50 Shades of Red!!!

After hearing the title, I'll be honest "Fifty Shades of Grey" sounded like a decorating book! I thought, " Awesome! Gray is my favorite!" But, to my disappointment, after doing a lot of research, guess what...it's anything but decorating!

With the release of 'Fifty Shades' and 'Magic Mike' my heart has been deeply saddened by the state of our christian woman.  If our 'Men of God' ( as we claim to be 'woman of God') where reading something like 'FS' we would be quick to call alarm and slap 'Porn- O' on it, and if they where to attend a movie like 'MM' ( only for MEN about WOMAN)  we would throw a fit and tell them they where filling their minds with filth.

But, then...why is it ok for us ladies to indulge?

Truth is...it's not.

Now, what I'm about to write comes with a ( few!) warnings! I write this to  woman of the Church, who claim Christ as their savior. To any one else, they do not know better, but a Christian woman who has shielded her heart with the bible, studies its words and holds close Christ virtues, DOES know better. I'm not trying to step on toes and I do this in love, to refocus us, and am NOT pointing fingers at anyone

I've been thinking about this blog for awhile with the release of these two particular media drenched, over publicized, WAY over hyped 'entertainment' pieces.
And it really hit me as I was reading my bible one night and came across this verse,
( For the easily convicted...TURN AWAY!)

2 Timothy 3:1
" But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents ( Must be the last days at my house!). ungrateful ( Yep!!!) , unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness, but denying it's power. Have nothing to do with them. ( Here comes the STINGER!) They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak willed woman ( oUcH! I'm hardly what I'd call 'Strong!') , who are loaded down by sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. ( Double OuCh!)

What are we gaining by watching MM or reading FS? Does it grow you spiritually? Did it help you to be a light to the lost? Did it further your testimony? Did it give you patience and encouragement doses that brought you through another day? Did it bring you closer to your creator?

Over and OVER AND OVER again in the bible, it talks about restraining from sexual impurities.

1Thes 4: 3 "..you should avoid sexual immorality".
Eph 5:3 "...But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of  
                impurity.."
Galatians 5: 19 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: Sexual immorality...impurity...orgies...( I forgot to tell you this verse was RATED! Hehe!) .."

There are two many verses to sight. Yet, I hear the argument from woman, ' I don't get turned on by watching Magic Mike." Really? You went for the great acting and the amazing story line? ( sarcasm!)

Or.." Fifty Shades is just a book, fiction...there's nothing wrong with reading it."

Hmmm... There are a lot of other fiction books out that I am pretty sure would be more
safe to read than this one. Chose carefully. Infact the bible ( Which isn't even fiction! )
say's in Hebrews 4: 12 That Gods word is ALIVE and ACTIVE. Sharper than a two edged SWORD and penetrates to even dividing the soul and the spirit! WOWZA! Thats a book I wanna read! Something ALIVE! Not something that's going to make me blush 50 shades of RED!

Some have even claimed that FS is riddled with pedophilia. I haven't read the book. Just reviews and blogs and commentaries on it, so I couldn't claim that, but here is an interesting link to an article that might make you think twice before you decide its 'O.K.'

www.theulstermanreport/fiftyshadesofgrey.com

I'm not your Holy Spirit. Just a sister in Christ who wants you to know you where made for more than this ( smut! ) and your heart is the wellspring of life. What life is it giving out, if it's giving out the darkness the Bible warns us about?

Here's a CLUE if it's not heart worthy:

Phil 4: 8 " Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."

Colossians 3: 1 "...Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Lead the next generation of Christian woman by being the example, who PUTS OFF the worlds desires and lust and PUTS on all things excellent and praiseworthy!

Love ya sisters!

SInner? Guilty AS charged!

Recently I have caught a little slack from some friends about an event I planned. I won't go into details. For the most part I understand where they are coming from and I appreciate the accountability, but then there are those who have been bible thumping me in the head till I can't see all the fallen angels spinning around it clearly! I have prayed, prayed and prayed about this & I can't shake the feeling that God is awesome and will finish the good things he starts in us.

Tonight when I was reading with our girls before bed, we read the story of Zacchaeus. And let me tell, God spoke volumes to this heart!

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, you can read it in Luke 19:1-10. I'll try to break it down for ya!

Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector. Not a popular gig and the way he went about it, made him the little bitty bully no one liked! Being that he was the Chief tax collector, he was wealthy...taking money and keepin' some. Maybe some extra than he ought.

Zacch heard Jesus was coming through Jericho, and he wanted to see Jesus. But since he was too short to see over the crowd, he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore fig tree. 

When Jesus came to the tree, he looked up and said, " Zacchaeus, come down from that tree, for I must stay at your house today!" ZAcch was SO happy, he welcomed Jesus gladly! But...this is where we come in ( christians)...

Everyone following Jesus seen this and they started to mutter and say, " He is gone to be the guest of a sinner!" 

OH! The humanity! A...a...sinner?!! Well, thank heavens I can read this and know I am NOT a sinner and I am PERFECT! ( *insert sarcasm*) Dirty little Zacchaeus! What with all his sins! Jesus could have went to any of those perfect, wonderful, apple pie in the oven, macaroni casserole on the table, button up - turtle neck, bible totin' christians houses! But to chose a sinner! Come on, Jesus! Really?!?

Yes. Really.

There are so many amazing things in just these TEN verses, I can't even write a short blog! SO bear with me!

Zacch was a sinner...and believe it or not, no matter how hard you try and 'pretend' to be flawless...you too are a sinner ( hopefully saved by grace!).

Zacch, not knowing Jesus, was EAGER to see him. He ran ahead and climbed a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus Christ. Love.

And in walks our savior. He lovingly chose a sinner. Not just Zacch, but all of us. He longs to come into our hearts and homes and be a guest. Not for us to be perfect, but for us to be eager to see him and gladly welcome him in.

Jesus didn't just sit in the temple, doors locked, in his weekly bible study, worrying about the next church activity, or what color to paint the walls. Jesus went out. He walked among us. Yes...sinners. He didn't shy away from those he died to save. He walked with them, showing love and teaching about his Father. He did so in a way that even a ruthless man, like Zacch would seek him out.

Who's seeking you out?
Have you been Jesus in how you love others?
Have you popped your christian bubble and stepped out into the world to be that love to someone? The love that could lead them to Jesus?
Or are we too afraid to get 'sinner' on us?

After Zacch heard what everyone was saying about Jesus going to a sinners house, he proclaimed he would give half his possessions to the poor and if he cheated anyone, he would give back FOUR TIMES the amount he took!!

Zacch was so thrilled and fired up about the thought of Jesus coming to his house, he stopped doing evil and made right what he had done wrong!

I love that passion! How many times does Jesus knock at our doors heart and we say, " Not now Lord...I'm in the middle of a good sin right now!" 

Zacch was an example. He stopped immediatley and turned from that which was wrong. I LOVE THIS GUY! 

Jesus reached out to his heart and Zacch saw that. Jesus didn't slam the door in his face and mock him with the word 'sinner'. Jesus asked to be his guest!

Am I being Jesus? Am I staying away from people that just want to be invited in? Am I getting out of my box labeled " Sunday School Only" and going to where the people are? Am I being Jesus to someone who would do anything just to know God is head over heels - madly in love with them?

Simple fact ( I made up!) : Probably about 98 % of the lost will not walk into your church, come up to you and say, " Hey! How do I have a relationship with Jesus?" 

That's why you have to be Jesus to all the Zacchs.

I'm Leaving My Husband & Children...

WHAT?!?!

You heard me! That's right! Don't TRY to talk me out of it! I'm outta here...
Ever have one of those nights?...days....hour! Haha! 

By leaving...I mean, leaving to just get the heck outta dodge for a run, walk, shopping spree ( with all the coins you dug out of the washer for the last two years and any un-expired coupons!)

I have heard more than ONE gasp, when I freely share with other mothers that I leave once in awhile! The look of stunned emotions, and sheer disbelief  that I would leave my children, fruit of my womb, bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh and go OUT and DO something! 

Sometimes it sounds like this, " YIPPEE!" or the squealing of the tires and stray cats dodging for cover as I nearly miss them with my Bridgestones going full speed down the road. Or it can sound like sobbing children, begging me to stay because, they LOVE me so much. Either way, it sounds like, FREEDOM to me. Yep, I said it. Don't judge me. You know if you had a chance and could shake the 'mom guilt' feeling that sweeps over you like a Nebraskan wind on an open plane, you would do it too. 

If you are a 'Stay at Home ' mother and have literally taken that title to the extreme measure that your children will immediately die of starvation if you even walk to the mailboxes, let me encourage you...THEY WON'T! And you will be better for getting out.

And if you're really lucky...take that man you married ( you remember him, right? The guy who helped make Junior and Sally...) out on a date. Shave your legs ( FOR GOSH SAKES!) put down the seats in the minivan and hang a little sign on the door..." If the Vans a rockin', don't come a knockin'..."

Enjoy a night out once in awhile :) It truly makes you a better mom, gives you that extra splash of patience and you really, truly do remember that you miss that little crusty- boogered face, with dirt smears and ketchup in the corner of his mouth baby, that you thought surely would never survive for ten minutes without you.

Over the next few blogs, I want to dig into Proverbs 31 and really see what God's word is calling us to do as woman who follow and serve him. I'll be doing this in chunks. So, follow along as I too, learn more about what God created us to be as moms, wives, sisters, daughters and HIS creation!  

DISCLAIMER:
*No children where hurt in the making of this blog. Children and their parents are encourage to have many family fun nights together and Parents are encouraged to love them whole heartidley.If you leave for the evening and your child suddenly becomes sick and throws up, please do your babysitter a favor and return home. If you expierence any weakness and abdominal pain upon leaving the house and dining out, please do not try the Chinease place again. If these symptons persist it is likely you will not get 'lucky' on date night and therefore you may want to seek an additional date night, for the following week.  Please consult someone fun, before going out so you can be assured you have a great night. If your fun last more than 4 hours, pay the sitter extra.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Now here's your complimentary stretch marks, saggy boobs and 'Wide load rear end'!

Mother's day is upon us!

I think us mother's should be kept in a category quite close to Jesus Christ himself. We are selfless, sacrificial and our body has been crucified ( i.e. post pregnancy). We are spit on, sneezed on, puked on and peed on. We are not found humorous, when we do our goofy dances, but found hilarious when trip with arms full of grocery bags and spill them across the drive way. We are car pools, and fishing turds- out- of- the kiddie pool moms. We are wearing our shirts backwards sometimes, because we have so many little people to get ready, we forget to get ourselves ready. We are showing up late moms, because newborn decided to test ( and win) the 'Leakguard protection' GUARANTEE on the package of diapers we bought. We are hiding while we eat a piece ( or in my case...BAG) of chocolate, from our tiny chocolate radar detecting munchkins, just so we don't have to share with 4 - 5 other chirping mouths! We are moms, who once where against it, would do anything to be able to afford a boob job! Because honey, this MOM  would love a bra that lifts and separates, NOT sorts and fold!

We are moms, we rock! 

Oh, yes. We do.

So, here's to all the moms that have rocked my 'Mommy - world' just by being in it! Have a great mother's Day and remember, you inspire, create, love and encourage all of us to be better!

Here's to the mom who cleans up blueberry puke on white carpet at 1 a.m.-Heidi Z.

Here's to all the working moms, that work all day, come home and still find time to love and cherish their kids, make dinner and maybe sweet lovin' to their husbands!
-Kary J. Jenny O. Katie D.Kim S. Ali S. Kaylie S. Heather Z. Heidi Zi. Elisabeth D.Nicole M.Teri T. Shannon G.Tanya B.Karie G.

Here's to the moms who crack me up and keep my light hearted! - Lisa R. Lovie B. Ann R. Rochelle V. Melissa H. Diana N.Mary A. Jenny E

Here's to the mom, who someday, if her house isn't flooded first, and the ceilings DON'T cave in from water damage, will have a plumber son, who will get paid good money to play with toilets!- Tara C.

Here's to the mom who's adorable, blond headed boy, threw  a smoothie in my house, and she stayed so calm and cool as her and her hubby cleaned a purple mix of fruity goodness off my walls, and continues to grow in patience and kindness as a mom - Lindsey Z.

Here's to all the moms, that thought 'outside of the box' and went beyond their families and children to bring love to orphans, and care for them and raise them with the same love that our father in heaven loves us with! - Sarah M. Christine N. Jodi M. Michelle W. Brandi G.Stephanie S. Steph Z.


Here's to the moms, who encourage me to eat more chocolate and take it easy when life gets too tough! - Trina T. Jessica T.


Here's to the (almost new moms) or just became new mommies! I love watching you bloom into this beautiful creation, called 'Momma' - Abigale M. Savanna D. Valerie R. Sarah K. Jennifer B. Charity B. Fritzi M. Stephanie C. Ashley K. Anne N.


Here's to the moms, that have brought a step child under their wings and guidance and treated them no less, than a perfect match and fit in that family - Joni G. Jodie H.


Here's to the mom, who sold all her baby stuff, swore there would be NO more and found out she was 3 months pregnant with number 4! Addy has been the biggest blessing to her momma's heart and changed that family only for the better! Lisa G.

Here's to all the homeschooling moms, who put their heart into all they do, even when it's tough and the world is throwing stones, you stick to your beliefs and the love of your kids, and do what so many of us couldn't! Deni Y. Gretchen I.Heather H.Gina C. Kara L. Rebeckah K. Becky R. Janyl A.Ruth J. Heidi Z.April T. Tricia S. 

Here's to all the single moms, who do it all! Wipe butts and take names! Lisa M. Dawn S. Kayla S. Tami S.Ricarda B.


Here's to all the Pastor's wives, that show me that God has called us to more than macaroni, but to train up our children and foster that love for Jesus! Jen B Jen J. Sue A. Rachel L.


Here's to some of the smartest moms I know. They could change a diaper and give you a scientific name for the 'stuff'. I usually can't keep up with you when you talk, but you are some smart ladies and I am too blond! - Rychel W. Gina H.


Here's to the mom, whose kids are grown, but she takes on the grandbaby, because no matter what season of life you are in, love is always blooming! - Marie M.


Here's to a mom, who has more babies in heaven to hold, than here on earth, but continues to touch the hearts of so many because of her losses. - Shelly A.


Here's to the mom, who does it alone, because her husband is serving our country and she supports our freedom, and does not selfishly hold him back, but encourages him and is proud of the man that he is!- Shannon C.


Here's to the moms that could come over, when I'm in my p.j.'s, folding laundry, sink full of dishes and still have morning breath, and they would not judge me, but laugh with me about the pig sty I live in! - Kerry H. Brittany I.

And here's to the moms, who inspire me by the way they love on their babies and are always encouraging me!
Marie M. Melissa F. Kathlyn G. Bekah B. Jenny F. Heather J. Susie W. Jessica H.

I hope I didn't forget anyone...If I did, 'Mommy brain' can be blamed!




Here's to me...a mom... up past bedtime ;) Good night lovely mothers! You done dang good! Happy Mother's Day! I love you !

The Tragedy of a BIG FAMILY...

Growing up, I dreamed of having several children, and a big barn to keep my husband in...( I was 7 , sheesh! Things have changed!) 
I had 'real' babies, and played 'babies' all the time, because if you called my babies, 'dolls', you would get the stone cold silent treatment, followed up with tears and a sassy lecture! Which would end with you apologizing to make things right and never, ever calling my babies, dolls again!

Over the years, I have noticed my 'opinion' on BIG families has changed quite a bit. And although, at times I can't handle the four I have, ( admit it! Even if you have JUST ONE, it can be hard to handle!) the thought of a big family hasn't left my heart.

With five pregnancies and 4 live births in 6 years, my husband and I have started praying about if God would allow us the blessing of another child. If it was His will and not just us wanting another baby.

Our reasons for NOT wanting more, where simple...selfishness;
1. We all ready have our hands full with 4
2. We'll have to get a bigger vehicle.
3. The girls are getting bigger, where we can just up and leave and not be so tied down...
4. Less FREE time with another baby, attached to my boob.
5. Big families seem to get wildly out of control.
6. The messes....hair & clothes! 


I had observed 'Big' families and saw a lot of them that I really admired...and then those that I did not.
I am not a 'Where's my kid? Oh well..." kind of a mother. Who would rather let other people deal with the discipline of my children, because they are running wild and I have NO idea where they are.
Or the 'rolling of the eyes' mother...who gets the 'rolls' when her kids are making such a clatter and being such a disturbance, that everyone is  HOPING you'll decide to get your tubes tied before your next ovulation!


Although, I am sure my 4 have caused the above, I probably just haven't realized it! 


I really , really struggled with this decision...should we or shouldn't we?


I prayed and we prayed and he prayed...nothing. We gave ourselves time limits and basically gave God time limits. And the more we prayed the harder it was to parent the 4 we had. Everything kept coming up! Puking kids, everyone waking up all night, disobedience at it's worst, sassiness, in general, all the bad and none of the good in child rearing!


But, we handled it. Even if I wasn't perfect, even if he wasn't perfect, we still handled it.

And no joke, one day a peace came over me and it was as clear as day, " Yes, we should have more!"


Why? Because there is blessings in our children! The bible Say's so! Doesn't mean they can't cause pain and trials, but the bible promises that they are a blessing!


As my awesome cousin Kerry Horn's Pastor said, " If God gave you a financial blessing, would you say, 'no thanks God.?" Absolutely NOT! You would empty your purse of any tampons, lipsticks, loose change, stamps and expired coupons and say, " MORE PLEASE!!!"


Well, children are MORE of a blessing from God than any amount of money.

And I am pleased to announce, that about a week later, Jared got the same peace from God.


I didn't push it or beg, because I knew if what I was feeling was from God, that he would feel it too. In fact when he told me that he wanted more, I really questioned him and threw out all the 'worst case scenario's!' He did not care. He was ready to receive that blessing that we have had before and continues on with our children now.


Now, this being said, we are NOT pregnant, but we will try. God may have other plans for us, I do not know. I am just letting God know that we are willing to go there again, if he chooses to use us that way.


I hesitate to share this news because I know 'everyone has an opinion' and if you compare us to the Duggars, I will have to hurt you. Please keep your nasty opinions to yourself. What's right for us, may not be what God has called from you. Big families are NOT for everyone and Rude comments are NOT for me!


The 'Tragedy of a Big Family' is mostly the greed that is deep seeded in our hearts, the want for more...more money, more time, more me! I don't judge people for small families, that may be where God has placed that family. But, If you're only reason for having 1.5 kids is because you can't go out an buy a new snowmobile every year and you want to retire at age 50 with a nice condo up north, then I would really, really check what your idea of a blessing is.


Following God and abiding in His word is the best blessing! Listening to the heart of God when he calls to us, is the best blessing! If you have children, they too, are the BEST blessing! 


p.s. I really like the Duggars :)

All the Pretty Little Christians...

Lined up in a row. Wearing our Sunday Best. Smiling. Laughing. Trying to impress...

It has become very apparent to me in today's society and in Christianity alike, ONE thing goes Hand in hand...the popularity contest we are all out to win. Don't step on toes, don't make me uncomfortable and whatever you do, don't scare the 'HELL' out of me...

When we step out of our homes and into our Church, what is the goal?

To make as many friends as possible? To impress Leaders, Pastors and Deacons? To be known as the ' Spiritual one'? Or is our goal to be the ear that listens, the smile that invites the new person in or the heart that beats like Jesus'.

Pew warming is out of style!

I challenge you, Sisters in Christ, to break out of your comfort zone and take your church, town, state...heck! Go BIG! Your WORLD, by storm for Jesus!

I know life gets busy, I know seasons in our life make it perfectly easy to sit back and say, " I can't right now..." but, you CAN! The smallest acts of kindness can bring the lost soul to Jesus, if you are a willing vessel.
Days when you know you'll be stuck home. PRAY! Ask God to send you a single mom who needs a sitter. Make a batch of cookies for a shut in. Email a friend some encouragement. DO SOMETHING with this life God has given you to glorify HIM! No more excuses! He didn't BLESS you with a husband so you could use him as an excuse to stay home and never reach out. He didn't BLESS you with children, so you could use them as an excuse to piddle away your days! He blessed you above and beyond, be a blessing!

God has BIG, HUGE, GIANT things for your life- when are you going to strap on the safety belt, throw your arms up in the air and enjoy the ride?! Now is the time!

" The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."

Reap the harvest! Go out and change your world! Even if it's the small 'world' around you! And next time I see you, I'll be asking, " How have you changed your world, for Jesus today?" 

Don't waste another second twiddling your thumbs and being bored.  God is busy kickin' butt and saving this world from the evil sin that ensnares us. Saddle up, get ready and kick butt, too!

My Kid's have been...(gULp!) ...FRAMED!!!

It's true. I am ONE proud momma of my little 'framed' babies! 
One thing when you have kid's that you will learn is; Paper, paper and more paper! You will get more paper than you knew there where tree's to produce it! 

I really, really love my kid's art work! I am not claiming that they are the next Van Gogh, I would actually compare some to Picasso...it's slightly abstract...but, as a mom, I love watching there different art ( can we call it that?!) styles, but finding a way to display them has been a chore. My mom used to joke that she would display ours, "Nicely behind the couch! Where the sun can't fade it!" Thanks mom, for the good - old fashioned self- esteem booster!

I seen this idea at a friends house and swooped in like a seagull spying on box of spilled fries in an Arby's parking Lot!

Finding random and unique frames in my basement or at garage sales, I popped the backing and the glass off and spray painted the desired color. The glass removal makes it super easy peasy to remove art work when you want to display the latest best seller!

Behold...the 'Hall of Fame' as I would like to call it!
( I have this in our hallway, so I couldn't get a good camera view of the whole thing, but basically randomly placed picture frames and other art/crafts adorn this wall, here's just a few individually)

My kid's LOVE showing off the 'Hall of Fame!' They are as proud as a peacock to show off all their 'cool' art and crafts! I'm pretty proud, too...so, if you come over...HUMOR ME! Haha!

This frame was for sale for 2.50 at a garage sale and after I practically died laughing at the guy and his piece of junk, started to walk away, he changed his tune to .50 cents! 

I would like to add, the TOP picture in that frame is 'Yours Truly' by the talented hand of Halle girl...Aren't I a sexxy beast?! ;)

 Noodles!
You seriously don't want to know how many times my kids asked to eat this!

 
This frame rocks my brains out! Found it at Goodwilliam ( that's long for 'Good Will') and I LOVE the shelf on it! Perfect for displaying dinosaurs (obviously!)

 You may not want an entire hallway to dedicate to your blooming artist, but for real folks, rejoicing over their little awards, ribbons and scribbled pictures makes a teeny heart burst with joy!

p.s. our fridge and dishwasher are also covered! What?! We have super talented kids! Hahahah!