mama hall

seven today

2012-01-28T04:52:00.000-06:00

my daughter is 7 today.

this little girl changed my life forever in ways that i could never have even imagined. there's a song that says it perfectly: "my life before you, i was a flame burning down, i was burning out."

but then she came along early one January morning, and suddenly i held a new joy, a true happiness, and an unconditional love. this little pink princess gave me reasons to live a better life. "...something was different, i knew it the instant... you put the light in me."

every day i get to watch her grow and mature, the light she brings to my life shines brighter and brighter. i am incredibly thankful for her, this precious gift from God.

charm me photography

we are celebrating my BigGirl this weekend with friends and family, granting her every wish :)

don't write anything

2012-01-26T06:54:00.000-06:00

i have always been a journal-keeper. when i was growing up, i filled notebooks with doodles and kept hardbound books with little locks and keys for my personal thoughts.

i also was a note-passer in school. but i wasn't a rule-breaker. in elementary school, my best friend, Lisa, and i devised a plan to pass notes in a way that wouldn't break any classroom rules. it was a brilliant plan: we write our notes to each other in 1 shared spiral notebook, and pass the notebook back and forth before and after school. all the notes stayed in the notebook - it was just ours and just for our private letters to one another. smart, right?

one day, i accidentally left the notebook in my Mom's minivan. when she picked me up from school that day and the notebook was missing from the backseat where i'd left it, i panicked. it was the same panic as when the teacher catches you passing a note and takes it up to read it aloud in front of the class. possibly worse, since it was my Mom.

i don't remember what was written in the notebook that i was panicked about- probably bad things about teachers and hearts around boys' names. i don't remember getting in trouble for having the notebook or anything i'd written.

i remember the lesson my Mom taught me that day:

"Don't Write Anything You Wouldn't Want The Whole World to Read."

extreme? maybe. but think about it.

especially in this World-Wide-Web of blogging and pinning and tumbling and tweeting and status-updating...the world is reading, or could read at any time.

is what you're writing worth being read? now or ever?

would you panic if _____ read what you wrote?

...your parents?
...your best friend?
...your husband?
...your children?
...your pastor?
...your grandma?

i remind myself every time i write: what if the whole world read this? what if?

sure, a lot of things are private. and yes, the chances of my pastor reading my blog are slim to none. still, the lesson my Mom taught me that day back in 5th grade has stayed with me all these years. it hasn't stopped me from writing. on the contrary, it has made me a more thoughtful writer, with determination to leave something pleasing, uplifting, and thought-provoking for the potential readers.

What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight,

and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms

will be proclaimed from the roofs.

Luke 12:3 NIV

my daughter is starting to write her thoughts in her own journals now. she was writing in her little flowery notebook the other day, and when i walked by she slammed it shut, giggling. i smiled at her, looked into her big blue eyes, and said, "remember, don't write anything you wouldn't want the whole world to read."

photo credits

like walls

2012-01-25T07:49:00.001-06:00

We have a strong city.

God's saving power surrounds it

like walls and towers.

Open its gates

so that those who do what is right can enter.

They are the people who remain faithful to God.

Lord, you will give perfect peace

to anyone who commits himself to be faithful to you.

That's because he trusts in you.

"Trust in the Lord forever.

The Lord is the Rock.

The Lord will keep us safe forever."

Isaiah 26:1-4 NIRV

glorious thanks-living

2012-01-23T08:24:00.000-06:00

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.

Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up,

he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living,

part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

ephesians 1:11-12 the message

1045. pulling over to say hello to our neighborhood cows

1046. my kids' pediatrician
1047. shopping in a girly girl store with my girly girl
1048. 70+ degree January days
1049. red-tail hawks in our backyard
1050. music choice contemporary christian television channel
1051. manager special stickers on groceries we need

1052. counting down the days til her birthday
1053. thick, icy, nutritious, chocolate smoothies
1054. Bubba's fresh buzz cut
1055. free homeschool resources
1056. Girl Scout cookies for sale on every corner
1057. discounted Talavera pieces for my collection
1058. bright green clover patches
1059. a day for resting
1060. hanging out with our neighbors
1061. planning surprises
1062. laughing with my mom
1063. making grown up decisions with my husband
1064. waking up to a cup of coffee on my bedside table, from my daughter
1065. watching Bubba recognize words
1066. health insurance
1067. finding pink and white gingham wrapping paper
1068. made-up games and everyone wins

living a life of pulling over to see His glorious gifts and give Him thanks...

Around Here Lately {a promise & a printable}

2012-01-20T07:02:00.000-06:00

i used to rush the mornings. if we had to be somewhere in the morning, i used to run around like a madwoman getting ready, yelling commands at the kids to hurry up. i'd shhh their chatter to try to keep them focused on putting on their socks and shoes. i'd stop their little impromptu game of tickle-tag and hustle them into their carseats so we could hurry off to wherever we needed to be.

but sometime about two years ago, after i'd rushed through breakfast and worked myself (and my children) into a hurried frenzy, i caught the sunrise. and isn't it beautiful? it's beautiful every time.

and another thing about the sunrise? it's slow. but if you don't catch it, you'll miss it.

the sun isn't in a hurry to rise, and it creates incredible beauty for her surroundings the way up.

that morning when i caught the sunrise after hurrying, i promised not to hurry another morning. i promised i'd stop my rush and instead create incredible beauty for my surroundings in my own little way. this is how God, the maker of the sun!, starts my day, and i certainly don't want to miss it.

these slow moments of watching Him light up another day...i just bask in His glory and love. what a beautiful way to begin life again each and every day!

last week, the kids and i had a pleasant morning and didn't rush to get where we were going. when we got there, the sun was still rising right in front of us. before we went inside, we stood in the parking lot and admired the unrushed sunshine. the sky was streaked with blues, purples, and pinks, some oranges and yellows, and some blended colors that we couldn't even name.

and "isn't God amazing?" and "aren't we so thankful for yet another day of this life?"

God promises me that today is going to be a good day-

in this slow rising beauty and in His ever-living Word.

i watch the sun rise, i remember these promises, and i let it set the tone for the rest of my day.

The LORD has done it this very day;

let us rejoice today and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

weeping may stay for the night,

but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

see the pretty "Today" printable? it's a declaration that "today will be a great day," with accompanying bible verses that promise the same. my Pastor's wife, Mrs. April Osteen Simons, came up with this declaration and i loved it when i heard her say it about two years ago.

i read it in the mornings with my children, and like the sunrise, it reminds us of God's promise and sets the tone for our day.

i want to encourage you to start your day slower. call your day great as it's getting started! claim God's promises for joy and favor first thing in the morning. His word is good!

i'd like for you to have the "Today" printable, too! i am sharing the free download on my Facebook page today. go like my page, print the declaration, and have a beautiful day.

what to wear?! {giveaway}

2012-01-18T04:12:00.002-06:00

{ this giveaway is closed }

winning comments:

i have always wanted a personal stylist. can you imagine? someone to come in each morning and pick out my outfit and accessories for the day. it really would make my life so much easier! especially on those awful mornings when i really have a hard time getting dressed and find myself standing in my closet on top of a pile of clothes deemed unworthy and i want to scream I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR! those mornings suck the energy of me and i end up doing one of two things 1-cancelling all my plans and crawling back into bed, or 2- hiding in a big winter coat all day.

come on...i'm not the only one, right?

a personal stylist is obviously out of the question.

however...i think i have discovered the next best thing!

more confidence? less fuss? while getting dressed? it's possible?

yes! The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley Morgan is the next best thing to a personal stylist!

Hayley's e-book is like having your best girlfriend with you in your closet to help you get dressed, but also at the store with you to help you buy the right pieces!

the book starts with a closet assessment and overhaul, takes you through the wardrobe essentials, and has sections to help you when you find yourself standing in your closet knee-high in a pile of discarded clothes at the verge of tears because you HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!

what i love the most most most about The No Brainer Wardrobe are the photographs of clothing and accessories, and her clear illustrations of how to put different pieces together to make an outfit. (think Polyvore on Pinterest) as i looked through the pictures and read why she was putting this top with those pants, i had several "A HA" moments, realizing I HAVE SOMETHING TO WEAR! she makes it look so easy, and i truly feel more confident just having this information under my belt. pun kinda intended.

Hayley's tips are practical - you don't need a big clothing budget or a custom closet to make her suggestions work for you. and the style tips she offers are timeless, not trend-driven.

if you ever have a hard time figuring out what to wear, or you wish you had a personal stylist to help you put pieces together in a stylish way, i want to encourage you to check out Hayley's e-book: The No Brainer Wardrobe.

it is $7.99 online at The No Brainer Wardrobe.com,

but if you hurry, you can get it for 50% OFF with the code mamahall

this is a very limited offer, so don't delay!

would you like to WIN a copy of The No Brainer Wardrobe? simply leave a comment below with your e-mail address and 2 winners will be chosen at Random.org and announced on Saturday 1/21.

now please do excuse me while my personal stylist and i pick out tomorrow's outfit. {wink}

what i'm reading {top ten tuesday}

2012-01-17T04:10:00.000-06:00

books i'm reading:

1. The Resolution for Women (Priscilla Shirer)

2. Grace for the Good Girl (Emily P. Freeman)

3. For One More Day (Mitch Albom)

4. A Confident Heart (Renee Swope)

5. Every Day a Friday (Joel Osteen)

6. One Thousand Gifts (Ann Voskamp)

7. Grace Based Parenting (Tim Kimmel)

8. Organized Simplicity (not pictured) (Tsh Oxenreider)

9. Savoring Living Water (not pictured) (Lara Williams & Katie Orr)

10. The No Brainer Wardrobe (not pictured) (Hayley Morgan)

what's on your nightstand?

linking up @ OhAmanda's Top Ten Tuesday.

thanks, grace, and joy

2012-01-16T04:15:00.000-06:00

1024. conversation, hugs, and laughs with my lifelong best friend
1025. a new tender spot in my heart for lost dogs
1026. my hubby the handyman
1027. recognition in time to prevent a problem
1028. my easily pleased children
1029. my math-loving daughter
1030. my ever-curious son
1031. tidy and organized bathroom cabinets
1032. sour cream on my tacos
1033. the organic section of the grocery store
1034. my little one tall enough to reach the lightswitch
1035. sushi 2 go
1036. paying for strangers behind me in line at Starbucks
1037. encouraging tweets
1038. a morning with friends @ Mama Chiks
1039. the lost dog being found
1040. mom talk and laughs and watching our kids play
1041. Chick-Fil-A grilled chicken nuggets
1042. nightgowns
1043. clean bathroom counters
1044. Saturday mornings

Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis.

But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning joy.

-Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

Around Here Lately {HCPA Winter '12 update}

2012-01-13T06:27:00.000-06:00

we have had a great school year so far here at Hall College Prep Academy (HCPA)! we like to school year-round, but we officially started this school year in August. about every three months i like to reevaluate our curriculum, schedules, and goals to see where we can improve and plan the rest of our year.

Big Girl (age 6) finished her 2nd grade math books in December, so she is going to start 3rd grade math as soon as the books arrive. math is one of her favorite subjects and she is picking up concepts quicker than i imagined! she will complete 2nd grade level in all other subjects within the next few months.

i am so proud of her for being so disciplined and responsible. she can - and likes to- do most of her work independently, which is super helpful because...

Bubba (age 3) started preschool at HCPA this month! i took him out of his 2 day/week preschool so that he can play and learn at home with us. i love it. taking him out of preschool was one of the hardest best decisions i ever made. he is doing great so far.

this is my ~~brain~~ notebook. i use this customized notebook to plan our weekly lessons. it's a simple form that i found for free on DonnaYoung.org and personalized with our subject areas. i had several copies made and had it spiral bound at Staples. using this notebook, i plan about 4-6 weeks of assignments ahead.

our daily routine is very flexible and mostly child-led. the most common question i get when i tell someone that we homeschool is "how much time does it take each day?" tricky question! first of all, every day is different for us. some days we spend a lot of time doing a lot of schoolwork. some days we don't do any! secondly, we don't have a start and finish time for our schoolwork. we don't sit down at a set time and try to accomplish assignments in a certain time frame. in the 4ish years we've done this, i have never timed out how long it takes. i have us set up so that we have weekly assignments and we can take as much or as little time within the week to complete them. the flexibility of our system gives us the freedom to take field trips, host and attend playdates, go to the gym, run errands, do our schoolwork while we eat lunch, or whatever it is we need to do.

i have figured out that Big Girl is most motivated, productive, and focused first thing in the morning, so i like to get her started right after breakfast. Bubba, on the other hand, is most attentive after lunch and after dinner! some days he likes to do his work alongside Big Girl, other days he wants complete one on one with Mama. other things i've figured out- Big Girl likes to have a little snack or drink while she's doing her schoolwork, and Bubba does his schoolwork best standing up as opposed to sitting at the table.

i know that in order for me to be successful in homeschooling my children, i have to pay attention to what works best for them, i have to remember that their learning styles are different from one another, and i have to always be adaptable!

our modified workbox system is working wonderfully! when i first implemented them i wasn't sure if/how it would work. but it is working!

we have the Ikea Expedit Bookcase in our schoolroom. i picked up a bunch of these bright colorful plastic boxes at Target last year for $2 each. Big Girl has 3 purple boxes, Bubba has 3 red boxes. at the beginning of each week, i divide their weekly assignments into their 3 boxes. for example, in Big Girl's Box 1 is her writing and language assignments, in Box 2 is her math book and science book with pages to do dogeared, in Box 3 is her art assignment and health book.

she can start with any box she chooses. the only "rule" is she has to complete all of the work in all 3 boxes by the end of the week. her finished work goes back into it's box and i check it as we go or at the end of the week, depending on the assignment. finished work that i have checked goes into the "Finished Work" white box.

the contents of Bubba's boxes are a bit simpler because of his age and attention span :) i like to put puzzles in his boxes, color pages, blocks, or an alphabet game. right now his favorite "homework" is copying letters and writing words on a white board.

what we're using: (i posted a more detailed list with links here)
Big Girl (2nd grade)
math - Singapore (3rd grade)
language, phonics & spelling - Abeka
bible - New International Reader's Version, weekly memory verses, BSF Children's Study
science - Master Books The Earth, World of Science and World of Animals
health - Abeka Health Safety & Manners, and gymnastics 1x/wk
history - Abeka Our America, Passport to the World, and Big Book of History
art - Abeka Art 2 and Daily Drawing Challenge
creative writing - blogging, journaling, writing prompts

Bubba (preschool)
Tot School
Basic Skills workbook
No Time for Flashcards
lots of manipulatives, games, and reading

overall, i am very pleased with our homeschooling journey thus far, and i'm super proud of my kids! the bible promises that this "good work" is worth it, so i'm not giving up!

Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

i just need to get one of these...

HA! yeah right. :)

how is your school year going? have you reevaluated lately?

teach the truth: The World of Animals

2012-01-10T05:34:00.000-06:00

we have a new book in our homeschool science curriculum: The World of Animals from Master Books.

this big, beautiful, hardcover book gives us an in-depth look at more than 1,000 animals! in our child-led science lessons, i like to ask Big Girl (2nd grade) and Bubba (preschool) to "choose an animal, any animal," find their selection in The World of Animals, and study all about it: the anatomy, characteristics, and habitats, provide children with an insight into the incredible range of life in God’s wonderful world. i love that this book includes updated information on endangered species and obscure trivia-type animal facts. Big Girl recently studied the Male Frigate Bird, which she found just fascinating:

(video clip)

the pictures in this book are incredible! captivating even the young learners.

The World of Animals is easy to use because the animals are arranged by their scientific classification, and in the back there is a comprehensive glossary for quick reference. i think this book would be fun to read before or after a zoo field trip!

win a copy of The World of Animals by Martin Walters and Jinny Johnson at the next Moms of Master Books Twitter Party!

January 17 at 8 pm CST

hashtag #TeachtheTruth

follow @MasterBooks4u and @MamaHall

save the date!
invite a friend!
win the book!

{not a Twitter party person? that's OK! :) the Moms of Master Books will also be giving this book away on their blogs on January 19!} Like Master Books on Facebook to find out more about upcoming events and giveaways.

full disclosure: i was provided with a copy of the book from Master Books to review, to share with my readers here, and at the Twitter party. all opinions are honestly my own. as always, i am an upside down blogger prayerfully blogging with integrity.

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eternally present love

2012-01-09T04:25:00.001-06:00

1001. in my hubby's oversized hoodies
1002. having Bubba home with me all day every day
1003. being called when there's a need
1004. being trusted
1005. the unexpected peace i found outside of my comfort zone
1006. cultivating a welcoming home
1007. homemade caramel lattes
1008. my little ones reciting their memory verse
1009. gym membership
1010. churches who love people
1011. finding missing beloved toys
1012. after Christmas sales
1013. that daily phone call from hubby "I'm on my way home"
1014. a new Magic Bullet
1015. Forever postage stamps
1016. the thoughtfulness of strangers
1017. divine connections
1018. Kari Jobe..."You Are Good" @ Gateway Worship
1019. beautiful sunny January days
1020. followed by grey wintery skies
1021. singing songs that make my hands shoot straight up to reach for Jesus
1022. volunteer preschool teachers at church
1023. genuine compliments

God's love, though, is ever and always,

eternally present to all who fear him,

Making everything right for them and their children

as they follow his Covenant ways

and remember to do whatever he said.

Psalm 103:6 the Message

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these are the days

2012-01-05T04:59:00.003-06:00

"Mommy...will you please download another book for me?"

"Mommy...I want to play Cars, the ones with eyes and smiles."

playing and reading.

teaching and talking.

pushing and encouraging.

listening and watching.

laughing and learning.

praying and snuggling.

these are the days.

thank you, Lord.

i wanted these thoughts - this reminder- in print...so here it is.

Pin It

click here for the free printable of the poster: These Are the Days

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be happy and joyful

2012-01-04T04:36:00.000-06:00

Pin It

But may the righteous be glad

and rejoice before God;

may they be happy and joyful.

Psalm 68:3

ever wonder about me? {top ten tuesday}

2012-01-03T03:53:00.003-06:00

did you ever wonder how well you know me? here's a fun Top Ten list of fun, quick, random things about me...if you're reading in your email, open this page in your browser to see the video clips.

1. ever wonder what my sense of humor is like? i find this insanely hilarious:

2. ever wonder what my Pandora stations are? well-rounded.

3. ever wonder about my Awesome Amazing Anointed God-loving Bible-teaching church? free podcasts here.

4. ever wonder what commercial makes me cry every.single.time?

5. ever wonder my absolute favorite food?

6. ever wonder how i burn calories after enjoying said favorite food?.

7. ever wonder my all time favorite movie?

8. ever wonder what my heart looks like?

9. ever wonder what i think about Santa Claus? Ho, Ho, Ho, read this.

10. ever wonder my alma maters?

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just in case you've ever wondered, now you know!

i'm linking up today with OhAmanda's Top Ten Tuesday.

one thousand gifts

2012-01-02T03:26:00.001-06:00

Pin It

982. twinkling Christmas lights through the rain
983. my sister's laugh
984. packages sent across the country with love
985. "Mommy, I want to sit in your lap."
986. singing Christmas songs by candle light
987. butternut squash soup and fresh pumpernickel bread
988. unexpected dinner guests and plenty of food
989. ping-pong and mom-talk
990. our very own playground
991. 70 degree December days
992. comfy pink slippers
993. my very own crisp color printed images
994. the #CHRISTmas twitter stream
995. fresh air + tinkling piano + open Bible
996. friendship that isn't hindered by miles
997. having my husband home for the holidays
998. our simple traditions for ringing in the new year
999. pink and blue sunrises and sunsets
1000. living fully right were i am

here i am again...counting my blessings and giving thanks to the God who continues to amaze me with an outpouring of blessings. these one thousand gifts of mine, they are a mere drop in the bucket. the counting, the blessing, the eucharisteo, the praising continues!

"My Father has given all things to me.

The Father is the only one who knows who the Son is.

And the only ones who know the Father are the Son

and those to whom the Son chooses to make the Father known.

....Blessed are the eyes that see what you see."

Luke 10:22-24

blessed new year, friends.

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obey Him

2011-12-28T04:14:00.000-06:00

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat,

so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.

The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?"

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves,

"Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

They were terrified and asked each other,

"Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Mark 4:35-41 NIV

from our family to yours...

2011-12-25T03:30:00.016-06:00

have a blessed Christmas

surrounded by family and loved ones

making beautiful memories

carrying on cherished traditions

and celebrating that sweet moment

love, hope, and our salvation

was born in a manger

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sounds of the season

2011-12-23T04:08:00.000-06:00

i love music, and especially music that praises Jesus. so you can imagine how much i love Christmas music! here are some of my favorite sounds of the season. (click the album image to hear samples of the songs, or purchase MP3s for 99 cents each and make your own Christmas 2011 soundtrack!)

David Nevue O Come Emmanuel

Third Day Christmas Offerings

Selah Greatest Hymns

Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant

Veggie Tales 25 Favorite Christmas Songs

and new to me this year...

Music Inspired by The Story

what are your favorite Christmas songs?

Christmas without Santa

2011-12-19T06:46:00.000-06:00

my children love Christmas. they know Christmastime is lots of fun, we make wonderful memories, spend extra time together, and it's a very special time of year.

and Santa Claus isn't involved in any of it.

read more about how my family celebrates Christmas without Santa today at The Homeschool Village.

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Christmas Candy Cane Tag {printable}

2011-12-16T03:55:00.005-06:00

a few years ago i heard the "Legend of the Candy Cane" and the Jesus candy cane poem for the very first time. have you heard of it?

Look at a CANDY CANE, what do you see?

Stripes that are RED like the BLOOD shed for me!

WHITE for my Savior, Who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for JESUS, My Lord that's for sure!

Turn it around And a staff you will see ---

Jesus, my SHEPHERD, Is coming for me!

it's a very sweet little poem, and i'll never see a candy cane the same again.

that poem came to mind when i was thinking of giving my son's preschool friends a candy cane treat for Christmas. i imagined the poem printed on a tag tied to the candy cane. and then i remembered that my son's classmates are only 3 years old, and {smart as they are} they can't read yet. so instead, i made this tag with the upside down candy cane as the J for Jesus! 3 year olds can understand that!

i made the tags into a printable for you. just print, cut, color, tie onto your candy canes, and share a treat with the simple message that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Jesus Candy Cane Tag from MamaHall

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dangerously life-changing

2011-12-15T04:19:00.000-06:00

i've been praying a little differently lately. led by the Holy Spirit's gentle nudging, i added a prefix to my daily prayer. it goes a little something like this:

Lord, let me see my sin the way You see my sin.
and Lord, let me hate my sin the way You hate my sin.

...i continue in my prayer with thanksgiving pouring out of my heart and soul, talking to my Holy Father about my life and how i adore Him.

prayers are answered, hearts are softened, eyes are opened, and now the sin is magnified.

this new prayer i dare to pray, it is dangerously life-changing. i see things the way i never saw them before. i know myself in a way the Lord knows me. there is an unveiling going on, a constant stirring.

the sin, hidden and shadowed and deceiving, is magnified. i am repentant.

the Solution, graceful and loving and redeeming, is glorified. i am forgiven.

amen.

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five minute 5-step infinity scarf

2011-12-14T04:34:00.000-06:00

1. grab your best pair of scissors and a large cotton t-shirt in a color you like, preferably with no seams down the sides

2. cut off the bottom half of the t-shirt, about 3" below the sleeves, or right below the graphic

3. stretch the loop out by hooking one end to a door knob and pulling the other end

4. keep stretching it as long as the fabric will give

5. release from the door knob, put on your new scarf, loop it around, and go!

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shout out! thanks to Quaver's Marvelous World of Music for the t-shirt, and to my friend Erin for the inspiration to make an infinity scarf!

support small: direct sales

2011-12-13T03:13:00.012-06:00

well, are you having any success shopping small this Christmas? i really hope that the ideas Stef, Marci and i have offered, plus the small businesses we've featured, have helped you think outside the big box store when it comes to doing your Christmas shopping.

another way to support small this Christmas is to consider buying specialty products from direct sales representatives - someone that works from a home-based office selling products from a larger retail company. you have probably seen the catalogs or have been invited to a home party. like any small business, direct sales representatives would really appreciate your business this Christmas. here are a few ideas...

Mary Kay

my sweet friend Jeanne sells Mary Kay. i love that i can buy specialty lotions and skin care products as gifts while also supporting Jeanne's small business. if you don't already have a Mary Kay Consultant, i recommend Jeanne! Jeanne's website is http://www.marykay.com/jspare.

Celebrating Home

Independent Designers, like my friend Kathy, sell Celebrating Home's quality entertaining and decorating products. browse the online catalog to see the beautiful home accents, florals, wall decor, servingware, and gifts. then, place your order with Kathy or a Celebrating Home Independent Designer in your area. Kathy's website is http://kathyboltin.mycelebratinghome.com.

Scentsy

if you've ever been to my home you know i love love love Scentsy. my friend Trisha sells Scentsy and she is programmed into my cell phone contacts as "My Scentsy Girl." a full-size Warmer with a Scentsy Brick, or a Room Spray with a Plug-in Warmer would make a very nice Christmas gift! Trisha's website is https://trishaobregon.scentsy.us/Buy.

Pampered Chef

Pampered Chef is high-quality kitchen essentials and deluxe accessories. my friend Jorja is a Pampered Chef Consultant and i've hosted a party with her before. there are so many neat gadgets in the Pampered Chef catalog that make my time in the kitchen more pleasant. ask your Pampered Chef Consultant to help you choose a gift for someone on your list. or email Jorja! http://www.pamperedchef.biz/jorjabriggs

these are just a few ideas for supporting small businesses by contacting direct sales representatives. i hope you will consider shopping small this Christmas!

Marci at Overcoming Busy, Stef Layton, and i are featuring small businesses on our sites every Tuesday until Christmas to encourage others to shop small. follow us on Twitter using #shopsmall.

Let us help one another to do good works.

Hebrews 10:24 NIRV

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A is for Adam, B is for Bible

2011-12-12T13:07:00.005-06:00

i knew this was going to be a good book before i even saw it because the enemy was really trying to prevent me from getting it! but after a 2-week wild goose chase with the postal service, my kids and i finally have our copy of A is for Adam by Ken & Mally Ham! and we love it!

this book is an incredible journey through the Book of Genesis using each letter of the alphabet and rhyming verse!

"A is for Adam; God made him from dust.

He wasn't a monkey, he looked just like us.

Although some scientists don't think it was so,

It was God who was there and He ought to know."

i love the way this book is spiral bound and designed with a built-in tent to stand up like a flip-chart. it was just natural for me to sit across our school table from my children (ages 3 and 6) and read the gospel with him chronologically in this rhyming, alphabetical form. the book presents biblical truths in a way that is simple, entertaining, and memorable.

the big, colorful illustrations are on the side of the tent facing my children, and the reading resources are on the side facing me, where the book offers further explanation of the gospel, interactive conversation starters, extra activities, and review questions. it's very thorough, and yet we could spend as much or as little time on each page as needed, keeping it simple enough for my 3-year-old son or going into further detail with my 2nd grade daughter. i can see using this book with the free downloadable coloring pages with both of my children, focusing on one letter and one part of Genesis at a time, week by week.

view the 45-second video

A is for Adam is a fun way to teach the gospel to young children at home or in a Sunday school setting. i am looking forward to incorporating this into our homeschool curriculum for both my preschooler and my 2nd grader.

would you like to win a copy of A is for Adam?

join us at the Moms of Master Books #TeachtheTruth Twitter Party

Tuesday, December 13

2:00 - 2:30 PM CST

follow hashtag #TeachtheTruth

5 attendees will win A is for Adam by Ken and Mally Ham

AND each winner will get to choose another New Leaf Publishing (NLPG) title to gift to Maple Street Book Shop of New Orleans. this bookseller is expanding locations as part of the recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Master Books will send books to help the community #TeachtheTruth about God. what a blessing!

can't attend the Twitter Party but still interested in this amazing children's book? Answers in Genesis is offering 25% off A is for Adam 12/13 through 12/16 when you use the coupon code: A4ADM.

follow the Moms of Master Books team on Twitter:

hope to see you all there!

our Christmas tree tradition

2011-12-12T04:00:00.001-06:00

putting up our Christmas tree is one of my most cherished holiday traditions.

i can remember going to the tree farm with my family every December from the time i was 6 or 7 until i was about 12. my brothers and sisters and i would run around the maze of trees to find the perfect Douglas Fir. it was cold, but it was a lot of fun. those memories are incredibly special to me.

i have my own family now and our Christmas tree tradition is a little different. while we don't go choosing a tree fresh from the farm, i am still intentional about making our Christmas tree tradition fun and memorable. we have a faux fir - a beautiful, full, tall, pre-lit, PVC Kennsington Pine replica. it's fake, but it's perfect...

read all about it at Sharing the Journey 25 Days of Christmas Traditions

www.chelseysjourney.com

become a part of her freedom story

2011-12-10T04:50:00.003-06:00

a few months ago, my eyes were opened to an awful injustice happening to women in Calcutta, India. that may seem like a far away place, but it is really burdening my heart to think these women are just like you and me, and they are daily victims of human sex trafficking.

i didn't know much about human trafficking or what was being done about it, until i met Kristi a few months ago. my friend Kristi is an advocate for Freeset, an organization that is doing something.

Freeset rescues women of Calcutta from trafficking, teaches them to sew, gives them a job, medical insurance, and a chance at a new life. Freeset also teaches the women to read, to write, and offers child care for their children while they work. the organization truly frees these women from the devastating life they were subject to before. you can read statistics and more about the human trafficking issue on the Freeset website.

Bijoya, a woman in Calcutta, was a victim of human trafficking until she was rescued by Freeset and given a job. now, she talks about her life of happiness, respect, and safety. life qualities we maybe take for granted?

"Women who previously had no respect in our society can build a social identity after working at Freeset... Many people in the community say that Freeset has provided an opportunity for the women to live a life with their own identity and self respect," Bijoya said.

"Freeset is a place to me where I get happiness, peace and love. We share everything with each other here. If I wasn’t working here, I would never have had the opportunities that I get here. I don’t think anywhere else I would have gotten it. Lastly, I will say the safe work environment I get here, I wouldn’t have gotten in any other place where I would fit in for a job."

Bijoya is free and makes a living sewing these beautiful jute tote bags.

Bijoya is living a freed life thanks to Freeset. however, there are thousands of other women in Calcutta that are still exploited in this awful form of modern day slavery. i have been praying for the women who have not yet escaped human sex trafficking. please join me in prayer?

Calcutta is a far away place, but we can do something about it right here, right now.

buy one of Bijoya's tote bags, or one designed by another freed woman, and help put an end to human trafficking in Calcutta. believe me when i tell you that your $15 can make a great impact.

join me in Freeset's Freedom Tour of 12 Days of Freedom with Freeset and become a part of the freedom story. watch the video, shop the bags, and change lives.

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

the heart of holiday traditions

2011-12-08T04:11:00.000-06:00

me & my brothers and sisters, Christmas 1988

as we begin to count down the days until Christmas, as i watch people stretch their budgets and burn the candles at both ends, the importance of holiday traditions beats strong in my heart.

as Moms, it's in our unspoken job description to create our family's holiday traditions or to keep up the traditions that we grew up with. don't you sometimes feel like if you didn't do it, nobody else would? that might be a little bit true.

but let me encourage you, friend. holiday traditions don't have to be stressful. or expensive. or difficult. or time consuming. or dreadful. or exhausting.

let me encourage you...if motherhood is your calling, then being the key-holder to our family's holiday traditions is your privilege.

do this with me: picture that unofficial job description you have for yourself as Mom - the mental list of responsibilities that you just do becauseyou'reTheMomthat'swhy - that list that includes laundry, dishes, grocery shop, diapers, match socks, and somewhere down the list it says Holiday Traditions. got it? now, i hereby grant you permission to take Holiday Traditions off of that list and move it to that other mental list you have - you know the one - the list of Fun Things You Get To Do Now That You're A Mom.

you alone were made by God to be the Mom in your family. make the most of it! let's take back holiday traditions and make them fun, relaxing, and enjoyable for ourselves and our families.

because that's just it. the heart of holiday traditions is where our families have fun, feel loved, and make cherished memories to last generations.

you weren't made to stress over a pie that didn't set, or the wrapping paper that doesn't match, or the in-laws coming to town. i'm pretty sure God doesn't want you busting your family's budget on the latest toys or gadgets, or losing sleep and patience over trying to squeeze one more holiday party into your calendar.

let's get to the heart of our holiday traditions and make them meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable. here's how i plan on doing so...

keep it simple. we don't need more stuff. we need more Jesus. less going and doing, more family and friends. simplify Christmas. does that sound impossible? read this series. and this article.
make the most of it. use what you have. the days are "evil" (Eph 5:15) and God warns us we don't have a lot of time to mess with things of this world. (Luke 12:29, Matt 6:19 to name a few) you have a home, food to eat, a place to rest, and a family that loves you. may that be enough, and give Him thanks for it often.
if it doesn't fit, forget it. cut out traditions that you've always done or your husband's family has always done, but don't fit your family right now. be okay with letting go of (even if temporarily) the activities and customs that aren't right for your life. adapt, adjust, and tweak your traditions until you love everything about them.
give God all the glory. prayerfully consider your holiday traditions and how they glorify God. He is, after all, the reason for the season. everything comes from God, everything happens through God, everything ends up with God, so give Him all the glory and praise in all things. (Romans 11:36, 1 Cor 10:31, 1 Thes 5:18)

for further encouragement for keeping the heart in your holiday traditions, please read Teri Lynne's series Have Yourself a Mary Little Christmas.

i am praying that all of your holiday traditions are heartfelt, memorable, and enjoyable!

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in the middle of the ride

2011-12-07T04:37:00.001-06:00

i heard this song the other day (when i was mopping and had Pandora on my ear buds) and it made me smile! (and dance!)

so, i don't know what kind of "ride" you're in the middle of, but i just want you to listen to this song right now and know that everything, everything will be alright, alright.

...if you're content to simply be yourself,

your life will count for plenty.

Matt 23:11 The Message

support small: prints

2011-12-06T04:20:00.006-06:00

i am having so much fun seeking out ways to shop small this Christmas. being creative in where i shop is definitely forcing me to put more thought into gift-giving. i am excited about the small and local businesses that i've discovered!

another idea for supporting small this Christmas is to think prints: photographs, e-books, and printables! there are a lot of small businesses that make printed products that you could gift quickly and affordably. do your printing at home or have your printing done by a locally owned copy and print shop.

photography

we like to have our family pictures taken professionally every year in the fall or wintertime by a local photographer. this year, Casey from Ellie Layne Images took our pictures, and i LOVE them! she did fantastic!

this is what was happening in between the posed shots

now, i can print the photo, put it in a nice frame (from a local shop) and wha-la! a gift Granny and Grandma will adore! consider giving your business to a smaller, local photographer instead of a commercial/retail photo studio. it's sure to be a fun experience!

e-books

e-books are the hot new thing. while the author may not get a lot of money from each sale, purchasing an e-book could contribute to the seller's goal of increasing their site traffic which, in turn produces income, if that is how it is set up. other authors sell their e-books to reach a smaller financial goal or to raise money for a greater cause. whatever the case, you could probably find an e-book on just about any topic for any recipient on your Christmas list. just print it out, staple together, tie a ribbon around it, and the e-book makes a thoughtful and unique gift. there are SO MANY good ones out there...but some of my favorites are...

Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys by Brooke L. McGlothlin - i love this e-book and think any mom who has a son would, too. it's only 99 cents right now!

Savoring Living Water by Katie Orr and Laura Williams - "how to have an effective quiet time" - beautiful, practical, tips for making the most of your QT with JC. in printable, Nook, and Kindle versions for $5.49 and also available hardbound for $10. $2 of every sale of this book is donated to One Verse. what a sweet gift idea.

Christmas Recipes from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures -this book is 54 pages of Lynn's favorite and most popular easy Christmas recipes that contain regular everyday ingredients. i get a lot of my recipes from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures, so i completely trust that this e-book is full of awesome recipes. it is FREE when you subscribe to her blog! what a fun gift idea!

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae "Having a Martha House the Mary Way" -and to be clear, that's Martha as in Bible Martha not Martha Stewart. this book is perfect for the start of the year as it offers practical daily challenges for cleaning your home. but even better, each day there is also a challenge for spiritual cleansing of the heart, and a reminder of why housekeeping is important and how it honors the Lord. this timeless resource is a great gift. it's only $4.99.

printables

i am a sucker for printables. give me a sweet quote printed on pretty paper and stick it in a picture frame and i am happy as a lark. why not get creative and find a personal printable for your friends and family? there are a lot of bloggers that make a business of producing printables. most printables are free or available for a few dollars. just download and print, frame and gift! here are some links of where i like to get printables:

Jones Design Company -art, lists, tags, craftables

A Holy Experience -devotionals, calendars, encouragement, art

Word Candy Quotes -art, quotes

My Posh Designs -art, quotes

Naptime Diaries -art, quotes

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there are a lot of ideas for supporting small business by gifting prints! i hope you will consider shopping small in this way.

Marci at Overcoming Busy, Stef Layton, and i are featuring small businesses on our sites every Tuesday until Christmas to encourage others to shop small. follow us on Twitter using #shopsmall.

Let us help one another to do good works.

Hebrews 10:24 NIRV

my grown-up Christmas wish

2011-12-05T14:02:00.000-06:00

heaven only knows

that packages and bows

can never heal

a hurting human soul

i'm all grown up now

and still need help somehow

i'm not a child

but my heart still can dream

so here's my lifelong wish

my grown up christmas list

not for myself

but for a world in need

no more lives torn apart

and wars would never start

and time would heal all hearts

and everyone would have a friend

and right would always win

and love would never end

this is my grown up Christmas list

please pray with me for Peggy, her daughters and her granddaughters, and also for 3 year old Salvador and 6 year old Phyllis. if you would like to help my family bless these families in need, please email this week me eryn (at) mamahall (dot) com.

thank you.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,

and He will reward them for what they have done.

Proverbs 19:17

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joy

2011-12-05T06:32:00.000-06:00

"And rejoice! Celebrate all the good things that God,

your God, has given you and your family..."

Deut 26:11 MSG

954. my physical strength and able body
955. organic whole grain pasta
956. candy canes
957. miniature Christmas trees
958. our growing collection of handmade Christmas ornaments
959. receiving an early Christmas gift
960. homemade pillowcases
961. teaching my daughter to make gifts
962. Truth in the Tinsel advent teachings and activities
963. the anticipation of a chilling dessert
964. crisp apples
965. the Prince of Peace
966. a season for praise and feasting
967. reminiscing with my husband
968. our precious Fontanini nativity
969. folding step ladders
970. the women's ministry at my church
971. an evening of laughs, encouragement, and prayer with my sisters
972. celebrating birthdays with friends
973. homemade bird feeders
974. pay at the pump
975. KLTY Christmas Wish program
976. "sweet tatatoes"

977. waking up to the sound of rain

978. laughing with my husband
979. Amazon Prime membership

980. joyful contentment

981. my little girl's new-found whistle

i am full of joy in His presence as i count nearly one thousand gifts. (Ps alm 16:11)

----------------------------------------

nine

2011-12-01T04:30:00.000-06:00

nine years ago today

we went to the chapel

we held hands in the garden

i wore my white dress

you wore a cowboy hat
we promised forever

you said i do

i said i do, too

and we danced and we danced...

click here to hear our song

and the love grows stronger

with each passing day

and for the rest of my life

i look forward

to spending forever with you

holding your hand

keeping my promises

dancing with you

and besar mucho

happy 9th anniversary to my wonderful husband

no sacrifice at all

2011-11-30T05:37:00.001-06:00

what an incredible month of giving it's been! were you blessed by it like i was? i sure hope so. some of my favorite ways of giving this month were...

· Donating our gently used clothes and furnishingsto local charities

· Paying anonymously for other people's orders

· Dropping money in the fireman’s boots and red buckets

· Playing coupon fairy

· Making extra food to give

· Adopting from the Salvation Army Angel Tree

· Packing shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse OperationChristmas Child

· Bringing extra snacks to share at my son’s preschool

· Giving bigger tips

· Mailing gifts and cards to friends just out ofthe blue

· Taking the time to start conversations with strangers

· Babysitting for friends

it took big effort on my part to come up with a way to give, but guess what? God did His part and made a way each and every day.

the 30 Day Giving Challenge is technically over, however, i've got a good give momentum going. i don't want to stop.

the sacrifice of giving has a slight sting at first, yes. oh, but the joy it brought to my soul? and the pure thanksgiving that sprung from my heart as a result? each and every time? completely worth it. no sacrifice at all.

i would like to encourage you to visit the 30-Day Giving Challenge website and Facebook page for more inspiration and ideas for giving. pray for ways you can give, too. i was amazed at the *little* ways He showed me i could give. let's keep the giving momentum going strong, friends!

support small: boutiques

2011-11-29T04:54:00.000-06:00

in an effort to support small businesses this Christmas, i am shopping Etsy and Artfire shops, and local boutiques. so many of these small businesses are owned and operated by stay-at-home Moms just like me, who are putting good use to their God-given talents. just a few clicks in the search function on Etsy or Artfire, and i quickly found unique gifts to complete my Christmas shopping list. and what a blessing to be able to support small business shop owners while giving a unique and thoughtful gift.

here are some of my favorite small business boutiques:

the lovely accessories in this Etsy shop are handmade with love by my friend Ashley, a homeschooling SAHM of three in Baltimore. i know a very special someone that will love these pretty rosette earrings.

-------------------

my friend Nidia makes super adorable custom hairbows and headbands, wipe case covers, burp cloths and bibs, onesies, tutus and t-shirts for boys and girls. Nidia is a SAHM to two children ages 1 and 3, making these beautiful creations in her "spare time."

----------------

the pleated poppy has been one of my favorite e-boutiques for quite some time now. Lindsey does amazing things with beautiful fabrics and frilly ruffles. i'm loving the scarves, bags, wristlet clutches, and of course her signature petal pushers. anything from this small business boutique would make a nice gift.

---------------

this is a local toy boutique that opened a few years ago and has completely won me over. i have never been a big fan of the big box toy store- i get very overwhelmed in there and avoid it at all costs. KidCore Toystore, on the other hand, is a fun shopping experience because the store is small, the service is personal, and the toys are top quality. KidCore Toystore carries brands i know and love like Melissa & Doug, KidCraft, Alex Toys, Usborne, and many others.

---------------------

i could spend hours and hours in this little boutique. don't let the logo fool you - Ruffled Rebelles is a shop in Mansfield that carries one-of-a-kind designed clothing for little girls and boys. i'm talking adorably hip kids clothes and accessories, like the kind of digs celebrity's kids wear. the best part is, it's all locally handmade. wonderful!

--------------

what about you? what small businesses do you like to support? Marci at Overcoming Busy, Stef Layton, and i are featuring small businesses on our sites every Tuesday until Christmas to encourage others to shop small. follow us on Twitter using #shopsmall.

Let us help one another to do good works.

Hebrews 10:24 NIRV

pure joy

2011-11-28T06:51:00.000-06:00

Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials...

you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,

because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind.

That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

James 1:2-8 (emphasis mine)

915. my healthy children

916. the power of prayer to comfort

917. Grandma's bustling kitchen

918. my son in his new PJs all day long

919. my daughter snuggled up with Grandma's dog

920. coconut pie

921. a good day in Texas football

922. Charlie Brown movies

923. watching cousins play

924. the white noise of my sleeping children's breathing

925. wide open spaces Texas to Oklahoma

926. Grandpa's hugs

927. watching my husband as someone else's caretaker

928. playing football in the front yard

929. smiles from strangers

930. Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

931. the chance to rest

932. hotel room service

933. far away friends offering tech support

934. free Wi-Fi

935. Big M Supper Club breakfast

936. Beary and Giraffey

937. tumbleweeds

938. road trip conversations

939. our home sweet home

940. vacation fish feeders

941. a fridge full of Thanksgiving leftovers

942. Santa Mail orders in my mailbox

943. rearranged furniture making room for Christmas

944. family shopping for angels

945. a very special Daddy-Daughter date

946. special time with my son

947. resistance and self-control in the Christmas aisles

948. my gym membership

949. old photo albums falling open to make me remember

950. our growing collection of children's Christmas books

951. the end of my husband's school career in sight

952. our church's lively and fun women's ministry

953. holiday traditions

----------------------------------------

the truth in the tinsel {advent experience}

2011-11-25T05:10:00.002-06:00

i really really like to take advantage of the Christmas season as a time to teach my children more about Jesus and foster their relationship with Him.

we have honored the days leading up to Christmas with a Jesse Tree for the past three years, and last year we added a homemade activity-a-day advent calendar. both of those are great, but i still didn't feel as though my children were connecting the dots between what we were doing each day and why. the Jesse Tree was too mature for my 2 year old, and our activity advent was too simplified for my 5 year old.

this year, however, is going to be awesomesauce because i found the perfect solution: Truth in the Tinsel: an Advent experience for little hands.

Truth in the Tinsel was written by my friend Amanda White {ohAmanda} and designed especially for children my kids' ages: preschool and early elementary! perfect!

Truth in the Tinsel is for children to intentionally meditate on God’s greatest gift in the Christmas season. each day for the 24 days leading up to Christmas, Truth in the Tinsel offers scripture, crafts, talking points, and extension activities to teach the Christmas story. children will learn through discussing, playing, and creating. all the while, their little hearts will be impressed with the true meaning of Christmas, and their relationship with Jesus will grow.

this year, Truth in the Tinsel is the only advent celebration we'll need.

Truth in the Tinsel hit the e-book shelves TODAY! get your printable PDF e-book today for only $2.99. black friday special! regular price is $4.99.

and! take the Impress Your Kids challenge: give your kids the first 24 days in December by doing Truth in the Tinsel with them. LIKE the Truth in the Tinsel Facebook page and encourage others who are reading Truth in the Tinsel every day during advent.

how do you celebrate advent with your children?

------------------------------

full disclosure: i am an affiliate for Truth in the Tinsel and received a free copy to review. i honest to goodness love this book.

my kind of black friday

2011-11-25T03:26:00.009-06:00

nope, i am not there.

i am at Grandma's house.

in my jammies.

drinking coffee.

sneaking bites of leftover pumpkin pie.

uploading our family photos from Ellie Layne images.

and carefully selecting our Christmas card from Tiny Prints.

there are literally hundreds of holiday photo card designs to choose from.

my favorites are in the Christmas Religious category, where there are 56 different designs.

this could take a while. pass the pumpkin pie.

-----------------

full disclosure: in exchange for telling my readers about their products and services, Tiny Prints generously offered me free Christmas cards.

thank You, Lord...

2011-11-24T04:01:00.002-06:00

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

i pray your heart overflows with gratitude for the countless blessings in your life,
and in return for your thanksgiving, i pray He grants you a peace like none other.

thank You, Lord.

happy thanksgiving, friends.

-----------------------------

Thanksgiving bracelets

2011-11-23T04:54:00.003-06:00

these Thanksgiving bracelets are a fun way for your children to remember the story of the first Thanksgiving. they are very simple to make - a perfect activity for children to do while they wait patiently for Thanksgiving dinner to be served. i found the idea on Pinterest, originally from My Montessori Journey. (i am a sucker for all things Montessori.)

all you need is colored pony beads, one pipe cleaner per bracelet, and this printable.

each colored bead represents part of the story of the first Thanksgiving. (we didn't have any brown beads so we used black.)

tell the story to your children, bit by bit, as they string each bead onto their pipe cleaner.

practice with your children re-telling the story, using their bracelets to remember.

what a fun, simple, and memorable way to learn about the first Thanksgiving!

----------------------------

a smaller Christmas

2011-11-22T04:54:00.011-06:00

this Christmas i'm going small.

not smaller in the celebrating, not smaller in the giving, not smaller in the loving...

smaller in the shopping. small businesses are getting my support this Christmas. this year i'm doing my Christmas shopping on Etsy, at local mom-and-pop shops, and from local consultant's online catalogs.

we are in a season when more and more people are turning their hobbies and talents into income for their families. these are our friends, our family members, and our neighbors, all doing their part to support themselves and their families financially.

what can i do to help? if i'm shopping for goods and services anyway, why not shop the local and small businesses? almost every gift i plan on buying can be bought at the big box store down the street. doing that takes very little effort and produces little to no joy.

shopping smaller businesses, on the other hand, takes a little more effort but it is incredibly joyous!

seeking out a small and local business can be fun. think about your friend that sells skin care products, or homemade soaps, or the family that just moved to town and opened a coffee shop. what fun to seek them out and make a decision to support them this year! and now think about the gift recipient- how much more meaningful is a gift that is personalized, or handmade, or made locally, or supports a greater cause, or is simply not straight off the big box store shelves.

supporting small businesses blesses the shop owners, and giving unique gifts blesses the recipients.

if it truly is the thought that counts, then let's pledge to put more thought into it. let's support small this Christmas.

join me, Marci at Overcoming Busy, and Stef Layton as we feature and support small businesses each Tuesday until Christmas. follow the chatter on Twitter by searching #shopsmall.

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continues

2011-11-21T03:31:00.001-06:00

For the Lord is good.

His unfailing love continues forever,

and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100:5

880. repentance and forgiveness

881. justice

882. a warm Mama Chiks welcome

883. supernatural patience

884. this kitchen table

885. coffee cake in a mug

886. the sound of the garage door opening and my husband's car pulling in for the night

887. quiet afternoons with books

888. getting to answer to "Mommmmmy" on the baby monitor at 4am

889. hand-knit fingerless gloves on a cold morning

890. a cup of hot coffee waiting for me

891. coordinating outfits

892. gym class instructor that holds me accountable

893. unconditional family love

894. friends who pray with me, for me

895. the chance to be the friend i'm strong enough to be

896. uncovered windows

897. fresh from the dryer bedsheets

898. front row parking

899. improved behavior and lessons learned

900. creative brainstorming sessions

901. daily scripture searching with Stef

902. American Girls chapter books

903. new purple plaid pajamas (thanks, Mama Chiks!)

904. bright red leaves

905. Santa Mail orders in the mailbox

906. a promise of forever

907. chicken tortilla soup

908. the right song at the right time

909. Operation Christmas Child shoebox skyscrapers

910. the heater in our cars

911. neighborhood Kool-Aid stand

912. scents that spark memories

913. a few minutes to play with kittens at the pet shop

914. comfortable and restful nights

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the goodness of giving

2011-11-16T13:47:00.000-06:00

we are 16 days into the month of November which puts us about half way through the 30 Day Giving Challenge. when i decided to take the 30 Day Giving Challenge again this year, i committed myself to intentionally giving in some form or fashion every day of the month.

in 16 fast days my eyes and my heart have been open to the goodness of giving. i know the goodness of watching my children pick out the best toys and the cutest socks for kids they don't even know. i know the goodness of emptying my wallet into the red Salvation Army bucket. i know the goodness of baking extras to give just for the sake of giving.

when i prayed for the Lord to show me where to give, He answered. suddenly my needs are put into perspective. suddenly i have enough, plenty to share, and an undeniable desire to give.

there are ways to give near- as close to home as my next door neighbors- and far- as far away as the other side of the globe. it just takes a prayer, a passion, and some intentional planning.

when i committed to this challenge, i committed to the goodness of giving.

this week is Operation Christmas Child National Collection Week. this is a simple way to give and a big way to bless someone in need.

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a forever marriage {twitter party}

2011-11-14T11:30:00.001-06:00

Pin It

shield it, protect it, treat it differently, work for it.

your marriage is worth it.

4 Days to a Forever Marriage is the featured book of this month's Moms of Master Books Twitter Party.

Pin It

written by Gary and Norma Smalley in a conversational format, this book offers applicable and practical advice to revive and restore the relationship between husband and wife. over the course of four days, read the personal accounts of Gary and Norma, journal with your spouse in the book pages, and learn to establish a firm foundation for your future marriage, chart the course for an even better marriage, or transform a marriage that seems to be at the end. 4 Days to a Forever Marriage uses the latest research and biblical principles to help strengthen, revive and restore your marriage.

if you want it to last forever, work for it. take this 4 day challenge and trust that God can do more than you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

4 Days to a Forever Marriage Twitter party

Tuesday, November 15 at 8 PM CST

follow @MasterBooks4U and @mamahall on Twitter

use the hashtag #4days2forever

join us and you could win a copy of this book!

-------------------

'tis the season for Christmas cards

2011-11-12T04:56:00.001-06:00

our 2010 Christmas card

every year, i look forward to finding the perfect family picture and designing the perfect Christmas card. you know why i look forward to it? Shutterfly makes it so easy and fun.

Shutterfly has a hundred million different styles of Christmas cards to choose from. that might be a slight exaggeration, but truly there are a lot of choices and designs. i can use one photo, or up to four in some designs! (you are a Shutterfly member, right!?) i am drawn to the classic red and green photo Christmas cards, but i also like the fresh and modern holiday photo cards, too. i appreciate that most of Shutterfly's "holiday cards" say Merry Christmas and that they offer a pretty good selection of "religious Christmas cards." i started browsing designs this morning and here are three of my favorites so far:

Merry Bright ZigZag Christmas Card

Glad Tidings Christmas Card

Vintage Ribbon

it was hard to pick just three! and i'm sure it will be even more difficult once i decide on the photo(s) to use. there are so many beautiful designs in the Shutterfly 2011 Christmas Card collection. see for yourself: http://www.Shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards and while you're there, check out the personalized calendars, Christmas photo books, and custom photo gifts you can make, too!

tell me, do you send photo Christmas cards? when do you get started on your Christmas cards?

which Shutterfly Christmas card design do you like? isn't this fun!? 'tis the season!

---------------

full disclosure: in exchange for telling my readers about their products and services, of which i am already a fan, Shutterfly generously offered me free Christmas cards. but even if they didn't, the truth is i'd probably still order my Christmas cards from them.

Around Here Lately 11.11.11

2011-11-11T06:39:00.000-06:00

i was invited to speak (yes, speak!!) at my local MOPS group this morning. while i'm there, i want to share with you some things that have been on my mind and in my heart- with links so you can read all about it. grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and click around to your heart's content.

4 Days to a Forever Marriage - this sweet couple has been married 47 years. i hear her choke back tears, and i hold back my own, as she affirms "marriage is work, and... it's worth it." click over to see the video about the book that we will be giving away at the next Moms of Master Books Twitter Party on Nov. 15.

Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most is an e-book prayer guide for Moms of boys and a parenting resource with promises for those of us raising godly men written by my friend Brooke McGlothlin. i just had to tell you about it because it is on sale now for just $.99.

One Verse: the movement - can you imagine not ever knowing about Jesus because no one could tell you in a language you could understand? One Verse is putting an end to that as they translate Bibles into the native language of lost languages around the globe. if this tugs at your heart the way it does mine, here's how you can help One Verse.

Savoring Living Water - when it comes to QT with JC, i'm thirsty. i want it, i crave it. but i get distracted and time gets away from me. this book addresses that very struggle and offers tips for making your quiet time with the Lord effective and meaningful. the e-book is just $5.49 and $2 of every copy sold will be donated to One Verse.

Operation Christmas Child - this coming week is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. grab a shoebox, fill it with little trinkets and toys, and get it to your nearest drop-off location. this is our opportunity to do something to bless the lives of children living in dire conditions.

Mercy House Kenya - i'm sure you've heard about what my friend Kristen is doing for pregnant women in the slums of Africa. you can read all about The Mercy House here. if you are getting a jump start on Christmas shopping, why not buy a gift that supports a good cause? that t-shirt i'm wearing is from The Mercy Shop.

Veggie Tales and What's In The Bible - speaking of Christmas gifts, i know two children who would love to have both of these DVDs in their collection. i was honored to help my goofy friend Amanda make this video for Veggie Tales Little Drummer Boy. i love Amanda and the Veggie Tales that much. and here are ten reasons i love and will get my kids What's In The Bible, another favorite series of Bible-teaching silly shows.

and that is what has been going on around here lately. well...in my head and heart anyway :) have a great weekend, everyone!

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work

we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus

himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

-Acts 20:35

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birds of a feather {giveaway}

2011-11-10T04:16:00.007-06:00

{this giveaway is now closed}

i have a new favorite piece of jewelry and it is so tweet :)

"Birds of a Feather," designed by The Posh Daisy, is beautiful and dainty and unique. it's a Mommy and a Daddy bird perched on the branch with two little baby bird egg pearls- one a faint pink and one white. i love my Birds of a Feather necklace. i tell people "if me and my family were birds, this would be us."

there are many other beautiful pieces of jewelry in The Posh Daisy etsy shop.

i love this "Grace & Beauty" necklace:

and i am drawn to the colors of the "Autumn Birds" necklace and earring set:

The Posh Daisy has affordable and fashionable necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and headbands, too.

gorgeous accessories, yes?

Cerrisse and Dotti- the mother-daughter duo of The Posh Daisy - are generously offering my readers a chance to win $20 store credit!

to enter, simply leave a comment telling me what you would like from The Posh Daisy either for yourself or for a gift. make sure to leave a valid email address where i can contact you if you win.

this giveaway closes on 11/15. the winner will be announced here.

---------------------------

full disclosure: my goal in hosting reviews and giveaways is simply to support mom-owned businesses. i was provided with a necklace to review. as always, my opinions are true and my own. when i love something, i naturally want to tell you about it. i blog with integrity.

just 3 words

2011-11-08T04:45:00.000-06:00

photo by Darcy

before dinner on the third day of The Relevant Conference, i sat next to my friend Erin on a comfy couch in the DaySpring Beach House. (why don't i have a picture of that!? *kicking self* thank God for Darcy!)

i relaxed, sipped another cup of coffee, and we talked about this amazing weekend we were having and what God was doing. ideas and dreams and thoughts and promises and hopes swirled around in my already-overwhelmed mind. which is probably why it seemed like the hardest thing in the whole world to do when sweet Jendi asked me to tell her 3 words to describe Relevant.

just three words? how can i possibly describe Relevant in just three words?

friends

community

connections

support

inspiration

encouragement

acceptance

welcoming

warm

fun

relaxing

retreat

joy

grace

love

ministry

purposeful

intentional

engaging

prayerful

relevant

photo by Darcy

upside down
Spirit-filled
lovely

-----------------------

a land that stretches far

2011-11-07T06:24:00.000-06:00

"For everything God created is good,

and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."

1 Timothy 4:4-5 NIV

847. praying for opportunities to give and doors opening

848. nature vases on our window sill
849. new blogs - new friends - in my reader
850. falling asleep to the beats of the local high school marching band
851. spending the night in nature with friends
852. a gang of children with binoculars and compasses exploring in the woods
853. conversations over the campfire
854. spacious 7-man tents
855. wrapped up in my husband's oversized hoody
856. three pairs of big fluffy socks on my cold feet
857. little mitten'd hands
858. campfire coffee in tin mugs
859. s'mores for breakfast
860. portable DVD player
861. a church where i am taught how, why, when
862. an invitation to be a part of a ministry
863. time to process Relevant
864. a lazy, nap-filled day at home
865. Texas football
866. watching our aquarium life
867. local businesses that welcome homeschool field trips
868. Fall flowers in bloom
869. my daughter's forgiveness
870. our Sunday morning family time at Hebrews
871. watching my husband raise his hands in worship
872. my new Seeds of Faith CD (thanks, Layton!)
873. campgrounds with electricity and clean water
874. our warm home and comfortable mattress to sleep on
875. eager-to-learn homeschooling students
876. access to thousands of free books for my little readers
877. little pink flower girl dress for my princess
878. watching my lil guy dancing uninhibited
879. my husband coming home with arms full of fresh pizza

...postured to seek the King in His beauty and view a land that stretches far, and to give Him all my thanks and praise. (Isaiah 33:17)

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called to give

2011-11-04T04:57:00.012-05:00

this time of year brings many opportunities to give. while everyone is telling us how busy and stressful this time of year is, i instead choose to focus on intentionally giving every chance i can. Thanksgiving and Christmas are, after all, holidays rooted in giving, gratitude, and the love of Christ. and we all know God was big on giving. {wink}

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,

that whosoever believes in Him wouldn't perish, but would have eternal life.

John 3:16

is your heart prepared to give? mine is. are you prepared for God to pour out blessings in astonishing ways? i am. i am expecting God to lead me to places and people and open doors so that i can give obediently like He wants me to.

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart;

then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work

and in everything you put your hand to.

Deuteronomy 15:10

please join me this month as i take the 30 Day Giving Challenge again. the challenge is to GIVE in some form or fashion EVERY DAY for 30 days. i will "use social media to inspire extraordinary giving" with an update every few weeks to share some of the different ways we're giving. i want to teach my children to serve, love, and give the way Jesus did. they will definitely know about and be involved in this year's 30 Day Giving Challenge.

follow me in this journey, and take the challenge yourself. be intentional about giving every day. i am looking forward to discovering new ways that i can bless our friends, family, neighbors, and strangers, all for God's glory!

Every man shall give as he is able,

according to the blessing of the Lord your God

which He has given you.

Deuteronomy 16:17

i am called to give. visit the website, find The 30 Day Giving Challenge on Facebook and Twitter, link up, and grab a button.

------------------------

photo credit

the color box

2011-11-02T04:48:00.003-05:00

i think my Pinterest account was hacked.

by my six and a half year old daughter.

when i returned last night from four days away from home, i stumbled into bed, stepping over toys and books and dolls slewn about. exhausted, and this mess that i come home to. and then i just laugh at this creation on the floor with all the well loved playthings:

the "Color Box" - the second o is an o, "it's just messy," she says.

even in my absence, she creates. she teaches, learns, and plays. and this is just another day, another moment, another place where God shows Himself in this beautiful mess. because i worried and i was afraid and i doubted. but look what she did! this is who she is when i am absent, even when i am not looking. a helper, a teacher, a creator, a do-er, a nurturer. why was i afraid? i hold this egg carton carefully so the marbles don't roll, and He whispers "trust her to me."

For the angel of the Lord is a guard;

he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Psalm 34:7

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

I praise God for what he has promised.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

Psalm 56:3

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.
Psalm 91:14

------------------------------

Halloween again

2011-10-31T22:13:00.000-05:00

Halloween was a no-brainer before we had children. to do: buy a bunch of candy, toss it out to the cuties that came to your front door, eat the rest, and carve a happy face in a pumpkin.

but now that our children are involved, i found myself wondering "what are we doing?" "why are we doing this?" and mostly "where is Jesus in it all?"

Halloween is an especially fun time of year for dressing up because everyone is doing it. however, there is a lot of other junk that everyone else is doing this time of year that we don't do. we keep the focus on dressing up, pretend play, painting pumpkins, and good, clean fun. we don't go to strangers houses asking for candy. i actually don't even use the word Halloween, except when referring to "that holiday" the world is celebrating and we are not.

the only ghost we speak of is the Holy Ghost. there is no such thing as witches or goblins. pumpkins are friendly, skeletons are human bones, bats are nocturnal, and spiders eat mosquitos. Halloween, in our home, is a time for dressing up and eating candy with friends. no evil connotations. no spooky stories. no haunted houses. for God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a peaceful mind. (2 Tim 1:7) and believe me, there is nothing peaceful about some of the costumes and decorations out there.

there is one thing i do every year at Halloween time: i pray that my children will not be confused or scared by the worldly traditions. i pray they know what is true, what is noble, what is right, in the sight of the Lord. (Phil 4:8)

Halloween at our home has been different year to year. there was one year when we passed out candy that had scriptures printed on the wrappers. last year we turned off our lights, drew our curtains closed, and hid in the living room pretending nothing was going on on our neighborhood streets. this year we opened our door to strangers and gave out candy with little invitations to our church taped to the back.

i'm a "make the most of it" kind of mama. hiding behind closed curtains and a dark front porch last year just felt wrong. i know my neighbors are diverse in culture and customs, and probably a lot of them don't know Jesus. the more i thought about this missed opportunity, the more it hurt my heart. there were probably children dressed as adorable little devils walking along my sidewalk who have never heard the name Jesus. it could have been me who told them. this post from Joy in this Journey really helped me decide what to do this year.

i can't pretend the world isn't celebrating Halloween. but i can make the most of it. we are called to be the salt of the earth (Matt 5:13) and we are called to shine as lights in the world (Phil 2:15). when potential non-believers come a-knockin' on my door this year, a simple invitation to our church will be placed in candy buckets, and i'll say a little prayer asking Jesus to knock on the doors of their hearts.

and when i get to heaven, i look forward to meeting the souls who met Jesus in my neighborhood on Halloween night.

what is Halloween like at your home?

------------------------

high altitude praise

2011-10-31T07:26:00.002-05:00

The Lord protects all those who love him,
but he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the Lord,

and may everyone on earth bless his holy name

forever and ever.

Psalm 145:20-21 NLT

800. watching the sun rise from 32,000 feet above
801. watching the sun set from 32,000 feet above
802. Pam at the Cleveland airport Continental desk
803. a God-sent aunt mentor assigned to the seat next to me
804. fears faced with God's comfort
805. waking up in my own bed, the warmth of my "homeland"
806. a time and place to call out to God, and His instant response
807. books and more books, authored by women i know and love
808. worshiping in an intimate setting with 250 women led by Aaron Shust and Shaun Groves
809. hearing David Nevue on the piano outside my computer screen, the soundtrack to my prayer over this space
810. women broken and running to the One who heals
811. pen and paper; words pouring out of my heart faster than my hand can move across the page
812. fresh coffee
813. chicken quesadillas at the Dog & Pony
814. real conversations about real life with real friends: confidence in what matters
815. laughter, prayer, and conversation with strangers on airplanes
816. falling asleep talking about dreams and fears and journeys
817. a simple little prayer cube, a gift from Anna, turned and rolled in my hands the entire way home
818. all of the emotions that came with the snow- big puffy blankets of it- glimmering in the morning sun
819. finding myself tucked away in a corner and in heart-healing conversation with two amazing real life friends
820. eating a Hershey's chocolate bar in Hershey, PA
821. enough cell phone battery life to call home
822. a roommate who has what i need
823. having what my roommate needs
824. a real life friend for a roommate
825. my comfortable, easy Toms
826. dear sweet friends who help me carry a heavy load, and give me hugs to lift the burden of guilt
827. text messages from home: "i'm praying for your trip."
828. protection promised
829. The Seed Company Prayer Room at Relevant; pages of handwritten love... for me?
830. safe traveling, friendly pilots, and praying flight attendants
831. The Mercy House
832. The Homeschool Village and The Homeschool Post come to life to support homeschoolers at Relevant
833. an unexpected (but much needed) hug from unlikely arms
834. hard questions and the answers bubbling up
835. no headaches
836. four days of no television
837. a Kleenex pyramid for a room of tear-stained faces
838. going home with full bags, but an even fuller heart
839. sharing this online space with such wise, encouraging, and God-loving women
840. dedicating this space to God and choosing the ladder that takes me lower
841. the option to turn off comments
842. stepping off a plane into Dallas air
843. my husband's wide and warm smile welcoming me home
844. my little ones' arms tangled in a big group hug, our faces pressed together
845. goodnight kisses and home sweet home
846. the "Relevant hangover" and quiet anticipation of what God will reveal

i scribble thanksgiving on a scrap notepad, bouncing in turbulence. my heart races with fear and gratitude at the same time. and i know the Lord is close...He grants me peace as i call on Him in truth... (Psalm 145:18-19)

----------------------------------------

photo source

while I'm at Relevant {a giveaway}

2011-10-27T04:15:00.004-05:00

----------------- this giveaway is now closed. -----------------

while i'm at Relevant, i want to give away some Master Books books!

if you are at The Relevant Conference, look for me and my little friends Flat Charlie and Trike.

aren't they adorable?! take your picture with Flat Charlie and Trike, tweet "I'm at #Relevant11 with @mamahall and Charlie and Trike! http://tinyurl.com/3eltmd9 #teachthetruth" to be entered to win a copy of Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure.

and! meet me at the Master Books Lounge in the hotel on Friday from 4-5PM and Saturday from 9-10PM where i'll be giving away books for you to take home and review! follow me @mamahall for more details.

if you are not at The Relevant Conference, you, too, can win a copy of Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure! but not only that - you'll also win a copy of Charlie and Trike's Green Notebook! a fun and interactive accessory to accompany the book.

and! i'm also giving away the Big Book of History with the Teacher's Guide and Panels! this is a fantastic resource for teaching and learning the history of the world, from creation to current times. enter to win both of these giveaways by leaving a comment. you can tweet about it and post it on Facebook for extra entries. make sure you leave a comment for each entry, and your e-mail address. this giveaway is open to US residents only. two winners will be selected at random and announced here on Tuesday 11/1.

BIG THANKS to Master Books for sending me to #Relevant11!

enter to win now! you will LOVE these books!

-----------------------

readying

2011-10-26T04:13:00.002-05:00

source

the other day, i was driving around running errands, deep in thought about the upcoming week. there is a lot to do before The Relevant Conference. i was making mental lists: groceries to get, meals to prepare, clothes to pack, and more. i was thinking about last year's conference, how it shook me up emotionally and spiritually, and how i want that again this year. i was thinking about the distractions that the enemy has tried to put in my way leading up to this year's conference: fear, illness, nerves, guilt, stress.

all of a sudden, this song came on the radio, and it was as if God shut everything else out of my mind, cranked the volume up to crystal clear, and put my complete focus on the words coming through my car's speakers.

i've heard it before, and you probably have, too. but the way God had me hear it was different this time. i heard it as spiritual armor and a prayer for my purpose in going to the conference. i heard it for me, for us, as we get ready for Relevant. "ready yourselves..."

Lord, I want to feel your heart and see the world through your eyes.
I want to be your hands and feet. I want to live a life that leads.

Ready yourselves (ready yourselves)
Let us shine the light of Jesus in the darkest night.
Ready yourselves (ready yourselves)
May the powers of darkness tremble as our praises rise!

Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out!
Lifting up Your name for all to hear the sound!
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out!
As the day draws near we'll sing until the whole world hears...

Want to be your hands and feet, want to be a life that leads, to see you set the captive free,
until the whole world hears!
And I pray that they will see more of you and less of me.
Lord I want my life to be the song You sing!

Until the whole world hears Lord we are calling out!
Lifting your name up for all to hear the sound!
Like voices in the wilderness we're crying out!
As the day draws near we'll sing until the whole world hears...

hear the Casting Crowns song and see the video by clicking here

let's go. let's persevere in bringing hope to the world through our social media medium. let's go beyond the surface into intentional blogging and real life living, all to the glory of God.

are you ready?

-------------------------------

Our Favorite Christmas Books

2011-10-25T07:00:00.018-05:00

Cold winter days are perfect for curling up with a good book. With the holiday season fast approaching, I am preparing to change out the books in our nooks and bring out our favorite Christmastime stories.

Reading the Christmas story is part of our Christmastime tradition, and I'm not referring to The Night Before Christmas. The Christmas story that we read, believe, know, and love, is the Christmas story: the story of Jesus' birth. (Luke 2)

And Santa wasn't there. A jolly ole' soul, yes, but Santa is only as real as Thomas the Train. Jesus, on the other hand, is the reason for the season. Jesus is why we celebrate. My children, ages 3 and 6, know this because I am intentional about providing books for them that teach the truth about the meaning of Christmas.

There are many wonderful children's Christmas books about the Nativity and Jesus' birth, but these are some of our favorites, recommended for babies, toddlers, and young children.

Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck is a sweet little board book that tells the story of Christmas and features the star, the animals in the manger, the shepherds and Wise Men, Mary and Joseph, and newborn baby Jesus "the reason for Christmas Day."

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a mommy bear explaining Christmas and God to her baby bear. "Is God more important than Santa?" Little Cub asks. "Oh yes, much more important!" says Mama Bear. Oh yes, much more important.

On This Special Night by Claire Freedman tells the story of the nativity from the perspective of a curious kitten and friends that follow the brightest star to discover the newborn baby in the manger. The illustrations are soft and cast a heavenly glow on a very special occasion. This book doesn't specifically mention Christmas or Jesus, but it is a precious accompaniment to other Christmas story books that do.

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado may not look like a Christmas book on the cover, but believe me, it is one of the sweetest Christmas stories ever. The little lamb, Joshua, is lonely and feels left out because he is different than the other lambs. But when a very special baby is born in the cold manger, Joshua the lamb is called to keep the baby warm. The message is that God has a special plan for everyone, and that? is timeless.

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg gives a new meaning to a favorite Christmastime treat. In the midst of the holiday season, when everyone else is busy buying, a little girl anxiously awaits the grand opening of a new shop in town. When the candy store opens, the owner explains how candy canes are a symbol of Jesus' birth, death, and eternal love. This story makes me teary eyed every time I read it, and we will never see a candy cane the same way again.

I want to encourage you to add some of these books to your Christmas storytime collection. On a cold winter day, pour some hot cocoa, read a good Christmas book with your children, and give thanks to God for sending His Son that one special night. What are some of your favorite Christmas books?

If the holiday season seems more stressful than joyous, if your budget seems too small to be generous, or if you are simply in search of inspiration, the 12 Ways of Christmas is written just for you! Click on each of the buttons below and join all 12 of us as we share crafts, decor, traditions, and more!

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heed these things

2011-10-24T04:07:00.000-05:00

Let the one who is wise heed these things

and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.

Psalm 107:43

771. completely surprised, surrounded by friends on my birthday
772. at a local (completely) vegan restaurant
773. a bouquet of jewel-tone balloons just for me
774. looking back on another year of blessings
775. discussing with friends the foundations of our faith
776. over whipped cream-topped slices of pumpkin cheesecake
777. learning about owls and watching one in our backyard
778. sprouting pumpkin seeds
779. in pots handpainted by my littles
780. my handsome men and their fresh buzzcuts
781. coughs and sneezes forcing a day of rest
782. spiced up homemade lentil soup
783. my first batch of homemade Belgian waffles
784. our home filled with scents of the season
785. a community of like-minded, encouraging, online friends
786. my husband checking the storm radar for me at 2am
787. and helping me carry our sleeping babies downstairs to our bedroom, because he knows i'll only sleep during a storm if they are within arms reach
788. sitting amongst and praising God with addicts, homeless, downcast, and abused at church
789. walls thin enough to hear my kiddos singing karaoke
790. dress-up outfits in their sizes and on sale
791. my kids wanting to wear their costumes every day
792. asking for prayer and immediately feeling peace
793. a basket full of organic apples
794. the opportunity to travel and meet other Christian women bloggers... again
795. a free movie code for at-home date night
796. siblings getting along- their belly laughs
797. the opportunity to help a friend's nonprofit
798. a hospitable home
799. dozens of children absorbed in a puppet show teaching the truth about Halloween

pondering His loving deeds in the every day...

----------------------------------------

Autumn Goodness: Keepsake Kid's Craft

2011-10-20T04:43:00.001-05:00

this is one of my favorite Fall-time art projects to do with the kids. it has become a tradition to make these hand- and finger- print trees every year; keepsakes that i will cherish forever.

to see how we made this adorable Autumn Keepsake Craft, visit www.DeniseInBloom.com where i contributed to her 31 Days of Autumn Goodness Series today!

------------------------

thanks in advance

2011-10-20T03:35:00.002-05:00

i want to simply encourage you today to thank God in advance.

a few nights ago, i was in a situation that made me worry, panicked, and afraid. the only thing i could do was pray and wait for the outcome. instead of praying with a needy, fearful, worried spirit, instead of begging God to rescue me, i thanked Him. because He is peace. He has already rescued us. i trust Him in all situations. He already knows the outcome, and He is a good God. so i thanked Him for pulling me through that situation, and for His perfect comfort in the midst.

it might seem awkward, because you wouldn't normally thank someone before they prove they can do something.

thanking God in advance is a test of my faith. when i give thanks to God for something i don't see yet, or something i don't have yet, i truly have to believe in my heart that He will do it or provide it. He doesn't have to prove anything to me. it's already in his Word that He loves me, He wants to protect me, and He has plans to give me a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

start by thanking God first thing in the morning for a perfect day. sure, it's early and things could happen to make your day not so perfect, but why not thank God with trust that He can and will give you a perfect day! expect God to move on your behalf and thank Him. He is for you! (Psalm 37:4 and Matt 7:7)

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We thank God for the power Christ has given us.

He leads us and makes us win in everything.

He speaks through us wherever we go.

The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it.

2 Corinthians 2:14 NLV

works for me: date stamp

2011-10-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

i picked up this fairly inexpensive date stamp and a miniature ink pad at an office supply store a few years ago and it has proven to be one of the best homeschooling investments i have yet to make.

while we aren't required by our state to keep many records of our homeschooling progress, i like to keep track of my children's development. so i put the date on every tangible piece of school work they do.

i'm not spraining my wrist writing the date by hand or anything, but this little stamp has made date-tracking a lot easier and more fun. the process of turning the inky dial and stamping the numbers on the page makes it all feel very official. and the kids love to do it, too.

even when i require my daughter to write the date out formally on her paper, i still mark it with the date stamp for ~~OCD~~ uniformity purposes.

date stamping homeschool work works for me!

lovingly linking up @:

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today

2011-10-19T03:20:00.007-05:00

is my birthday.

i think i'll go dancing at gym class, drive with my windows down, meet my friend for lunch at a vegan restaurant, paint my fingernails, play outside with my kids, sing praises to Jesus at the top of my lungs, put my feet up, let my hair down, read my favorite blogs, eat cake, and not do any laundry.

how do you celebrate on your birthdays?

This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:24

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let the children serve

2011-10-18T04:11:00.012-05:00

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"can i help you?" my 3 year old asked his big sister.

she was carrying boxes from the house, two at a time, loading them into the back of our car. her arms were full. i was busy carrying boxes, too, but i heard his kind offer from across the driveway and it stopped me in my tracks. i choked back happy tears, gave my little guy a high-five, and thanked him for being such a good helper. i continued loading boxes and held on tight to this Proud Mommy Moment.

my son wasn't offering to help his sister just so he would get a high-five. he didn't even know i was listening. he simply saw her arms were full and did the most natural thing. the more i thought about this, the more i understood:

children naturally want to help and serve.

even as a little tot, my daughter wanted to comfort other people's crying babies. and while sharing might not be the easiest thing for a toddler to do, if they know someone is in need, they will likely share their most prized possession. when all chaos breaks out in our house- the doorbell ringing, dogs barking, phone beeping, baby crying, water boiling over - my children step into action, doing what they can to help.

this instinct needs to be nurtured. because let's face it: we are raising up the next generation to grow the kingdom of God.

here are some simple but meaningful ways children can serve others every day, with scriptures that i found supportive:

1. give to children and people in need. encourage your child to sort through their clothes, toys, and books on a regular basis to give to children who might have nothing. bag up the gently used goods, find a local mission organization, and let your child give. (Matthew 19:21)

2. prepare a meal for someone in need. maybe one of your family friends who has a new baby, a new neighbor, or someone you know recovering from illness or surgery. involve the kids in planning the meal, preparing the meal, and delivering the meal. even young ones can help bake cookies. (Matthew 25:35)

3. help your neighbors. take a walk with your children in your neighborhood and have them be on the look out for needs. toss your neighbor's newspaper up closer to their front door. pick up trash in the yard. move their basketball to a place where it won't roll. (Mark 12:31)

4. put the cart back. when shopping and running errands, children can help by pushing shopping carts back to the "corral" or the area where they belong. kids love to push the cart! explain how this is helpful to the store employees, to people who need a cart, to shopper foot traffic, and to keep the carts from banging into vehicles in the parking lot. (Luke 6:31)

5. use their talents to bless someone. my daughter is a talented artist and loves to draw. my Grandma is in an assisted living apartment where the walls are blank and the days are long. by using her own talent, my daughter can bless Grandma by mailing her drawings on a regular basis. maybe your child plays an instrument, dances, writes, or makes beautiful pasta jewelry. whatever it is, her talent can bless someone in need. (1 Peter 4:10)

6. hold the door open for others. this is something i have taught my children as soon as they were physically strong enough. at the store, at church, at preschool, at the gym, and even at home, encourage your child to open the door and hold it open for the next person coming in. (Romans 12:13)

7. pray for the needs of others. at mealtime and bedtime and anytime you pray with your children, ask if there is anyone else that needs prayer. last night, my daughter said, "yes. pray for my brother... that he will feel better." let younger children hear you praying for others, like the little girl that fell at the playground, or the boy at preschool that is sad at drop-off. praying for others helps kids see beyond their own needs and wants, and helps them learn that God is a great BIG God that loves everyone. (James 5:13)

8. pay for someone else's anonymously. just a few dollars can go a long way for someone in need, and giving in this way is a two-way blessing. do your kids earn allowance? tooth fairy money? next time you take your children out to lunch, to the coffee shop, or the arcade, have your child give the cashier a dollar or two "for the next customer." watch the joy your child experiences knowing the next person is getting a secret surprise. we are blessed to be a blessing! (Psalm 21:6)

9. volunteer in the community. even young children can serve in your community by helping the librarian stack books, helping clean up after Sunday school, or helping a teacher pass out papers at preschool. encourage your child to ask "how can i help?" (1 Cor 15:58)

10. speak the truth about Jesus' love. teach your child what the Bible says, sing songs about Jesus, and help your children memorize scripture. then, when your child meets someone in need, he will have the word of God in his heart to share with the person in need. i overheard my daughter, who was about 4 at the time, and her friend talking about something scary they saw on a TV cartoon. they recounted the frightening image together, and then my daughter started singing to her friend, "God hasn't given us a spirit of fear...but of power, love, and a peaceful mind!" and they both broke into giggles. memorizing scripture verses and singing songs about Jesus is planting seeds of faith in children's hearts, and those seeds grow into "fruit" they can apply to daily circumstances. (Deut 11:18)

now... go! nurture your child's sweet natural desire to be the "hands and feet" of Jesus!

"what does the LORD your God ask of you

but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him,

to love him, to serve the LORD your God with

all your heart and with all your soul,

and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees..."

Deuteronomy 10:12-16 NIV

linked up @ OhAmanda's Top Ten Tuesday
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it gets me every time...

2011-10-17T07:06:00.000-05:00

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...the reality of how much God loves me. every time i hear it, read about it, see it, or sing of it, i am taken aback. every time. this agape love- self-sacrificing, divine, unending, and unconditional- is incredibly overwhelming to me. He loves me more, and in ways that i can't fully comprehend.

and the love gifts. they remind me of my prayers, how He answers in His perfect timing and perfect ways. the gifts keep coming. His love manifests in the days and moments. oh, how He loves us so.

i live a loved life and i breathe thank You Lord.

742. being with my Mom at the State Fair
743. my niece, a sweetheart, a helper, a playmate
744. watching Papa and my kids giggle, tickle, snuggle, holding hands
745. walking 3 miles with 25,000 others, a sea of pink for one cause
746. praying to the cadence of determined footsteps
747. beautiful, old, tree-lined neighborhoods in North Dallas
748. discovering a toy store worth spending time in
749. my Mom learning about creationism as she reads to my children their favorite book
750. that "wake up" nudge in the morning from my husband, gentle and warm
751. my family and friends filling my living room singing Happy Birthday cha-cha-cha
752. a dream of my house as a cup overflowing with joy bubbles
753. the sweetest night's rest with both kids within arms reach
754. protection over family and friends between our home and theirs
755. relief from headaches
756. surprise gifts on my front porch
757. homemade apple bars
758. crispy salted pumpkin seeds
759. morning playdate and quality time with a friend
760. staying home and opening windows on a rainy day
761. BigGirl's first babysitting "job"
762. patient waitresses who know about 3 year olds
763. second hand furniture that fits perfectly
764. a hay ride with friends, pumpkin patch memories
765. peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
766. friendly strangers who save us 6 chairs at Starbucks
767. singing and dancing corn dog vendors
768. our freshly mowed green-again lawn
769. hanging out with my brothers
770. turning 30-something but feeling 20-something

i will give You thanks in the great assembly;

among the throngs I will praise You.

(Psalm 35:18)

counting all the ways He loves me and filling this space with my thanks...

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Around Here Lately 10.14.11

2011-10-14T16:41:00.001-05:00

this week...we learned all about pumpkins, kicking off the study with a fun field trip to a local farm and pumpkin patch. both kids milked a mama-to-be cow, cuddled baby goats, and picked out perfect little pumpkins. we also studied fire fighters and the State Fair of Texas, and Big Girl completed her first of two math books for the school year. our week culminated with a pumpkin dissection, seed planting, and a trip to the - yep you guessed it - State Fair of Texas with Granny and Papa.

helpful homeschooling tip...i met a fellow homeschooling mama at the library this week. she was in the children's area with her 4th grader son. his school work was all set up right there on a table in the library, and she was standing at one end of the table teaching him! she even had her laptop set up on the table using a Power Point slideshow in the lesson. after a while, she came over and introduced herself and we got to chatting. she told me that she realized her son needed to get out of the house sometimes so that he could focus on his studies, so they come to the library twice a week for a few hours. she realized what her son needed to learn and she adapted. schooling doesn't have to happen in your home, or at a desk for that matter. get outside! use the free library space. school in the car, at the park, at Starbucks, or wherever! you can adapt to your little learners. i love this about homeschooling.

what's working for us... The Big Book of History from Master Books. even though it is designed for ages 7-12, my 3 and 6 year old are fascinated with the historical facts and tidbits of information on the pages. and the fact that it stretches out to a 15 foot timeline is way cool, too. read my review and make sure to attend the Twitter Party on 10/25.

something to share...this big sign was in the middle of the farm, and it warmed my heart so. "every child..." yes.

and that's what is going on around here lately! thanks for visiting and check out The Homeschool Chick and Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers for more weekly homeschoolers' updates. have a great weekend, yall!

{Really, really} Big Book of History

2011-10-12T17:51:00.000-05:00

Timelines are an invaluable tool for teaching history. I’ve seen timelines on posterboards, and snippets of timelines used in books and special unit studies. I have never seen, however, a timeline that starts at the beginning of time and goes all the way to the present... until this book: Big Book of History from Master Books.

The Big Book of History is an easy-to-follow, all-in-one timeline filled with details, important facts, and interesting photographs from the seven days of creation up to the election of Barak Obama. Compiled into a sturdy bound book, the colorful pages fold out to display a 15-foot timeline, or, the timeline can also can be read page by page like a book. The timeline features four areas of history, distinguished in the book by different colors: Biblical/Christianity, World Events, Civilizations/Empires, and Inventions/Technology. The Big Book of History could easily be incorporated in teaching practically any subject.

My little ones- ages 3 and 6- both enjoy looking at the pictures and reading the details and historical facts. Big Girl, whose current favorite bible story is David and Goliath, was thrilled to find the time on the timeline when David was born (1085 BC) and to discover that stones can be flung a quarter of a mile and at speeds up to 60 miles per hour in a slingshot! Fascinating fact!

There is so much information on these pages! What a fun way to teach history. Designed for ages 7 to 12, this book is great to have on your bookshelf whether you homeschool or just want to a fun resource for your curious little learners.

Win a copy of this 15-foot timeline book at The Big Book of History #TeachtheTruth Twitter Party

Tuesday, October 25 at 8pm CST

Use #teachthetruth in your party tweets, and let us know you’re partying with #tttrollcall

Be sure to follow @masterbooks4u & @mamahall

and the Moms of Master Books:

@apichea
@momkaboodle
@getalonghome
@devotionmama
@thejohnsfamily
@faithfamilyfibro
@bowmania

@jenniferowhite

Master Books is giving away copies of The Big Book of History and a Grand Prize including 2 copies each of The Big Book of History AND the Big Books of History Teacher’s Guide – 1 for you and 1 to donate! These books are nearly sold out already! We are so excited to be able to have these copies available for our #TeachtheTruth Twitter Party. Come join the fun and discover what this incredible new book has to offer to encourage you to teach the truth at home!

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full disclosure: i was provided with a copy of the book from Master Books to review, to share with my readers here, and at the Twitter party. all opinions are honestly my own. as always, i am an upside down blogger prayerfully blogging with integrity.

Stay-Fresh Frozen Bananas

2011-10-12T03:30:00.000-05:00

when the bananas in our house start to look like this:

they don't stand a chance.

but they are still perfectly good bananas. so i freeze them and use them in our smoothies.

here is the freezing technique that works best for me:

1. slice the bananas into chunks - not too big for your blender.

2. put the banana chunks into a freezable container and store in the freezer.

3. when you're ready to make a smoothie, you have fresh frozen bananas! (this picture was actually taken after the bananas had been in the freezer for 7 days!)

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10 Things My Relevant Roommate Should Know

2011-10-11T07:36:00.000-05:00

The Relevant Conference is 2 weeks from now. <- I had to hold my breath while typing that because I'm a little bit freaking out nervous mixed with excitement.

Exhale...Inhale....

Okay. Back to business.

So, last year I had a big fancy hotel room all to myself. It was quiet. It was tidy. It was cold. A little lonely. This year, I have a roommate! I'm bunking with my friend Kristen! And I am very much looking forward to it. But first...

10 Things My Relevant Roommate Should Know About Me

1. I have never had a roommate. Other than high school dance camp where there were 6 girls to a dorm room for 2 nights. This will be kinda like that, right?

2. I will probably need white noise to sleep. At home, I sleep most peacefully with two big snoring dogs at the foot of the bed, a static-y baby monitor on high volume, and a bathroom fan on. Would it bother you if I brought my baby monitor? (kidding) (kinda)

3. I will definitely be brewing coffee first thing in the morning. I will save you a cup, or I will get you some sweet tea. :)

4. I'm ready to have fun. So feel free to talk me into doing something crazy, like going to Target at 10pm, or ordering a fudge sundae from room service, or making a karaoke video. I'm wild! And hyped up on coffee!

5. Master Books is sending me to Relevant. This means we will have lots of really cool books and swag in our room that I'll be giving away in the hotel lounge Friday 4-5pm and Saturday 9-10pm. I love Master Books. By the end of the weekend, you will love Master Books too. (wink)

6. My morning routine is quick and easy. I promise I won't hog the bathroom or use all the hot water. But let's get extra towels, okay?

7. I will miss my kids and husband like crazy. I hope I'm not obnoxious about this, but truly, my heart hurts when I'm apart from them. I know you, and I know you will understand when I need to call home "one more time." This makes me happy that you are my roommate.

8. I want pictures. When I got home from Relevant last year, I was bummed that I didn't have more pictures of me with my favorite bloggers. I'm just not very good at remembering to grab my camera when I'm in the moment (aka starstruck). I won't forget this year. Be ready!

9. I am tidy. The hotel cleaning crew might come into our room and think they've already cleaned it. My mom instilled in me a healthy fear of leaving something behind at the hotel as a result of being unkempt during my stay. Also, I can't turn off my Mommy-switch that picks up after a 3 and 6 year old all day every day.

10. I have a feeling we are going to be THAT room. :) I am over the moon excited to be sharing a room and experiencing Relevant '11 with you! Love ya, girl!

Now you know what it'll be like to room with me!

I'm linking up my Top Ten Tuesday with OhAmanda.com, HomeWithTheBoys.net, and A Life in Need of Change.

Will you be at Relevant? Let me know in the comments!

Not going to Relevant? Courtney of Women Living Well has something fun going on for you! Check out Women Living Well and join in the fun.

Make sure you are following me on Twitter for live updates from the conference plus giveaways from Master Books! I am @mamahall and I'll be using #Relevant11.

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new mercies i see

2011-10-10T03:14:00.000-05:00

"Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—

Great is Thy faithfulness,

Lord, unto me!"

722. family responding to the alter call and giving their lives to Jesus!

723. my husband's mad money-managing skills
724. family movie night at home
725. little ones faces peeking out of hoods, protected from raindrops
726. waking up to rain, and an all day downpour

"Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love."

727. homemade garden veggie chili aplenty

728. new, clean grocery store in our neighborhood
729. hearing other people praise my children
730. made-up knock-knock jokes
731. BigGirl's love for the library
732. Bubba's puzzle mastery
733. my happy, playful children

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

734. 90 minutes of me-time in the salon chair
735. Sisters in Christ who encourage and inspire me daily
736. fresh produce from local farmers
737. a restaurant full of cheering fans
738. my friend's amazing pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting
739. the joy of shopping for a friend's birthday gift
740. completely out of the blue hugs
741. little groggy footsteps coming down the stairs in the morning

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him."

Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

waiting for the Lord and waking up to new mercies...

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photo credit

Facebook: i'm just using you

2011-10-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

i took a Facebook break last month. it was easy. i didn't miss it one bit. and then when i logged back in a few days ago, it looks all different, there are extra buttons everywhere, i can't find the most recent updates, and a lot of status' are how to stay on Facebook for free...? huh?

oh Facebook, Facebook. what am i going to do with you?

i'm going to USE YOU. that's what.

there are just a handful of reasons why i have Facebook account. first, for some of my friends, Facebook is the only way to get in touch with them. for real people, get an email address. also, i use Facebook for "business" purposes. i have a Facebook page for my blog, for my HappyBaby events, for Gorbella's, and i help my parents with their B&B Facebook page. and finally, my Grandma in Minnesota just got on Facebook! i have cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and even my Great Aunt, that live all over the US and are on Facebook. Facebook- as much as i don't like to admit it- is a great way for us to stay in touch.

Facebook is a tool.

i am going to use Facebook to spread the Good News of the Gospel. my status updates will be straight from the Word of God. not all 400 "friends" of mine know Jesus. but they know me...and maybe i can be the one to introduce them by simply sharing His promises in my status updates. Facebook is a tool for my great commission. i am going to use Facebook intentionally.

what if we all used Facebook this way? what if we used Facebook to encourage one another? or to tell our friends about a miracle God has done in your life? what if we all posted John 3:16 and not just at Christmastime? what if we asked our Facebook friends how we can pray for them? what if?

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peace

2011-10-05T04:01:00.000-05:00

Lord, You will grant us peace;
all we have accomplished is really from You.

Isaiah 26:12 NLT

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ten on tuesday: 31 Days

2011-10-04T03:46:00.002-05:00

just another reason to love October: The Nester's 31 Day Series.

while i'm not linking up with my own 31 Days Series, i am truly loving reading many others. there's a little bit of everything: womanhood, recipes, budget tips, photography, home decorating, blogging, growing in faith, and so so so much more. there were more than 700 31 Dayers linked up last week!

secretly, i want to curl up in bed and click through each and every one, reading and devouring their daily wisdom.

here are Ten 31 Days Series that i'm loving already (and it's only day 3):

(oops, that's eleven. oh well.) click through the badges to read more. they all have so much to offer. and go to The Nesting Place to see the 700+ other 31 Dayers. they are ALL amazing!

linking up with OhAmanda's Top Ten Tuesday.

Around Here Lately 9.30.11 {& a free printable}

2011-09-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

{did you enter my devotional CD giveaway yet?}

TGIF!

this week... was all about apples! we studied apples and Johnny Appleseed, and incorporated apples in our lessons somehow every day, culminating in a field trip to a real working apple orchard! i found some great ideas at "Homeschool Pass it On" resource link-up. we had a fun week of eating apples, planting apple seeds, cooking with apples, doing art projects with apples, reading books about apples, and finally picking our very own apples. BigGirl likes apples, however, she is a little timid to eat them now with her top front tooth missing! and the remaining top front tooth is wiggly! it was all applesauce and No Bake Apple Cookies for her.

unfortunately, my little one was down with a double ear infection this week. high fever, no appetite, antibiotics, extra clingy...which means extra snuggles, no schoolwork, high doses of TLC, and lots of quality stay-home time. Bubba loves going to see his pediatrician, he loves to take medicine, he loves to nap on the couch, and he loves it when Mama prays for him. he's a trooper, but i am glad he is feeling better today.

as for me... i dug into the Book of Acts with some friends and discovered my "mission field": areas where i can be a stronger witness for Jesus. i planned our menu and included some of my favorite Fall-time recipes. i told you how i go to God concerning our homeschooling days. i gave you a chance to win a CD of devotionals for busy "Chiks" on the go. and i participated (finally!) in the what i wear party. i also vacuumed and dusted, kept up with the laundry, remembered to drink my Fruit of the Spirit every day, told my husband how much i appreciate him, prepared for a HappyBaby event, gathered donations for a pick-up, found and returned a late library book, freaked out about Relevant being less than a month away, taught BigGirl to play Solitare, fed the fish, and about a bazillion other things in between. with coffee in hand :)

just for you.. scriptures to pray over your homeschool. simply click here or on the image above to be taken to the printable file. the same scriptures that i listed on Tuesday are here for you (in my handwriting!) print, clip, and pray often. i keep mine tucked in my planner.

and that's what is going on around here lately! thanks for visiting and check out The Homeschool Chick and Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers for more weekly homeschoolers' updates. have a great weekend, yall!

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Chiks on the Go {giveaway}

2011-09-29T04:35:00.005-05:00

{this giveaway is now closed}

WINNERS: Comments #2, 7, 8 & 9 selected @ Random.org

Congratulations!

you can't read your bible while you're driving.

but sometimes... don't you wish you could? i do. because let's face it, some days it just seems impossible to get alone with God.

He longs to spend time with us. He knows i am on the go, that i have places to be, people to see, and things to cross off of my to-do list. but still, He wants us to immerse ourselves in His Word, to learn more, to get closer, to grow stronger in our faith.

"...faith comes from hearing the message,

and the message is heard through the word about Christ."

Romans 10:17 NIV

after too many too busy days, and no room to add anything else to my to-do list, i prayed with all sincerity that i would find time to spend with God even on my busiest of days.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;

and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7 NIV

He answered my prayer quickly. i may not be able to read my Bible when i'm running errands, but i can pop this into my car CD player:

drive time devotionals! "for the busy Chik"! YES!

Chiks on the Go is 15 brief but powerful messages brought to you by April Simons. her light-hearted messages will encourage your heart and draw you closer to the Lord. April Simons has five(!) children, so naturally, the devotionals are designed for women, and she can definitely relate to busy moms. she is fun and funny as she shares practical, insightful, biblical word.

these CDs are perfect for listening to in the school drop off lane, on the way to soccer practice, to the grocery store, in 5 o'clock traffic, on your iPod at the gym, or wherever it is you're going whatever it is you're doing. you might even find yourself volunteering to run extra errands just so you can listen to more Chiks on the Go devotionals. maybe?

April serves alongside her husband, Gary, as they pastor High Point Church in Arlington, which just so happens to be my church. April is The Ultimate Chik and i just love her so much. please look how gorgeous she is...and trust me she is just as gorgeous on the inside:

did i mention she has 5 kids?!

are you a busy Chik?

could you use some QT with God when you're on the go?

i am giving away Chiks on the Go Drive-Time Devotionals from April Simons! one copy for you AND one copy for you to bless someone with! give the extra copy to your friend, your sister, your neighbor, your small group leader, or any busy Chik in your life.

to enter, simply leave a comment telling me what a busy Chik you are. :)

for an extra entry, tweet about the giveaway with a link to this page + @mamahall, @aprilosimons, and @hpcarlingtontx.

please leave your email address with each entry. 4 names will be selected at random and announced on Tuesday, October 4. this giveaway is open to US residents only.

enter now! tell your friends!

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full disclosure: i was provided with ample copies of the CD for the purpose of giving them away here. i was not compensated in any way. all opinions are always honestly my own.