So, I'm participating in the July Blogger's Challenge brought to you by Liv, Laugh, Love: A Mommy Blog. Her Day 7 and 8 challenge for us is to ask our readers to ask us some questions. Then on Day 8, we will answer them in a blog post. So...you can post your questions in a comment or on My Facebook Page and I will answer them tomorrow!
Risa
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Trusting in God
I recently found out some news that I was not expecting. My family has gone through a lot of hard times, and I fear that it is going to get even worse. My husband has had difficulty finding a good job despite the fact that he is highly educated. Now, more than ever, we need God to provide. Trusting in God is easier said than done. My mother keeps telling me, "Trust in him." I keep recalling Bible verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 that hangs on the wall of my apartment. -
(Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.)
What does this mean? Trust in the Lord even though you may not understand why certain things are happening the way that they are. If you submit to him and surrender to him, he will lead you down the right path. I know I'm going down the right path career-wise, but what am I going to do now? I am really struggling with this news (that I am not prepared to reveal to my bloggers yet - sorry but it's pretty personal) and I just find it hard to trust that things are going to change so that my husband and I can provide for our children.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 6:25-34:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
I try not to worry. I do everything I can to make things work for me and my family. I have to leave the rest in God's hands. After all, Romans 8:28 says:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Please say a prayer for me and my family during these tough times ahead.
Thanks for reading.
(Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.)
What does this mean? Trust in the Lord even though you may not understand why certain things are happening the way that they are. If you submit to him and surrender to him, he will lead you down the right path. I know I'm going down the right path career-wise, but what am I going to do now? I am really struggling with this news (that I am not prepared to reveal to my bloggers yet - sorry but it's pretty personal) and I just find it hard to trust that things are going to change so that my husband and I can provide for our children.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 6:25-34:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
I try not to worry. I do everything I can to make things work for me and my family. I have to leave the rest in God's hands. After all, Romans 8:28 says:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Please say a prayer for me and my family during these tough times ahead.
Thanks for reading.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Review: Bound Together by Chris Brauns
When reading the byline of this book "how we are tied to others in good and bad choices," I thought it would be an interesting topic to explore. Upon reading this book, I discovered that it tells me something I already know. The negative way we are all bound together is through Adam's sin, which in turn made us all corrupt by nature. The positive side is that these bonds were broken and new bonds were created with Christ when he died for us. These are the new bonds that bind us together. This is great news!
The great news discussed above is revealed within the first three chapters of the book. In my opinion, the book could have stopped after three chapters. In the later chapters, I found this book dry. It reminded me of philosophy texts I had to read in college. This book may be ideal for a theological scholar (which I am not) or a pastor trying to get some ideas for a sermon on this topic, but I did not find it at all interesting. I'm surprised I read as much as I did. I may look up some of the Bible passages the author referenced, but other than that this book was not appealing to me at all.
I receive these books free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Saturday, May 4, 2013
The Epically Awesome Award of Epic Awesomeness!
I've been nominated for another award! YAY! Dawn at Delectably Dawn nominated me for the Epically Awesome Award of Epic Awesomeness. This is yet another award in which bloggers recognize other bloggers for their, well, epic awesomeness!
The rules for The Epically Awesome Award of Epic Awesomeness are:
1. Display award logo
2. Link back to the person who nominated you
3. State 10 things about you
4. Nominate 10 other bloggers
Here goes - 10 things about me (and I am running out of things...)
1 - I am currently looking for a new job. It's not a secret. I want to break into the counseling field as I'm getting my Masters degree in Clinical Counseling. Keep me in your prayers as I look for something that will suit me and pay enough!
2 - I have been breastfeeding my baby for almost 6 months now, which is more than 4 months longer than I was able to with my first child! So proud of me! :)
3 - I love to watch The Voice. (Check out my previous post about The Voice and why it inspires me here.)
4 - I am a Christian. I think you already know that if you're reading my blog.
5 - I can't drive. Yes. I will admit it. I may even write a post about my struggles someday. Essentially, I think it is because I have sensory processing disorder. I just get overwhelmed by everything and I can't process it all and I "flip out".
6 - I am trying to lose weight but I'm not very successful at the moment. I need to get off my butt and do something but it's hard when I work full time and don't get enough sleep. I'll get there, I will. I already weight 40 pounds less than I did before I got pregnant.
7 - I have very small feet. Size 6. Well, they are short but kind of wide. Weird feet.
8 - I like sci fi shows like Star Trek, The X-Files, Fringe, and Stargate.
9 - I like to wear dresses when it's warm enough. I would rather wear dresses than pants.
10 - I don't like to wear socks if I can help it. Of course, I wear them most of the time but in the summer I like to wear sandals which means no socks of course!
Random enough for you??
And my blogger nominees are:
I didn't find 10 because I'm running out of blogs to nominate. Guess I need to follow some more blogs!
Rockin' Autism Mom
My Life as Lucille
Among Many Blessings
Devote and Seek
The Wild and Wonderful World of Gingersnaps
This Life's Beautiful Moments
Clothed in Love
The rules for The Epically Awesome Award of Epic Awesomeness are:
1. Display award logo
2. Link back to the person who nominated you
3. State 10 things about you
4. Nominate 10 other bloggers
Here goes - 10 things about me (and I am running out of things...)
1 - I am currently looking for a new job. It's not a secret. I want to break into the counseling field as I'm getting my Masters degree in Clinical Counseling. Keep me in your prayers as I look for something that will suit me and pay enough!
2 - I have been breastfeeding my baby for almost 6 months now, which is more than 4 months longer than I was able to with my first child! So proud of me! :)
3 - I love to watch The Voice. (Check out my previous post about The Voice and why it inspires me here.)
4 - I am a Christian. I think you already know that if you're reading my blog.
5 - I can't drive. Yes. I will admit it. I may even write a post about my struggles someday. Essentially, I think it is because I have sensory processing disorder. I just get overwhelmed by everything and I can't process it all and I "flip out".
6 - I am trying to lose weight but I'm not very successful at the moment. I need to get off my butt and do something but it's hard when I work full time and don't get enough sleep. I'll get there, I will. I already weight 40 pounds less than I did before I got pregnant.
7 - I have very small feet. Size 6. Well, they are short but kind of wide. Weird feet.
8 - I like sci fi shows like Star Trek, The X-Files, Fringe, and Stargate.
9 - I like to wear dresses when it's warm enough. I would rather wear dresses than pants.
10 - I don't like to wear socks if I can help it. Of course, I wear them most of the time but in the summer I like to wear sandals which means no socks of course!
Random enough for you??
And my blogger nominees are:
I didn't find 10 because I'm running out of blogs to nominate. Guess I need to follow some more blogs!
Rockin' Autism Mom
My Life as Lucille
Among Many Blessings
Devote and Seek
The Wild and Wonderful World of Gingersnaps
This Life's Beautiful Moments
Clothed in Love
Review: The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr. Scott Taransky and Joanne Miller
I recently read The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller. Turansky and Miller are the founders of the National Center for Biblical Parenting and it shows! The strategies in this book are what they call "heart-based" strategies which basically means that the children will be changing not only their behavior but their hearts. I want this for my children. I do not want them following simply out of obedience, but also because it is the right thing to do. I don't seem to get a lot of resistance from my daughter, but I do get some whining so I love the chapter entitled "Teach Kids to Be Solvers Instead of Whiners". I like how the chapters are structured. They are short and to the point. They often have biblical verses to back them up and include some real-life examples. The real work is left to the parents, but these are some great jumping-off points when a parent may be at a loss for what to do. I would recommend this book to any parent who is struggling to parent their child based on biblical principles or just doesn't know where to start.
I think I'm through reviewing parenting books for a while. It's frankly getting a little repetitive so look for something new on my next book review!
I receive these books free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Why The Voice Inspires Me
She steps unto the stage, a bundle of nerves but so excited to have this chance to show the world what she can do. As the music cues up, she takes a deep breath and then she begins to sing. She sounds like an angel, note after note drifting to the audience and those four chairs that will determine her fate. The chairs do not turn. She keeps singing, reaching a high note and singing it from the very depths of her soul. Suddenly, a chair turns. "I WANT YOU" lights up in large letters. She finishes her song, but all the while she is choking back tears of joy. She's actually going to get her chance! They chose her!
Why do shows like The Voice, American Idol and America's Got Talent evoke such strong emotions out of so many of us? When we hear the back story of the contestants, we can identify. She's a mom, just like me. He quit his dead end job to pursue music. She just lost her mother to cancer and is singing in her memory. So many stories, the list goes on. We see people just like us getting their chance to be what they were called to be. What a joy that would be! To be called to your purpose and to fulfill it is perhaps one of the greatest gifts one can imagine.
As I watch that contestant get chosen to move on to the next round, something inside me stirs. I want to feel that feeling! I want to apply for that job that is just right for me, where I can use my talents. I want to interview and have someone say "YES! I WANT YOU!" Until that happens for me, I will just have to live vicariously through the talented singers on The Voice and enjoy the special bonuses of Adam Levine and Usher while I'm at it! ;)
Why do shows like The Voice, American Idol and America's Got Talent evoke such strong emotions out of so many of us? When we hear the back story of the contestants, we can identify. She's a mom, just like me. He quit his dead end job to pursue music. She just lost her mother to cancer and is singing in her memory. So many stories, the list goes on. We see people just like us getting their chance to be what they were called to be. What a joy that would be! To be called to your purpose and to fulfill it is perhaps one of the greatest gifts one can imagine.
As I watch that contestant get chosen to move on to the next round, something inside me stirs. I want to feel that feeling! I want to apply for that job that is just right for me, where I can use my talents. I want to interview and have someone say "YES! I WANT YOU!" Until that happens for me, I will just have to live vicariously through the talented singers on The Voice and enjoy the special bonuses of Adam Levine and Usher while I'm at it! ;)
Saturday, April 20, 2013
The Very Inspiring Blogger Award
Hello everyone! I was nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award by Ginger at The Wild and Wonderful World of Ginger Snaps! (Check her out!)
Thanks Ginger! I am so honored to have already received 2 awards in the short time I have been blogging. It's a great way to connect with other bloggers out there!
There are only two rules to this award - You must tell some things about yourself and you must nominate other bloggers.
So here goes! Some random facts about me!
- I am a Christian (and proud of it)! Lately, I want to share this with everyone I can. I know that Jesus Christ died to save me from my sin and I will shout it from the rooftops!
- I have the cutest kids ever! Ok, I know every mom says that about her kids but really mine are the cutest. For privacy reasons I don't post pictures of my children on my blog, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
- I may have shared this on my Liebster Award random facts, but I will share again. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling. I took a little hiatus to have my son, but I am starting back up in June and excited to really get the ball rolling. I am about halfway through the program and I have a 4.0 GPA!
- I love to sing! I have a karaoke machine in my home which I do not use nearly enough since the baby has been born, but it is something I really enjoy doing! Once we can finally get a house I would love to set up a karaoke bar of sorts in my home!
- I am a Sci Fi junkie. Some of my favorite shows include: Star Trek, The X-Files, Fringe, Stargate SG-1, and Stargate Atlantis.
- I also love superhero movies. Current faves: The Avengers, Iron Man 1 and 2, Spider-Man (1, 2, and 3) and the Amazing Spider-Man wasn't too bad either.
I hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about me (hopefully you found them interesting).
Now for the nominees for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award:
Singing Through the Rain
Devote and Seek
Story of a Girl
Icescreammama
I picked these bloggers because I follow their blogs, love their writing, and I am inspired by them to continue on my journey to build my blog and extend my reach to the blogging community so that I can share my writing with the wide world out there on the web! Thanks ladies!
Thanks Ginger! I am so honored to have already received 2 awards in the short time I have been blogging. It's a great way to connect with other bloggers out there!
There are only two rules to this award - You must tell some things about yourself and you must nominate other bloggers.
So here goes! Some random facts about me!
- I am a Christian (and proud of it)! Lately, I want to share this with everyone I can. I know that Jesus Christ died to save me from my sin and I will shout it from the rooftops!
- I have the cutest kids ever! Ok, I know every mom says that about her kids but really mine are the cutest. For privacy reasons I don't post pictures of my children on my blog, so you'll just have to take my word for it.
- I may have shared this on my Liebster Award random facts, but I will share again. I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling. I took a little hiatus to have my son, but I am starting back up in June and excited to really get the ball rolling. I am about halfway through the program and I have a 4.0 GPA!
- I love to sing! I have a karaoke machine in my home which I do not use nearly enough since the baby has been born, but it is something I really enjoy doing! Once we can finally get a house I would love to set up a karaoke bar of sorts in my home!
- I am a Sci Fi junkie. Some of my favorite shows include: Star Trek, The X-Files, Fringe, Stargate SG-1, and Stargate Atlantis.
- I also love superhero movies. Current faves: The Avengers, Iron Man 1 and 2, Spider-Man (1, 2, and 3) and the Amazing Spider-Man wasn't too bad either.
I hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about me (hopefully you found them interesting).
Now for the nominees for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award:
Singing Through the Rain
Devote and Seek
Story of a Girl
Icescreammama
I picked these bloggers because I follow their blogs, love their writing, and I am inspired by them to continue on my journey to build my blog and extend my reach to the blogging community so that I can share my writing with the wide world out there on the web! Thanks ladies!
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