Monthly Archives: May 2016

Writing God’s Word on Their Hearts

ESV Bible 4

This week we are doing something that is a first in our almost 20 years of marriage….we are getting new carpet installed! It is a pretty big deal to us, our first home had newer carpet when we moved in and after 13 years it probably needed to be replaced, but we couldn’t afford it. Then we moved to MN and the carpet needed replacing in many rooms, but again it wasn’t in the budget after buying a new home!

So we started talking about it months ago and finally decided to go forward and make the investment. It is scary and exciting all at the same time. I didn’t realize just how much work was involved in the process! Clearing out all the rooms, ripping the old carpet out and removing all the staples…that’s just the “prep” work.

Today the installation started and we started talking about how we hope really like the new color because it is going in multiple rooms! 🙂

When I was 14 my parents replaced their carpet and before the new was put down, they let us write all over the sub-floor. I have always remembered how cool that was and recently saw a friend who did Bible verses in their home and I decided to do the same.

So yesterday we spent sometime writing God’s Word on the floors in our rooms. I love the idea that we can stand on His Word in a tangible way each day.

ESV Bible 3

Dominic wrote out some of his favorite verses and I will always know that in our front living room we have a reminder to put on God’s armor each and every day. It is another way to remember to be prepared for the battles we will face every day.

I took pictures of all the places and verses we wrote because I want to have something to show our younger kids when they are older. Our family isn’t perfect by any means. We mess up and face difficulties like every other family. But my prayer is that we can be a family that is established and rooted in the Word of God. And that we might be able to use that foundation to be a light and an encouragement to others.

As a parent I have struggled with how best to teach our kids about God. We are so grateful for our church and the Awana program there. But I can’t expect that others will always do the work for me…we have to continue to encourage them and instill them with His Truth in our home.

For a long time I have looked for a devotional that might be appropriate and just haven’t found something that works for the varying ages in our family. Recently though I was sent the ESV Family Devotional Bible from #FlyBy promotions to review. What I love about it is that it is a full Bible, but among the pages are pictures and short devotional readings.

ESV Bible 2

At the end of each reading, there are questions to ask the family to discuss and a verse that could be used as a memory verse! It is something that my 5 year old could listen and participate in, but it isn’t too young for my 12 year old either.

These are the kind of devotionals that wouldn’t take much time, but would provide opportunities for deeper discussions and also the chance for our kids to once again hear the Truth of God’s Word. And I love that at the end of each devotional it points you to the page where the next one can be found!

I want the Word of God written on their hearts, and what a perfect way to encourage that by including these devotionals in our weekly routine.

I know it can be hard to take time out as a family to do things like this, but just like we took time to write out those verses on the floor…we need to find time in our busy schedules to stop and spend time with God. This Bible is going to help us get back on track and I am excited to see our kids!

But even more exciting is the fact that #FlyBy has another Bible to give away to one of my readers! YAY!! So to enter just leave a comment and share either why you would like this, or tell me what is something you do in your family to teach the Word of God to your kids? I am always looking for new ideas! Giveaway will close on Friday May 20th!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

She is Priceless

mercy-house-she-is-priceless-social-media3-460x307

Mother’s Day was celebrated on Sunday. It is always a time that I am happy about, but I also approach it with a heart heavy for the women who may be hurting.

I posted this on my FB page on Sunday morning. Based on the likes and shares – it is a feeling felt by many women.

“To all the women who have lost babies too soon…I honor you today.

To the women who desperately want children but can’t for some reason…I honor you today.

To the women who have wayward children and spend today in worry….I honor you today.

To the women who work full time outside of the home help care for their family….I honor you today.

To the single mother who struggles to make ends meet….I honor you today.

To the stay at home moms who don’t always feel valued or appreciated….I honor you today.

Mother’s Day isn’t always a happy day for some and my prayer is that we would lift up women in prayer today. Remembering that there are women hurting on the inside and seek to encourage them in a special way today!!”

Having gone through my own miscarriage and loss and having dealt with years of infertility…I know the heartache that the journey to motherhood can bring.

As hard as I felt my own individual journey was, the reality is there are women struggling who are dealing with some really unimaginable situations.

One of my favorite non-profits is Mercy House Global.

Mercy House Global

Kristen Welch is the real deal. A woman who’s heart was broken for the mothers in Kenya, Kristen started the Mercy House as a place of refuge for young, unwed pregnant mothers.

Giving them a place to stay, education and skills training so that they could have sustainable employment in the future, Kristen saw these women as the priceless treasure that they were.

So often we just turn our eyes away.

The reality of rape, abortion, unwed pregnant teens in extreme poverty….well it can seem like too much to handle. How could one person make a difference?

But through organizations like Mercy House I have discovered that I CAN make a difference. I can be involved without going to Africa myself. By purchasing products from Fair Trade Friday, I am buying products from women who are finally being given an opportunity to be employable and take care of their own families.

With each product I am reminded that these beautiful women are priceless.

My family spoiled me this Mother’s Day and now it is my turn to honor another women.

The “She is Priceless” campaign is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of oppressed women.

Mercy House is one of 5 non-profits that is joining in this movement. Today I am wearing this beautiful pearl necklace and earrings in honor of every woman who has lived in oppression.

Mercy House Global 2

Would you join me today in spreading the word about this campaign? You could put on a pearl necklace of your own and take a selfie with #putonyourpeaarls, and share it on social media. Or consider taking your lunch money, or latte cash for the day and donating it to one of the five organizations on the She is Priceless webpage.

And please be in prayer for the mama’s out there that are hurting. Let us not forget that every woman, no matter their story or background, is priceless.

**As a long-time advocate for Mercy House I was sent the pearl necklace with my commitment to help spread the word about the She is Priceless campaign. I purchased the matching earrings from Fair Trade Friday myself!**