So glad He's back!

I am so joyous and energetic this morning, and I know it can only be because I broke down, and allowed God's grace to overcome me. I have not purposely been pushing the Holy Spirit out, but I know by my actions, of self doubt, lack of self love, and self persecution I was keeping Him at bay. There have been things lying under the surface, that kept getting added into, here and there, for at least the last 6 months now, and finally, on Sunday, I had a prayer of sorts. It's actually slightly strange, because I did it in my mind, even though I had intended to do it physically, and just didn't get to it. There is no doubt in my mind though that this is what has caused me to be filled with the Holy Spirit, energetic, productive, and joyful this morning. Here's what happened.

As I said there have been many things happening over the last 6 months or more...these things range from financial, to our basic needs, to family problems, general chaos, changes in our daily routine, and changes in our family dynamic. Each thing brought with it new and challenging goals, and as I got busier and busier, I have been going to church less and less. I also have not been able to attend small group because of my schedule, lack of funds, and fatigue. I also was forced to step away from some of the ministries in my church that I have a HUGE passion for, because it was simply too much at that time. I was very down on myself because of all this. I felt like a failure. Like I was letting God down. I felt like things that I had always believed, where being shaken, and I was second guessing my beliefs in other areas. Then, on top of that, I have been rather busy, between the kids, the pregnancy, the holidays, Coby starting school, our finances, and trying to find a place to live and plan a move, and I have just been exhausted. I have been pushing ahead, claiming God as my strength and doing the best I can, but I know that I was trying to do it on my own still because I was not allowing my self to be loved by God and to receive his grace for my short comings. On Sunday, after waking up late and running around trying to get ready for church, only to not be ready until 10 which would have made us about a 1/2 hour late, and deciding that I did not want to arrive that late, I decided that I needed to go pray. I put on some worship music, and closed my eyes. I pictured myself escaping to my bedroom for a short period of time, and falling face down on the floor and crying out to God for help. I told Him my worries, asked for forgiveness, forgave others, and confessed that only, ONLY, through His divine power would I be able to accomplish the things that I need to do. When I was done envisioning this, I fully intended to go, and pray in that same way, but I was needed by the kids, and the house, and the animals, but I really think it just shows that God knows our hearts. He knew that I had planned to go physically pray that, truly, and when I couldn't, still heard the prayer of my heart, and answered it. I am so thankful that we serve a loving and AWESOME GOD! :)

I pray that all of you can allow yourselves to be covered in God's grace, and filled with the Holy Spirit, so that you may know true joy, and be amazed at the things that He can accomplish through you. :)

I want them to be better

So, the article that I linked to got me thinking. I totally agree with the author, one of the reason's I want to homeschool is that I DON'T want my children to assimilate and be the same as everyone elses children. While sharing the article on facebook I started to type..."I don't want my children to be like everyone elses... I want them to be better." I quickly changed my wording though, because I realized that sounded condescending. But, I would like to elaborate on that idea.

I don't mean better in the sense that it's a competition and oh "my kid is better than yours" and that type of thing...but more so that I want my children to be better educated, better informed, better influenced, better "fed", and even "better" socialized. I don't want them in an environment where God is removed even though he created everything they are learning about. I don't want them in an environment where approval from the opposite sex is a driving factor and "relationships" start way too early often times. I don't want them being pressured to be something they are not, or feel like they have to impress or win the approval of others that really don't matter. I also want them to learn how to treat others as Jesus instructed us to, with love, and help those in need, and that doesn't happen often in a out of home, school, environment. I also don't want my children to feel that all of their self worth lies in what kind of grades they get, or how well they do in certain extracurricular activities...these things are for LEARNING and building self confidence, not tearing it down.

I think some healthy competition is good, but I know many children who feel awful if they don't get good grades even though they try hard, or who may not make a team because they are not the best, or even who do make the team, but don't get as much play time because they are of average ability. I think extra curricular activities are great, and I know my kids will still make PLENTY of friends. We attend church, our daughter takes dance lessons, and our eldest son played soccer this past Fall. In January our son will probably take swim lessons again, and our daughter might too, and then come spring our eldest son will probably play soccer again. We also feel it is important for our children to be well rounded, so our eldest will most likely start some kind of music lesson's in the next year or two, as we feel that is important. There are also homeschool co-ops, groups, field trips, play dates, and other functions, where our kids can make lots of friends, so I am not worried in the least about that.

I want our kids to have friends, but I want them to have family time too. I think family time is totally under valued, while remaining a VERY important factor in raising successful, healthy, God-minded children. Those are just SOME of the reason's that we like the idea of homeschooling, and why we are going to try it, there are many others. So are my children "better" than yours that are schooled out of the home? No, but I feel they are better off. ;)

AWESOME GIVEAWAY!

I was first introduced to amber when my daughter was teething. She has a necklace (floating around here somewhere! lol!) and she had a bracelet, but the kids broke it. :/ I got myself a necklace too, and I just love it, so I would love to have more! I am in love with the beautiful jewelry and healing properties of said jewelry that Hazelaid offers...and now you have the chance to win one of these gorgeous necklaces! I entered! Just head on over to 4 Little Men and Girly Twin's blog and enter! :D

http://www.4littlemenandgirlytwins.com/2010/12/amber-nuts-giveaway.html#disqus_thread

So cute! Thanksgiving Project!

I think we are going to make this as a thanksgiving wall hanging, with all the hands the same way, and leaving a spot for the baby's hand next year. I'll add a dowel and ribbon at the top for hanging...I'll post pics when done! :) Thanks for a great idea!

http://www.makeandtakes.com/handmade-bread-basket-liner-for-thanksgiving#comment-39956

Wild Olive Tees Give-away!

I've always loved novelty tees, and these t-shirts take it to the next level by also being inspirational, and a great way to show case your love and commitment to Christ! I'm hoping to win a couple, and if you'd like to enter to win too you can head on over to http://www.wildolivetees.com/, click on blog and find out how you can enter to win too! And good luck!

You Might Be a CounterCultural Mama If...

This post is inspired by this Post on Mamaeve's blog. :) There were a few things I didn't do and/or didn't agree with, so here is my list!

You might be a countercultural mama if...

1. You breastfeed your children
2. You wear your babies
3. You feed on demand and not on schedule
4. You delayed solids
5. Your babies first foods were something natural, like banana's, avacado's, or squash, etc. given whole, in chunks or mashed instead of something pureed and in a jar.
6. You have ever co-slept in some capacity
7. You have had one or more natural, unmedicated births, one or more of which may have been in the water.
8. You waited for the umbilical cord to stop pulsing before it was clamped
9. You have your chiro, midwife, and herbalist if you have one all on speed dial
10. You believe in Homeopathic medicine over conventional medicine.
11. Your friends look at you like your nuts when you tell them you don't use Johnson and Johnson or some other name brand bath and body products for baby b/c the have a high rating on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database
12. You use cloth diapers and/or EC (which most of your friends and family also think you are nuts for!)
13. You'd rather make something for your children/friends/loved ones, even if it may cost more, and if it costs you your time b/c there is more love in it, and it will be unique and special.
14. You craft in one way or another.
15. You like to cook from scratch.
16. You believe that making smart choices about what you put in (food) and on (bath products, cosmetics, etc) your body can affect your over all health, well being, and risks for developing cancers and other serious medical conditions.
17. Your children nurse their baby dolls, wear them in baby carries, and change their cloth diapers.
18. Your Baby rear faced past a year
19. You own 3 or more baby carriers
20. You know what amber necklaces are for.
21. You own a wrap and know how to tie it.
22. You have one or more dishes that you make by adding ingredients by sight and memory and not using a recipe.
23. Gardening is considered a family fun learning activity
24. You can hardly get through a reality show about birth without yelling at your tv.
25. When the Hylands Teething Tablet recall was announced you went out and bought as many bottles as you could get!
26. You are aware of America's c-section rate and it makes you sad.
27. You think it's ridiculous that doctors can refuse to take patients who want a v-bac.
28. You think it's ridiculous how many doctors won't allow a v-bac if the mother hasn't had a vaginal delivery before.
29. You think nothing of using the terms penis, foreskin, breast, vagina, vaginal, intact, perineum, and nipple in normal everyday conversation.
30. You nurse without a cover, even if it's only around family and close friends.
31. You don't think there is anything wrong with breastfeeding in public.
32. You selectively vax, or delay vaccinations.
33. You smile and nod at the doctor to avoid being "that" patient, while silently knowing that you will only apply the things you know to be good for your child.
34. You think that educating your children is your responsibility before anyone elses, even if your children go to school.
35. You know that it is your job to teach potty training, discipline, and proper social behavior to your children, not their teachers (if they don't happen to be homeschooled.)
36. Your partner doesn't "babysit" the kids while you go out for whatever reason (on the few rare occassions when you leave the house without even the nursling in tow) he/she co-parents.
37. You prefer natural and homemade items over store-bought
38. You have at least one thing for yourself that you either made yourself, or was handmade.
39. You know what a Diva Cup and Mama cloth are, and possibly own one or the other.
40. You have a paper free, or limited paper household, which may or may not include wipes, toliet paper, paper towels and/or napkins.
41. You reduce, re-use and recycle.
42. You'd rather buy used and save the difference. :)

Feel free to add your own in the comments if you'd like! :)

I entered the Cloth Diaper Stash Giveaway, Did you?

I'm so hoping I win! We could really use some new diapers for the babies! If you want to check out some of the awesome stuff that Diaper Junction offers...head on over to www.diaperjunction.com and check it out! :D