On the other side...

Well, the fast is finished, our revival is over and life has gotten back to.. well.. not quite normal. Hopefully revival does change your life more than just the week it is scheduled! It has certainly changed mine!

As I come out on the other side of this journey through fasting and revival, things have become clearer, more focused, than before. I think I can explain more adequately what God has one for me through the "TV Fast" now that I'm outside in that light you see at the end of the tunnel. What I have come to call what God has done for me is that he "changed my filter".

Do any of you use a Brita pitcher? We do and love it! For those of you who own one, do you know that fresh taste after changing out the old filter and putting in a new one? That's where I'm at. I had a filter before that while it worked, it was getting clogged with all the "stuff" that was in my water and some of it was making its way through that probably shouldn't have. Things like: poor time management, bad attitudes, and inappropriate content in my entertainment just to name a few.

The funny thing is that I was expecting a big "A-HA" moment when the light came down and God gloriously filled me with his spirit. Kind of like Elijah waiting on God through the earthquake, fire, and wind. But once again, it's the still small voice of the Holy Spirit that speaks to us and opens our eyes to see us as God does. Since that has happened, and God has changed my filter, I'm seeing things in a new perspective. With a clearer vision than ever before.

I certainly haven't arrived yet... but slow and steady, I'll get there! My kitchen is still benefiting from that fast though it doesn't always look like the picture posted previously! The little kiddos can sure make a mess in a hurry. :)

A Clean Kitchen and 6 More Days To Go

If you're wondering how the "TV" fast is going... keep reading. I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting to happen for this fast. It has certainly helped me in ways that perhaps I didn't expect (but knew in the deeeeep recesses of my mind that it would impact that I have avoided like the plague). I have been keeping my kitchen clean! Not so spiritual, huh? lol.

Well, as I look back over the last 3 weeks, I can barely remember them. We have been extremely busy w/ every day life that included Dr. Appts for the kids and myself, visiting out of town family, going to IHC, visiting more out of towners ( if you can't tell, it was our turn to GO see THEM), and then this week has been a thriller as well. I had hoped to have more devotional time and I certainly think that I can, but alas, w/ 2 kiddos and babysitting for 2 more two days a week, well that leaves the other days full of the things I can't do on those two days.

To bring these ramblings to a point, the fast has not been what I expected but has helped me to focus on things that get me down a lot about myself. I have never ever EVER claimed to be an immaculate housekeeper, however, I have conquered my kitchen! Which is a HUGE accomplishment for me. Not to mention that today is 85+ degrees and I am roasting from lack of AC in my house and watching the extra 2 kiddos. Needless to say, this preggo mama isn't getting much done. BUT, the kitchen is pretty decent!

Now, as unsprititual as a clean kitchen may sound, it actually kind of is. At least for me. Because I usually feel like what my kitchen ( and house) look like. Taking the time to keep on top of it isn't much once it has been conquered. It's the same for my relationship with God. Letting it get out of control versus general, everyday, easy maintenance is so much better than letting all the dirty dishes, mail stacks, and you name it pile up so that when you do clean it up... well.. that job shouldn't be done by human beings. And if that is how you let your relationship with God go. Their really isn't much of one. Is there?

I must confess that to many times that's been my reality. I'm not perfect (and neither is my house) but it's a work in progress. I'm conquering my physical and spiritual house one room at a time. Through this fast I have been able to see where my faults truly lie. I've been able to see the nastiness growing inside of a seemingly "nice" house. Have you cleaned out your refridgerator lately? Find any surprises? I certainly did! But, I took care of them. I got rid of the problem. And that is what I'm doing between God and myself.

Yeah.. that's my kitchen! :)

A "Challenging" Week

This past week has been a challenge in so many ways. It has not been just the personal challenge of no TV or media but a week of spiritual challenges and parenting challenges.

My family attended the I.H.Convention this week and were blessed to sit under many excellent speakers who had listened to and conveyed the heart of God. While it can be tiring and a bit frustrating for little ones to be so restricted they still did well and got to see their grandparents and friends. I'm not sure who is more tired now. The kids or the parents! Ha ha!

During this convention I laughed, I cried, and I felt a push to make my walk with God closer than ever. Surrender is the key. The surrender of my will, my emotions, my family, and my future. While much more easily said than done, this is my ultimate goal. To reach such a place of surrender and trust with God that no matter what happens, I can know that He is still in control, and He still has a plan for my life.

Prego Fashion

Hello Friends! I thought I would change the subject matter to fashion for a moment. Mostly, because I want to rant...

I'm pretty sure other moms out there have felt, or currently feel my pain when it comes to finding modest AND cute clothes to wear during pregnancy! Not only do I not fit (even normally) into those little shirts and skirts that are so cute but I am not within the mold of either the "Misses" or "Womens" sizes and I therefore find myself in a constant dilema! And then when you DO ACTUALLY find something you like, fits great, and is modest, the "affordable" price tag could swallow an internet bill or 3!

Price tag $85.00 at shabbyapple.com

I think this is also true of most clothes, prego or not, however maternity clothes are especially difficult. So dear friends, what do you do? I guess being my 3rd pregnancy, I should have some ideas. Thankfully, I have come up with a few ideas and things that work for me and my body.

When I buy from places like Motherhood Maternity, I only buy things on sale. In my book things don't start to be a good deal until they are at least 40% off. If I'm desperate, I may pay a little bit more. Usually, their T-shirts are fairly modest. I have come to the conclusion though that most shirts will be layered. Horrible to force a pregnant woman through that in the summer heat! Shame on you designers!

Buying shirts or dresses that separate your chest and belly also pose a problem. I rarely ever see a shirt w/ that cut and design that properly fits. For me, I have to move into womens sizes to keep it modest and fitting properly. I have also found that shopping for regular womens sizes is a less expensive alternative to maternity clothes. Of course you must try things on to make sure it makes you look like an attractive pregnant lady and not a bag lady since they are not cut the same as maternity clothes.


Can you say "Bag Lady"??


.. Ahh.. much better. To be so stunningly pregnant!

Some stores I've successfully found clothing:
C.J. BanksWal-Mart (believe it or not)
Lane Bryant
Gabriel Brothers
Motherhood (of course since of the hundreds of clothes they have to have something sometime!)
newCreation Womens Apparel (maternity and regular skirts:online only)
StyleJ (online only: maternity and regular- very pricy if not bought at wholesale prices in my opinion

A New Challenge

I am starting a new challenge today. A fast actually. We were challenged at church one Wednesday night a few weeks ago to commit to our revival coming up in May. We could "commit" by fasting something or by prayer or in some way preparing our hearts and minds for revival. I felt the Lord lay on my heart that I needed to do something that really showed commitment and that would be a real sacrifice for myself. I knew what it was. So, as of today, I am giving up watching Media Entertainment for 30 days. Revival meetings begin on day 30 of my fast. I am using the "30 Day TV-Free Challenge" from www.reviveourhearts.com. This will help encourage me and keep my focus on my goal(s). I believe that doing this challenge will also help me in the area of personal devotions which I have written about previously. My goals are to:
1. Draw closer to God.
2. Re-evaluate my priorties and find out what God's priorities for me are.
3. Spend more time w/ my children.
4. Spend more time reading helpful and edifying books.
5. Find out what God wants me to give up or take on (or both).




I challenge you to find a challenge appropriate for where you are in life. You can use the revive our hearts website or you may know of or find something else. Whatever it is, let it draw you closer to God and further from the hinderances of the world.

What are some things you have fasted or given up? What were the results?

Goals: Part 2

I am celebrating the small victories today. It's the small things anyways, right? After setting my devotional goals last week, I have met them (for starting in the middle of the week) and feel really great about this week. I learned some new things and and looking forward to meeting my goal again this week. After 3 weeks of meeting my goal I will add one more day to that goal and so on.

I am so glad to be an encouragement to other moms out there who struggle with the same things I do. Over the weekend, God has definitely been "busy" in my life. During the Sunday PM service, He spoke to me about a specific problem that I have been dealing with for years. I am happy to say that I have confessed, asked, and received forgiveness in the matter. I don't want ANYTHING to stand in the way between God and myself.

I like what Nancy Leigh DeMoss says in her "Lies Book" when talking about daily devotions. These two passages really sum it all up:

Speaking of Satan:

If he can get us to try to "live the Christian life" without cultivating an intimate relationship wht the Lord Jesus, he know we will be spiritually impotent and defeated If he can get us to do a great many things "for God" without consciously seeking the will fo God through His Word and prayer, we may stir up a lot of religious dust, bet we won't do Satan's kingdom any real damage. If he can get us to operate on our own thoughts and ideas, rather than seeking the wisdom that comes from God, he knows we will eventually get sucked into the world's destructive way of thinking.

(bold and italics mine)

Speaking of choosing (because it really is a choice) not to have devotions:

When I do so, what I am really saying (though I'd never actually say it) is that I can handle that day on my own-apart fromt he presence, wisdom, and grace of God. I am saying I can do my work, keep my home, handle my relationships, and deal with my circumstances without Him. That independent, self-sufficient spirit is an expression of pride. The Scripture teaches, "God resists the proud" (James 4:6NKJV). If I walk in pride, I must be prepared for God to resist me and my efforts.

(bold mine)

While I read these passages, I realized the importance of having a solid, current, and vital relationship with God. Because I am failing miserably on my own. Without Him, I can do nothing. Nothing that makes a difference for His Kingdom or His people. Only Satan's. And that is not what I am striving for!

Goals: Where Do I Start?

After reading from my new favorite book (just get used to hearing about it and go buy it!) Lies Women Believe: and the Truth that sets them free ( from here on referred to as "The Lies Book") I believe that where I need to start is with my number one priority. God. I know I'm not alone when I say that I struggle to have daily devotions. I don't ever remember spending daily time with God and I hope to change that for my own children. Making it habit makes it so much easier. It's like a new Christian learning to come to church. They've never done it regularly before and so missing church doesn't seem like a big deal. Until it becomes habit you don't realize the importance of being there every Sunday AM and PM and Wed. nights. Is it hard at first? Sure! But eventually, you don't WANT to miss it! (I hope you have found a church you WANT to be at!)

For me, church attendance has never been a problem. I grew up going to church and that's just the way it was. Devotions, somehow, were optional. I knew they were expected but.. no one ever knew whether I did them or not. So.. now here I am. Starting from the beginning.

My first goal is to start having regular devotions at least 3 days a week. No it's not every day but it is certainly better than pretty much.. 1x a month.. maybe??? Today I have struggled to even get my own lunch! lol. I didn't get it until 2pm. Moms w/ small children I think will understand that. By the way.. moms w/ small children... let me qualify that. Mom's with 2 or more children under the age of 4. How do you deal w/ this? Is having devotions hard for you? How do you do it?
I was reading this morning on a favorite blog of mine about getting back into routine when you've totally blown it. She was talking about Baby Steps and giving yourself achievable goals. For me, this is where I start.

Goal number 2: Cleaning up after EVERY meal. I'm not so good that and a clean kitchen saves a lot of time throughout the day when you could be doing other things. Like cleaning toilets. (yay)I'll start on this once I get a handle on #1. Hopefully SOON!