Friday, January 25, 2013
Hope for a Weary Soul
Hope for A Weary Soul…
Are you weary? Do you feel like the world is crashing in around you? Do you feel overwhelmed? Overworked? And Under-payed?? Do you feel like your world is a huge mess?
Did you know in the gospel of Luke it tells that:
*Jesus came to a messy world
*He was born in a stable
*His parents~pretty much unmarried
*He chose to walk with messy people
*His best friends were fishermen
*He was known to hang out with tax collectors
*He left His ministry in the hands of uneducated men
*He ate with sinners
*He let a scandalous woman wash His feet
*He rubbed elbows with the rejects of society
Time and time again Jesus met people in their mess and offered them hope! And the Bible says He is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever! He wants to meet us in the middle of our mess, too.
Can you believe when we pour out our miseries. God just hears a melody of us needing and desiring what only He can give!
Are you like me in that you get so overwhelmed that you just want to pick up the phone and call your husband (or like me I do call him) and share the troubles of the day & let him know you need him home RIGHT NOW!? And If He doesn't get home with some Pepsi & Chocolate and to help you that you will explode in 10 minutes.? Okay, sometimes I do, do this but I know he is miles away and can’t come but you know what He understands and He will be there and help me through whatever situation I am in as much as he can via phone.
That would be on days where, someone was playing in the bathroom and got water and soap everywhere, and another took tools and scratched the walls and dressers and took a hammer and made notches into the door & wall. While another got all the movies and DVDs out. While another one has torn a few books and written in others. Someone has dumped the trash and when you were making bread you accidentally dropped the oil and a good portion of the floor gets covered. And when you go to discipline the first child then 2 of the others start to fighting. That my friend is when I pick up the phone and as soon as my husband answers I just cry.
Why not go to the Heavenly Father and cry & pray & pour your heart out to Him? He will meet you in the mess and He will be right there with you if you ask Him to! So often I forget and I just pick up the phone and pour my heart out to my husband when really I need to be calling out to God! I’m not saying I can’t call or share with my husband but if I called on God first then I’m sure I’d save my poor husband a lot of stress. Cause he wouldn't have to calm me down God would of already done it!
How often do you feel like your just not a good mom? You feel lost and helpless? You just feel plain weak? You know what God says, “It’s OK to be weak. It’s OK to not know what to do or how to do it. It’s OK that you don’t have the answers, I do! It’s OK to feel lost. It’s OK to need help. It’s OK you’re not perfect, I was! It’s OK to fail. It’s OK to get things wrong! It’s OK to be WEAK, because in your weakness I AM strong.”
Do you feel like your house is always dirty with piles of dishes all around and loads of laundry on the couch or in baskets to be folded? The carpet full of popcorn and needing to be swept? When you look around and you don’t know where to start I challenge you to pray Asking Jesus to Come to you, in your mess. To your kitchen (or wherever) but first to your heart. And let Him know you are in need of His grace. As soon as you call, He will come running. He brings His Word to wrap around your heart! He says things like:
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (New American Standard)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (New Living Translation)
He wants to help us and comfort us! Hope wants to lift my heavy burdens and give my soul rest. But we have to be honest about our struggles then we can receive comfort. Then nothing is between us and hope reaches straight to our hearts. Our house may still look like a disaster or like its been hit by a tornado but God can lean in and whisper to us and let us know that He will help us! What if instead of hiding alone in our messes we would clump? Clump as in getting together and laughing and doing life together. Cause If I have my guess right I’m not the only mother who has had these feelings.
If you remember the story of Hagar in Genesis 11 she was a mom in the middle of a dark & desperate situation. But God had her precisely where He wanted her--weary & worn. She was in a place where she could hear Him speak. God didn't send her back weary & worn. He had a promise for her to claim as her own. A promise of life. A promise of a future. A promise of mercy. He had pursued her heart, not because she deserved it, but because that is who He is. God wants to do the same for us if we will allow Him too.
We don’t really want a mocha frappe when we are weary. What we really want is rest for our weary souls. We have got to get into the habit of running to God and not from Him.
And I’m speaking to myself!! Honestly if no other good comes from this blog it done me a world of good and was a great reminder to me! And a challenge. I took a lot of phrases out of the book called Hope for the Weary Mom Written by: Stacey Thacker & Brooke McGlothlin. If you could identify with this blog and you get a chance to read this book I’d encourage you to do so! It has been a huge blessing to me. God definitely knew when I needed it!! Hugs and prayers to you and I pray you will have a Blessed Day and will Have a renewed kind of day! Don’t forget to turn on music when you go back to work it will help you to Praise & worship God in your storm of life! God’s Blessings to all~
~From One Weary Traveler~
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Minds, Death & Grieving
This mind has been spinning about, my dad, and others who have gone on to their Heavenly reward and death. There is so much I just don't understand. Tonight my daughter was in tears saying, "Mom, I don't want to die!" Her 2 siblings replied, "Yes, you do then you'd get to be with Jesus and Grandpa in Heaven plus you'd be a Beautiful Angel!" When alone with me she broke down again and said, "Mom, the Bible says, That God will come back and get those who love him and will burn the rest of this earth and I want all my friends and family in Heaven with me." Now how do you explain all that to a dear child? I tried and she was much more at peace and happier. I just pray I answered so she truly does understand.
My mind has also been thinking about grieving. Can a person not grieve when they first lose a loved one because their happy that their pain free and that they don't have to face anymore opposition? But bam all of a sudden 3 years later you start fighting with in yourself and grieving? You get a longing for that special person. Everything reminds you of them.?
Can a person grieve and not step foot into a cemetery? Is not wanting to walk in to the cemetery a sign of not wanting to deal with grief?? Is not wanting to see a grave site with no stone on top part of not wanting to except what has happened??
Death has been on my mind alot lately. At times I wonder if I'm dealing with death wrong? How am I handling death? Death has seemed so hard on me lately and I feel like it has hit me harder now then 3 years ago. I don't understand and probably never will.
I have had to face the lost of a loved one often and I hope I don't have to again soon. It's not easy. As a friend put it Grieving is like a pool. I have felt like I'm drowning lately but I'm thankful for the dear friends who have seen it and reached out a hand to me and helped me keep my head above the water. It's not easy! My best support and encourager has been my husband. I'm very thankful for him and all he does and most of all his understanding. Grieving is a long, lonely journey.
How do you feel about the whole grieving process?? I know many will have different thoughts. I'm just sharing my spinning head for a day. Praying well all meet in Heaven some Beautiful Day!!!
My mind has also been thinking about grieving. Can a person not grieve when they first lose a loved one because their happy that their pain free and that they don't have to face anymore opposition? But bam all of a sudden 3 years later you start fighting with in yourself and grieving? You get a longing for that special person. Everything reminds you of them.?
Can a person grieve and not step foot into a cemetery? Is not wanting to walk in to the cemetery a sign of not wanting to deal with grief?? Is not wanting to see a grave site with no stone on top part of not wanting to except what has happened??
Death has been on my mind alot lately. At times I wonder if I'm dealing with death wrong? How am I handling death? Death has seemed so hard on me lately and I feel like it has hit me harder now then 3 years ago. I don't understand and probably never will.
I have had to face the lost of a loved one often and I hope I don't have to again soon. It's not easy. As a friend put it Grieving is like a pool. I have felt like I'm drowning lately but I'm thankful for the dear friends who have seen it and reached out a hand to me and helped me keep my head above the water. It's not easy! My best support and encourager has been my husband. I'm very thankful for him and all he does and most of all his understanding. Grieving is a long, lonely journey.
How do you feel about the whole grieving process?? I know many will have different thoughts. I'm just sharing my spinning head for a day. Praying well all meet in Heaven some Beautiful Day!!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Our Christmas Blessing
Our Christmas Blessing
What a wonderful Christmas! My children were treated royally!! Thanks to a local gas station that is only a few miles from our house.
Well I told those in the 25 days of Giving/Blessing group (now known as 'Random Acts of Kindness') that I'd share how we were so blessed!!
I have to say we had done Christmas for some dear friends and my children handled it very well even knowing that they weren't going to get near what we had given. Some of the toys were things my children just couldn't wait to receive someday but they never really wined about it but asked if they could help wrap the presents which we did allow and they loved it!!
It was very overwhelming and we felt so undeserving but we also felt very blessed! One day my youngest brother stopped in and said he had been to the local gas station and they asked him if he had a sister that lived close by and had 4 children really close in age? He looked at them rather weird and said, "Yes, that would be my sister." They asked him if he could let me know that I needed to come in their to the gas station sometime that day. So my brother stopped by. Thankfully Moine was still home that day and he told me to run in alone to the gas station and then when I get home he would go on to work since his day had been messed up that morning already.
I ran to the local gas station and instantly the ladies were like your brother must of got a hold of you and I said, "Yes!" They said that the employees had decided that they wanted to do Christmas for us but didn't know how to contact us. We hadn't been into the gas station for several weeks and they were starting to fear that I wouldn't come back before Christmas and they had no way to contact me. They informed me that they do Karing for Kids and they like to do $150 per child but normally its only 3 children or less. So they talked with corporate and got the okay to split it 4 ways instead of 3. They wanted to take me to Walmart shopping to buy a huge amount of toys for my children. No clothes! Toys only! They felt bad and I told them my children have never ever seen that much money worth of toys at Christmas so they will be very delighted and thrilled!! And they were! I was overwhelmed with trying to get what I felt was best and would be most enjoyed by each child with such a big amount to spend but it was fun too. Two of the employees also gave my husband and I a gift card to use at that particular gas station as well. It's humbling to receive but we were very thankful!
Moine stayed home with the children that evening while I ran to Walmart and met one of the employees who is very special to my children partly because she shares a name with our oldest but cause shes just a special lady. She had also given the boys a bunch of pants and shirts that her boy had outgrown so my boys thought alot of her as well! Anyways, before I left the house I set the children down and asked them, "If I took you to Walmart and told you to go get whatever you wanted what would you get?" Everyone was so silent. I had to repeat myself a couple times finally one of the girls said, "It's okay mommy we know you don't have alot of money and you won't have enough to get us all what we want but its really okay mommy!" She was so serious and it made me tear up. Bless her heart! I finally convinced them that I wanted to know but I told them, "I make no promises that i'll be able to get everything." I was so glad I had a list!
The boy's got remote vehicles, tool boxs, tools, firehouse dog dvd, police car & fireman tanker (both with noise,) twist-able crayons, coloring books, double sided markers, Uno, cars memory game, and I can't remember what else. They got tons of toys. I think they were even so overwhelmed they weren't sure what to do with them all.
The girl's got a doll bed, each of them got a highchair which turns into like 3 other things, twist-able crayons, coloring books, double sided markers, neck scarves, Dora dvds, a new doll, Chutes & Ladders, A Richard Scary game, a doll stroller,a scrapbooking set and a stamping set. They too got tons of toys! I think they were also overwhelmed and not sure what to do with it all. I know this don't mento
My children were so blessed! It is a Christmas that won't be forgotten!! Is still talked about a bunch and everything is still being enjoyed!! We have started playing alot of games in the evening as a family and the children love it!!
The children had no idea that they were getting so many presents for Christmas until Moine walked out carrying a huge tote of gifts all wrapped! We caught there expression on video but I have no idea how to post it. I wish I did cause it was good!! They were totally shocked! We hope each of you had an awesome Christmas as well! With out Jesus none of this would be meaningful. God Bless each of you! Happy New Year 2013!!
What a wonderful Christmas! My children were treated royally!! Thanks to a local gas station that is only a few miles from our house.
Well I told those in the 25 days of Giving/Blessing group (now known as 'Random Acts of Kindness') that I'd share how we were so blessed!!
I have to say we had done Christmas for some dear friends and my children handled it very well even knowing that they weren't going to get near what we had given. Some of the toys were things my children just couldn't wait to receive someday but they never really wined about it but asked if they could help wrap the presents which we did allow and they loved it!!
It was very overwhelming and we felt so undeserving but we also felt very blessed! One day my youngest brother stopped in and said he had been to the local gas station and they asked him if he had a sister that lived close by and had 4 children really close in age? He looked at them rather weird and said, "Yes, that would be my sister." They asked him if he could let me know that I needed to come in their to the gas station sometime that day. So my brother stopped by. Thankfully Moine was still home that day and he told me to run in alone to the gas station and then when I get home he would go on to work since his day had been messed up that morning already.
I ran to the local gas station and instantly the ladies were like your brother must of got a hold of you and I said, "Yes!" They said that the employees had decided that they wanted to do Christmas for us but didn't know how to contact us. We hadn't been into the gas station for several weeks and they were starting to fear that I wouldn't come back before Christmas and they had no way to contact me. They informed me that they do Karing for Kids and they like to do $150 per child but normally its only 3 children or less. So they talked with corporate and got the okay to split it 4 ways instead of 3. They wanted to take me to Walmart shopping to buy a huge amount of toys for my children. No clothes! Toys only! They felt bad and I told them my children have never ever seen that much money worth of toys at Christmas so they will be very delighted and thrilled!! And they were! I was overwhelmed with trying to get what I felt was best and would be most enjoyed by each child with such a big amount to spend but it was fun too. Two of the employees also gave my husband and I a gift card to use at that particular gas station as well. It's humbling to receive but we were very thankful!
Moine stayed home with the children that evening while I ran to Walmart and met one of the employees who is very special to my children partly because she shares a name with our oldest but cause shes just a special lady. She had also given the boys a bunch of pants and shirts that her boy had outgrown so my boys thought alot of her as well! Anyways, before I left the house I set the children down and asked them, "If I took you to Walmart and told you to go get whatever you wanted what would you get?" Everyone was so silent. I had to repeat myself a couple times finally one of the girls said, "It's okay mommy we know you don't have alot of money and you won't have enough to get us all what we want but its really okay mommy!" She was so serious and it made me tear up. Bless her heart! I finally convinced them that I wanted to know but I told them, "I make no promises that i'll be able to get everything." I was so glad I had a list!
The boy's got remote vehicles, tool boxs, tools, firehouse dog dvd, police car & fireman tanker (both with noise,) twist-able crayons, coloring books, double sided markers, Uno, cars memory game, and I can't remember what else. They got tons of toys. I think they were even so overwhelmed they weren't sure what to do with them all.
The girl's got a doll bed, each of them got a highchair which turns into like 3 other things, twist-able crayons, coloring books, double sided markers, neck scarves, Dora dvds, a new doll, Chutes & Ladders, A Richard Scary game, a doll stroller,a scrapbooking set and a stamping set. They too got tons of toys! I think they were also overwhelmed and not sure what to do with it all. I know this don't mento
My children were so blessed! It is a Christmas that won't be forgotten!! Is still talked about a bunch and everything is still being enjoyed!! We have started playing alot of games in the evening as a family and the children love it!!
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Here is Moine carrying all the gifts that he could handle in a huge tote. He still had to carry a few out later! |
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Opening presents!!! |
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Waiting to open their 1st present!! |
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Some of the boys stash!! |
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And this was all the trash afterwards! |
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As many know Myron wants to be a fireman when he grows up so they're putting up the fire house! |
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wow!! We had Fun!!
Wow, I don't know how to explain our day!! It was pure bliss. We went to a local gas station that has blessed us tremendously this year which I may share in another upcoming blog and took a coloring book and box of crayons for one of the employees at that gas station to take home to her little boy.
We paid a visit to a couple from our church. And left them with a few items. We then went to the children's floor at the Saint Joseph Hospital and asked if they had any children in the hospital. They said they had 1 little girl. We asked if it would be okay if we went in and gave her a coloring book that we had made and a box of crayons and a small Winnie the Pooh puzzle. They went and asked the parents but the little girl was sleeping. So we just gave it to the nurse to give to them with a note that said,"Blessings to You!Hope this will brighten your day!Have A Blessed Day~God Bless~ The 4 Musketeers." My children were rather disappointed cause they wanted to give it to her but they understood. As we walked back down the hall their was a family walking in and we handed the 2 older children a coloring book and a box of crayons in hopes it would help entertain them. Another girl was sitting in the lab waiting area. So the children gave her a coloring book and crayons.
We also went to the vending machines and taped a little baggy filled with $1.25 in each and taped it to the pop machine with a note like the above posted with it!
While at the hospital I met a surgeon who had put over 100 stitches in my right leg back in 1994. It was good to chat with him a bit... We also had the opportunity to chat with a dear lady that was/is Chaplin at the hospital for several years. She gave us some ideas for further days!!!
We then headed over to the hospital on the other side of town. We went to the childrens floor but they had no children in at this time. My children were begging to go to another hospital were their would be more children. Really wish we could of but we weren't prepared for that. Maybe another time!
We then headed to a friends place and dropped off a box of paper plates. We didn't want them to see us but right as I was getting to the door the lady was just headed out the door to talk with a neighbor so I just handed the box to her and we were on our way again.
Around here Subway has a special for the month of December that you can get a couple of the 6" subs for $2.00. I told the children we'd go eat at the Subway where my sister worked but it would half to be the $2 subs. They agreed and we had fun. When we went to leave another couple was walking out after us. They had a little boy and were parked right beside us. So we let them put the little boy in the carseat and then handed the mother a coloring book and a box of crayons with a note.
We then dropped have a Christmas present to a dear lady who helps me out with babysitting every once in awhile. Then on to my Aunt's place to wish her a happy birthday!
We then came home and watched a Christmas movie!! The children really enjoyed it just wish we could of done more so we hope to in the future!! Tomorrow (or rather today) we want to go sing Christmas carols at my Grandma's.
These coloring books were special to us cause they were pictures that my husband drew for our children in 2011 and for Christmas that year I made them each a coloring book. I have saved the original photo and we make tons of copies when the children want to color. They love it! The crayons I had gotten during the go back to school sales so I only paid 25 cents or less per box.
We were very blessed and look forward to the next project!! God's Blessings to each of you!! Merry Christmas and A happy New Year!!!
We paid a visit to a couple from our church. And left them with a few items. We then went to the children's floor at the Saint Joseph Hospital and asked if they had any children in the hospital. They said they had 1 little girl. We asked if it would be okay if we went in and gave her a coloring book that we had made and a box of crayons and a small Winnie the Pooh puzzle. They went and asked the parents but the little girl was sleeping. So we just gave it to the nurse to give to them with a note that said,"Blessings to You!Hope this will brighten your day!Have A Blessed Day~God Bless~ The 4 Musketeers." My children were rather disappointed cause they wanted to give it to her but they understood. As we walked back down the hall their was a family walking in and we handed the 2 older children a coloring book and a box of crayons in hopes it would help entertain them. Another girl was sitting in the lab waiting area. So the children gave her a coloring book and crayons.
We also went to the vending machines and taped a little baggy filled with $1.25 in each and taped it to the pop machine with a note like the above posted with it!
While at the hospital I met a surgeon who had put over 100 stitches in my right leg back in 1994. It was good to chat with him a bit... We also had the opportunity to chat with a dear lady that was/is Chaplin at the hospital for several years. She gave us some ideas for further days!!!
We then headed over to the hospital on the other side of town. We went to the childrens floor but they had no children in at this time. My children were begging to go to another hospital were their would be more children. Really wish we could of but we weren't prepared for that. Maybe another time!
We then headed to a friends place and dropped off a box of paper plates. We didn't want them to see us but right as I was getting to the door the lady was just headed out the door to talk with a neighbor so I just handed the box to her and we were on our way again.
Around here Subway has a special for the month of December that you can get a couple of the 6" subs for $2.00. I told the children we'd go eat at the Subway where my sister worked but it would half to be the $2 subs. They agreed and we had fun. When we went to leave another couple was walking out after us. They had a little boy and were parked right beside us. So we let them put the little boy in the carseat and then handed the mother a coloring book and a box of crayons with a note.
We then dropped have a Christmas present to a dear lady who helps me out with babysitting every once in awhile. Then on to my Aunt's place to wish her a happy birthday!
We then came home and watched a Christmas movie!! The children really enjoyed it just wish we could of done more so we hope to in the future!! Tomorrow (or rather today) we want to go sing Christmas carols at my Grandma's.
These coloring books were special to us cause they were pictures that my husband drew for our children in 2011 and for Christmas that year I made them each a coloring book. I have saved the original photo and we make tons of copies when the children want to color. They love it! The crayons I had gotten during the go back to school sales so I only paid 25 cents or less per box.
We were very blessed and look forward to the next project!! God's Blessings to each of you!! Merry Christmas and A happy New Year!!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Life & Christmas
Life has a way of happening weather you choose to move with it or try to lag behind or stay hidden. This week has been a rather trying week but God has proven faithful! I felt like giving up and dragging my feet but God sent a friend to encourage me and help me move on. I wanted to hide but God sent me the most wonderful husband who knows me even over the phone. And who gives me advice to help me come out and not stay hidden! God also sent many friends and my husband to show me I need to keep moving. Life don't stop until our time on earth is finished! What have I done for others during my Life? Life isn't about me but about JESUS & then others and then myself last! Do I always remember that? "No!" Do I wish I did? "Yes!" I'm thankful God doesn't give up on me!! As long as I have breath I want to Praise God and keep him first in my life!! Life...What are you giving Jesus with your life? It's that time of year again where we give and get and are BLESSED!!! What will you give JESUS this Christmas???
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
25 Days of Giving/Blessing...
Yes, I realize its been a long time since i've blogged. My apologies. I have decided that since were in the month of November then we should be very grateful! The Christmas season is here and its alomost upon us. Isn't Christmas a time to give and to bless others??? So I've made my own group and its called 25 Days of Giving/Blessing....Hope you will join me in this challenge!!
The challenge:
The challenge:
25 days of Giving is a challenge I have set up that each day in December starting on the first going until Christmas Day I challenge you to give something or bless someone in some sort of way...weather it be with just a note or card or leaving enough money taped to a pop machine for some one else or buy someone a drink or meal or babysit and give the parents a night out or leave the mailman a note of thanks....There are so many things that these are just a few ideas....I thought it would be neat if you could get a photo of some of your giving/blessings that you've done or are doing and then you could post it or just tell us how its going for you!!! Hope you all enjoy this!!
Here should be the link that will take you to the group: www.facebook.com/groups/305697749544578/
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Just wanted to announce the winner of our family cookbook is Dave N Susi Weaver!!! Congratulations!!!! We hope you will enjoy it!!! We also want to thank everyone for participating. If you didn't win the cookbook and you'd like to buy one we do have some still available for sale. Have a blessed day!
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