simple blog


A simple blog about seeking the Lord, savoring life and joyfully serving.


Thursday, January 31, 2019

Creating A Schedule That Works

 As a new mom I was forever on a quest for the perfect schedule. I would find a routine that worked well for us but I would expect it to last and I was disappointed when things changed and we couldn't stick to our schedule. I always thought, "What am I doing wrong?"
So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

 I have come to the realization throughout my short stint in motherhood that schedules are forever changing. What works for us during one season may not work for us the next. I strive to remain flexible and understand that my schedule changes as my children change. I now feel freedom as I understand that different seasons require different scheduling and I make adjustments accordingly. 

We use a combination of  block scheduling  where we know certain things are done during certain blocks of time along with a detailed schedule to make sure certain tasks are accomplished daily:
Block Scheduling helps me to know where we should be during certain times a day and helps me schedule playdates or run errands. With our "block schedule"
I always know when to start breakfast, how long school will be and to insure we are staying on task. I know school is generally complete by two and can schedule playdates or big projects after that.
5am-8:30 morning routine and breakfast
9-2 school
2 projects or social time
5-7 dinner prep, eat and clean up
7-9 baths and evening routine

For the more detailed schedule, I like to create on my computer so I can save old ones and see what has worked and also create new one that are color coded and can be easily changed if needed. I like that I can see where each person is supposed to be during each block of time and creating my schedule in this way allows me to see who is doing what and where I am needed the most.

I love color coded schedules!
I tweak our schedule every few months by evaluating what works and nixing what doesn't. I am a list person as we determined in this post. My lists serve as reminders or in this case help me designate items to a certain time in my day. I like to list out the most important items that must be completed and then I list the things I would like to accomplish but are not necessary. I will generally plug these into time slots and, viola, a schedule is born!
Sometimes it takes a few weeks to try something new and see of it works for us. I keep my updated schedule in my planner (yes, I am a dinosaur and I like to actually write things out in a traditional planner :D). I also keep it on my iPhone and computer. It helps to have reminders of where I am supposed to be during my day so I add alarms for certain occasions such as piano and art lessons.
Breakfast!
We use a combination of  block scheduling  where we know certain things are done during certain blocks of time along with a detailed schedule to make sure certain tasks 

I like how a detailed schedule helps the kids to know where they should be, what they should be working on and keeps them accountable to their dad as well. I have this written on our chalkboard so the kids can check it off. It helps them feel accomplished and helps me to know they are working diligently throughout the day when they are working independently.
The block schedule helps me explain to others what they can expect from us during set times each day and why we aren't available until after two.

We can get off track easily but at least it gives us something to shoot for. The most important part of my day is the early morning routine. I NEED to spend that time with the Lord and give Him my day. I want my children to wake up and come into our living room to see their momma praying and reading God's Word. I want them to know The Lord comes first and that if we commit our days to Him, He will empower us to achieve success.

I hope these two examples of scheduling and seeing how we combine them is helpful to you. Remember not to get discouraged when things get in the way of your schedule. Just do the next thing and move on. If you find something is constantly getting in the way of a set activity it may be time to evaluate that activity and find another spot in your schedule. Thank you for reading.


Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
Psalm 37:5


Grace and peace.
Adoring Family



Monday, January 28, 2019

HOW TO LEARN TO LOVE CLEANING with CLEANING MOTIVATION

When it comes to cleaning I sometimes feel like a hopeless case. I know that is absolutely not true. As long as I am alive there is always hope!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
 I just cannot seem to keep up with all of the clutter in this house! There are six of us living in a two bedroom house. I know there are smaller homes with more people living in them in different countries and i try to remind myself (and my kids) of that fact often. The difference is that as Americans, we tend to accumulate a LOT of stuff. I am trying to reset our minds on this but for now I just cannot stay on top of it!
help me

I have been praying recently that the Lord would give me divine wisdom in this area. I have found that when I pray for divine wisdom the Lord will allow me to find it.
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
If there is one thing I have experienced over and over in my life it is that God is faithful and He always proves Himself true to His Word. I have asked Him over and over for wisdom in different areas and He has continually provided that to me in some form or fashion. God is always faithful.
We had such an amazing experience cleaning together, we prayed, we hustled, WE DID IT!!!


So proud of this girl. She's amazing. So thankful I get to be her mom.

I have started the process of decluttering our home (again, yall).  I was looking for some tips and inspiration when I found the YouTuber that I linked below. Her name is LoveMeg and she has the most inspirational cleaning videos and tips! I'm so grateful and inspired and I do attribute this to answered prayer. 

I love that the Proverbs 31 Woman is mentioned in the video below. If you are struggling like I am I recommend you give this video a quick look and hope you find some inspiration. In the meantime, I am decluttering my home and car and plan to chronicle the journey so that my children and I can look back on it and see how far we have (hopefully) come some day!

Meg says:
1. Tell yourself you love cleaning.
2. Make cleaning enjoyable
3. Get your body moving
4. Find amazing role models
5. Strive to be a Virtuous Woman

She goes into all of these tips in the video below. Some things I find very motivating that are not mentioned are to
1. Begin with the end in mind. I love to picture the peaceful and clean space that we will enjoy once we are finished.
2. I always set a timer. Somehow a timer keeps me on track and encourages me to work for a set amount of time.
3. Use cleaning products I love and that smell wonderful. I love using Mrs. Meyers cleaning products (I love the Basil scent) as well as the Young Living Thieves Spray. Both have a fresh and invigorating fragrance that bring me joy while I am cleaning.
4. Ask for help. When I ask for help and remind my kids that we can clean for ten minutes and have the reward of a beautiful home they are usually willing to help, especially if I tell them we will only clean for ten minutes. If the get the ball rolling it is easier for me to keep going (remember, an object in motion tends to stay in motion). Even if we only clean for ten minutes at least we are that much closer to a clean home than if we hadn't cleaned at all. 
5. Designate duties. I will find the hardest task and start working on it first. Then I designate the smaller and easier tasks to my children. For instance, if here is a sink full of dishes, I will start on those and while my kids can see me doing the hard thing first, I then ask them to do the small things. I ask one to sweep, one to wipe off counters, another to take out trash and the last one to put toys away. 

And now for some inspiration from Megan:


I hope you are encouraged and remember that God is with you on your journey.
So satisfying!
Grace & peace,
Adoring Family

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Healthy GF Breakfast Cookie Recipe

I have been making breakfast cookies since Amy from Raising arrows posted this recipe in 2010.
Breakfast cookies are quick, easy and healthy. My family loves them and I love feeding them something delicious that is also nourishing.


I have tweaked this recipe bit to add a tad more protein from the egg and made it dairy free by using almond milk. You could easily leave the egg out for a gluten free, vegan cookie. this is a large recipe because I like to make a large batch of breakfast cookies that will last us the entire week. That hasn't happened yet though. We usually devour these cookies in a day but at least they are healthy, right? Feel free to half this recipe if you don't want to make a giant batch of cookies.

Healthy GF Breakfast Cookie Recipe

2 Cups Oatmeal
2 Cups Almond Flour
1/2 C Oil (I have used grapeseed or melted butter)
1 1/2 C Almond Milk
1 Egg
1/2 C honey (you can use maple syrup or brown sugar)
1 Tsp. Baking Soda
Dash of salt

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix all of the ingredients. Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet (I like to pat them out into a cookie shape). Bake for  15-20 minutes at 350.



*optional add ins are pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, craisins, chopped apples or whatever you like.

*I like to prepare my cookie sheet by lining it with foil so I can simply drag the foil off the clean cookie sheet and allow the cookies to cool faster on the cold granite counter. They peel off easily from the foil as well and obvi there is no clean up involved w the cookie sheet.
My kids are pretty skeptical when it comes to healthy food but they scarf these down and beg for more! They are the perfect quick breakfast on the go or for sitting around the breakfast table with a cup of hot elderberry tea (I just use a cup of hot water with a Tbsp. of this elderberry syrup).

Hope your enjoy them.
Grace & peace,
Adoring Family

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Date Night at Josh Garrels Concert

My favorite modern, musical artist is Josh Garrels. His lyricis are deeply powerful, clever and inspiring. Garrels has a unique, flawless voice and a versatile musical style.  He was playing at a venue close to us recently and I was ecstatic when we received tickets as a gift. 


Strahan headlined for Josh and is now another one of my favorite musicians. Strahan is also a talented musician with intriguing lyrics. My husband and I had a lovely night and enjoyed some one on one time with one another. I did miss the kids and so wished they could have experienced the night with us as they enjoy Josh's music as well. Still, it is nice and important to get away together as a couple. It was wonderful to experience that night, just the two of us.

I highly recommend you give Josh's music a listen. You will enjoy melodies that encourage and inspire.
If I had to pick a favorite it would be Morning Light. The song provides such a hopeful message. It's been key in carrying me through this journey. It reminds me how fleeting life can be, that there are ups and downs but God can redeem it and make it beautiful. God can restore all things and make them new no matter how far off hope may seem. All will be made well once again. 
Give it a listen:


Joy will come.
Grace and peace,
Adoring Family

Friday, January 18, 2019

Best S'mores Ever

Campfires happen frequently around these parts so s'mores happen often as well. We have discovered a way to make the tastiest, gooey-ist s'mores ever! S'mores where the chocolate is melty, the marshmallow is roasted to perfection and the finished product is campfire dessert bliss.


You will need:
A campfire
graham crackers
large marshmallows
chocolate bars
A large flat rock
a large piece of foil

Cover the large, flat rock with the foil and place near the campfire. Place graham crackers which have been broken in half on the rock. Place two or three chocolate squares on the graham cracker pieces. Don't place the rock too close to the fire or you will burn the chocolate or graham cracker. Find a nice set of coals at the bottom of the campfire and roast your marshmallow over the coals instead of over the actual fire. The coals give off plenty of heat and are less erratic than the flames. Make sure you rotate the marshmallow and if your marshmallow starts to smoke you should move it quick or it will ignite. By the time you have your marshmallow nice and toasty your chocolate should be melted and you are ready to assemble your s'more. Simply place your marshmallow on the melted chocolate graham cracker and grab another graham cracker half and smoosh the yummy goodness together and slide your skewer out. Now enjoy your roasted homemade treat but be careful, it's hot!

We hope enjoy this confectionery concoction and most important that you create fond memories over the campfire.
Grace & Peace
Adoring Family

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Work Heartily, as for the Lord



Romans 12:1 encourages us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. This itself is a spiritual act of worship. Go about your day, your hard tasks, and view them as an act of worship. So often we can misleadingly think that the only time we are worshiping the Lord is when we are singing hymns, reading His Word, alone in prayer or on the mission field. When you are sweeping your floor for the third time, if you are doing it heartily as unto the Lord, this is the gospel lived out. You are serving Christ as Colossians says.

"23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24

We have been going through a trying season. I hesitate to write that because it seems as though everyone is always going through something. During this period of difficulty I have found myself extremely tired and unmotivated to clean my home. These five things help me immensely to take the first step and get myself in motion. Just as Newton's law of inertia states, an object in motion tends to stay in motion but an object at rest tends to stay at rest. This is SO true for me! If I can just get that first motion going I can stay in motion. I hope my list gives you some inspiration to get your body in motion..

5 Quick Ways to Get 
Motivated to Clean House
1. Put on Worship Music. This reminds me that by serving my family I am serving the Lord as well. I am actively involved in the spiritual act of worshiping Christ. I am DOING my work heartily as unto the Lord, it may be a sacrifice when I'm tired but it's a sacrifice of praise.
2. Begin with the end in mind. Picture how clean and peaceful your home will feel when you have dinner simmering on the stove, counters cleaned off, floor swept.
3. Set a timer. We all know this but I HAVE to throw it in there. Somehow knowing there is an end time makes the task so much easier to endure. We also know what happens if the timer goes off and we aren't finished. Most of the time we will finish!
4. Move all things to a central location. When I am decluttering my kitchen counters, (a never ending and daily occurrence), I take everything that does not belong and place it on my dining room table. It helps my brain to not have to think about where each item will go. I can assign a simple task to my children to take all of their belongings from one location and put them away. The first step is complete and my counters are clear. This build momentum and makes me feel accomplished. 
5.Offer a reward. Don't just offer a reward to the help you've enlisted but offer one to yourself. Perhaps a mug of something tasty or a healthy sweet treat like my fav keto mug cake. Maybe it's a phone call to a friend or 10 minutes with a favorite book. I have found rewards to be an effective way to get my kids cleaning. Hey guys, if you  will help me tidy up for 10 minutes then we will go to so-and-so's house...works every time.

A note to wives:
Wives, when serving your husband you are also serving the Lord. I confess that there are times when I am less motivated to serve based on my feelings. Feelings are fickle and cannot be trusted. I may be exhausted but I try to do what I need to do anyway. I remind myself that by blessing my husband, I am blessing the Lord. It is not about making my husband's lunch, it's not ironing his pants, it's putting myself second and putting someone else's needs above my own just as the Lord Christ did.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[ being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

That is one of the most impacting Scriptures for my life when it comes to daily living. It is the antitheses of daily American life. We are taught by society to climb to the top by any means possible. Jesus tells us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and HE will lift us up. 

My feelings are ever changing and if I follow my feelings instead of the concrete and unchanging Word of God then I will be like the ocean waves, ebbing to and fro, inconsistent and sporadic. I want to be steady in my integrity and diligent with my duties. The best way I can do this is by giving all that I am to Christ, going about my daily tasks with joy and knowing that my reward comes from the Lord. I work not for man but for the unchanging and ever-loving, kind and compassionate Jesus. 

Blessings to you as you set about your work with eager hands.

Grace and peace,
Adoring Family





Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Clean Protein Recipes & Beginner's Barre Workout

Some prefer to work out first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. The idea is that you will burn more fat if your body does not have anything in your stomach so it will use your body's stored fat for energy. If I am doing this simple, quick workout, I will not eat beforehand. If I am going to be doing a longer, more intense routine like the one below, I prefer the energy boost of a green smoothie with chia seeds and peanut butter for added protein to aid in muscle development. I find I have more stamina and can push myself harder for a more effective workout. 


Green Smoothie Before Intense Workout 
Any green smoothie recipe will do but make sure that it has at least 2 cups of spinach.
Add 2 tbsps. chia seeds &
2 tbsps. peanut butter for added fat and protein.
15 g protein

After Workout Protein
It is important to consume an adequate amount of protein within one hour of your workout. This prevents muscle breakdown and improves muscle repair.
Below are three of my favorite protein sources.
Option 1
Banana egg pancake topped with peanut butter. Simply mash one banana with two eggs until completely mixed with no lumps. Add a little vanilla and cinnamon and cook over low heat in 2 tsps. coconut oil. Top with 1 tbsp. of peanut butter or almond butter (peanut butter is higher in protein at 4 grams per tbsp.)
14 g protein

Option 2
Ezekiel Bread with peanut butter (if you are allergic to nuts try substituting with sun butter).
9 g protein

Option 3
1/4 Cup cooked quinoa scrambled with 1 egg in 1-2 tbsps. coconut oil, toss in a cup of raw chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. Add sriracha sauce to taste.
8 g protein

I hope you find these recipes tasty and helpful in building strength and endurance. As promised, below is the full Beginner's Barre Routine. You may want to break it up like I have done in the previous posts or perform the entire workout 3 days per week. Either way, remember to listen to your body, stop if you feel fatigued and consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.

Warm Up
Warm up your muscles before you start stretching in order to prevent injury. 
With your hands on the barre or holding on to the back of a chair slowly begin lifting your heels off of the floor and back down for 1 minute. 
Next begin a march keeping your toes pointed as you bring your legs up for 2 minutes. 

Remember to keep your belly button pulled in toward your spine and emulate elegant posture. Shoulders up, back and down. Think long, lean and graceful. 

Barre Work


Back Leg Raise 
With one leg straight back, lift your leg as high as you can behind you while balancing with the other leg and holding onto the barre or chair. Repeat this full movement 20 times. On the 20th back leg lift hold your leg at the highest position and pulse 20 times. Stretch: Immediately bring your leg in front of you and place your opposite ankle on your opposite knee (the stretch is called a gentleman's sit). Hold that stretch for twenty seconds. Repeat the entire set for both legs.


Side Leg Raise
With one leg straight to the side, lift your leg as high as you can out to the side while balancing with the other leg and holding onto the barre or chair. Repeat this full movement 20 times. On the 20th side leg lift, hold your leg at the highest position and pulse 20 times. You may add the arm not stabilizing you by gently lifting your arm straight up and using a fluid movement to bring it down to meet your leg, repeating with each leg lift. Stretch: Immediately bring your leg in front of you and place your opposite ankle on your opposite knee (gentleman's sit). Hold that stretch for twenty seconds. Repeat the entire set for both legs.

Front Leg Raise 
With one leg straight out in front of you, lift your leg as high as you can in front of you while balancing with the other leg and holding onto the barre or chair. Repeat this full movement 20 times. On the 20th front leg raise hold your leg at the highest position and pulse 20 times. You may add the arm not stabilizing you by gently lifting your arm straight up and using a fluid movement bring it down to meet your leg, repeating with each leg lift. Stretch: Immediately grasp your foot behind you with your knee bent. Slowly press your pelvis forward so you do not injure your knee as you stretch for 20 seconds (quad stretch). Repeat the entire set for both legs.

Baby Plié 
Holding onto the barre, feet hip width apart, slowly reach your body up on your tiptoes. Keeping that position slowly bend your knee slightly until you have performed one baby plié. Repeat this movement 20 times.

Grand Plié 
Position your boy into the grand plié (sumo squat ) and slowly perform 20 grand pliés. On the 20th plié, hold your plié and raise up on your tiptoes. Perform 20 pulses in that deep plié position on your tippy toes. Stretch: Immediately grasp your foot behind you with your knee bent. Slowly press your pelvis forward so you do not injure your knee as you stretch (quad stretch). Hold that stretch for twenty seconds and stretch the opposite leg. Repeat entire Grand Plié set. 
Incline pushups
Position your body with your arms on a counter or the Barre and your body at a 45 degree angle, feet flat on the floor. Perform 20 incline pushups and hold the last pushup halfway through and pulse 20 times ("baby" pushups). The closer your arms are together, the more you work your triceps, the further apart they are, the more you work your chest. Remember to keep your abs engaged as you perform this pushup (imagine tightening your stomach as if someone were to punch you in the stomach).Stretch: Reach your hands straight out and bring one arm toward your opposite shoulder while pressing your elbow toward you with your other hand for a tricep stretch shoulder stretch and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat the entire push up and stretch set.

Tricep Dips
Face your body opposite of the bar or counter and place your hands on the barre/ counter behind you. Slowly dip your body down 20 times and hold the last dip halfway through and pulse 20 times (do "baby" dips). Stretch: Reach your hands to the sky and bring one hand down toward you head while pressing your elbow back with your other hand for a tricep stretch and hold for 20 seconds.  Repeat the entire tricep dip and stretch set for both arms.

Rectus Abdominals
Place left hand on the barre with your side to the barre or counter. Raise your right hand straight up at a 45 degree angle and your right leg behind you at a 45 degree angle. Bring your leg up as you bend your knee and your arm down as you bend your elbow and touch your right knee to your right elbow. Repeat quickly 20 times then preform 20 mini pulses of this same movement. Stretch: perform a torso twist to stretch the abs and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat entire set and stretch for the other side.

Obliques
Place left hand on the barre with your side to the barre or counter. Raise your right hand straight OUT at a 45 degree angle and your right leg OUT at a 45 degree angle. Bring your leg out to the side as you bend your knee and your arm down as you bend your elbow and touch your right knee to your right elbow. Repeat quickly 20 times then preform 20 mini pulses of this same movement. Stretch: perform a torso twist to stretch the abs and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat entire set and stretch for the other side. 



This routine is for beginners but don't let the seemingly low intensity fool you! You will be sore if this is your first time. You may find your arms or legs burning or shaking as you complete certain movements. This is a good thing, you are building muscle. Now onto the weights...

Strength Training

You will use 3 lb weights
I know it doesn't seem like a lot but you will see, it is plenty :)

Front Shoulder Raises x 20 then hold at the top of your shoulders and perform 20 pulses
Stretch: Reach your hands straight out and bring one arm toward your opposite shoulder while pressing your elbow toward you with your other hand for a tricep stretch shoulder stretch and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat entire set and stretch.

Side Shoulder Raises x 20 then then hold at the top of your shoulders and perform 20 pulses
Stretch: Reach your hands straight out and bring one arm toward your opposite shoulder while pressing your elbow toward you with your other hand for a tricep stretch shoulder stretch and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat entire set and stretch.

Hammer curls x 20 then hold the weight at your elbow and perform 20 pulses

The following should be performed quickly.
Lat rows for 60 seconds
Stretch: perform a torso twist and hold for 20 seconds.
Air punches for 60 seconds


Floor Work

Pelvic Raises
Lying flat on your back, bend your knees and put your feet flat on the floor. Slowly lift your pelvis into the air and slowly drop it back down 20 times. On the 20th lift, hold your position in the air and pulse your pelvis from side to side. You will feel this in you glutes and I don't know about you but I just do not like doing this in front of anyone else! It is a powerful move though so don't skip it! Stretch: Bring your opposite ankle to your opposite knee and hold that stretch for 20 seconds per leg. Repeat entire set.

Pretzel
Sit up and stagger your legs with knees bent to form a zig zag. Balancing with one hand on the floor and the other stretched out in front of you slowly lift your back knee off the floor and repeat twenty times for both legs. Repeat. The movement will be minimal but with maximum results.  If you have trouble, YouTube it ;)


Lie on your tummy. Legs and arms straight out so your body form one long line. Keep your head down as you use your stomach and back muscles to slowly lift your arms and legs off the floor. Repeat 10-20 times and hold on your last rep. Move your arms and legs as if you were swimming for 15-30 seconds.

I usually perform the ab routine found here at this time.


Cool down and stretch

Child pose for 20 seconds
Cobra on elbows for 20 seconds
Torso twist to stretch for 20 seconds
Reach your hands straight out and bring one arm toward your opposite shoulder while pressing your elbow toward you with your other hand for a tricep stretch shoulder stretch and hold for 20 seconds.
Reach your hands straight out and bring one arm toward your opposite shoulder while pressing your elbow toward you with your other hand for a tricep stretch shoulder stretch and hold for 20 seconds.
Bring your leg in front of you and place your opposite ankle on your opposite knee (the stretch is called a gentleman's sit). Hold that stretch for twenty seconds. Repeat for other side.
Immediately grasp your foot behind you with your knee bent. Slowly press your pelvis forward so you do not injure your knee as you stretch for 20 seconds (quad stretch). Repeat for other side.

Standing with legs hip width apart point one toe toward the ceiling to perform a calf stretch. Repeat for other side.



Energy and strength are the primary reasons I am dedicated to a fit lifestyle. I find I have the energy to engage my children in active play when I am consistent with a clean diet and regular workouts. What are your reasons for wanting to be fit? Do you have personal fitness goals? For instance, where do you want your fitness level to be one year from now? Where do you want to be one month from now, one week from now and at the end of today? I hope some of the ideas found here aid you in reaching your goals :)
Grace & Peace,
Adoring Family

Grace and peace,
Adoring Family


Tuesday, January 15, 2019

How to be Intentional

My husband is the inspiration for this post. He possesses a unique wisdom, character and integrity. I cannot tell you how many times people have called upon my husband for his perspective which he graciously offers with humility. I am so thankful the Lord saw fit to make me his wife. They say you become like the one you are with and I couldn't be more honored than to become like my man.



We recently discussed two things that were on his heart: Be intentional and deny yourself. He believes that is the key to success in all areas of life.
Face your day with intention. Deny yourself, press on with diligence. This applies for home, church, school, family, friends, work and health.

Be intentional
My husband always says to begin with the end in mind. Luke 14:28 says "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" 

As a mom, I think of the end of my day, what would I like to have accomplished?  I find it helpful to write out my goals. Next I create a schedule. I fit all of my "to do" items in a time slot. I pray for strength, grace, and discipline to carry out my tasks. "Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3
This doesn't just apply to physical items I hope to accomplish in my day. What attitude do I want to display? My desire is to cultivate a warm atmosphere of joy, peace and fun. That doesn't just happen. Especially with four little ones!  I must plan to succeed. I determine before the day gets crazy how I want my children to perceive me. Do they want to see a frustrated, grumpy mama? I want them to see a content, joyful mama. Conflict will arise. How do I want to address that? If I do not determine before hand to keep my composure and respond kindly I will slowly simmer until I whistle like a boiling tea kettle.

We are intentional with our health . My goal is to feed my family nutrient dense, healing food. I must create a plan and put it into action. We have 5 times we sit down to dine. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack and dinner. I currently have a weekly meal plan for dinner. For breakfasts, snacks and lunches, I simply have a nutritious set of foods that I rotate.

At the end of the day, I want to lay my head on my pillow knowing that I served my family joyfully and healthily. I begin my day with the end in mind (actually my plan usually starts the night before but that's another post)."Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." Psalm 16:9

Deny yourself.
To be intentional we will be faced with the decision to cave in to our desires or deny ourselves and press on to reach our goals. Luke 9:23-24 says, "And he said to them all, If any will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."  
We are called to deny ourselves. We are not to be weary in well doing for we are promised to reap in due season if we press on as promised in Galatians 6:9.

There is a glaring difference between writing goals, making a plan and actually following through and putting that plan into action.  Believe me, this momma struggles to sit and indulge my flesh, to linger too long with a book or exploring a new blog. "I discipline my body and make it my slave," as 1 Corinthians 9:27 says. If I begin with the end in mind it will be easier for me to push myself to put the dishes away when I would rather snuggle up and watch "I Love Lucy" or deny myself something to eat that I know will make me feel sluggish and instead, opt for the healthy treat that energizes.  

I believe as parents
we are called consider others' needs before our own.
 Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
This calls for self denial. I am to serve my family as a whole before I serve myself. This does not mean I neglect my own needs but I must plan carefully to ensure all of our needs are met. The hard reality is, during this short season, I may have to deny myself  little luxuries in order to provide for the needs of my family. If I focus on the end result, I do not mourn the loss of a few missed experiences or anything material that is fleeting anyway.
There are times when the last thing I want to do is sit on the floor and engage my little ones in play. Sometimes it is hard to trade what I want to do for what they want to do. But I look to the end result and deny myself.  I view playing blocks with my children as an eternal relationship builder. They know they are important to me when I take time to show them that their interests are my interests. This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. So we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 

Deny yourself. Be faithful in the little things. Be steadfast, abound in the work of the Lord and know that your labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10)!




 Please understand, there is balance in all things. This doesn't mean we never have down time or enjoy an occasional Crème Brûlée. We merely understand that in order to achieve our desired results, we must face life with intention, self discipline and a preference for others. I hope my husband's wisdom is impressed upon your heart today and that you find the same value and inspiration in his words as I do.

Grace and peace,
Adoring Family