Be a candle-lighter for your family's dark places

Sometimes we feel hopeless, like the old saying "somethings will never change".  Well I was reminded today after reading this, no matter what our "something"is God always has our back.  He is our Hope in every circumstance.  Not only is our Hope but He will give us Peace in the midst of every situation we will ever go through.  So whatever your "something" is give it to Him, lay it down and accept His Hope and Peace in return.  Take a moment to read the link below written by Sally Clarkson, you will be glad you did!

Be a candle-lighter for your family's dark places

The Most Important Work in the World C.S.Lewis

The Most Important Work in the World C.S.Lewis

Homeschooling

      So with much prayer and much time talking with my husband we have decided to "Homeschool" this year.  This has been a long desire as well as my children for many years but just didn't feel it was something I could do.  Thoughts of  can I do this, will I mess them up and then the one everyone complains about... they will be so anti-social and have no communication with other children.  I believe with any desire you first have to pray about it, then wait.  I know with Gods Will anything is possible.  We all have seasons in our lives and we believe for this season it's what is best for our family.  I have really struggled more than anything with the thoughts of...  what will people think, what criticism will I receive to my face and behind my back?  I was then reminded today from my sister.... "What people think of me is none of my business, but what God thinks of me is everything" That was like a breath of fresh air, like a load was lifted off my shoulders.  How true?  I know not everyone is going to agree with my decision and that's ok.  At the end of this life I,  nor will my children have to answer for what other peoples thoughts or opinions of us are.  I am excited and both nervous as we embark on this new journey in our lives.  After Cory graduating I have realize we truly only have them here in our home for a very short time.  It is my desire to pour into them as must as I can while they are here.  Teach them and train them the life skills we feel are important.

  Proverbs 22:6
Train your child in the way he should go: and when he is old,  he will not depart from it.

Grace

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS Be especially diligent to be aware of opportunities that arise to cause you to be insecure or feel powerless.  Any place of unworthiness in you will cause you to vacillate between My acceptance and condemnation.  I have not rejected nor abandoned you.  You are Mine, and I am your place of strength and security, says the Lord.  Yield to My mercy and grace, which is sufficient for any situation.  2 Corinthians 12:9a  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."       I am in the middle of making some education decisions for our family.  I have struggled with "am I good enough" "what will others think"?? As my husband and I were talking last night he reassured me that I am able to do anything I put my mind to. Then this morning I read this devotional and was reminded God will ALWAYS give me strength and grace to do what I need to do.  Especially when I pray and seek HIm first.   His strength is made perfect in my weakness!  So know, no matter what you are facing...He is always there to lead, guide and direct us, all we have to do is just stop and pray and be willing to hear His voice and just admit we can't do it but through Him we can do ANYTHING!!!

Christ Is Enough - Hillsong Live

Baked Bacon

   So I was craving a BLT but did not want to have to deal with the bacon grease mess. I remember someone telling me about "baking bacon".  So I went on Pinterest and looked it up an found the recipe.  It  was so easy, I cannot believe I have never done this before and after today it will be the Only way I make bacon.
                                            Baked Bacon
                                      Preheat oven to 400 degrees
                                      Line a baking sheet that has sides
                                      Arrange bacon
                                      Bake for 15 mins or till desired crispiness 
                                                         

Unplug and Reconnect

    So as I was reading a blog this morning,  It was talking about unplugging.  The Holy Spirit immediately spoke to me and reminding me the times He has asked me to take a day with my family and "unplug".  Our society has become so plugged into so much that we forget to sometimes stop and unplug.  I think we feel the "normal is to be plugged into something, computers, phones, iPods, iPads, video games and the list could literally go on.    
They are now so accessible we can take them with us everywhere we go.  Now please here me when I say I am not against them at all, I think technology has come so far and it is great.  I realize that all these things do help in our world today and can be very fun,  BUT I also feel and I am guilty as charged to spend countless hours a day as well as my children messing on something.  God has been showing me it's not just my family but so many.  I see so many couples out on dates with their phones in their hands and not even paying attention or speaking to each other.  Families on walks together doing the same thing, we as a society are missing out in so much, like communicating with others and listening.  So today I will choose a day of the week where we will "unplug" as a family and communicate and listen to each other.  I feel it will make a difference in our home and our relationships with each other.  I will also make a conscious decision for myself to not be in my own electronic bubble and be more mindful of others when I am out and about,  to pay attention to someone that might need a word of encouragement or even just a smile.    

Memories

   When I look at this picture my heart melts. This is my Momma and my three boys 9 years ago.  WOW where has the time gone?  I wish I could jump in the picture and just squeeze each one of them.  Kaleb was 3 and is now 11, Brendin was 6 and is now 14, Cory was 9 and is now 18.  I think back when some days I would wish they were older, and how today I wish  I could go back to when they were younger.  But it reminds me to live each day to the fullest and enjoy every moment.  Make lots of memories because that is what you will have to remember.  I am so thankful I have been able to be home with them through the years, it hasn't been easy but I sure wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I am so thankful for the moments God showed up and heard my cry,  the times He made a way when there seemed to be no way.  His plan for our lives went forth despite of what others said.  I am so blessed, thankful and proud of the young men they are becoming.

  Lord thank you for your protection & guidance through the years,  I also thank you for always being there even in the times I messed up. When I have choose to take a different path you have always there to guide me back with grace, mercy and love. 

Welcome

  I am so excited to finally have this blog up.  God has laid on my heart for sometime to start blogging again.  I have been praying about what to write about,  God spoke to me and said... write about all the things you love and enjoy. It came right to me... I love sharing my Faith, Family, Fashion and Food. So I hope you will join me as I share with you all the things I love. I pray you fine this a place of encouragement, fun and most of all love! 

Blessings
 Amy