Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts.....

358. The way her eyes crinkle when she smiles.
359. How she loves her daddy.
360. The laughter she shares with her sisters
362. How she fits in our family.

Thankful,

A Sweet Treat

Today I have the sweetest treat to be a guest barista at Internet Cafe Devotions. Awhile back, I took a step of faith and sent them a rework of a post I wrote here called I Need Thee Every Hour. To my surprise, they sweetly accepted and chose today to post it. You can read it by clicking here.

I also wanted to share a Sweet Treat with you. My friend Krystal made a cake last month for my birthday and put this amazing Peanut Butter Frosting on it. I knew from from the first bite that I wanted to share it with you. So this weekend, when you are doing your weekly shopping, pick up a cake mix, make this homemade frosting, and share it with your family and friends. They really will think you are the sweetest thing! (Or sit and eat it directly from the bowl while you are watching the new BBC version of Emma...another sweet thing you will love!)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup cream

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in 1/2 of the confectioner's sugar. Mix in 1/4 cup of the cream. Beat in the remaining confectioners' sugar. If necessary, add a little more cream or milk until the frosting reaches a good spreading consistency. Makes enough to frost one 2 layer 9 inch cake or one 9x13 inch cake.

***Recipe taken from AllRecipe.com

Looking Forward,

Social Graces

In his newly published Bringing Up Girls, Dr. James Dobson writes:

A girl who has been trained properly is never completely

knocked off balance when she is in an unfamiliar circumstance.

She knows what is expected of her and how to deal with it. Her sense of self

worth is reinforced by the way adults react to her charm, poise,

and grace. For the mother who wants to give her daughter a

head start in life and help her compete socially, this is a great place to begin.

I love the thought that if I train them well, my girls will not be knocked of balance when they are in an unfamiliar circumstance. Isn't that a beautiful picture? What a gift to give my girls.

All good training, teaching social graces included, is a daily - (constant) endeavor. It requires direct training, setting a good example and sneaking in good object lessons as well. I am excited about a new book that I found recently that is going to the top of our read aloud books.

What I love about this book is that it uses stories from literature to illustrate manners. Remember, story is a pull strategy? I often say to my 4 year old, "Are you acting like The Beast, or a Beauty?" This instantly gives her a visual and gentle reminder from me to correct her behavior.

What about you? How do you teach social graces to your children? Today, the Homeschool Village is having a blog carnival and you can see how other parents are doing just that!

Looking Forward,

P.S. The MODsquad Blog is coming July 5! I am super excited to be part of this amazing blog for Mother's of Daughters. Follow us on twitter @modsquadmoms or find us on Facebook so you don't miss anything.

Words To Live By

"Almost any of us can be heroic, even daring in the midst of great excitement.
But it takes a much more steadfast faith in our Father to stay true in the
quiet place where He puts us. It is in the daily duties of our little lives where
God asks us to be loyal, steady friends --
people who will perform their part without fanfare, those who can
be trusted implicitly to do their duty."
Lessons From A Sheepdog, page 44

Looking Forward,

P.S. My friend Megan is sewing her way to Relevant 1o! She makes adorable zippy bags like this one I won from Layton Family Joy:

As well as super cute bags to hold business cards and Bible verses! She also is part of the group of women I have the pleasure of launching the MODsquad blog with on July 5! Check out her business at Halfpint House - and order some cute bags today!!!

Chair Time

I was honored this past weekend to guest post for my friend Megan at The Tuckers Take Tennessee. After praying about what I could share, I felt led to continue my story and write about the legacy I want to leave my children. I hope you will join me there, and read about why I need a small group of women in my life. Also, please take the time to say hi to Megan and thank her for inviting me to share my heart! Just click on the button below:

Looking Forward,

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts....

330. Mike loves the Lord and serves Him with His life.
331. He spends time with the girls.
332. He works hard so I can stay home.
333. He supports me as their teacher.
334. He loves being a dad of girls.
335. He listens to countless words.
336. He doesn’t complain about back to back ballet recitals.
337. Saturday morning breakfast dates.
338. The humming song he sings for them.
339. He prays with them.
340. He is Super Daddy!

Thankful,

The Best Of....

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you some of my favorites from around the blog world. The response from you was great! Here are a few more worthy finds...

The Best of Multitude Monday...

Jezamama made it to 1,000 gifts! I love that she calls herself a Gratitude Chaser. Isn't that a great picture of being thankful? Find her post about the finish line here: (best button too!)

Best Devotion on Friendship...

My sweet sister (in Christ) Kathleen texted me this link and with these words "Glad I'm fastened to you..." It made my day! Read this awesome devotion and text your girlfriend!

Best Summer List...

Do you have plans this summer? I found this idea for a Summer List from Kimba at A Soft Place To Land who got it from:

@Whatever
We made ours and it looks like this:

And look! There is room at the bottom to keep adding ideas as we discover them. I think it will help us have a great and purposeful summer.

Have a great Friday!

Home School Village

Robyn, Stef, Sue, and Susan started The Homeschool Village with a desire to provide a place of connection and encouragement for homeschool moms. Each week, they have a link up party at Layton Family Joy, focusing on a new topic of discussion that is applicable to the homeschooling mom. During the rest of the week, they share encouragements (and Starbucks) through their facebook page and tweets! If you are a homeschooler, I know that you will be glad to hang out at the Village! This weeks link up party is to share a favorite book you have found in your homeschooling journey.

I have been homeschooling for almost 6 years. Yes, that sounds like an eternity to me, too. But really, it has flown by. For me, it is not so much about teaching my girls. It is about being with them and discipling them. I do teach math, language, history, science and the like, but our focus is doing life together. I have never been one to read a lot of "how to books" on the subject of homeschooling. So the book I am going to share with you is really a heart book. My pick is:

The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson:

One of my favorite parts of the book is when she describes the ministry of Christ:

"The night before Jesus was to be crucified, his heart and mind must have been filled with weariness and exhaustion at the thought of what he would soon endure...But instead of just telling them (the disciples) what to do, harshly commanding their allegiance with orders and threats or guilt and manipulative statements, he chose to tie the cords of his heart to theirs with the strong and unbreakable bond of a loving, serving relationship. Jesus spent his last night on earth with his disciples in service to them." Pages 34,35 (excerpts)

When I first read these words I thought, "Jesus understands me. The disciples really were like little children. My mothering is a ministry." I can't tell you what a difference this has made in my life as a mom who also happens to homeschool. Every day I have a choice to tie the cords of my heart to theirs. Some days I do better at this than others. But it is always my goal. I pray that they remember, not just the lessons at the table, but the relationships we built around it.

Looking Forward,



P.S. Sally has a beautiful blog called I Take Joy that you really should visit! I know her words will encourage you!

Words To Live By

"Good parenting almost always requires sacrifice.
Childhood lasts only for a brief moment,
but should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes."

Bringing Up Girls
Dr. James Dobson

Looking Forward,

Raising Kids In Faith

Tonight I am taking part in Gather Inspirit TV hosted by Mingle TV. We will be discussing raising kids in faith. Other guests will include Abby from Tommy Nelson Publishers, Brooke and Erin from The M.O.B. Society (Mothers of Boys) and other moms from the MODsquad (mothers of daughters). If you have time between 7PM - 8PM Eastern Standard, check it out!

Click here to find Mingle TV:

Please pray for me as I share my heart for raising my girls in the faith!

Looking Forward,

Chair Time

Unwrapping Joy.....

As I mentioned last week, I have been studying the Fruit of The Spirit this summer. While focusing on Joy recently, God gave me the chance to worship with the lovely Kari Jobe. She was visiting our church and during the service she spoke about "putting on the garment of praise." It is taken from this verse in Isaiah:

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
(Verse 61:3 , New International Version)

The thing that hit me so hard as I reflected on this, was that we have to be willing put on the garment of praise. Some days, I don't feel like it. I'd rather wear despair. Some days, it is a spiritual discipline to put it on. But as I do, His joy covers me. And according to these verses I then have the chance to be called an oak of righteousness, lovingly planted by the Master Gardner. I become a display of His splendor. From ashes, despair, and weeping to gladness, praise and splendor! Now that is a transformation!

Lord, it is my prayer that I will actively seek to put on the garment of praise every day. Even on days when despair feels more comfortable - that by faith I will put on joy. I will put on praise. And I will be transformed into a glorious display of your handiwork for all to see.


Joyfully,

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts

Being Mommy...

#299 Ice cream makes me the best mommy in the world
#300 Being the one they want when they are sick
#301 The chance to teach them about faith, family, heart and home
#302 Reading before bed.
#303 Forgiveness
#304 Dreaming big dreams with them and for them.
#305 A hand to always hold
#312 Hearing the praise of others upon them.
#313 Getting a front row seat to it all.

Thankful,

June To Do List

I'm sharing my June To Do List with you in order to keep myself accountable to actually do what is on the list. I always feel better when I can write it down and see it. Somehow, it feels like an accomplishment by just putting it on paper!

These things are just few of the things that I'm aiming to do this month. They range from getting Scripture more visible in my home to being purposeful to build relationships with each of my girls. I also am hoping to get some time out of the house alone during the week to just be quiet, write and think. And, I am looking around my very neglected home to see what projects need to be accomplished first in the downstairs area and then July I will move to the upstairs.

What about you? What is on your June To Do List?

Have a great weekend,

The Porch

The first time I met Tiffany, was in a moment of desperation. My husband was away on a business trip for about 14 days, and I was home alone with 3 small children. A mutual friend 'gifted' me an afternoon alone by loaning me her babysitting services. She has been caring for my girls ever since. I am so glad she is hanging out on the Porch with us today. I think you will love her sweet story of being in His presence.


in His presence

i love babysitting. seriously, there is nothing better than watching someone's kids and getting to leave at the end of the night and get a full nights sleep. i mean, i want to be a mom someday, but babysitting is really as good as it gets! its like the best of both worlds!

i love when i get to a house and the kid(s) have one thing that they love to do with me. at one house, its painting fingernails for 3 bright eyed energetic girls. at another house, its watching Tinkerbell the movie with another little girl that dreams of being Ariel one day. this is the same girl that thinks her daddy is prince charming!

God doesn't babysit me, although i think sometimes my behavior warrants babysitting, but that is besides the point. but there are things i LOVE to do with Him. i love to rest in His presence. i know that sounds so general, but have you ever been there? have you ever been so fully wrapped in Him that you get goosebumps?

it happened on my way home today. i was singing How Deep The Father's Love For Us (sung by Nichole Nordeman) in my car and felt it. the goosebumps traveled all the way from my ankles to my head. you know, that kind that overwhelms you? it came at this part:

it was my sin that held Him there
until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
i know that it is finished

sometimes i cannot even imagine how or why He loves me the way He does. i don't think i am supposed to.

like i said, i love babysitting, and the fact that the kids love doing one special thing with Miss Tiffany. but what the kids don't know, is that as much as they love doing that with me, i love just being with them. i like to think God thinks that too. in fact, i know He does.

Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Thanks Tiffany for sharing your heart with us today! And thank you for loving my girls, showing them how to serve the Lord with your whole life . I believe that God is using you as one of the 1 Million Arrows that is striking a blow in the darkness!

Looking Forward,

You can visit Tiffany's personal blog by clicking here. And by the way, my girls are the ones who love the finger nail painting!

Words To Live By

Lilian has drawn more comfort and profit from one verse--nay, from three words in the Bible than I have drawn from the whole book," reflected Kate. "I have but read the Scriptures,--she has searched them. I have been like one floating carelessly over the surface of waters under which lie pearls; Lillian has dived deep and made the treasure her own."

Two Ways of Reading The Bible

from

The King's Daughter And Other Stories for Girls

page 46

J.E. White

Are you floating carelessly over the surface or are you diving deep?

Looking Forward,

Chair Time

love.

joy.

peace.

patience

kindness.

goodness.

faithfulness.

gentleness.

self control.

Does this list feel like a cold drink on a warm day, or does it send chills up your spine because you don't recognize any of them in your life? I have leaned towards the latter lately. So, I thought it would be good for all of us at our house (and by that I mean myself) to have a reminder of what the Spirit controlled life looks like (hint: see above list from Galatians 5:22,23). I am spending time each week focusing on a different quality and then the following week sharing it with my girls. 2 weeks for mom, 1 week for them. This is by design. Hopefully they will see it in me before I teach it to them.

In the New Living Translation version of the Bible it says, " But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us....." He produces the fruit. My job is to give Him control to do it. When I try to produce this kind of fruit myself, I end up with one big mess.

The best picture I have of this was from a Bible teacher I heard in college named Jim Sylvester. He said that when we are not spirit controlled the fruit we produce is like a moldy, rotten, smelly peach. No one wants that. But when I let the Spirit produce His fruit in and through me, it is like a crisp red ripe apple that makes a glorious crunch when you bite it. And the juice runs down your chin. It is so good. You want more. More importantly, others want what you have.

So I have to ask myself this question: Does anyone around me want what I have? Am I allowing His fruit to be produced though me in such a way that it is recognizable as His produce? More importantly, what will my family say?

On second thought...maybe 2 weeks is not enough for mommy.

So far to go,

Multitude Monday

Counting 1,000 Gifts

#281 - #294
Weekend Joys

Friday night pizza
Movie with Mike
Saturday AM breakfast with Daddy
Time to write
Flowers for my porch.
Family dinner.
Sabbath rest.
Worshiping with Kari Jobe.
A Word from God.
Pedicure.
Time with my girls.
A nap.
Dishes in the sink means I'm doing other more important things.
Simple reminders.

Thankful,

The Best Of...

Happy Friday! Here are a few things I found this week to be The Best of....

The Best Art Project:

I found a super easy painting activity at my favorite art blog! My girls loved painting these "Monet Water Lilies" using oil pastels (crayons would also work) and water colors

The Best Blog for Mom's of Boys:

An amazing group of moms that I have come to know and love through the Relevant Conference, have started a new blog for Mother's of Boys. It has an outstanding team of mom bloggers and their passion is reaching the heart of their boys for the Gospel and preparing a generation of men to love the Lord.

The Best Teaching:

While visiting the Good Morning Girls Blog, I saw this video of Beth Moore teaching on Glory Through Suffering. If you have a couple of minutes it will profoundly move you!

The Best Heart Post:

I love Teri Lynne's post on Being a Child First! It truly blessed my heart this week.

The Best Story:

Kristen shares this great story entitled, What To Do When Your Pants Rip. Read it, enough said.

The Best On Summer Nesting:

My favorite Nester is telling you how to Summerize Your Home. Oh how I love her and her dwelling place!

The Best Link Up Party:

I love Seeds of Faith and their Wednesday ifellowship. You will meet some great Christian Women Bloggers here!

This week, my friend Stef at Layton Family Joy also started another blog link up for home school moms called Homeschool Village. This was also fabulous!

I hope you have The Best Weekend,