials to refine us and make us more like him. They are tools to draw us closer to Him!<br />
2. Not accepting God's plan for your life.<br />
3. Battling sin with a sinful nature (Romans 7:18-20)<br />
<br />
3. Grace-Sufficiency Cycle<br />
A. The Hope: Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17) through God's sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) This is God's power living in us to battle sin WITH us! <br />
B. Starts with a Relationship with Jesus Christ and goes to Daily Communion to Growing in Wisdom and Faith to Trusting in God's Plan for Your Life to Preparing the Mind for Action to Accountability to Recognizing Weakness/Pray for God's Strength to Anger Trigger to Resisting the Devil to Trusting that God WILL strengthen/confirm and protect to Giving Thanks<br />
C. Starts with knowing Jesus and spending time with Him.<br />
D. Leads us to growing in wisdom and faith (Col. 2:3, 1 Peter 2:2, John 15:3-8)<br />
E. Trusting in God's Plan (Romans 8:28-29, Jeremiah 29:11)<br />
F. Prepare your minds for Action (Ephesians 6:12-18, 1 Peter 1:13-14, 5:8-9. Col. 4:2, Philippians 4:8-9)<br />
1. Identify and confess any root sins<br />
2. Identify and confess any anger triggers and keep watch for them!<br />
3. Surrender your day to God - Hid plan may not be your plan.<br />
4. Pray and mediate through Scripture (Col. 3:12-17, Isaiah 26:3)<br />
5. Involve a prayer partner<br />
6. Dwell on good things (Philippians 4:8-9<br />
G. Recognize your weakness/Pray for Strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Hebrews 4:16)<br />
H. Resist the Devil (James 4:7) - We have the power of the Spirit in us!<br />
1. Pray right away<br />
2. Resist the temptation of reacting immediately<br />
3. Take a break<br />
4. Deal with parenting issues right away, tag team if possible.<br />
I. God will confirm, protect and strengthen (Ephesians 6:13, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Corinthians 10:13)<br />
J. We give thanks and grow in wisdom and faith (2 Corinthians 4:14-15, Hebrews 13:15)<br />
<br />
4. Other Helpful Tips<br />
A. Be proactive vs. reactive in parenting<br />
B. Seek forgiveness from kids/husband<br />
C. Be forgiving of our kids<br />
D. Have margins in your life (weekly, monthly, yearly)<br />
E. Look for hidden idols in your life (perfect home, schedules, etc.). These are things that seem like good things but actually create bondage.<br />
F. Capture, Confess, Claim ( the power of the Holy Spirit), Transform your thinking, Repeat<br />
<br />
5. Couple notes of encouragement!<br />
A. God can use us no matter our mistakes (example of Saul becoming Paul)<br />
B. God won't leave us here. (Philippians 1:6-7)Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-39585797167191553962014-01-05T17:46:00.002-08:002014-01-05T17:46:55.282-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">At our January 21st Real Mom's Meeting!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHxSmMRS3-zY1Hhyphenhyphen90-HhwBRQ6HlfF_orVT1gUaEoEoGXXC0w2HOk5v_91Ksq6F-z552WM9HM8TmoIafzL0Ghdx_i4Jc3Lcw99Zzja_ZzwMGOWItlVHkmpQv5KifPgV0d0zbrRn57G7I/s1600/REALMoms-JanicePowell-webBanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHxSmMRS3-zY1Hhyphenhyphen90-HhwBRQ6HlfF_orVT1gUaEoEoGXXC0w2HOk5v_91Ksq6F-z552WM9HM8TmoIafzL0Ghdx_i4Jc3Lcw99Zzja_ZzwMGOWItlVHkmpQv5KifPgV0d0zbrRn57G7I/s1600/REALMoms-JanicePowell-webBanner.jpg" height="195" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Janice Powell is the mother of three sons and no daughters. She has a heart for the so close yet so challenging relationships between a daughter-in-law and a mother- in-law. In difficulties, she naturally turns to the study of God’s Word from which the “Let God be Glorified” curriculum was written. She loves to hear the heart-warming and heart- wrenching stories of mothers and daughters as she teaches through this curriculum. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Please, join with us</span></b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> as we listen to this gracious lady from Granby, CO. Refreshment, workbooks, and fellowship provided.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"> </span></span></span>Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-76218317675567264502013-12-01T20:29:00.002-08:002013-12-01T20:30:31.595-08:00Love LanguagesWe had the privileged of hearing <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Theresa Fightmaster</span> speak at our last meeting on the 5 Love Languages, an inspired talk from the book, <u>The Five Love Languages of Children</u> by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell. Each person receives love differently, so it's important to figure out what really fills your husband or kiddos "Love Tank." Each person will probably need all of these Love Languages to be spoken to them, but some will be more important to the individual then other ones. Here is a list below:<br />
<br />
<h3>
5 Love Languages</h3>
Touch (Describes your child/husband): <br />
Receive hugs, kisses, high fives, cuddles, asks to be carried, wrestling, tag, climbs in your lap.<br />
<br />
Words (Describes your child/husband): Likes for others to tell them they did a good job.<br />
<br />
Quality Time (Describes your child/husband): Loves to do things with you: watch a movie, yard work, go out to eat, run errands, play a game. Tries to get your undivided attention. Wants to sit next to you or have you watch them while they're playing.<br />
<br />
Gifts (Describes your child/husband): Feels good when someone gives them something. Enjoys a special present or surprise. Enjoys birthdays presents, surprise treats, earning a treat, having their favorite food made for them.<br />
<br />
Service (Describes your child/husband): Likes it when people do nice things for them: helping with chores, school projects, driving places, making meals or snacks.<br />
<br />
A child with a full love tank = a healthy, emotionally stable child. <br />
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
How do I know what my spouse's/child's Love Language is?</h3>
1. Observe how your child/spouse expresses love to you.<br />
2.Observe how your child/spouse expresses love to others.<br />
3. Listen to what your child/spouse requests most often.<br />
4. Notice what your child/spouse most frequently complains about.<br />
5. Give your child/spouse a choice between two options.<br />
<br />
<br />
The 5 Love Languages are a wonderful tool to use in learning to love our family well. We are so grateful to Theresa for sharing her knowledge with us! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-31067036000925361262013-11-05T22:02:00.000-08:002013-11-17T22:03:13.971-08:00Wifehood- Sarah Longoria<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Intro-
Thank you for having me! The thought of
teaching you all about wifehood is humbling because the only authority on the
matter I have comes straight from the Word and what God has taught me, usually
through the painful refiners fire. I
will forever be a work in progress! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Travis and I’s story- Met in junior high. My insecurity during my dad's illness created unhealthy dependence on Travis to meet my needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">II.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How
God has moved my heart to a wifehood focus instead of a marriage focus. We think of marriage, in the Biblical sense,
as husband and wife loving each other well, which glorifies God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our marriages are fertile ground for
God’s glory and our growth, but sometimes it won’t come through mutual efforts.
The one in our marriages we’re accountable for is ourselves and how we love,
regardless of the way we are loved in return.
We are all sinful, imperfect women married to sinful, imperfect men and
it is Gospel love alone that gives any of us any hope. Gospel love is self-sacrificing not self
seeking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God gives us many directives on how
we can best love each other in marriage, and He is certainly glorified when the
two people in a marriage are living in obedience to them, but I would venture
to say that He gives us far more instruction as individuals on loving Him and
others (our husbands being one of the most important “others” we love).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some of us are married to dynamic
spiritual leaders, others of us to men who lead more quietly or who are in a
dry place in their walks, and still others to men who don’t know the Lord. Each of our marriages and husbands is unique
(different strengths and weaknesses).No matter who your husband is or where
he’s at, you can live in full obedience to God’s calling on YOU to love him
with the love the Lord has given you as a daughter of Him! When we abide, He provides!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Peter 3:1-2</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">-
“<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Likewise, wives,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">be subject to your own
husbands, so that</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">even if some do not obey the word,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">they may be won without a
word by the conduct of their wives,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2 </span></sup></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">when they see your</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">respectful and pure
conduct.” (be careful of the martyr mentality! Don’t consider yourself better
than your husband, that’s pride and that’s sin!)</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Matthew 22:36-39</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">- “</span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the
Law?” Jesus replied:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“‘Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.’<b><sup> </sup></b>This is the first and greatest commandment.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And the
second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. (When we love God with our
whole heart, HE enables us to love our neighbors as ourselves)</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Romans 12:9-21 (think specifically about loving your husband as I read
this)- “</span></b><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Let love be genuine.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">10 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Love one
another with brotherly affection. (He is your brother in Christ!)</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Outdo one another in showing honour.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Do not
be slothful in zeal,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">be
fervent in spirit,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">serve
the Lord.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Rejoice
in hope,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">be patient in
tribulation,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">be
constant in prayer.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Contribute
to the needs of the saints and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">seek to
show hospitality (to your husband!).<b><sup> </sup></b>Bless those who
persecute you; bless and do not curse them.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Rejoice
with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.<b><sup> </sup></b>Live
in harmony with one another.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Do not
be haughty, but associate with the lowly.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Never be wise in your own sight (pride).<b><sup> </sup></b>Repay
no one evil for evil, but</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">give
thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If
possible, so far as it depends on you,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">live peaceably with all (your husband!).</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Beloved,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">never avenge yourselves, but leave it<b><sup> </sup></b>to
the wrath of God, for it is written,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To the contrary,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is
thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning
coals on his head.”</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Do not
be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To reiterate what Jason shared last
weekend and to echo what Courtney shared in her mom minute, when we abide in the
Lord, when we go to Him first for ALL our needs, He is faithful to meet
them. No other person or role can
satisfy! Truly living this frees us to
love others without expectation for something in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">B.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Expectations lead to disappointment
when our hope is misplaced on the wrong person/thing, who are we counting on to
meet our needs, to fill us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John 6:35</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">- “<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Then Jesus declared,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">“I am</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">the bread of life.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">Whoever comes to me
will never go hungry, and whoever believes</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="woj">in me will never be
thirsty.”</span></span><span class="woj"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">John 4:13-14</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">- “<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></sup></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Jesus answered,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">“Everyone who drinks this
water will be thirsty again,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><b><sup><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></sup></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">but whoever drinks the water I give them
will never thirst.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Indeed, the water I give them will become
in them a spring of water</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">welling up to eternal life.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How my expectations of Travis have
torn him down instead of building him up.
(how and how much he communicates, his spiritual leadership of our
family, his level of helping around the house, the way he parents our kids,
etc…)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> How does it feel on the flip side of the coin,
when someone has you constantly feeling like you don’t measure up and you’re
never cutting it, does that motivate or deflate you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 2.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I think it’s easier for us to live in
the truth that friends, extended family and even our children are not made to
satisfy us, and although we may say that we don’t expect our husbands to fully
satisfy us, our hearts often believe differently as evidenced by our struggles
in marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">C.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fighting the 50/50, “you complete me”
cultural prescription.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Think about the most common reasons
people give for divorce. It’s often
about what the other person isn’t doing right or about how the other person
isn’t meeting their needs. (if you are sitting in this room and have been
divorced, know that God has enough grace to meet you where you are at and grow
you from here! There are also cases where a spouse has taken the decision out
of your hands and left. Please know that
every women in this room is loved by Jesus right where she is at and every
single one of us is nothing without Jesus, we can do nothing good apart from
Him.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“What if marriage isn’t designed to
make us happy but rather to make us Holy?”- From Sacred Marriage. What I would add to that is, what if our
greatest joy in marriage can only be found when we stop looking to it and our
husbands to fill us up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">D.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do we get there? NOT by trying
harder to be better! We start, flat on
our faces before Jesus, confessing our sin and begging Him to fill us. Loving our husbands more selflessly will be a
fruit of bathing in the sacrificial love of Jesus for us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">III.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Closing:
The rollarcoaster journey of our recent decision to move to Switzerland and how
God continues to refine me in all these areas.
Please pray for us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
asked Travis if he had anything he’d like to add to what I prepared to share
with you all. I was thinking it might be
something profound that I had missed, but maybe profoundly simple? He said, “a little sex goes a long way to
make a man feel loved”. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: center;"> Table Talk</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What are some ways you believe God is
wooing you to be satisfied in Him alone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What are some ways you have bought
the 50/50, “you complete me” prescriptions for a happy marriage and how is God
challenging you to love your husband more selflessly?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you have anything to share with
your sisters about how the sin of pride has caused you to belittle, nag, or
look down on your husband?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How can we be praying for you as a
wife?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-1533909878052607572013-10-01T20:22:00.000-07:002013-11-17T21:15:55.272-08:00"Day in the Life" Panel<b>Highlights</b>:<br />
<br />
<u>Jill</u><br />
-She has one day a week that's her cleaning day, helps her get it done with focus.<br />
-She tries to have a special activity planned for her kids during dinner prep time to lessen her stress.<br />
-One of her struggles is giving too many "just a minutes", she wants to make time for more focused time with the kids.<br />
-They try to do devotions over meal times, she wants to be more intentional and consistent with this.<br />
-Jill encouraged us to do what we need to do without guilt to get the rest/sleep that we need. Rested mom equals better mom.<br />
<b>VERSE:</b> <i>Colossians 3:12</i>.<br />
<br />
<u>Karla</u><br />
-She tries to get up before the kids for quiet times<br />
-She has her kids have quiet times in their rooms each day, everyone benefits from quiet/alone time.<br />
-They try to get out of the house as a family after dinner some nights for fresh air and some fresh perspective:).<br />
-Some of Karla's struggles include letting go of her schedule to be more present with the kids and planning enough time for meals so everyone doesn't feel so rushed.<br />
-Karla encouraged us to memorize verses together as a family, make a prayer jar where we can give prayers to the Lord and let go.<br />
-She shared how her husband takes her kids for a bit in the evening so she can have some breath time.<br />
-From Sally Clarkson in Mission of Motherhood-"Choosing to be a servant mother means willingly giving up myself, my expectations, and my time to the task of mothering and choosing to believe that doing so is the best use of my time at that moment."<br />
-She shared how she shoots Aaron a text during the day asking him to pray for her in certain situations.<br />
-Encouraged us that it's not about perfection, but about how we respond to struggle.<br />
-Encouraged us to share the Gospel often with our kids, to pray for their salvation always.<br />
-Toddler occupiers: run to the door and back, have them thread cherios on yarn.<br />
-Time flies! Write memories down.<br />
<b>VERSES:</b> <i>Psalm 51:10, Proverbs 3, Isaiah 40:31</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<u>Katrina</u><br />
-She tries to make the most of the time in the car with the kids to and from school, praise music, praying, talking.<br />
-She encouraged us to be playful with our husbands in front of the kids.<br />
-She confessed to struggling with laziness at times. She shared how her husband encourages her to make smaller to do lists so she feels like she really accomplishes them.<br />
-Encouraged us that the kids won't remember if the house was clean, so spend quality time with them.<br />
-She reminded us that we often compare our behind the scenes with others highlight reels (social media sets us up).<br />
-Shared how they listen to VBS cds to get everyone's heart in the right place.<br />
-Little prayers throughout the day go a long way.<br />
-Keeps devotionals in the bathroom (get it when you can!).<br />
<b>VERSES:</b> <i>Isaiah 55:8-9, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 4:19</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<u>Creative Abiding</u>:<br />
-While washing dishes, rocking babies, driving.<br />
-Praise music to start your day.<br />
-Getting up before the kids, hard but worth it!Real Moms Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535836783614464230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-13276263822061274212013-09-30T20:56:00.000-07:002013-11-17T21:36:49.287-08:00Heart of Motherhood- Shelli Majesky<b>Introduction</b><br />
I'm Shelli, wife, mother of four, and needy woman of Jesus. Why am I here- all started on a sledding hill years ago. Met Sarah, we prayed for one another on the hill, and there began a sweet friendship that has been a breath of fresh air.<br />
Not here because I am a model mother or wife, but because I am on a journey with the Lord, and He has breathed new life into me through a sweet conference I went to, I shared it with Sarah, and there we go!<br />
<br />
Luke 7 – Simon the Pharisee and the Sinful Woman<br />
Read the passage<br />
Love this story, it's a beautiful contrast between two characters:<br />
<b>Sinning woman</b>: She knew of Jesus great grace, and her great need. Because of this knowledge it<br />
gave her courage to seek out Jesus, despite damaging her own reputation and more humiliation. After<br />
finding Jesus, moved her to show great emotion and affection through washing His feet with her tears,<br />
kissing them, and happily expending all of her resources with a life savings worth of pure perfume,<br />
poured out on His feet!<br />
<b>Simon the Pharisee:</b> He was a Pharisee, who had a traveling preacher, Jesus, into his home for dinner. This was not unusual, but rather expected, a respectable thing for him to do. He was rather dutiful in having Jesus into his home. He did not go above and beyond. He did not offer to wash Jesus feet or even order someone else to do it. Rather, he was somewhat put off and judgmental of the “sinning woman” when she did. These characters in this story, highlight two different ways of living: One is entitled, duty- on display in Simon’s life, one is happy, wasteful living- on display in the sinning woman’s life.<br />
<br />
Two ways of living- lived out!<br />
Entitled, duty:<br />
We know that God calls us to faithful parenting<br />
Parenting verse (Prov. 22:6, Train up a child n the way he should go; even when he is old he will not<br />
depart from it.)<br />
But what motivates that obedience?<br />
Curious verse in Rom. 12:2, says, Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.<br />
We are not to be conformed to the "Pattern of the world"<br />
1. One pattern?- work hard and receive what you are owed<br />
2. Find the right techniques and work them (vending machine idea!)<br />
3. This develops entitlement around the results, doing just enough to get the results, like Simon.<br />
4. Leads to "gritted teeth" in the way I parent (example: Getting kids ready to go worship the Lord with the church, my daughter says,” Why are you always so angry when we get ready for church?”)<br />
5. We are NOT to be conformed to this pattern!<br />
6. Mothering is not a list of formulas, techniques, or programs.<br />
7. Mothering is not a competition or stage where we seek our validation, or a circus where we try and create our circus bears.<br />
8. The Lord has entrusted us with human beings to care for and raise up - this is a supernatural thing, that involves supernatural involvement! Ladies, formulas are for math, systems are for science, and techniques are for handwriting.<br />
There is a different way -the way of happy, wasteful living.<br />
The way of a renewed mind - thinking in a different way, Holy Spirit-led, gospelpaved way, not seeking a result, but rather a relationship.<br />
Begins with believing in, and being satisfied with all that has been accomplished for me already in Jesus as Savior and Lord<br />
My sin doesn't need to drive me to more hard work but to rushing to the feet of Jesus. ( idea of seeking a covering by sitting with a mom that I think has it all figured out!)<br />
Is my first default going to Jesus! Do I believe: John 6:67-69, or James 1:5-6?<br />
If our default becomes Jesus first, what an opportunity to take what Satan intends for harm, and pull the rug right out from under Satan’s schemes.<br />
In this response, I reestablish my hope, regain my strength and courage to move forward.<br />
Out of love, not entitlement, and feeling I am owed!<br />
The way also allows me to see the heart of my child!<br />
Which means I look for more than behavior in them (and support more than behavior in them)<br />
Mac and dinner table- see your children's heart behind their words and they will be blessed.<br />
"And that's not my child" - what did the child hear? That they are only my child when they act rightly.<br />
<br />
What does this look like, practically, in manner, not technique?<br />
This means that mothering is not about the how's but rather about the why’s<br />
How parenting is duty driven and result oriented, versus why parenting which is obedience oriented and love driven, overflowing out of an appreciation for grace.<br />
<br />
<b>How parenting </b><br />
fear driven<br />
trusts in the method<br />
Responds quickly and usually in anger<br />
is anxious and wrought up<br />
sees the many adjustments in a child and corrects 1st<br />
environment in this home lacks humility, and<br />
therefore lacks freedom and grace<br />
<br />
<b>Why parenting</b><br />
faith driven<br />
trusts in the Lord<br />
responds slowly and with clarity<br />
is peaceful and joy filled<br />
sees strengths, encourages them,and comes alongside of the weaknesses<br />
environment generally swims in humility and there is safety and health<br />
<br />
Where do you feel like you spend more time? If in how parenting, do not be discouraged. Seek Jesus,<br />
ask Him for grace, and for His kindness to lead you to repentance. This is the who point of the story in<br />
Luke 7. If why parenting, celebrate, but stay on your face at the feet of Jesus.<br />
<br />
<u>Conclusion</u><br />
Jeremiah 1:11a The Lord said, “Have I not set you free for their good? Have I not pleaded for you before the enemy in the time of trouble, and in the time of distress?” This set free means: We have had all of our questions and needs met and answered in Jesus!<br />
Acceptance - MET, He died while I was still a sinner. (Rom. 5:8)<br />
Affirmation - MET, He laid down His life for me insecurity - MET, secured my place in His family, through death. (1 Peter 1:1-5)<br />
Alone - MET, I will never leave you or forsake you. (Heb. 13:5b)<br />
Loved - MET, loved me, and gave up his life for me, took on what I deserved. (Gal. 2:20b)<br />
Afraid - NO NEED, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear! (Heb. 13:6)<br />
<br />
Oh ladies, we have been set free! May we position ourselves at the feet of our Savior and experience<br />
true delight in Him, and therefore love well!<br />
<br />
<b>Phil. 1:6</b>-<i> "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day </i><i>of Jesus Christ."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Hebrews 10:39</b>-<i> "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-38143966208957695162013-09-25T08:00:00.002-07:002013-09-25T08:01:11.027-07:00Little Moments for Smiling- Jeanette McBee<div style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Little Moments for Smiling</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>A heart full of thankfulness for those moments that are small, sometimes fleeting, refreshes our soul, relaxes our muscles. Who allows these glimpses of joy? Who loves you so much and knows what makes you laugh? He created your smile and chuckles. There are times when I believe the lie that I'm not any fun and I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud. Who wants to be around me? Have you every felt that way?</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>The Lord God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, says you are precious and He loves you (Isaiah 43:4). </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Let's make smiling a little easier. What are some things that make you smile or laugh? This may sound funny (pun intended), but I have a "Smile File". Jokes, quips, articles I've read along the way that make me laugh out loud are here. It's a great pick-me-up. For practice, write 3 things that you enjoy doing (This is not the time to muffle a cry of "when will I ever have time just for me!!" Trust God for time to experience joy He made for you.) Here are some ideas to get you started: Listen to music that soothes or energizes; A cup of your favorite warm drink in a pretty mug; Sitting with a book for 15 minutes uninterrupted and quiet; Playing a game with your kids that you like, too; A bouquet of flowers in a prominent place; A candle, which shape, color or scent is attractive to you; A breakfast that you take care in preparing for yourself and/or your family (use the "nice" dishes and flatware, eat the food you like most, etc.).</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Now maybe it goes without saying, so if you already understand this please be patient with me as I'm going to say it anyway: Making an idol of these little joys, meaning having an expectation that your "moment" has to be perfect to be enjoyed, will backfire.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Be alert, notice, recognize when God, seemingly spontaneously, creates little joys just for you.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-51227041908430017162013-09-16T19:56:00.000-07:002013-09-16T19:57:55.580-07:00Rustic Potato Soup- Darcy MackMillerRustic Potato Soup<br />
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6 c chicken broth<br />
2 lb red potatoes, peeled & cubed<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
2 Tbsp butter<br />
1 lb Kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2 in pieces<br />
2 large leeks, white/light green parts only, cut in 1/2 lengthwise, then sliced thin crosswise<br />
1/2 bunch kale, stems removed & leaves cut crosswise into 1/4 inch strips (about 4 cups)<br />
Ground black pepper<br />
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Bring broth, potatoes & bay leaf to boil in large pan over med-high heat. Reduce to med-low & simmer til potatoes are tender, 10 min or so. Discard leaf. Using masher, coarsely break up potatoes, leaving some chunks.<br />
Melt butter in Dutch oven over med heat. Add kielbasa, stirring frequently til browned in spots, around 4 min. Add leaks, cook 4 more min til soft. Add potato mixture & kale to Dutch oven & simmer 5 min until kale's tender. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve & enjoy! ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-56285494428041061202013-09-16T10:11:00.002-07:002013-09-16T10:12:22.393-07:00No Work Bread- Adrienne Wier<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>Jim Lahey’s No-Work Bread</strong></div>
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Makes: 1 large loaf</div>
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Time: Nearly 24 hours, almost completely unattended</div>
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This innovation—the word recipe does not do the technique justice—came from Jim Lahey, owner of Sullivan Street Bakery in New York City. Jim has created a way for home cooks (and not even ones who are serious bakers) to nearly duplicate an artisan bakery loaf, with a crackling crust, open-holed crumb, light texture, and fantastic flavor. All without kneading, fancy ingredients, or special equipment. A wet dough and slow fermentation are the keys to success, as is the baking method—a heated covered pot, which creates essentially an oven within an oven to trap steam as the bread bakes. This is the original, simplest version, though many people have tinkered with the formula since it was first published in 2006. I’m not kidding when I say the results will blow your mind. The only thing required is forethought. Ideally, you will start the dough about 24 hours before you plan to eat it; you can cut that to 12 and even 9 (see the variation), but you’ll be sacrificing some of the yeasty flavor and open crumb.</div>
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4 cups all-purpose or bread flour, plus flour for dusting</div>
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Scant 1/2teaspoon instant yeast</div>
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2 teaspoons salt</div>
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2 cups water at about 70°F</div>
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)</div>
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Cornmeal, semolina, or wheat bran as needed</div>
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1. Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the water and stir until blended; you’ll have a shaggy, sticky dough (add a little more water if it seems</div>
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dry). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or put the olive oil in a second large bowl, transfer the dough to that, turn to coat with oil, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for about 18 hours at about 70°F. The dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Rising time will be shorter at warmer temperatures, a bit longer if your kitchen is 60–65°F.</div>
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2. Lightly flour a work surface, remove the dough, and fold once or twice; it will be soft but, once sprinkled with flour, not terribly sticky. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for about 15 minutes.</div>
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3. Using just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking, gently and quickly shape the dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton (not terry cloth) towel with</div>
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cornmeal or wheat bran (or use a silicone baking mat); put the dough seam side down on the towel and dust with more flour or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel (or plastic wrap) and let rise for about 2 hours. When it’s ready, the dough will be more than doubled in size and won’t spring back readily when poked with your finger.</div>
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4. At least a half hour before the dough is ready, heat the oven to 450°F. Put a 3- to 4-quart covered pot (with the cover)—it may be cast-iron, enamel, Pyrex, or ceramic—in the oven as it heats. When the dough is ready, carefully remove the pot from the oven and turn the dough over into the pot, seam side up. (Slide your hand under the towel and just turn the dough over into the pot; it’s messy, and it probably won’t fall in artfully, but it will straighten out as it bakes.) Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the loaf is beautifully browned. (If at any point the dough starts to smell scorched, lower the heat a bit.) Remove the bread with a spatula or tongs and cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.</div>
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<strong>No-Work Bread, Sped Up</strong>. Reduce the initial rise to 8 hours; skip the 15-minute resting period and just shape the dough as in Step 3. Proceed immediately to Step 4.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-23247462635659869282013-09-10T13:07:00.001-07:002013-09-16T10:12:06.587-07:00Homemade Carmel Corn- Jill Curry<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pop your popcorn</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Carmel Corn</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In a sauce pan melt 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup karo, 1cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Boil for 4 min stirring continually. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir and pour over popcorn. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Jill curry</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-87103223400787849362013-09-10T13:04:00.002-07:002013-09-16T10:11:52.909-07:00Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup- Joani Parrish<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ingredients:<br />2 boneless skinless chicken breasts<br />2 carrots chopped<br />2 celery chopped<br />1 onion<br />1 1/2 cup frozen green beans<br />1 cup frozen corn<br />2 cloves of garlic<br />2 cups of cooked wild rice or 1 cup uncooked<br />4 cups chicken broth<br />3 cups milk<br />Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste<br /><br />Directions:<br /> 1. Sauté celery, carrots, onions, green beans, corn, garlic, and seasonings, in evoo until softened.<br /> 2. Cover with chicken broth and boil chicken and veggies.<br /> 3. When chicken is cooked through remove and cube or shred.<br /> 4. Add rice, milk and cook on low til rice is done and sauce has thickened. Do not let milk boil. You can also add a little flour to help it thicken.<br /><br />~I like to serve with warm homemade biscuits or in bread bowls. I hope you enjoy!</span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-12916170348319232672013-09-06T10:47:00.001-07:002013-09-16T19:37:04.907-07:00Fun Fall Giveaway!<span style="color: red;">*GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! DRAWING TOMORROW!</span><br />
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Who doesn't love a giveaway?! In celebration of this beautiful fall season that's upon us and the start of our new year at Real Moms, I have something special to give away! Is this ceramic owl candle holder not adorable? And how bout some Harvest spice tea lights to go inside him? And what's fall without your favorite hot drink on a crisp morning? This mug is large, just the way I like it:).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtbJYbTDSPTd8E36irUyhrPMNsFptvnDNUB5DOGlQfiRQS9AYA0IaMJxzfkAbID_i5BAVJt3wVIkXhRVdY-L0sEBrKek2WnhYac4tr_c3td1x8jrTM4ToQ4dQeNSQyXiXRoMzkKyJeaiI/s1600/edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtbJYbTDSPTd8E36irUyhrPMNsFptvnDNUB5DOGlQfiRQS9AYA0IaMJxzfkAbID_i5BAVJt3wVIkXhRVdY-L0sEBrKek2WnhYac4tr_c3td1x8jrTM4ToQ4dQeNSQyXiXRoMzkKyJeaiI/s320/edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How to enter:<br />
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1. Leave a comment on this post telling us what you love about fall and where you plan to put this owl should you win. This will get you one entry.<br />
<br />
2. For three extra entries, simply submit something for the blog. (Recipe, craft idea, a verse or verses that have spoken to you lately, what God is teaching you.) Email them to me at: <a href="mailto:sarah.longoria4@gmail.com">sarah.longoria4@gmail.com</a><br />
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*The giveaway will close on 9/16/13 night at 8pm (The night before our next Real Moms meeting). The giveaway drawing will happen at our next meeting on Sept. 17th.<br />
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Happy fall! May you find, in this season of coziness, a renewed desire to draw near to your Savior and His Word.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-77982888812134137552013-09-03T09:52:00.000-07:002013-09-06T10:49:24.982-07:00Pastor Pep Talk- Aaron LeDucPastor Aaron both encouraged and challenged us this morning in our calling of motherhood. He first asked us to put the following priorities in the order our culture puts them in for women.<br />
<br />
<u>Cultural Priorities</u><br />
<br />
- College (3)<br />
- Entertainment (2)<br />
- Travel (5)<br />
- Career (4)<br />
- Good looks (1)<br />
- Marriage (6)<br />
- Motherhood (7)<br />
<br />
The numbers I've placed next to each is the priority order our table put them in, again the order is according to popular culture. He pointed out how out of order this cultural order is with God's priorities for us as women, that we are fighting this cultural order on hostel ground. He shared how comedian Jim Gaffigan talks about the way culture makes fun of or feels sorry for large families. Add to this against-the-current battle we face the fact that motherhood is exhausting! He jokingly gave this quote in regards to the exhaustion of motherhood:<br />
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"Imagine you're drowning and someone throws you a baby".<br />
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All joking aside, he then encouraged us that the deep rest we are looking for can only be found in Jesus, not in the things the world promises. He will give us deep rest when we abide in Him, but He also calls us to hard work in a hostel world.<br />
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In Genesis 3:15 we see the first hope of the Gospel in God's promise that the Savior will come through Eve's lineage. In other words, children have to happen to lead to Jesus. God could have chosen any way to put on flesh, but He chose to come through a mother, Mary. Motherhood is a calling, the key mechanism God uses to save lost sinners.<br />
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He reminded us that motherhood is not about you, it's about the glory of God! It's a call to full time ministry, laying your life down for His use and Glory.<br />
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<u>Application Points</u><br />
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1. <strong>Lay down your life for the Gospel to your children.</strong> Preach to them with your life. You are always representing the Gospel to your children, the question you have to ask yourself is how well are you doing?<br />
- Are you resentful in your role? Your kids know where they stand with you and how you feel about them without words.<br />
- Do you love your kids the way Christ loves you? You may be able to fake it in front of others, but how do you love them behind closed doors?<br />
* <em>They know if you value their lives above your own. The call on EVERY Christian is to come and die.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
2. <strong>Know the Word. </strong>Proverbs 22:16 talks about folly being bound up in the heart of a child. God's Word, He Himself has the power to penetrate hearts and save. It requires repeated diligence to point our children towards fear of the Lord. When we abide in the Word, it overflows.<br />
- Live life with your little "cyclones" and disciple them always by knowing the Word.<br />
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3. <strong>Trust Jesus. </strong>It's a daily act of faith, we often don't get to see results, but trust Jesus, it's His work through you! Believe His promises. Aaron shared how Isaiah had a similar challenge as he looked at the ministry He'd been given. <br />
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<strong>Isaiah 49:4</strong>- <em>"But I said, “I have <b>labored</b> <b>in</b> <b>vain</b>; I have spent my strength for nothing at all. Yet what is due me is <b>in</b> the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>’s hand, and my reward is with my God.”</em><br />
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It was such a joy to hear from the Lord through Aaron this morning. We hope to see you all on September 17th!<br />
<em></em><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-44401319535603824262013-09-01T09:33:00.002-07:002013-09-01T09:33:49.986-07:00Mom Minute- Lessons From my Dad- Joani Parrish<div style="text-align: center;">
Lessons from my Dad</div>
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I'm not sure if many of you know, but my dad passed away last year. During this time<br />
I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what skills and lessons in life he taught me. My<br />
dad’s favorite quote, one I heard him say almost every single day of my life, was "You<br />
accept me for the pain in the butt I am and I will accept you for the pain in the butt you<br />
are." (I'm using nicer language, because my Dad was a Marine for 40 years and his<br />
choice of words would not be socially acceptable for a REAL Moms blog post.) My Dad<br />
said this to me for 26 years. Every time I was exasperated with him, when his friends<br />
were giving him a hard time, even to the grocery store clerk checking out his bags (My<br />
Dad could be a pain in the butt). I heard him say this ALL the time. I also watched him<br />
live this way.<br />
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Shortly after he died a friend asked me, "What is the main thing you will miss about<br />
him?" I'm not sure if I could articulate very well at that point because I was so overcome<br />
with absolutely everything I was going to miss about him, but now if you asked me I<br />
would say it was: his unconditional love and support.<br />
Most recently I missed him when we started foster care. I could hear my Dad<br />
building me up and encouraging me, saying things like "Wow, that's amazing!" or "You<br />
guys are going to be great!" or "Gosh! I wish I had grown up in a home as sweet and<br />
loving as yours." He said things like this ALL the time. He would not say, "Gosh! you<br />
guys are going to need a bigger car" or "Isn't this going to be really hard on your<br />
biological children?" I missed him. I missed him a lot.<br />
<br />
He was one of those people who knew how to just be happy for someone and not put<br />
fears or doubts in their mind. If we bought a bigger house he would not say, "Oh are<br />
you sure that it's not too much?" He would say "That's awesome! I can't wait to see it!"<br />
He would truly mean it. It's not that he didn't have any concerns about me, but he never<br />
focused on the areas in my life he was concerned about. I think he realized the world<br />
has enough people to question you, it has enough people to make you feel concerned<br />
about your actions, it has enough people to place fears and worries and doubts in your<br />
mind. He made me feel like I could do anything or be anyone I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
This lesson he taught me has been such a gift in my life. It gave me confidence<br />
when I was a loner in high school, it gave me courage to get married and not fear the<br />
constant stream of divorces that plagues my family. Many of my choices and the<br />
confidence I can put in them are because of his unconditional love and acceptance.<br />
Most importantly, it has greatly affected my view of God. Rather than thinking of God as<br />
someone constantly judging my actions, I hear God as an unconditional lover of my<br />
weary broken soul. He was the kind of person I want to be, the kind of friend, wife, and<br />
mother I want to be, and with the grace of God I hope to see him someday and thank<br />
him.<br />
<br />
~JoaniUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-52193705296278652392013-08-21T16:27:00.001-07:002013-08-21T16:27:47.521-07:00Mom Minute- Danielle<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I don’t have to be Super Mom<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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As I’ve been thinking through what God has been teaching me
lately, the phrase ‘I don’t have to be Super Mom’ keeps coming to my mind. I
don’t know about the rest of you, but the transition to motherhood has brought
with it a lot of humility for me. God has graciously given Lucas and I two
babies born only 14 months apart, and our babies just turned 2 and 1 this
summer! As the last few months have provided more time to breathe, I’ve had time
to reflect on God’s faithfulness to me this past year, and I wanted to share
briefly about some things I’ve learned.</div>
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Being a mom of young ones has really opened my eyes to how
self-sufficient I try to be! No other season of life has brought such
weariness, confusion, and humility for me (along with a lot of joy!!), but God
has been kind and faithful to show me how desperately I want to run my life.
God has helped me to slowly start to lay down my idols of independence,
control, and comfort, and to see that there really is more joy in a life marked
by dependence and humility!</div>
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I’ve also found myself desperate to try to be a ‘super mom’
in the midst of all the newness of this new season. I feel like I am constantly bombarded with
messages that cause me to feel like a failure if nursing doesn’t go perfectly,
if I feed my kids anything but organic food, if my kids aren’t always dressed
super cute or having perfect attitudes, if my house isn’t perfectly clean, etc
etc. Can anyone else relate to this feeling?? After months of attempting to be
the kind of mom I thought everybody secretly expected of me, I’m finally
understanding the Gospel more and how it relates to motherhood. What’s actually
true of me is that I am terribly sinful and that I will continue to be in this
life. I will never be a perfect mother, and I’ll never live up to all the
expectations I try to place on myself. BUT, I’ve found myself more hopeful than
ever in a God who is <i>constantly </i>redeeming
my life – in all its weakness and sin – and He’s working out His purposes in my
life and in my children’s life for His glory.
And now, there’s also hope for me to be a mom who feeds her babies good
food (or whatever!) because I want to love them and take care of them, and not
because I need to do it to earn Jesus’s favor or to avoid the condemnation of
my peers or myself. So, if anyone is actually reading this <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>, my hope for this fall
season is to find myself delighting in my weakness because I do have a super,
perfect, wonderful, redeeming Savior. </div>
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Also, listed below are a few quotes from Elyse Fitzpatrick
that I have loved lately! Thanks for reading!</div>
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Danielle Yaege</div>
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“Only the Gospel will warm your affections so that you will
long for an opportunity to be near Him, to rest your head on His chest, to feel
the warmth of His nearness, to let Him put His arms around your drooping
shoulders and say, ‘I’m here. You’re mine. Soon these interposing years will
end, and your faith will be sight. Stay here by Me for a while and let me give
you My strength. See how I love you.’” (Comforts from the Cross)</div>
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“…He has promised to use everything in your life for your
good and His glory. This is the kind of watchful, fatherly love He has for you.
He is the perfect parent, and this record of perfection has been transferred to
you, if you have put your trust in Him. Your children’s salvation doesn’t
depend on you any more than your own salvation did. He’s a wonderful Father.
You can rest in His everlasting arms-now.” (Give them Grace)<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-9455337667431213002013-07-30T21:24:00.002-07:002013-07-30T21:30:07.122-07:00You Will Blink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm sure you've heard it said that you will blink and your babies will be heading off to college. I know I've heard it a bunch and if I'm honest, there have been a few weary days when the saying makes me do rapid blinks in joke! But friends, as my first baby turned nine a couple of weeks ago, the saying started to really sink in and it's not so funny anymore. This precious little bundle, who kept me up countless nights and prevented many household chores from being accomplished, is now this beautiful nine year old who actually helps with chores and sleeps perfectly every night. This once needy baby now has completely different needs and gives me completely unexpected joy through our maturing relationship. I write all this to encourage you in days that seem to drag. The days may seem to drag, but the years really do fly. And even though you might not be able to imagine it now, you may really want to go back in time some day, even if just for a moment to inhale that newborn smell or squeeze that rascally toddler, so ask God to help you find the joy in "now", I know that's my prayer every day. ---Sarah</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-79549750031207263612013-07-24T15:15:00.001-07:002013-07-24T15:15:22.372-07:00Summer HighlightsHere are a few pictures from a couple of our Real Moms summer park dates, submitted by Jenny McElwain. If you have similar pictures from our summer events, please email them to me and I will add them to this post.<br />
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<span id="goog_1423511015"></span><span id="goog_1423511016"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-5525300229103230852013-07-15T15:49:00.000-07:002013-07-15T15:50:22.730-07:00Boredom Buster- Put Them to Work!We all loathe the sentiment our kids spout far too easily during the summer, "I'm bored!" Maybe you've run out of paper for them to cut or new books to capture their attention for more than a minute. Or maybe the cartoons have been on a little too long. Whatever the case, I've discovered something that my two and a half year old loves to do, and I get to teach her something valuable in the process, a win, win! When her older siblings are busy and I just can't be her entertainer, I put her to work... and she loves it. She especially loves the activity pictured here. A bucket of water with a drop or two of dish soap and a squeegee is all you need. I tell her I really need her to clean the house walls, that it would really help mommy and make the house look so nice. She will stay at this activity for an hour if I let her! Another indoor cleaning task she loves is wiping down the table and chairs with a little bucket with soapy water and a small sponge she can easily squeeze out. She also loves to help me unload the dishwasher. Work looks like fun until they think otherwise, so go with it! Happy boredom busting! --- Sarah L.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-70368446132760401252013-06-14T07:53:00.000-07:002013-06-14T07:57:46.152-07:00Free 4x6 Printable Scriptures!A friend of mine shared this website with me, so I thought I'd pass it along. These are adorable 4x6 scripture prints for a girls room. If you use them, please send me a picture of how you display them in your daughter's room so I can share the idea on the blog. A few ideas I had are a collage frame, pinned on a cork board, or hanging on cute clips on a string.<br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.frenchpressmornings.com/p/encouraging-wednesdays.html?m=1">http://www.frenchpressmornings.com/p/encouraging-wednesdays.html?m=1</a></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-70650791944658359002013-05-07T11:16:00.001-07:002013-06-14T07:58:55.463-07:00Summer Passport 2013<br />
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Have a great summer sisters! And we'll see you at our park dates!</div>
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Summer Passport: <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwLw3q-PedD0R0tHMmdSY3V5SFU/edit?usp=sharing" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://docs.google.<wbr></wbr>com/file/d/0BwLw3q-<wbr></wbr>PedD0R0tHMmdSY3V5SFU/edit?usp=<wbr></wbr>sharing</a></div>
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Packet "Stuck Inside": <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-PedD0eWVlelRiMkUzMnc&usp=sharing" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://drive.google.<wbr></wbr>com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-<wbr></wbr>PedD0eWVlelRiMkUzMnc&usp=<wbr></wbr>sharing</a></div>
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Packet "Jungle Days" <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-PedD0WHRrTUc3Nk96b3c&usp=sharing" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://drive.google.<wbr></wbr>com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-<wbr></wbr>PedD0WHRrTUc3Nk96b3c&usp=<wbr></wbr>sharing</a></div>
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Packet "Backyard Campout" <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-PedD0MGpKWUxub09Balk&usp=sharing" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://drive.google.<wbr></wbr>com/folderview?id=0BwLw3q-<wbr></wbr>PedD0MGpKWUxub09Balk&usp=<wbr></wbr>sharing</a></div>
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Love, The Servant Team</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-73159320566798663102013-04-16T15:23:00.001-07:002013-04-16T15:24:35.762-07:00Snow With Sprinkles- By Colleen Reynolds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">The kids spent most of the morning making crafts and coloring, but</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">come mid-morning they were ready for a snack: snow with sprinkles!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Simply scoop some clean snow into a bowl and top with sprinkles. The</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">kids think it is a real treat! We got this idea from Judy Haywood and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">now every time is snows we have to get out the sprinkles. Hope you</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">have a great day!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6937920937364997570.post-70432255266358869552013-04-16T11:27:00.003-07:002013-04-16T11:28:33.252-07:00Bring the Snow Inside!- By Melinda Crenshaw<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For little ones not quite ready to go out in the snow (or moms not up for it), bring the snow inside! Bring a bowl full of snow in the kitchen and let the kids play with bowls, spoons, measuring cups dipping snow.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0