I had an awesome, fun morning,  women’s bible study started at church! I am so ready to get back into routine and study God’s word together.   We are doing the study, Experiencing God, which is said to be the best life changing bible study around.  It was so much fun to be reunited with sisters in Christ.  It is a wonderful celebration and it will be an adventure. 

I am sure your heart is as heavy as mine!  The devastation in Haiti is horrific.  Please, please be on your knees praying for this country.  They need so much help and hope.  I heard today on the radio that witnesses have seen groups of Haitians on hillsides singing hymns…praise Jesus!  In times of economic struggle it is easy to ask how you can help, what can I do?  Pray and ask God to show you how to serve these people.  One way you can is to text “disaster” to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion’s disaster relief program. They will be working directly with the local churches who know where these families live and will be providing immediate relief to them.  You can also click HERE to donate. 

Psalm 46: 1-7
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

Hey out there.  It is snowing and cold here in Ky.  The kids have been off 3 days this week.  Phoebe has had so much fun playing in the snow.  She was making snow angels yesterday.  As I sit here and write, she and Elliott are out there sledding in the backyard. 

So, I just finished a great book and wanted to see what you all were reading or wanted to read.  I really enjoy reading.  I don’t get much time to do it, but it does give me a respite from the daily life.  The book I just finished was “When Women Walk in Faith” by Lysa Terkeurst.  I love to highlight things in books that take me into deep thought or convict me.  This book is so highlighted!  It is great.  It walks you through the 5 steps of walking in faith.  If you have a list going of books to read in 2010, put this one on it.   

So, what’s on your list to read in 2010?  Are you gearing up to dive deep into God’s word with a bible study?  Do you have a favorite author?  When do you find time to read? 

Our women’s bible study is going to be starting “Experiencing God.”  I did this study when I was pregnant with Natalie back in 1999 (which I was on bed rest and while at study had to sit in a lawn chair that reclined)  so I really don’t remember alot about it.  I am eagerly anticipating the adventure Jesus has in store for me during this particular study!  I am sure it will be one not to forget. 

Well, I am off to get something warm to drink and see how the gang is outside.  Bet there will be some kind of snowman or fort built.  We have around 5 inches of snow and it is flurrying.  Oh, how do you like the new look of the blog.  I just love the colors…they are me.  I have been going through this journey of rediscovering who I am, what I like and don’t like.  I recently had the epiphany that I am a people pleaser and would make decisions based on if someone else would like it or not.  Would they think I was weird, judge me or change their view of  me.  Instead of being the person God created me to be I would be like a chameleon with whoever I was with.  This is a topic I would love to dive deeper in future posts.   If you have insight or are reading this thinking that sounds like me, let me know.

I have been ill for the past few days…sinus infection.  I lost my voice and felt terrible.  I am feeling better but the voice comes and goes.  Phoebe had to go and get her flu shot.  Let me sum it up in one word…drama.  I didn’t tell her because I knew she would freak out.  So we were out running some errands prior to the appointment and she asked me if she needed to get her flu shot.  I told her she did, now mind you we were pulling into the doctors building complex, she than asked when.  Without hesitating I said “now”  whew..that did it, she started screaming ‘NO NO NO”  I told her she would be fine, she is a brave girl.  Well, she did fine and received tons of stickers, a pencil and notepad. 

I am doing the Beth Moore Esther study again and having a blast.  I didn’t get a new workbook because I only got to Ch. 6 in the other study group.  It is neat to see how much my answers are different and how many remained the same.  I am doing the answers in red ink for this study so I will know the difference.  I love my small group.  Very feisty bunch of gals.  We are enjoying getting to know one another. 

Natalie’s health is great.  Praise Jesus!!  By this time in years past she has had pneumonia and missed tons of school.  By God’s grace she has been healthy and safe from flu.  We have had some good friends children come down with the H1N1 virus.  Pray that God would bind this virus and wipe it out!!  We know he has the power to do this. 

Let me tell you how much I am enjoying stampin.  I received my supplies from Stampin Up.  I got some paper and ink spots.  The ink spots are the cutest things.  They allow you to have a variety of colors.  I have learned from my stampin mentor to make these adorable boxes.  Okay, stampin has evolved into so much more than from what it was when I was introduced to it back in 2001.  We have found a delightful stampin up demonstrator that is new to the area and going to host workshops.  Can’t wait for the first one.  I just love seeing every one’s creativity.  Plus playing with all the gadgets. 

I am starting to think about Christmas.  I know, I know, it is only October.  I want this Christmas season to be different.  I say that every year but this year I am standing firm.  I truly believe we are in a crucial state on the kingdom calendar.  I want my kids to really understand what Christmas is all about.  I want them to understand what it means to “serve others.”  I want to be simple but powerful about teaching them the true meaning of Christmas.  So, I am calling all friends.  Tell me some of the things you do with your families to make Christmas memorable.  I know for us we put up our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We attend all Christmas activities at our Church.  We are planning on going to the Bethlehem Blessings at the Creation Museum and the Festival of Lights at our local zoo.  We also started last year this fun tradition.  You cut strips of yellow and brown paper.  Find a basket.  Each day leading up to Christmas you allow each of your children to place a strip of “hay” in the crib for Jesus.  Than on Christmas morning the family awakes to a baby laying in the “crib.”  It is a fun way to countdown.  You could even write a memory or prayer on the strips of paper.   I am wanting to invest this year in an Advent wreath and really focus on that.  I think Phoebe is old enough that we can talk about it on her level and she will get it.  So come on, let’s share as we are getting our minds ready for the Christmas season.

I am so excited!  I am going to Beth Moore’s live simulcast tonight and tomorrow.  I have never been to one.  She is in Wisconsin, teaching on Psalm 37.  This is going to be such a thrill.  I love her studies and truly believe she is anointed to teach God’s word.  If you haven’t visited her blog you should.  I will be sure to post pictures.  I am going with some girlfriends of mine who love Jesus and are a bunch of fun.  If you are in the Northern Ky area and want to come visit this site.  

Things here have been busy, getting back into the swing of things with school schedules.  Phoebe loves kindergarten.  I felt so sad watching her get out of the car at morning drop off and seeing her walk into that big school.  She is growing up.  It goes so fast.  Natalie is enjoying being back with her friends.  The notes coming home say that she is having fun and meeting new kids in her class.  That school has been such a blessing to our family.  Everyone is so supportive and encouraging to Natalie. 

I have been dealing with my identity crisis.  You know when you are  used to having little ones at home and then it is just you.  What to do with your time? I have prayed and prayed, coming to the conclusion, that I need to pray.  So I joined a Moms In Touch group.  This is a new journey for me.  I really feel that we as moms have a high calling to pray over our children especially as they are out in the world.  We all know that times have changed since we have been in school.  We need to unite together and make a difference.  Look into Moms In Touch to see if there is a group in your area covering the schools your kids attend.  If you are involved in one I would love to hear how it has impacted your life…give me a reply post. 

Okay back to the Beth Moore simulcast.  I am so excited, can you tell.  If you have attended one I have a few questions for ya.

1.  When did you go?

2.  What did she teach on?

3.  What did you learn and walk away with?

4.  How was Travis Cottrell and the worship?

I look forward to hearing about your adventures!  Have a blessed day!  Be on the lookout for some photos.

How do you like the new look?  Kinda spunky and sheek  huh.  I wanted to have something fun. 

Can you believe that school is gonna start in 4 weeks.  That is crazy.  We have had such a mild summer.  The weather has been great but really odd.   I am nervous for school.  My baby will be in kindergarten.  This brings on a whole new hosts of worry.  She is now in the “school system.”  This is when I take a deep breathe and pray!   I know she will be fine.  Phoebe is outgoing, smart, witty and full of personality.  I know she is ready but I hope they are ready for her! 

I am kind of looking forward to getting back into a routine.  My favorite season is fall.  I love the smell of  pumpkin pie, warm cups of coffee, casseroles, apple tarts, paired with the beauty of God’s paintbrush over the earth.  The rich colors…magnificent.  I also look forward to getting back into bible study.  This semester our church is doing Esther by Beth Moore.  I started this study with another church but didn’t get to finish.  I am excited about it.  Beth Moore studies always move me.  The depth and intensity keeps me wanting more.  I have found that I need to be in a study.  That is my accountability.  I need to be surrounded by other christian women.  I need to sing the praise music.  I need to be covered in prayers and pray for others. 

What study are you doing this fall?  I have been praying about starting a study in my home this fall.  I have found that when I drench myself in God’s word, life seems to flow better..imagine that.  When I get out from under God’s umbrella, I get wet.  I am speaking from experience, trust me you get wet.  So I want to make sure I am under the umbrella at all times.  Plus, I just love doing bible study!  I am a bible study junkie. 

So, what study have you done or do you have a study that you really want to do?   Have you seen Beth Moore’s new one.  Click here to check it out.

Well today is a bittersweet day for me.  It was my last MOPS meeting.  If you are not familiar with Mops, it stands for mothers of preschoolers.  It’s a wonderful ministry that nurtures and grows women in their motherhood adventure.

I have to say that when I walked into my first MOPS meeting in 1999, I had no idea I would still be going to meetings in 2009.  MOPS has meant so much to me.  I have met wonderful, amazing women.  I have developed friendships, served on the steering teams, and grown as a women, wife, mom and friend.  When life was extremely difficult, my MOPS buddies were always there to carry me.  When Natalie went through her tragedy, MOPS really stepped up. The women loved on me, they brought meals..to the hospital and then when we were sent home they came there too.  They sent cards and became strong prayer warriors. 

MOPS has allowed me to grow closer to Jesus.  It has helped me deepen my relationship with Christ.  I desired to be a godly women, wife, mother, friend, daughter and sister.  The women in the groups I have attended  allowed me to be me.  The good, bad, and ugly.  It has given me leadership skills that I didn’t know I posses.  It has been my outlet and my security when needed.  I am so proud to call myself a MOPS alumni. 

This chapter of my life is closing.  I have graduated from MOPS.  God has some other things planned and I want to be obedient in his destiny for my life.  I am sad, but also excited.  I know that I have built a foundation that Mops has helped pour.  Thank you MOPS for loving, encouraging, supporting, teaching, growing, serving and accepting me.  I will never forget all you have done!! 

Here is a link for MOPS International.  If you are not in MOPS and you have children, newborn to kindergarten I encourage you to check them out.  You will be blessed!

I would like to introduce a great girlfriend of mine, Denise Coop.  Denise and I met through our kid’s preschool.  So, we have known each other for a short 8 months.  She has blessed my life tremendously and I am thankful for her friendship.  I was amazed when she started telling me about her daily quiet time with Christ and I wanted her to share it with you.

1. Why is quiet time so important to you?
Quiet time removes me as the central figure of my life and puts God on the throne of my life. It is my time with my Lord and Savior. I place my messed up, worldly, selfish self before the Lord so that He can impart  His TRUTH, GUIDE me, and  CHANGE me. I desperately want to be who He wants me to be. This only comes through TIME with Him and reading His WORD. Also, quiet time is not bible study time. I’ve had to make these two separate things in my life.

2. Where do you do your quiet time?
 In my office with a desk and chair.

3. What tools do you use…bible, highlighters, music,
 For a bible I use The One Year Daily bible – it is broken up with
passages from the OT, NT, Psalm and proverb for each day. I have a journal that is based on Becky Tirabassi’s journal. Over the years, I have changed mine a little bit from hers. Mine has a section for Praise/Thanksgiving, a section for Admitting /Change, a section for books I am studying, a section for requests. It is a big 3 ring binder because I journal 95% of my prayers, it helps me stay focused. Oh, I almost forgot COFFEE!!

4. What time of day is your quiet time?
 around 6am – My goal is to get it in before kids and husband are awake.

5. If you could assist someone with coming up with their own quiet time, what would you tell them?
Ask God to create a burning desire for a quiet time in your heart. If it doesn’t come from Him it won’t last. I recognize that quiet times are extremely personal and always changing based on our busy lives. From a technical position, I’d probably read Becky Tirabassi’s book the 21 Days to a Burning Heart Contract with them first. Then start them out small with just praising God through His Psalms. If they are totally on fire, I’d do the whole journal.  Ultimately, in the beginning having a quiet time for me was about obedience and discipline and a desire to turn my life completely over to God. I had never EVER done anything like this, to be a stay at home mom and still get up at 6 am just doesn’t make sense… so you know the desire was and is given by God and not of me. Making the decision to do a quiet time is the BEST decision God has ever blessed me with. The time I give Him is always doubled throughout the day.

6. What happens in your life if you miss a quiet time?
 You don’t want to know! Depression hits. Discontentedness. Grumpy.  Complaining. Yelling. No patience. No peace. JUDGEMENTAL. I act like I am in charge. Opposite of the fruit of the spirit. Basically, it is a very very ugly day.!!

7. How long is your quiet time?
 Depends, I try to wake up early enough so that I know I have 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. After that is based on who interrupts me first.

8. What drove you to desiring a quiet time with God?
A person (I think Beth Moore) once said that in Isaiah 43, it doesn’t say IF you pass through the waters or IF you walk through the rivers or IF you walk through the fire… it says WHEN. At that moment, I decided I was going to need as much of God as I could get because this life is hard, He is eternally good, and I want to hear Him say, “Well done!” at the end of mine.

 WOW, Denise that is awesome.  Thank you so much for inspiring us and bringing a whole new way to go about quiet time.  I admire you and your diligence.  You are a women devoted to living her life in the will of Christ.   

Denise wanted to leave you with a scripture that has moved her heart and soul recently.

Psalm 90:14   Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so that we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

That is what we are called to do.  We NEED God to satisfy us.  We are called to be joyful in whatever comes our way.  There is a difference in joy and happiness.  Joy fills your heart no matter what you are doing or going through.  Happiness comes from your circumstances.  There is a difference!! 

I hope these two interviews have shed some light on quiet time for you.  It is crucial in our Christian walk.  It takes things to a whole new level.   Are you willing to go there with Christ?  I hope so…

Okay, so this has been on my mind for months.  How do we as busy moms and women get our quiet time?  I struggle with my quiet time.  Do I do it early in the morning?  Do I plan it during the day and have my little ones do their own quiet time?  Do I try to do it at night when my brain is exhausted from the day?  I want my quiet time to be sacred and genuine, where I meet God daily.  How about you?   What do we do in quiet time, where is the best place for quiet time, what do you need (as far as tools) for quiet time? 

What questions do you have in this topic of discussion?  I have some great friends that do really well with quiet time, so stay tuned because I am gonna pick their brains and see if I can interview them so we can have some good discussion, direction and guidance.    Stay tuned…I am sure you won’t want to miss this.

We had a beautiful weekend here in Northern Ky.  It was beautiful on Saturday.  My girls were outside enjoying the sunshine.   It is so nice to get some fresh air.  I can’t wait for more days like that! 

I am doing two bible studies (yep, I am a junkie)  It is amazing to see God weave them together.  What Happens When Women say YES to God, by Lysa Terkeurst and Esther by Beth Moore.  Both are so powerful and have spoken to my heart and soul.  I just love seeing the possibilities of life when you are walking hand and hand with the Lord. 

So, they get me to thinking.  What is my ” theme” for the year.  That is a question Beth Moore asks in Esther.  I don’t want to go into to much details for those of you that are in the study.  I don’t know where you are and I do not want to spoil anything.  The question on themes is a good one to ponder.  I would like to change the question to ”what is your theme for the month?”  This is more up my ally.  My life changes so frequently that it would be hard to come up with a theme for a year.   I will share that my ”theme” for now is listening.  Yep, I am a talker and fixer.  Got a problem, well you do A, B, C  and it will be fixed.  It is just that easy…come on..get to it, move on.  When friends come to me and tell me what is going on in their lives I immediately want to “help.”   Type A personality  that has to control and manage all.  So God has been working in me lately. 

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