Recommendations

  • Song: “Bring the Rain” by MercyMe

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17af0XmPFo

    There are times in life that God brings storm to strengthen our love and faith. No matter the size of the storm may we turn our eyes to Him. Although the storms are tough, it is through these seasons of life He is able to mold us into the people he wants us to be.

  • Book: “Speaking Mom-ese” by Lisa Whelchel

    This book was given to me after I had the girls, Speaking Mom-ese by Lisa Whelchel.  The first few months after the girls were born were a blur after having 12 weeks of bed rest, followed by an early delivery, complications, and time in the NICU.  It was encouraging to have a devotional from a Mom’s perspective even though a lot of the stories were regarding older kids.   The devotionals were short, sweet, and hit home during those exhausting months.  Since then I have gone through the book again and different devotionals touched my heart this time around.

  • Gift Giving: Twice as Nice

    Buying used toys that are in good shape works well for those of us who are on a tight budget.   My girls love books and we rarely buy them new.  Same goes for toys.  If you can find good quality toys and books for an inexpensive price used why not get them as a gift for your kids.

    Recently, Goodwill did a 50% off day on everything in the store and if you got the red tag you received an additional discount.  I picked up a whole stack of books for $0.25 and some clothes (shirts, pants, skirts, dresses) for as low as $0.50.  I was thrilled because the books and clothes will make great Christmas gifts for the kids.  That day the following two purchases were the most fun:

    Princess Baby Doll Bed

    I know a little girl who will LOVE this bed for her babies!  It is in excellent condition and it only cost me $4.

    Lizard CD Holder

    The Lizard CD Holder was a lot of fun.  I have been looking for a place to put their CDs so they can access them without making a mess.  It is going to be hilarious seeing their faces when they unwrap this one.  The best part is I paid $3 for it.

    Both the Princess Baby Doll Bed and the Lizard CD Holder were a hit with several other people at the store that day too.  I was beginning to wonder if I would to make it out of the store with the two items.  I was asked how much they were numerous times, one person took them out of my basket to look at, another person told me that she needs them more then I do, and a guy tried to take them from me while I was paying.  Guess my excitement for finding the treasures made everyone else think they really were special, ha.

    If you are on a tight budget this year, check out some of the local secondhand stores.  You might just find a treasure with a bargain price tag on it that’s the perfect gift for your kids.

  • Song: “I Want to be Just Like You” by Phillips Craig & Dean

    What a great song! It is not always easy being a parent. We will leave an imprint on the lives of our children. What will that imprint look like?

    Thankfully we have a wonderful heavenly Father that helps us daily demonstrate God’s love to our children. The amazing part is He still loves us (and our children) even when we fail, which is often. Our children watch us everyday. My prayer is that our words and actions have a positive eternal impact on their lives and hearts. May we learn to be better examples of Christ’s love and grace to those in our lives.

  • Song: “Yours” by Steven Curtis Chapman

    It really is amazing to see God’s beautiful creation. Steven Curtis Chapman added another verse to this song after the death of his daughter. What a vivid reminder that our family, friends, and all creation are ultimately His.