1 Samuel (Bible in 90 Days)

First Samuel is like reading an epic adventure story. It records the life of Samuel, a prophet and the last judge; the rise and fall of Saul; the first king; and sets up David, the greatest King. Through First Samuel we see the transition of the nation being run by God (theocracy) and being run by a king (monarchy.)

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The Lord says to Samuel:
"Do everything they say to you," the Lord replied, "For it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer...Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them." 1 Samuel 8:7,9

Hannah has faith in pregnancy (1 Samuel 1:1-20)
This is an encouraging story for those seeking to conceive. Hannah was barren, but was loved by her husband. She cried out to God and had a son.
"So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, Because I asked the Lord for him." 1 Samuel 1:20

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Samuel was a prophet.
"The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many vision." 1 Samuel 3:1

It seems like we are once again in days where visions are rare, but by keeping our eyes on God miracles (and visions) are still possible. It was the case with Samuel. Even though times were becoming a struggle and God was getting pushed out of the leadership of the people, there were still Men of God who followed Him, trusted him and proclaimed His love to others.

Saul was a great ruler--for a while. He was chosen by God and Samuel, but he became jealous and his reign as the first king and his life fell downward after disobeying God. He even tried to kill David, but ultimately committed suicide on the battlefield.

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First Samuel holds one of the most iconic stories of the bible--David and Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:1-58.

"David replied to the Philistine [Goliath], "You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies--the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45.

Goliath was giant and a fierce warrior. David was small, but not weak. He knew he had the power of the Lord on his side and that trumps any opponent.

David goes on to be a great fighter, leader and king, but most importantly a faithful Man of God.

Ruth (Bible in 90 Days)

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I love the book of Ruth. It is the book of encouragement. And talk about strong female characters--Ruth has two of the best.

Not much is known about Naomi, but that she is in a tough time of her life:
"Don't call me Naomi," she responded. "Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me." Ruth 1:20

(Naomi means "pleasant; Mara means "bitter,")

Naomi has recently lost her husband and her two sons also leaving her two daughters-in-law widowed. Naomi told the two girls to go home and live with their own families. Orpah did as her Mother-in-law said, but Ruth refused and determined to follow Naomi.

"But Ruth replied, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live; Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God." Ruth 1:6

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We don't know specifics about Naomi's life before her tragedies, but it must have been profound. We can conclude that Naomi cared for and loved her family very much. And that she followed God faithfully. Ruth was drawn to Naomi and to God. That in itself is a powerful witness.

The thing I never really realized about the story of Ruth is the culture surrounding the land at the time. It was during the time of Judges, which was a widely violent, idolatry and disobedient time. Despite all of these distractions Naomi, Ruth and their families faithfully followed God. It proves that God is looking out for those who love him even when they are surrounded by despair. This is something that reading the bible straight through helped me realize; a really wonderful exercise.

Ruth continues to follow God and the wisdom of her mother-in-law. Ruth meets and eventually marries Boaz who have children, much to Naomi's delight.

God will use anyone who is faithful to Him to complete His will. Ruth was a Moabite and Boaz was the descendant of a Prostitute. However, they are the great-grandparents of David, the greatest King of Israel, and ancestors to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Even in times of turmoil, God is at work. He can use anyone and if we let him, He can turn our tragedies into triumphs.

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Judges (Bible in 90 Days)

Reading through Judges is a journey. In fact the book records over 325 years of oppression and deliverance of the people of Israel. After Joshua and the elders of his time died there was not another strong leader ready to take his place. With the void of a man of God to watch over them the people of Israel began to sin and do evil in the eyes of the Lord. This sin grew throughout generations and landed Israel into quite the dark ages.

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Jedges is about 12 people, over 6 periods of rule, who delievered Israel from certain doom because they each were submissive to God so He could use them.

I quickly lost track of the names and periods of the Judges, so I looked them up:
First Period: Othniel
Second Period: Ehud and Shamgar
Third Period: Deborah and Barak
Fourth Period: Gideon, Tola and Jair
Fifth Period: Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon
Sixth Period: Samson

The purpose of Judges is to show, over time, God's certain judgment against sin and His forgiveness for those who repent wholeheartedly.

Despite the almost overwhelming nature of reading Judges straight through, there are some really intriguing and epic stories:

1. Deborah, the female Judge.
"Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel in that time." Judges 4:4

Women in the Bible--that tends to be a touch subject where everyone has firm beliefs about the amount of involvement women are given. I'm not looking to start a debate right now, we'll save that for another day, but here is a wonderful example of a strong female character in the Old Testament. She was leader of Egypt--period. She was a great great Judge of the people even though she was female and married. She even led soldiers into battle and was victorious. All of God's people loved her and she brought peace to the land.

God can use anyone, any sex, any background, any social standing if we let him. Where we see limitations, God sees possibilities.

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2. Gideon
"But Lord" Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" The Lord said to him, "I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man." Judges 6:15-16

I like the Gideon story. It shows that God will chose ANYONE. Gideon was merely a farmer when God chose him, who thought he was nothing special. But Gideon was faithful to God and that's all God needs. God doesn't see limitations or circumstance--He uses people even in the middle of their current struggles and expands on abilities we already have. Gideon was faithful and God led him to victory.

Of course, reading Gideon's story now, all I can visualize is Larry the Cucumber with a tuba from Veggie Tales: Gideon Tuba Warrior. All the important lessons to learn as Gideon becomes a Judge for Israel are there.

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3. Samson
"You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines." Judges 13:5

Samson is quite the character. He represents the best and the worst of humanity. He was dedicated to God from birth, but violated many of God's laws; he was known for his incredible strength, but often used his gifts unwisely; and he was leader of people, but he often confided in the wrong people. The most obvious example of this is with Delilah and his lost connection with God.

My favorite part of Samson's story is that he redeems himself. He reaches out to God who gives him strength to over come his oppressors, killing them and himself. Samson was far from perfect, but he was a Man of God and was recorded in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. And he did in fact begin to rescue Israel from their oppressors.

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Judges is a very rich book with lots to learn and take in. For the same reasons we study history in school, it is important to know the histories of God's people. We can learn from other's mistakes, understand more about God and define how to faithfully walk with Him.

Zoey's Bedtime Snack

Last night we tucked Zoey into bed, just like any other night. We spent some time in our room with the door closed, but when we came out we noticed something out of place. The refridgerator door was beeping because it had been open too long and there was a chair in front of it.

Interesting...Zoey had been here.

It was fairly common at this point since she has learned how to open the fridge to put a chair in front of it so she can reach objects she wants. She is learning the rules of the fridge. It seems the most important one to learn now is to close it when she is finished. But she will get apples, other fruit, a juice box, a hotdog or cheese out fairly commonly. Like I said, she is learning the rules.

Anyway. So last night we couldn't figure out what she took. I figured it was probably just an apple and didn't really worry about it.

A few minutes later we hear a small voice from the hallway, "Mommy? Mommy, help."

I go to see what she is up to and she holds out half a grapefruit (the second half from breakfast) and a spoon. I laugh a little and take the remains of her bedtime snack.

Then she holds out her hands and says, "sticky." I get her a wet washcloth to wipe her hands off. When she finishes she hands the washcloth back to me.

I say, "Goodnight Zoey" and blow her a kiss.

She blows on back. "Night night, Mommy. I love you, too."

"I love you, Zoey."

She walks back into her bedroom and closes the door. We don't hear another peep out of her all night. Except for some play sounds that are also very familiar.

I was amazed by this transaction at bedtime. Zoey has a habit of stalling bedtime, like I'm sure most kids do, but this was really sweet. I don't really encourage the action of going out the the fridge at night, at least at two. But I can't be aggravated with her in the least.

My little girl is growing up. She is getting wants and desires. And she is intelligent enough and sly enough to make it to the kitchen get a snack and a spoon and back in her room without us hearing her. If she hadn't left the fridge open we wouldn't have even known she was out of her room.

She is one crafty little girl. And I'm proud of that.

Joshua (Bible in 90 Days)

Joshua is like the sequel to Moses' story. Now that a new generation of Israelites renewed their faith with God they were ready to follow Joshua's lead into the Promised Land.

Joshua, Moses' chosen successor, was a strong leader. He was a smart military leader, a positive spiritual influence, and most importantly unwavering faithful to God. No matter how odd the command was, Joshua followed all of God's instructions and won. The Israelites followed Joshua and remained faithful to God through his lifetime.

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Joshua succeeded in settling and capturing territories in the Promised Land of Canaan. The most famous story is the fall of Jericho. Through Joshua;s commitment to God's strategy he and the Israelites walked around Jericho, blew trumpets and shouted and God made the walls come tumbling down giving the city into the hands of the Israelites. (That was always one of my favorite songs as a kid: Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho.)

"Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with thte priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in." Joshua 6:2-5

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Every time I hear the Jericho stroy now, I can't help but think of Veggie Tales: Joshua and the Big Wall. It makes the story come to life in a whole new way--even with french peas and slushies. The point is made--trust and obey God and you will succeed.

Interesting fact: Only two men (out of over a million) that left Egypt actually entered the Promised Land: Joshua and Caleb. We need to take Joshua's example and be 100% faithful to God.

The book of Joshua ends with a farewell address and Joshua's death. He once again preaches the importance of obeying God:

"So be very careful to love the Lord your God" Joshua 23:11

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Deuteronomy (Bible in 90 Days)

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Reading Deuteronomy is like reading a recap of the past several years since Moses led God's people out of Egypt. I have to be honest and say that it all feels really repetitive. But at the same time it is important to remember good and bad times and truly learn the lessons God teaches us.

The progression of Deuteronomy is like a textbook providing the guidelines for future generations as Moses hands over his leadership to Joshua.

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The first thing we learn is what God has already done for us. Then Moses reminds us of all the laws and how to live hold for the Lord. For me the condensed reminder of the Ten Commandments are the most powerful (Deuteronomy 5:1-22). He also reminds us of the rules for worship, leadership and relationships and the consequences of being disobedient.

My favorite verse in Deuteronomy is a simple yet beautiful one:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5

Moses then calls for a commitment for God:
"Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to Love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy." Deuteronomy 30:15-16

Deuteronomy ends with Moses' death. He turns his leadership over to Joshua:
"Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, "Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them...Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:7-8

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After a beautiful song, Moses climbs up Mount Nebo where God show him the Promised Land (Deut. 34:4). Moses dies there and the Lord buries him (Deut. 34:5-6). Moses was 120 years old when he dies and as strong as ever (Deut. 34:7). The people of Israel mourned for the loss of their faithful leader. Then after thirty days (the customary end of mourning) the Israelites set out to enter the Promised Land following Joshua (Deut. 34:8-9).

"There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deuteronomy 34:10

What A Day!

And it isn't even halfway over with yet!

It's probably important to note that I have been really sick for the past few days. Even today I'm only running on about 90% and that being gracious. At least I don't have a fever or enflamed throat anymore. Now I just have the normal sore throat and congestion mess. It feels okay as long as I stay medicated.

Since I've been feeling under the weather for the past few days, Zoey has decided that Mommy has been sick long enough. She has actually done really well this week about listening, playing by herself more than usual and not getting into to too much mischief. However, today, I think she's had enough because it started with mischief and it hasn't stopped. Thank goodness for nap time, I'm already worn out.

Other than being sick and still trying to keep up with a two year old, I've had a couple other things on my mind today.

The first one is that sometimes it is easier to clean up a mess and actually get something done than be picky about what she gets into. Today's example is doing the dishes. Zoey does really good at first about semi-helping. She likes to rinse dishes and put them up to dry. However, when she rinses glasses she likes to let the fill up with water and play. So at a point I either have to get on her about splashing water everywhere or just wait and clean up the mess. Today's choice was clean up the mess because I really wanted to be done with this chore. So Zoey pretend gave her toy monkey a bath in a bowl and I actually got to finish washing the dishes. We then cleaned up the extra water together.

I had a couple other things on my mind, but I'm going to be honest...I forgot. Between being sick and tired, I'm impressed I remember lunch time and my own name. If I remember my other thought I will pass it on. Until then, I'm going to go get some rest while I can.

Have a great Wednesday!

Wordless Wednesday: Baking Brownies

Baking Brownies

It's All Hard

I remember thinking when Zoey was an infant that it will be easier when she is older. It will wear me out less because I don't have to carry her around, it will be easier to understand her because she can tell me what she wants and it'll be easier to sleep because she will sleep through the night.

Zoey as an infant

I was very lucky to have an extremely easy-going baby. But now that she is two. It is still hard. She still wears me out because she is always on the move to do something else; it's easier to understand her, but her her requests have gotten much more specific; and she does sleep through the night, but I stay up reading or on the computer and still don't get the right amount of sleep.

Now I'm thinking, wow, it was so much easier when she was an infant. She couldn't run all over the place terrorizing whatever she found interesting, she couldn't say "no" to and get mad when she doesn't get her way and she couldn't completely wreck the house and leave toys everywhere in about 2.7 seconds.

Zoey: age 1

And then I think. If she were still an infant she couldn't help me cook dinner, she couldn't give me a kiss out of no where and she couldn't come up to me and say "I love you, Mommy."

I wouldn't trade Zoey being two for the world. Just like I wouldn't have traded her being an infant for the world. I love every stage she is in. I appreciate who she used to be and I look forward to who she becomes, but the most important thing is right now.

Zoey: age 2

Right now, Zoey loves to help cook in the kitchen, she can make scrambled eggs by herself (with suppervision of course), she loves to spread all of her blankets out on the floor and watch a movie, she loves to go on adventures with all of her toys, she will cuddle her baby doll one minute and then speed with her hot wheels cars the next and the best thing ever is when she comes to give you a hug, just for being you. Two is fun. Yet, she still wears me out.

And just for the record, we babysat our friends two kids, a one year old and a 2 month old. My conclusion: it's all hard. Handling an infant is hard and handling a two year old is hard. They are just hard in different ways. The  most important part is, every stage is rewarding. And I wouldn't trade a minute of it.

My Zoey-bug!

Numbers (Bible in 90 Days)

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Numbers catalogs Israel's journey from the foot of Mount Sinai to the land of Canaan (the Promised Land). Along the way the Israelites are whining and complaining about their present circumstance. Because of their lack of faith it takes them 40 years to complete a journey that should have only taken no longer than 3 months.

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God says...
"Not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times--not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it." Numbers 14:22-23

The 40 years that pass mean that an entire generation will die on the journey before the Israelites reach the Promised Land. All those who grumbled and did not have faith in the Lord were punished by ending their days in the desert.

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However, it is important to see God's patience and grace in this story. He preserves his people and still delievers them into the Promised Land in the end.

Even during the lesson He is teaching them, God blesses His people:
"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. may the Lord show you his favor and give you him peace." Numbers 6:24-26

The most important lesson Numbers teaches us is to trust God and live by faith.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today is a national holiday, but not one I've ever paid much attention to. I love that we get a day off of work and school, but what does today really represent? I respect Martin Luther King, Jr. and all that he stood for, but I want to take a deeper look into the man who stood up for freedom.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
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There is a great write-up on Martin Luther King, Jr. at Nobel Prize. He lived from January 15, 1929 until April 4, 1968. He did much in his lifetime including graduating high school at age 15, getting a doctorate degree from Boston University in 1955, becoming paster of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1954 and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35, the youngest to ever recieve the award. In between all of these successes he had a family and became the leader of a civil rights movement. 

The King Center
Atlanta, GA
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He met Coretta Scott in Boston. They married and had four children together. Coretta supported her husband and all that he stood for. She founded The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change ("The King Center") in Atlanta, Ga. the year her husband died. The center is meant to be a living memorial that continues to support the causes that King lived and died for. It is now under the leadership of King's son, Martin Luther King, III.

"I Have a Dream"
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On August 28, 1963 Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed Washington with a 17 minute long speech that he would be immortalized by. "I have a dream," King said, "that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke and the whole world listened. 

The Stone of Hope
Washington, DC
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Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968 while standing on his motel balcony before a protest in Memphis, TN. King was meant to be silenced, but his words rang out and are still remembered by many, especially those who strive for true equality. 

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Leviticus (Bible in 90 Days)

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Oh Leviticus. It is the Book of Laws. And personally it is like reading a law book, dry, technical and well...boring. But I thank God that he gives us instruction and even though the New Testament negate most of these there are still important ideas to learn.

Leviticus is set during the two years the Israelites stayed at the foot of Mount Sinai while they were wandering in the desert. It was a time for rest, learning and rebuilding faith since their escape from Egypt. God teaches His people how to live holy.

"You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." Leviticus 19:2

Throughout the whole Book, God tells the priests how to conduct worship and what the guidelines are coming to Him. There is a focus on redemption because you desire to seek out the Lord, but you must be clean to worship Him. Leviticus defines what is clean and unclean and details to ways to cleanse the body.

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The one thing about Leviticus that I never thought about was the emphasis on worship. There are many instructions on how to conduct festivals, why to celebrate and ways to worship, but it is all in extreme detail that feels forced not exciting. But I have to remember that this is how life was back then. And to this group of people it is exactly what they needed. To them these festivals were (at least to the ones who dedicated their lives to God) very special and was a way to rededicated themselves to God. This is what I have to remember. There are many traditions, but it is the life behind the ceremony that makes it so important.

So I made it through Leviticus and I even learned something along the way. We do not sacrifice firstborn livestock anymore (Jesus became our ultimate sacrifice), but the need to purify ourselves (especially our minds),  rededicate ourselves to the Lord and worship and give thanks to Him are still prominent ideas that we need to remember.

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Exodus (Bible in 90 Days)

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The second book of the Bible is Exodus. Exodus is a very powerful story. It is about the rise of the Israelites and watching them become a nation of God's people.

Moses is one of my favorite people of the Bible. To begin with, he was meant to die, but God saved him through the love of his mother Jochebed. She hid Moses until she couldn't anymore and then let him go down the Nile praying for a miracle. And it happened. Pharaoh's daughter found the child and took him in as her own instructing Moses' mother care for and nurse him. (Exodus 2:1-10) Talk about an answer to prayers. Now that I'm a mother, this story means so much more to me. And this is just the beginning of Moses' life.

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The Lord comes to Moses to let him know that he will lead the people out of Egypt and this is Moses' response:

"Moses said to the Lord, 'Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10)

Moses was not perfect and God did not expect him to be. God provided a speaker for Moses in Aaron. Moses was the person for the job and he led the people well. A friend reminded me of a wonderful quote recently, "God does not chose the qualified, He qualify the chosen." It is very true in Moses' case and many other great people in the Bible. God wants the person who is going to stand strong in any situation and any opposition. Moses did that his whole life, he really was a servant to God.

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The other big stories in Exodus are the seven plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the ten commandments and the forty years in the desert. Exodus is full of rich story telling and epic adventures.

One of my favorite verses from this chapter is this:

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14


I pray for all who join me in this Bible reading quest and all who strive to walk closer to God.

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Genesis (Bible in 90 Days)

So far my quest to read the Bible in 90 days is a huge success. I am really enjoying being in the Word everyday and opening my heart to what God is telling me.

I have decided to do my recap by the books of the Bible. Each book is it's own story and a message to tell. So this is an easy way to talk about it as read.

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I have been faithfully reading for a couple weeks now and have just finished Joshua, but I want to go back and start my recap at the beginning. 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

What a way to start a story! Moses sure knows how to capture an audience, of course he had some pretty awesome help with God speaking through him. Genesis means "beginnings." It is the perfect way to begin God's Word and set the tone for the entire Bible. 

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Genesis is actually one of my favorite book of the Bible. I love reading the creation story and about the several first generations. I especially enjoy reading about God's love for His people and watching him keep his promises to them.

Gensis is long, but it is so rich. I have so much I want to share, but I'll keep this particular post as more of an overview. I can go into detail later as I go back and study some of my notes more in depth.

The first and arguably most important story in Genesis is the Creation story. 

Day 1: Light

Day 2: Sky and Water

Day 3: Land and Sea

Day 4: Sun, Moon and Stars

Day 5: Fish and Birds

Day 6: Animals and Man/Woman

Day 7: Rest and Declares All is Good

It seems so simple, but it is miraculous. I could write pages and pages about the majesty of God's Creation, but for now I will leave it with this verse:

"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27

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Then there is Adam and Noah, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. All of these stories and all of these generations were so amazing. There were faults and learning, but God loved them anyway and continues to watch us grow and live for Him. 

There are books written about each of these men I mentioned. But Abraham is man God says with be the "Father of Nations." And he is. All of Isaac's descendents become our day's Jews and Ishmael's descendants become our day's Arab's. It's crazy to imagine that we are the (many generations separated) descentants of Abraham.

"I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:2-3

What an amazing blessing. God is Good.

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Genesis is such an amazing journey. You travel and meet many people who are all struggling with their own troubles. Above it all is God watching over all of us simply wanting us to love and follow Him. Those who do are blessed. 

So what happened was (dot, dot, dot)

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My period button no longer works on my netbook and it stinks

Of all the buttons on a keyboard to go, why the period? So I can't end my sentences they just keep going and going and going, well you get the picture 

And the worse part is more buttons are starting to stick It's not like I can just replace a netbook keyboard Sure I can get other keyboards to go along with it, but that sort of defeats the purpose of having a nice little computer to use whenever and where ever I want

So what happened was (dot, dot, dot)

I was checking facebook and such on my netbook this morning, like I often do Zoey was on the other side of the couch watching a cartoon She came over to get a drink off my table and bumped me and spilled in on my netbook, lap and the blanket I was using It wasn't that much liquid, but it hit just the right place I immediately got up and wiped it off and at first it seemed to be fine But then over halfway through my last post the period button just stopped working, if you look there are no periods towards the end It really stinks I mean look at this huge run on sentence because my period button is broken 

I'm trying to laugh it off, but honestly I'm really annoyed It limits what you can do so much without a period button 

It's amazing how something that happens so fast affects you so much afterward This is a silly one all things considering, but it is sort of scary how true that statement is

So I'm not really sure what to do, nothing really I guess if you see posts with no periods you will know what happened at least I guess I'll have to write or at least go back and edit on another computer 

Thankfully, I have an awesome computer savvy hubby who can try and fix it, I hope he can 

We'll I think that's as much as I can ramble on about this one

good night

Tim Tebow and John 3:16

Tim Tebow at the 2009 Championship Game
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Do I really need to say more?

Tim Tebow is not only a phenomenal football player and a wonderful human being, but also a "live it out loud" Christian.

It is truly inspiring to see Tebow tell the world about God. Many athletes are Christians, but most just keep it to themselves, I probably would. Not Tim Tebow. He yells it to the crowds, He announces him Thanksgivings on National Broadcast and he lets the world know who is first in his heart.

Even at the office, at home, sometimes even in church do we really ever let the world know who is first in our hearts? I suppose the next question is, who is first in our hearts? If it truly is Christ then how could anyone really question our faith? Do we walk the walk that we are trying to talk?

I don't mean get in people's face or pester people about becoming Christian, in my opinion that is not a good witness. Witnessing means being an example of God's glory. It means helping a friend when you'd rather do anything else, It means giving to those in need when you have nothing to give because you know God will fulfill your needs, it is loving your enemy because even he (or she) is a child of God.

Tim Tebow may be just a football player, but he has send his message this past weekend with his win against the Steelers. He did not give up because he was playing a "legendary" team. He did not give in when the scores became tied. He kept. throwing the ball and his receivers would catch it. He believed that God was with him in everything he does, even something as insignificant as a football game.

And maybe, just maybe, since Tebow is who he is and since he is placed on this national scene, perhaps his message will reach far and wide, perhaps people would come to know the Lord because of this amazing man who puts God first and tells the world about it

I found this really interesting:
Sunday night against the Steelers, Tebow had
316 yards passing and
316 average yards per pass
amazing right?

Tebow wore John 3:16 on his eye black during the 2009 Championship Game forever identifying him with the verse:

John 3:16--For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life

Talk about powerful!

Maybe there is something about Tim Tebow, maybe our Prophets look a little different in the 21st century

If you want to read some more interesting tidbits about Tebow it can be found at Yahoo! Sports

For now, I say God Bless you Tim Tebow!

Potty Training Fiasco

Did you have an easy time potty training? Maybe I need some tips because I don't think Zoey is ever going to be potty trained. She's already almost 2 and a half, I'm starting to worry if she will be in diapers when it's time to start kindergarten!

The last few days I've been talking up going to the potty. I've been going on about how she's a big girl and she will wear no more diapers. Her response has consistently been "No Potty!"

I suppose that should have been a sign. But, I continued with the bare bottom technique today as planned thinking that she would get into it when we started.

Nope. I was wrong.

It started off really well I thought. I gave her the whole spill again about how she is a big girl and not going to wear diapers anymore. I told her about the treat she would get if she peed in the potty.

I brought the kids potty into the living room and explained how she was to sit on it if she needed to pee. She understood, I know she does. She even moved the potty to her approved location (about 6 inches into the middle of the floor from where it was), circled it a couple times and then sat down.

At this point I'm thinking, "All right! This is going to be easy, this time she will really get it." After about one full minute she jumped up ready to play.

So we did. We played, we started watching Cars 2 and was having a great time. Until...

She was ready to pee. I encouraged her to go potty and she stopped peeing, but she wouldn't move. So I sort of swooped her to the potty (like a foot and a half away) and she FREAKED OUT! This was a meltdown and a half. She flailed and screamed, but she didn't pee anymore.

"NO POTTY!"

After giving her a minute to calm down I asked her again to sit on the potty. She looked me in the eye and with the most sincere voice said "No Potty!"

She then preceded to get me a diaper, kick the potty chair for good measure and then lay down to put a diaper on. I suppose she made her choice.

At this point I'm thinking I have failed as a mother and my daughter is never going to be potty trained. I'm sure that isn't true, but I would say that Zoey is not ready to go in the potty yet. She acts like it.  I'm pretty sure she even makes the connection between peeing and going to the potty. She knows the potty and has the whole routine down so she knows what to do, but she doesn't want to do it. I have no idea why.

She hasn't had any traumatic experiences with the potty, that I know of anyway. She doesn't seem scared of the potty itself, but anytime I encourage her to sit on the potty I get the same response to some degree.

In fact, I have been/am dreading potty training because Zoey DOES NOT CARE if she is wet or soiled. Absolutely does not care. Pee could be dripping down her legs and she doesn't care. She will tell us when she has peed or pooped, but she doesn't want her diaper changed. She runs away and fights us to change her diaper, but she refuses to go in the potty.

I give up, I have no idea what to do.

So I'm putting a diaper on her after this and laughing to myself a little. I ask her, "Are you going to go to school in diapers?"

She answers, "No, Mommy."

So I ask, "Why don't you use the potty now?"

A very stern, "No Potty" is her response.

So I have no idea what to do next. All the books say that once you commit to potty training to not look back. I feel like I'm giving up, but my mother's instinct is saying not to push it, at least not right now. I don't want potty training to become a traumatic experience.

I suppose she is still young in the grand scheme of things. And she has a way of deciding for herself when and how she is going to do something. I figure she will decide in her own time when she is ready and that will be that, presto potty trained. Hopefully it is before kindergarten.

Do you have an funny or horror stories when it comes to potty training? Were there any tricks that worked for you? Was your kid an early potty goer  or did he/she go at her own pace?

photo credit

Pinterest Ideas to Do

I am completely addicted to Pinterest. I can't deny that it makes me feel crafty and creative. I also find some great ideas and recipes that I want to try. Here are a few that I have found in the past couple weeks that I want to actually do. I figure if I share them here, maybe I will complete them.

#1: Homemade Laundry

Thanks to:
I Can Teach My Child

This is one I have always wanted to try. Jenae at "I can teach my child" has a simple recipe for the detergent and great instructions on how to make it. It actually looks like fun and a HUGE money saver when it comes to detergent. And it even works in a "HE" machine.

#2: Homemade Mod Podge

Thanks to:
Babblings and More

I went to the store to get Mod Podge for a journaling project and audibly gasped at the price--$8.99 for a 16oz jar. I'm not sure it really surprised me, but still, it's basically just glue. Even with my coupon, it would be worth it, but still expensive. Then I remembered a project when I was a kid that I am almost positive we made Mod Podge. And what would you know, there is a homemade recipe on Pinterest. I love Pinterest. The secret: it is 50% glue and 50% water. There is so much more about it from Bridget at "Babblings and More." Now I definitely need to do this.

#3 Homemade Dog Biscuits 

Thanks to:
Brown Eyed Baker

This is another money saving idea. Dog treats are so expensive. I like this homemade version, even just the idea of making homemade dog treats. This recipe from "Brown Eyed Baker" is simple and would be good, but I don't know how much Eli likes peanut butter. Probably a lot, but I also thought of mixing in wet beef dog food with a breaded treat. Either way, I could make a lot for very cheap.

 #4 Fabric Covered Corkboards

Thanks to:
Better Homes and Gardens

I love this idea! I have a very good corkboard, but through years of use it has become full of big holes and gritty. I could just trash it and buy a new one, but I hate throwing away perfectly usable items. So this is perfect. I can take some extra fabric that is pretty and gentle and cover it and presto a fresh corkboard that will look great in my new craft area.

#5 Kid's Busy Wallet

Thanks to:
Acts of Grace

This one is perfect for keeping Zoey busy when we are out an about since her favorite pass time while stuck in a cart is to take everything out of my purse and if I don't catch her, go through my wallet. So this idea from "Acts of Grace" is to take an old/unused wallet and fill it with old cards, pictures and small notepads to keep kids occupied while at a restaurant or while at the store. 

These are some fun Pinterest ideas I've come across. What have you come across on your Pinteresting adventures? Or have you not tried it? It is a wonderful crafting and idea Website.