I've Been Given, a Handful of Pearls

 The house is quiet. The day stretches before me as royal carpet rolled out. I get the blessed opportunity to tread upon that carpet. It's fresh, vibrant, pure, untarnished. God's grace is my clothing cause He is Grace. God's mercies are new everyday Scripture says, Lamentations 3:22,23. My soul says, "Wow" in a sacred whisper. There is 1,440 minutes untouched before me. If I minus the minutes that I will spend sleeping tonight to gain new refreshment, I still have 990 of exquisitely beautiful moments to invest in today. As a mommy I need as many minutes in my day as possible.:) God has shown me that my minutes are as a handful of precious pearls.. Natural pearls. You know, the extremely rare ones that are found in the wild. Everyday God pours within my cupped hands these natural pearls. Each minute is a precious one. Oh, that I not halfheartedly catch a few as the rest slip between my fingers. No! I cup my hands carefully. Not wanting to let a single natural pearl (my minutes) fall wasted on the earth. I, with careful precision, long to select each one and invest it into something that equals the worth of that exquisite beauty. I have fun doing it in my mommy filled day. (An important side note: it's amazing but even when Mike is at work we reap the sweetness of the minutes he's invested in us. That is the astounding way God works through a Godly man.)   With laughter on our lips, and joy bursting from within, our family will invest these minutes into something to treasure. We will keep the Word of God in its place of honor, which is at the forefront of our lives.  Respect it, live by it, teach from it. We will teach our children that learning is fun, that sharing and putting others first is actually the secret to joy. We watch in amazement as we hear their giggles, see their childish joy bubbling from within. And remind them to never forget their childish simplistic faith. And from them our own faith be nurtured into something stronger. Scripture says for us to "become as a little child" Mark 10:15. That's awesome. I watch our kids listening, with interest, the things their handsome daddy tells them, hanging on to each of his words, because they trust him and love him.  Wow. My Kingly Father (Jesus Christ) beckons me to do the same. He ask me to tune out the noise, the lies in our culture, and press in closer to Him. I love it...to live so close that I can see the twinkle in my God's eye over what gives Him joy. To live so close that I see the tears in His eyes at what brings His heart grief. Then as I'm nestled in my Father's safe embrace, He ask me, "Will you also weep for the things that break My heart? Will You be My earthly hands and feet? Will you risk everything you have for me? At my nod, His tears splash onto my face and become my tears. Then I realize in amazement that I am also crying. Crying for the lost. Weeping and pleading that others might experience this intrinsic joy in Christ. And I cry, for those that have no one to cry for them.  And then something exotic in it's loveliness happens, something strangely beautiful.....I realize that I have more joy. More peace. And I simply can't figure it out. I think about it. I look up into my Father's love gaze with questions in my tear filled eyes. He answers, "He who loses his life for My sake shall find it" Matthew 10:39 b.  It all makes sense. The noise can't reach me anymore. I choose that moment to live in my King's Presence always. I will walk where He walks...  Nothing can separate me from His love. Romans 8:35, 38, 39.

"The Joy of The Lord is My Strength"

     The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10 This promise has become my very own. I have tasted its simply eloquent meaning. It is just as real to me as breathing. I catch a smile stealing across my face even now as I write. Christ Presence in my life has added such rich dimension. This morning I want to share with you, as other mommies or perhaps future mommies.:) We've been surrounded by so many lies and I wanted to serve you this morning with the most royal Truth. Its something real, full of life and straight from the Word of our King Himself and something that as His daughter I say, "Yes!! I've tasted it!:)  And its so sweet and authentic and soul satisfying, I wanted you to have it too.:) I'm a mommy and wife also, and so, like you, I have read many books or listened to speakers in my search for a more enriched life. My heart always wanted more and even though I grew up in Christian settings, so many around me were on near empty spiritually. The Bible is full of promises! I wanted to believe them...to have the faith of a child...to die to myself..to live that abundant life 24/7..  
    Everyday, I taste something that is sweet, something that makes me want more. Everyday as I receive my portion of manna from my Father's hand, it's exactly what my soul needs to press on and to press in closer to my Heavenly Prince.      

Sunrise at our house...every morning He rises anew in my heart. I am honored that Christ
can take my life and fill it with His love all day in reaching my little family
and any others I meet.:)

      Recently I was at a Christian woman's seminar and I heard testimonies from formerly abused woman. I saw their glowing faces, I saw their completeness, in Christ even though they were robbed from as John10:10 says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." I saw their abundance of life and I wept. They had years of pain and suffering and yet now their life was restored in Christ! They testify of healing. I see their inner strength shining through.....you know, the kind that only comes from being in the healing sweet Presence our our King. It was all so beautiful and I wept... I didn't quite realize what was happening to me. It's been two months now and I see it clearer...I had specific needs in my heart and I fully surrendered myself  that weekend to let God flood my soul with His spotlight...not fully understanding it but in childlike faith reaching for something greater, I realize now, I  died to myself and now am more fully alive in Jesus Christ! His mercies are new every day and I can't keep from smiling.:)

Arriving at the ladies seminar...God had "GOOD" things in store!:)

        Our life as women in Christ can really be the most precious and soul touching journey. Even weeping tears of sadness as we ache with what causes the Father's heart to ache is an honor. To truly be a part of who He is...it's amazing!!! These are busy years. And all the more, it's so important to spend time in the Word of God and prayer. I'm a mommy and a homeschooling one, I know how busy life is and we are too busy and our role too important to not spend time with God. We have been given an amazing gift in motherhood and the awesome responsibility to raise Godly families. Getting up earlier is actually one of the biggest blessings I know. It's not depravity....it's an opportunity to spiritually dress for the day. With the cleansing of the Word and the choicest of Spiritual clothing...Wow...without it, it's like stumbling through the day all sleepy and still in pj's, trying to run an energetic household and all the duties it demands. But the quiet morning hours prepare not only my body for the day, but my very soul. And don't get me wrong, I'm not super human, it's hard to get out of our warm bed, but oh the reward is plentiful many times over! 
       

(: Our "bundles of energy" :)

Here's some practical tips for mommies with small kids who like to rise early. Create a visual and explain that when they see that by their bedroom door they can know it's time they can get up. If they awake at it's not by their door, explain they can't keeping calling, "Is it time to get up yet?!" It's hard for mommies to experience a rich quiet time of prayer and Bible reading with little ones calling. Our children have always been very early to wake up in the mornings (that can be a good thing!:) So we did the visual thing for a long time. Now we've switched to "When the music plays it's rise and shine time!" (Didn't think to word it like that to the kids! I'll have to!:) But we explained that they can then get up. We have a cd that is soft and soothing that we play sometimes for quiet time (Be Still by Steve Rosen) http://www.steverosenmusic.com/ and the kids know that when that cd is softly playing it still means stay in bed until another cd plays and then we put a lively one on!:) Some activities for the really early risers can be a stack of kid's books by their bed or a few toys if they play quietly. Or for little older, small kids you could give them permission to play quietly in their room. The added blessing of keeping them in bed a little longer is that oft times they will fall back to sleep and get more rest, then if they were allowed to get up so early just because they happened to get awake. And the really huge thing is...the older ones have caught this and now have their quiet times. It's really so beautiful. Thank You Jesus! God bless you as you, in childlike faith reach for Him!
 

The Joy of The Lord is my Strength

The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10 This promise has become my very own. I have tasted its simply eloquent meaning. It is just as real to me as breathing. I catch a smile stealing across my face even now as I write. Christ Presence in my life has added such rich dimension. My life is forever changed in Him and I eagerly anticipate getting to know him more. 

This morning I want to share with you, as other mommies or perhaps future mommies.:) We've been surrounded by sooo many lies and I wanted to serve you this morning with the most royal Truth. Its something real, full of life and straight from the Word of our King Himself and something that as His daughter I say, "Yes!! I've tasted it!:)  And its so sweet and authentic and soul satisfying, I wanted you to have it too.:) Remember I'm a mommy and wife also, and so, like you, I have read many books or listened to speakers in my search for a more enriched life. My heart always wanted more and even though I grew up in Christian settings, I found others around me, on near empty. According to the things I've been spoken most of my Church going life, I should be about completely strung out and should have succumbed any eager anticipation by now. :) BUT...I will share with you a secret, I am not strung out and my eager anticipation is heightened:). Everyday, I taste something that is sweet, something that makes me want more. Everyday as I receive my portion of mana from my Father's hand, it's exactly what my soul needs to press on and to press in closer to my Heavenly Prince. This morning as I wrote in my journal, I expressed how hard it is to transfer with pen and paper the things I feel and see with  my spiritual eyes...

     I wanted to BELIEVE the absolute Word of God but so much just really didn't make sense. I loved the Lord Jesus very much, but I couldn't fathom how He could let certain things happen to people. And He said "He would never leave us nor forsake us".  As I would think of little girls all over the world being robbed from by evil men, my heart would be so consumed in pain for them that I questioned my Papa's Word..doubt and unbelief would lie to me.. In my cozy secure world it was easier to understand that God would never leave me or my little family.  Then the tempter would whisper his lie, "What about bad things that happen to innocent people. It COULD happen to you or one of your family. It COULD........." 

    Fear was a Goliath in my heart. He taunted me and mocked my God and I was powerless to do much about it. When I was feeling exuberant and strong, all he'd have to do was make something fearful loom up and I would, in dejected defeat, cower. I didn't want to, but I thought "It is true..I'm smart enough to know..something COULD happen..and if it does would I cave?" My unbelief would surface and the doubts would cloud my vision. Even though for many years I've literally loved being my heavenly Father's daughter, I still battled with fear, belief, trust in my Father God's heart. It didn't seem consistent. I didn't want my fear.  

Something very real and very simple happened. Hearing the undiluted Truth of the Word being preached and reading some powerfully anointed books, I began to lose my life. Not phy but as the Word of God says, "that whoso shall lose his life for my sake shall find it". John 15:11 speaks of our joy being full. John 10:10 speaks of the abundant life that can be ours... And the verse that's constantly echoing in my heart is Gal.2:20 that of being crucified with Christ and my life not being my own, but His. I've grown up with all these verse but they are LIFE to me now. And the monumental milestone for me has been to just BELIEVE the whole Word of God and its effectiveness. 

Whenever I feel doubts even begin to surface I allow the Holy Spirit within me to shut it down. I will not, in Christ, give a fraction of a centimeter to the devil and his horried lies. In order to fear I would need to live and see and breathe my own life again. Jesus is on the throne on my life and even though I can't trust myself to not make mistakes, I can trust in Him. And that is what I am simply and solidly standing on! And my joy is definitely fuller!! And I feel so free in Christ! I don't need to worry about all the tomorrows, He's there already!

       Recently I was at a Christian woman's seminar and I heard testimonies from formerly abused woman. I saw their glowing faces, I saw their completeness, in Christ, even though they were robbed from as John10:10 says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." I saw their abundance of life and I wept. They had years of pain and suffering and yet now their life was restored in Christ! They testify of healing. I see their inner strength shining through.....you know, the kind that only comes from being in the healing sweet Presence our our King. It was all so beautiful and I wept... I didn't quite realize what was happening to me. It's been two months now and I see it clearer...I died to myself and am fully alive in Jesus Christ! His mercies are new every day and I can't keep from smiling.:)

        Our life as women in Christ can really be the most precious and soul touching journey. Even weeping tears of sadness as we ache with what causes the Father's heart to ache is an honor. To truly be a part of who He is...is amazing!!! Some will tell you as mommies that these are busy years. These are the years where you can't really spend time in the Word of God and prayer. I'm a mommy and a homeschooling one, I know how busy life is and we are too busy and our role too important to not spend time with God. Getting up earlier is actually one of the biggest blessings I know. It's not depravity....it's an opportunity to spiritually dress for the day. With the cleansing of the Word and the choicest of Spiritual clothing...without it, it's like stumbling through the day all sleepy and still in pj's, trying to run an energetic household and all the duties it demands. But the quiet morning hours prepare not only my body for the day, but my very soul. And don't get me wrong, I'm not super human, it's hard to get out of our warm bed sometimes, but oh the reward is plentiful many times over! 

        Here's some practical tips for mommies with small kids who like to rise early. Create a visual and explain that when they see that by their door they can know it's time they can get up. If they awake at it's not by their door, explain they can't keeping calling, "Is it time to get up yet?!" It's hard for mommies to experience a rich quiet time of prayer and Bible reading with little ones calling. Our children have always been very early to wake up in the mornings(that can be a good thing!:) So we did the visual thing for a long time. Now, we've switched to "When the music plays it's rise and shine time!" (Didn't think to word it like that to the kids! I'll have to!:) But we explained that they can then get up. 

We have a cd that is soft and soothing that we play sometimes for quiet time (Be Still by Steve Rosen) http://www.steverosenmusic.com/ and the kids know that when that cd is playing it's our quiet time music and they still stay in bed until another cd plays and then we put a lively one on!:) Some activities for the really early risers can be a stack of kid's books by their bed or a few toys if they play quietly. Or for little older, small kids you could give them permission to play quietly in their room. The added blessing of keeping them in bed a little longer is that oft times they will fall back to sleep and get more rest, then if they were allowed to get up so early just because they happened to get awake.
      

. May God bless you as you live a surrendered life in Christ.

"A Taste of Grace"

I love the occasional rainy, overcast days, like this morning's. The kids are all still sleeping, snug and warm. I feel the warmth of God, family and this awesomely fashioned world I call home and real life. Sometimes I find a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth and  laughter bubbling from within.  I am so BLESSED to serve and love and feel my adoration to a really big God! It is so neat, I claim God as my Father and many times as my Heavenly Prince. Even though there are similarities, a daddy and a earthly prince aren't exactly in the same category! My dad is in heaven now and he was a really great dad! He took care of us, he spent time with us, he led out in family worship...  And  for 17 years now, I've been married to my earthly prince-my Mike.:) He's the love of my life, my best friend, the daddy of our 5 kids. And I'm continually filled with an excited anticipation of our life together!. So...with heartfelt reverence, I think of my Savior as my heavenly Papa and the Prince and lover of my soul. I've had a couple real heroes in my life and they are my dad and husband. And long long before I even knew there was a little boy growing up somewhere in the world....my little girl heart was completely filled with childish joy and adoration of my "daddy". He represented Christ, protector, provider and the one who loved my heart enough to protect it and guard it from intruders. In my little girl eyes, my daddy was my world! He was my hero-man! Then this little girl grew up and prince charming won my heart....That sweet part of my heart that God created for me to share with the man who would also portray Christ to me, protect me, provide for me.... It's all making more sense why God Himself is my Papa/Prince of my soul!! Jesus is also, SOLID ROCK, HIGH TOWER, ANCHOR, HEALER, NURTURER, REDEEMER....this beautiful list could literally go on and on and on.. I understand more clearly why my heart is filled with awe and wonder and I feel the joy bursting from within!! I am so excited that God changes lives! His Word is so precious...It lives and breathes. It heals and restores.It stretches and prunes. It doubles, triples many, many times over within the heart, intrinsic joy (you know, that inward fountain that keeps bubbling, that's not dependent on external circumstances ). God is faithful, merciful, full of compassion. And He's waiting and longing and drawing us to Himself..Such a sweet benediction on us. As I lighted some sweet smelling candles just now, giving that extra warmth and welcoming touch, on this beautiful overcast day, for our kiddos before I hear their pitter patter of footsteps on the stairs, I had to think, the candle of my heart is also glowing. Sweet sweet benediction-the Savior's song on our life. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  John 10:10b "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."



     "Jesus loved you so much that He died for you , so that He wouldn't have to live without you."

This one reminds me of the Cinderella story..Alaythia with
her Prince Daddy!

The man who holds her heart and life in the shelter of his love
and protection..her daddy:):).

Giggles, a  princess and her daddy...essence of sweetness.

A very sweet family friend captured these adorable,
 memories, unbeknownst to us, when  she was with us,
 taking our family pictures. It was a  sweet surprise! 

"Country Lanes, Butterflies, and a Love Story "

Watching the morning come alive has been a favorite of mine for a long time now...when? I'm not sure...But as a busy little mommy, who stays busy from son up till son down (and daughter!) I discovered that mornings are a great time of refreshment with my Saviour and also a sweet way to ease into the day.:) I consider the mornings that Mike and I can enjoy it together, priceless. Unfortunately with the hour he leaves for work that isn't so often. The sky still has a hint of pink and the fog lifting off the pond...who can not love all this?! The other week our little Alaythia came into the house carrying a butterfly that was dead..we marvelled at the beautiful colors..it was wonderingly mentioned that if any human even saw this beautiful butterfly when it was alive and flying around?! Living here in the country...well we knew there was great possibility no other human soul saw the splendor of that little creation as it flighted from one flower to the next. And then and there we were reminded that our Saviour received glory from it. He enjoyed His creation. The butterfly was created for His pleasure. And since He put so much beauty into something possibly no human would even see to enjoy...oh how much He must love us!! He also created us to worship Him. And He longs that we would. On those mornings that my sweet guy and I can enjoy a cup of coffee and spiritual sharing time together, he first likes to take an early morning walk down an old country lane. Surrounded by nature, it sets the perfect tone for worship...he noted that there along the side of the lane in all the brush is a philodendron plant. And again, we had to think? Who even sees this beautiful plant? It is an awesome thing to me that God takes a personal interest in each of us... And these bits of creation confirms to me the love of God for us. Matt.6 describes how Jesus clothes the flowers of the field and assures us that He will do much more for us...Two things in life are probably the most important and that is knowing I'm loved and cared for...first by my parents and now by the man who won my heart and became my husband. And God has promised His love and care..Is there anything greater than that?! Oh to have the Prince of my soul promise such...A love story? Indeed!!The purest and sweetest that can ever be experienced .:)


(Note:Thanks and appreciation to a botanical website I was able to find a photo of the philodendron.)

"Born the Second Time"

Michael, Age 10

Michael age 9 holding Alaythia.

 Michael age10

Making pizza age 9 

Michael almost 8, holding Harriston.

Bass angler age 12

Age 12, 7th grade

Age 11

Age 10

Age 9

Age 10

Baby Branson being held by Michael age 11.

Age 8

Age 9

Bartholomew (Michael) Age 9

Age 9

Yesterday marked a verrry special day in our little family. Our eldest son, Bartholomew (also known as Michael) asked Jesus into his heart, 1 year ago.  So yesterday we celebrated his Spiritual birthday. I love how Jesus calls it being born again.:) The first time our son was born was a deepening of our love.  And as he grows, we get to know each other better. What makes him smile, what he really likes, what he really dislikes etc....he in turn, as he matures, knows us better as his parents. What our heart is saying amidst our feeble attempts at explaining it etc...It's actually so beautiful. And to think after his being born again the second time, this time as God's child, he learns, as he grows into maturity, what His Heavenly Father's heart is...what gives His Heavenly Father joy and what saddens the Father's heart. But unlike his earthly parents, Michael's Heavenly Father knows him to perfection. It's actually so beautiful...Last night also found us on the final evening of a revival tent crusade. The message inspired and challenged us to allow God to stir His vision in our heart. A great way to end the day of Michael's birthday! A fresh challenge!! Thank you Jesus!! The crusade was from Sunday to Sunday. And oh, a blessing it was...a time of refreshment, of pruning, of being reminded of the things we really do hold the most precious...and that is our relationship with our King Jesus. The messages were Holy Spirit anointed and I found myself saying, "Yes! I want it!" Oh the joy that floods my soul! The most beautiful place I know is sitting in the Presence of our King! His words are so soft n tender. Yet clearly heard with the heart. And the Word of God becomes something living! And something life changing! The other day, in talking with a young lady, who just got her drivers license, she said she can't drive without smiling! Later, as I remembered her words, God blessed me with the thought of what it would be like if we couldn't stop smiling because of our life in Christ. It's like a bubbling brook but stemming from a deep well within! I mean, the joy just doesn't stop....the smile gets bigger and the laughter rings and the song is always there and the longing for more of His sweetness and love and relationship becomes an awe-consuming passion!! His joy and peace is limitless and so readily available. And to continually live a life that is poured out for Christ and rich in all that is truly valuable! And to have that passion and vision stirred within the hearts of our kids.:) Thank You, Jesus!!

Adventure

As I sit in the living room waking up, I soon see a flashlight bouncing off the ceiling and walls as Michael (Bartholomew)eventually makes his way downstairs. I remembered that he wanted to get up real early to fish in our pond. Being the parents of boys who like to fish presents simple opportunities to share the Gospel. As we told the boys, Jesus ,in His earthly ministry, spent a lot of time around water. Just yesterday as Michael prepared his fishing gear for some evening fishing, with his dad and brothers, at a nearby river, I came out on the back porch and said, "Hey, fisher of fish!" I kissed him goodbye and hugging him said, "Someday you will be a fisher of men." Exchanging smiles I went back inside. I love Mark1:17 where Jesus said, "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."  Mike and my heart longs and prays that our children catch on to all the excitement and daring adventure that God's kids get to be a part of and it's not a dull life for sure!! I mean, when Jesus beckons us to wade deeper into the water and all I really want to do is lounge on the shore and sip iced tea,(how exciting is that? Really!) well....am I up for the adventure?! Webster's definition of adventure is: an unusual , stirring experience. With Christ, yes, definately!!  It means faith and fog and uncertainties. It means witnessing the power of an Almighty God. It means trusting what I can't see. It means resting in the Father's unique plan for me. It means for me to stop looking around at others "easy" life and say , "Lord, I'm ready for the adventure!! I'm ready to live a poured out life for You. I'm ready to feel the pain of others. I'm ready to weep at what is dear to Your heart. And to leap with limitless joy at all Your goodness and power!!"  But it doesn't just happen...it's everyday bowing in my King Jesus presence. Asking Him for the spiritual apparel befitting a princess. Asking Him to teach me how to walk with the integrity of a princess. Psalm 26:2,7,8,11,12 is precious indeed..."Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD."  It also means learning from Him how to speak as His princess daughter. I can't find my way on my own. I slip back too easily into a beggar's garments. But when I commune with my Kingly Father I truly find "His" joy in the moments of my life. Moments where I would react wrongly. Instead I have literally tasted the beauty when I surrender my self to Him and let Him minister to my spirit. I feel His freedom settle over me as a blanket and in that moment I realize nothing is worth losing what Christ has given me.