Week 29 - APPROVED!

When GOD approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.

Proverbs 16:7

God's opinion is the only one that really matters.

Week 28 - Don't be a punisher

It's wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others. Proverbs 17:26

Even when we are having a bad day...don't punish innocent people around you! We can stop before hurting the people we love.

Week 27 - Doing Your Best

My children love to help me . . . with everything!!! Their enthusiasm to help is much appreciated, but I know that the job will not get done the way I would have done it. I know when I let them help, it is going to take longer, sometimes messier, but it will give them much needed confidence knowing that they did something like Mom.

God knows our imperfections all too well also. He knows that we are doing them out of love. He is patient and kind towards us, His children. Don't be too hard on yourself when you make mistakes. God is never as hard on us as we are on ourselves. As long as our motives are pure, we can be proud of a job well done.

"My love won't walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart." The God who has compassion on you says so.

Isaiah 54:10 (The Message)

Week 26 - Married My BFF

Chad and I were friends before we ever dated. Love at first sight is not really love at all. You have to get to know a person before you can really love them. It would be very difficult to die for someone you didn't know. Jesus died for us because he truly loved us.

I can't imagine a marriage without friendship. Married couples spend so much time together, and it would be tragic if the time wasn't spent with your very best friend. Don't lose your friendship with your husband.

If you feel your friendship is lacking with your husband then make it a priority to spend special time together talking, listening, and having fun together. Don't let your girl friends become the only best friends you have. Friendship is very important in a marriage.

...and have a little fun!

John 15:13 (The Message)

This is my command: Love one another the way I have loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.

Week 25 - School is out for Summer

Sleeping in till 9am, wearing pj's most of the day, getting to watch Martha Stewart, and not packing a lunch are a few of my favorite things right now about summer.

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Beach visits, reading, baking, family time, and the best of all...empty space on our calenders!!!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

I Thessalonians 5:16

I can't help but rejoice for summer vacation...

Week 24 - Father's Day

My children have a fun Dad.

He loves them with all his heart and they know it!

Moses teaches the Israelites (Fathers included) to teach God's revelation naturally in their homes. He encourages them them talk about God while doing everyday practical things.

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Love on your Dad this week and value your husband as the head of the home.

Make them feel special!

Week 23 - REST

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

We all carry around burdens in our hectic everyday lives.

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Our calenders are usually filled with activities and plans.

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Jesus promises to give us relief from our burdens.
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Take the time this summer to try and actually enjoy some rest!

Week 22 - Memorial Day

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

~Lee Greenwood

Week 21 - Grandmother

Grandmothers are the amazing ones who know and love. They are the "yes" to whatever you ask.

They wear soft smiles and give even softer hugs.

They are confidants and advocates for both mothers and daughters.

Grandmothers are the givers of both practical and unnecessary gifts.

They are guardians of perspective, secrets, and insight.

They listen and pray as they watch over their children near and far.

They have selective memories and give advice when asked.

Grandmothers no longer ask who they are because they have discovered why they are.

Grandmothers could be likened to the outer shell of the oyster that surrounds and

protects what is precious within.

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Love you Memaw

Love you Grandmommy

Love you Molly

Love you Great Grandmother Cannon

Love you Mimi

Love you Nana

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Week 20 - Daughters

Daughter (noun):

A daughter is her father's joy and her mother's treasure because she quickens the heart.

An heiress, she was hoped for and is our hope for the future.

As potential carrier of life, she is human wealth.

Her creation was God's altogether lovely crown of creation,

She is the one who completes.

Daughters embody love, beauty, hope, and tenderness.

A daughter is smiles, hugs, and laughter.

She is a seeker of truth who asks many questions, longing to know who she is.

A daughter is like a priceless pearl.

Week 19 - Mother's Day

John 10:10

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Thank Him for the incredible gift of being a mom.

Week 18 - There Is No Place Like Home

DIY projects are huge these days. I know I get inspired all the time to transform each room into something beautiful after looking in a magazine or blog. I believe homes should be fun places that we love living in. They are places to express our creativity, remind us of whom we are, to whom we belong, and what really matters in life. Homes should be "lived-in" as well. I want my kids to actually sit on the couch.

As great as homes are, they really are nothing without the DIY project that God wants to do. That project is peace. We may try and make everything look good externally in our homes, but His Spirit is something that is felt.

Luke 10:5

"Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'"

Ask the Lord to fill your house with His peace.

Week 17 - Find Rest

As a young mother with young children, the word busy is said quit often. It seems we have so many things to do in so little time...most of the time.

My oldest came home from school with a really great banner that her class worked on. It showed the seven days of creation and there at the bottom was day seven...the day of rest. That got me thinking about the Sabbath.

Jesus told us that the Sabbath was made for man. We all have a need for rest. We sometimes forget that we are commanded to rest. Rest is not our reward for finishing...finished or not we are to rest!

Never feel guilty for taking time for yourself because it will make you a better mom, wife, or daughter.

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd...He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.

Jesus wants to grab hold of every lamb and make them lie down. There is a time to stop being so busy. There is the need to just lie and be still. Don't be too busy to rest!

Week 16 - Good gifts from God

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17

These girls are certainly precious gifts in my eyes...

Week 15 - Safekeeping

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You." Psalm 56:3

This is one of my favorite scriptures. It is simple and to the point. Even when you are in distress, have confidence in God. Everyone deals with fear at some point. It is a relief to know that we can rely on Him.

Week 14 - Getting through a drought!

"The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
Isaiah 58:11

Week 13 - Gracious Words

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

Colossians 4:6

Sometimes the hardest thing is not reacting to someone after they have been rude to you. It is hard not defending yourself. We should be careful in our everyday talk with one another and learn to graciously leave things alone at times.

Week 12 - Getting Rid of the "Stuff"

I feel like I have agitated a bee's nest trying to get ready for a garage sale that was my idea! I have stuff everywhere and me cleaning out places has caused a very unclean look in my house. How did we end up with so much stuff!!!

This got me thinking about the junk we collect in our own lives. I don't know why we think we have to hang on to junk. Junk is junk. It has no value. There are things we should let go of and stop hoarding up in our heart. Just like the garage sales we throw together in the natural, when we come across old useless things in our lives, we should let them go to the highest bidder. Jesus paid the ultimate price for you and me so we don't have to have closets filled up with things we don't want anymore. I encourage you to do a garage sale in and around your heart! I guarantee you will profit from it!

He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. 1 John 1: 9 (The Message)

Week 11 - Two are better than one

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one,

Because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.

But woe to him who is alone when he falls

For he has no one to help him up.

Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;

But how can one be warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Today is my husband and I's ten year wedding anniversary.

We married when we were 20 and have been girlfriend and boyfriend since we were 16.

I am very grateful to have a best friend who

...helps me get back up when I have fallen

...comforts me in his warmth

...and defends me when I am weak.

God never wants us to be lonely. We can see the obvious benefits that companionship brings us.

Value your friendships, your relationships, and your family. No one should feel alone!

Week 10 - Be a blessing on purpose

Genesis 12:2

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.

There is something so special about being a blessing to someone. I know how great it feels when someone tells me a complement that takes me by surprise. Those kind gestures just make my day.

People need encouragement...don't just "think" something nice about someone, actually speak up and share it with them. It is so much fun to give out a little confidence to others. God made us to be a blessing. Share the love.

(This is a flower from one of my peach trees in our backyard.)

Week 9 - Seasons change...Here comes Spring!

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.    

Ecclesiastes 3:1

This happens to be one of my favorite scriptures. I have it tacked up in front of me in my home office so I can have quick access to the words.

They reassure me that I won't be doing the same thing for the rest of my life.

They remind me that my children won't be little forever.

It brings me comfort to know that time I spent studying is not wasted time and will be used one day.

I love seasons because they bring new, fresh expectations every time they change. God knew we would need them to exist on our world and in our lives.

Enjoy each season life brings you and rest assured that if it is a hard one, it will change soon.

This little amber bird was found last weekend in New Braunfels at the Red Rooster Antique Co. http://www.redroosterworld.com/ and now lives in my kitchen window seal where it serves the purpose to make me smile every morning when I see it glowing like sunshine.

For more fun on the antique shopping: http://chadcrystal.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html

Week 8 - Beautiful You

My husband and I were chit-chatting one evening in the kitchen, when he stopped me and told me, “Gosh, you are so beautiful right now. You remind me of when we were dating.” It was the end of a long day and I didn’t try very hard to look nice…well I didn’t try at all actually. He certainly caught me at an ugly moment and totally made my day!

Everyone should hear they are beautiful especially on the days we are not trying to be. The Bible says we are made in God’s image. There is nothing more beautiful or lovelier than God! There is no make-up, no hair cut, or no outfit that could compare to the beauty that is within! God made you . . . in His wonderful image! It is neat to think that God didn’t have a reflection until he made us!

God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. . .” Genesis 1: 27 (The Message)

Chad surprised me with these lilies the day after Valentines. They were merely buds at the time and we enjoyed watching them open up a little bit more each day.

Week 7 - Time well spent

Luke 10:38-42 is the well known story of Mary and Martha. Mary was remembered for spending time with Jesus while Martha was busy doing work. The kind of work that Martha was doing could be categorized as "women's work." This is similar to women of today whose work just never seems to stop. Our lists of things to do go on and on and on everyday as long as we are alive.

Jesus was not telling Martha that the little things that she does daily do not matter, because they do. What he was telling her and women of today was to not let our work be more important that precious family who love us. We should not let our work be ignored completely, but we should put people first because they are what really matter!

Time is so precious. We cannot get it back. Once it is spent it is gone forever so don't make the mistake of spending all of your time on tasks that do not involve those that you love.

This week I encourage you to sacrifice something you normally do to spend time with someone you love.

I won this giant clock at my work Christmas Party in December.

Week 6 - Love

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut.
Doesn't have a swelled head.
Doesn't force itself o others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Part of the Message Bible's version of our most "loved" love verse...1Corinthians 13.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day knowing that God loves us more than any human on earth!

Chad surprised me with this message one day after moving the stones from our front yard to the back.

Week 5 - Don't waste it!

We were doing a weekly devotion with our children last night during dinner, and I thought it would be great to share.

The theme was not being wasteful, and I purposely chose it for my littlest daughter who is a fussy eater. Unfortunately, she must have got it from me because I certainly can relate to only wanting to cheese and chocolate for all my meals.

Aside from being encouraged to not waste food, we thought of other ways we could use all that God gives us and that got me to thinking about all that we have. I began to feel so grateful!

That evening at dinner my youngest little girl ate all of her dinner. It was something she had never eaten before which makes it even more amazing! I was very proud of her because she did it all on her own...no begging or bribing!!!

We can apply this same attitude towards anything else in our lives. Don't waste your days away. Don't waste your time. Don't waste your God given talents and gifts. Use what you have and be thankful for all the many wonderful things that God has given you!

Found the plant at the Sweet Berry Farm and wanted to steal it and the aqua pot, but felt it would be frowned upon. So, I took a picture of it instead.

These are Cari's hands after bringing me every flower she could find. She later brought me some leaves as well. I'm so loved...

Week 4 - Word

http://myoneword.org/choose/

I thought this was an interesting concept so I decided to share this for this week.

strong

This word totally describes what I want to accomplish this year. I actually enjoy resolutions and look forward to the fresh start each year, but I also understand that most people don't follow through with them. I am a planner and like and need goals to reach for. Having said that, I started thinking about what my goals were for the year in conjunction with my one word, and it came to me pretty simply without much thought.

I have never pictured myself as being strong. Just looking down at my arms alone right now makes me giggle to call myself strong, but I am 30 this year and think it is finally time to be a strong woman in every area of my life.

I want to be strong.

I want to be strong in my body.

I want to be strong in my relationship with the Lord.

I want to love strong.

I want to live strong.

I want to have a strong marriage.

I want to have a strong relationship with my two children.

I want to be a strong role model for them as well.

I want to have a strong sense of self-worth.

I want to have a strong sense of peace even in unpeaceful situations.
I want to continue to build strong friendships.

I want to have a strong understanding of our finances.

I want to be a strong positive influence for my generation.

I want to be strong in patience and compassion.

Our family is planning on riding in the Livestrong challenge this year with some pretty inspiring people in honor of a dear friend and in hopes to raise money for cancer research.

This year I want to be strong!!!

What is your word?

Camille, my 7-year-old,  took my picture. I am hoping that muscle is seen soon!

Week 3 - "PAUSE!"

This evening I was sitting outside on our back porch watching my children jump on their trampoline. They were bouncing, twisting, and occasionally being knocked down. Whenever they needed the movement to stop, they would each yell out, “Pause!” The other one, out of courtesy, would be still until the other one was ready. It was such a helpful system that they put in place.

I could not help but think about the precious people in Haiti with their world turned upside down. They too were getting knocked down, thrown, and finding themselves in trouble, to say the least. Yet, reports of Haitians praising God took people by surprise. They too were hitting the “pause button” in a sense. They were seeking out peace during all the chaos.

We should take the time to pause and seek God every day, as often as we need Him.

Psalm 70:4 -5

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;

And let those who love Your salvation say continually,

“Let God be magnified!”

But I am poor and needy;

Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer;

O LORD, do not delay.

Even when we are panic-stricken, we cannot forget to praise our Lord. He is our only source of strength, help, and deliverance.

Week 2 - The heart of a woman

The Heart of a Woman

I have started reading "Queen of the Castle" this year, and so far I have really enjoyed it! She encourages women to love their role in their home.

Something that stood out to me when reading this last night was the comparison of a woman's home with their own unique gifts and personality. Every woman's home is different in design just as we are. We should not waste time trying to compare and measure up to one another. Each one of our homes will be different as well, but one thing I do enjoy is getting inspired by other women and their homes. I find inspiration in God given gifts that are so beautifully decorated in every woman's heart.

I have stacks of magazines that I get in the mail from Pottery Barn. I spend hours looking at the creative ways the rooms are put together and wish I could copy it exactly. If I am not careful, I can get bummed out that my house is not as furnished as the pictures. I can lose site of what a home really is.

People are not perfect and neither are homes. They get messy, have different smells, need cleaning, and are not always put together just right...but they are warm and cozy, full of memories, and have unique charm and style. A home is shelter. A home brings people together. A home is the heart of every woman.

This week, think about what your gifts are and how they show up in your home. Know that each of our homes should reflect us and not all look the same. Find something that you love about your home and yourself!

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. (I Corinthians 12:4-6)

Week 1 - "Twenty Ten?"

If you are like me and imagined as a kid what the far future in 2010 would look like, you would have pictured it much like the Jetsons that we watched on TV. Where are the flying cars and robot maids? Well, I guess the closest thing to that would be the Wii. Those things are fun, but not that much has really changed.

Yes, everyone has a tiny cell phone and personal computer, but other than sounding futuristic as Conan does during his "In the year 2000" bit, the year twenty ten is just like any other year in that we all get another opportunity for a fresh start!

We get to take the time to set goals and make lists. We start out looking at the year head on and truly believing that this year will be the year. We will see our dreams come true. We will actually make a difference in the world. We will be heard. We will show love. We will be disciplined! WE WILL!

 

Ecclesiastes 11:6

In the morning sow your seed,

And in the evening do not withhold your hand;

For you do not know which will prosper

Either this or that,

Or whether both alike will be good.

I love this scripture because it tells me I should do my best and not worry about failing.

 Make your lists! Set your goals. Then, go out and do them. Don't worry about failing right now. Do your best and don't hold back because you just might see the victory that you have been wanting and waiting for. Make everyday count and then feel good about it. Let God be in control and hold in his hand our success or failures.

My personal goals for 2010:

10. To keep up with this blog. (It helps to keep me grounded and mindful on God’s Word.)

9. Brush my teeth for the whole 2 minutes. (My friend Erin would be proud.)

8. Read for fun! (After being in school for 18 months learning medical jargon...I will appreciate this!)

7. Work hard every day.

6. Be thankful for the things I have and not spend so much time, money, and effort on hunting down things I could want.

5. Make new friends and cherish the ones I have made so far.

4. Eat well (be hungry), lose fat (sweat a lot), and gain muscle (hurt myself).

3. To be a good role model for my girls everyday because I know they are watching! (I love them so!)

2. For Chad and I to celebrate our 10 year anniversary all year long, not just on March 18th!

1. ENJOY LIFE because God gave it to me to enjoy! (Thanks Pastor Brandon for the great messages encouraging us to do just that!)

What are your "10" things for 2010? Please share them because I am curious to know!!!