A Wish Your Heart Makes

Dream. There are times I cringe at the word. Yeah I know. I should have a future ahead of me that I've been dreaming about my whole life. With graduation around the corner *ahem* TOMORROW, many cards will boldly tell me to follow MY dreams. That's all fine and dandy, but can I trust myself enough to do that?

Am I the only one that feels this is on the risky side? Too many people today get so caught up with the desires of their heart. God ends up at the sidelines, waiting to give direction to the ones who need it most.

Here's the problem. 

Dreaming without God's involvement is pointless.

My heart knows what makes me happy, but what will bring lasting joy?

It's almost like a kid in the candy store. Grandpa allows him to pick out any candy he wants. The child proceeds to eat every last piece, but is left with a tummy ache and regrets.

If we were truly honest with ourselves, I think everyone would admit that they don't know what's best. But there is beauty in knowing the One who does. He's the Alpha and Omega! 

I was just reading a graduation book called If God Gave You a Graduation Speech by Jay Payleitner. I came across a checklist at the end of the book.

1) Put Me first.

2) Live in Scripure

3) Listen to the Spirit

Then follow your heart.

Isn't that the truth. Psalm 16:11 says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Memorial Day Flag Craft

Before the hustle and bustle of Memorial Day weekend, the kids sat down for their weekly craft.

We got our hands messy and created this American flag with handprints and polka dots!

I read the story Memorial Day Surprise by Theresa Martin Golding. It focused on the best part of Memorial Day parades. No, it's not the firetrucks, friends, or CANDY! Memorial day is about honoring those who served our country. We took a few minutes to talk about our family members that were in the war. Here's to the start of a long weekend!

Five Minute Friday: View

Get ready for an emotional Five Minute Friday post. I'm mourning the loss of someone I didn't even know. I probably should stop watching heartbreaking documentaries like this. Today's word prompt is View.

GO

I own a couple bracelets that are green and purple. As I get dressed, I slide one on to support a little sweetie named Taylor Hall. She has really opened my eyes to the world of childhood cancer.

Their stories inspire. I wish I could revise the words on their pages to make them not have to battle so hard. It really changes your view. Suddenly you're thinking, "I don't want to wait until that's me. I need to tell all of the people in my life that I love them. Before it's too late."

God takes so many good people away from us. It is a part of His omniscient plan. I'm not sure we will ever understand why. 

Did He need them more?

Was their time on earth really finished?

It's hard to let go.

The truth is we aren't invincible. Our time is limited.

STOP

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Five Minute Friday: Song

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. This week feels like I'm chasing the ice cream truck after searching frantically for my money. Wait for me guys! I'm coming! Today's word prompt is Song.

GO

I have been hearing this song by Building 429 on the radio recently. It never fails to pump me up! I can't help but think of the graduates in my class. I've know them for years. This needs to be a statement of our lives. WE WON'T BE SHAKEN. A couple nights ago at youth group a rhetorical question was brought up, "Look around you. Who will be here in 10 years?" It sparked my interest. 

"Researchers found that almost three out of five young Christians (59%) leave church life either permanently or for an extended period of time after age 15." -USA Today

While this fact saddens me, I see it all too often. Not just with teens, but also with adults that I once looked up to. Our youth leader encouraged us to make sure that we aren't just focusing everyone around us. "Will you still be here?"

To the class of 2013, don't be part of the statistic above. Please. Please. Please! Remain burdened to live a life in obedience to Christ. Keep your heart open to what He has for you.

I once had a person tell me that I'd walk away from Jesus and religion someday. Challenge accepted. I don't see this happening any time soon! :)

This world has nothing for me

This life is not my own

I know You go before me and I am not alone

This mountain rises higher

The way seems so unclear

But I know that You go with me so I will never fear

I will trust in You

Whatever will come our way

Through fire or pouring rain

We won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

Whatever tomorrow brings

Together we'll rise and sing

That we won't be shaken

No we won't be shaken

STOP

Scrappy Mother's Day Craft

The kids and I made books for their mother last Friday! 

Supplies: Three paper bags (per book), ribbon, a glue stick, hole punch, lined paper, white paper, scrapbook paper scraps, five of your favorite photos, stamps (optional), A Happy Mother's Day image found via google.com

I recalled making this books with a neighbor when I was little. My friend's mother was really into all things scrapbooking. I looked up a tutorial to refresh my memory. It can be found here.

Gather your supplies and start cutting! Depending on the age of your kids this craft is pretty customizable. 

The kids I worked with were ages 5-8, and I did a lot of gluing ahead of time. They just had to write five things about their Mother and color pictures on the blank pieces of paper. The boys weren't too happy about having a writing assignment, but they got into after a while. Everyone loved "secret pocket" that hid their drawings. 

Note: This was a lot of work for one day. It might be more enjoyable to have the kids work on it a few times during the week.

Have fun and happy crafting!

Wisdom from Motherhood

My mom holding me!

Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day! I was hanging out in the kitchen with my Super Mom and asked if I could interview her. She hesitated. After telling her the topic of my questions her face instantly changed as she said, "Oh, okay!" It was cute.

What is your favorite part of being a mother? Watching my kids love the Lord and grow up godly. And to think that I might have had a part in that makes me very happy.

A number of seasoned moms wish they could go back and do things differently. What is one thing you would change? I would take better care of myself! I didn't have time to exercise, so I gained weight. My kids took priority over myself. I would also work on my marriage more.

What would stay the same? My homeschooling - giving up my career as a Special Ed. Teacher to stay at home.

What is a silly memory that made you happy to be a mom? I was getting gas recently on the way to the mall with my daughter. It was an unfamiliar station, and I needed swipe my card before pumping the gas. I ended up sticking my credit card in the receipt slot instead! After explaining my story to the Indian man behind the counter, he came outside to investigate."Where did you put the card?" He asked. I pointed to the slot. He ran back inside to get the key. Eventually we got my card back. My daughter was embarrassed, but she stayed calm. We laughed. What else can you do?

Grandma holding my mom

Define a good mother. Trying to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. Pleasing God and passing on the character traits found in the Bible.

How can children show honor to their mothers? By not thinking about themselves all the time. It would also help if they weren't so involved in their gadgets.

What advice would you tell a new mother on this special day? Time goes by so fast - enjoy it! Don't be too busy. Take lots of photos and write things down.

Five Minute Friday: Comfort

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday. Thanks for stopping by! Today's word prompt is Comfort.

GO

If you're not willing to look stupid, nothing great is ever going to happen to you. I just got back from recording my graduation speech. For the last couple of days I told myself that, "I've got this!" Things were a little different once I finally got there. I took a moment to breathe and prayed a little prayer asking God for comfort. After giving it a second try, I left the sound room feeling satisfied. The person in charge even told me that I'm a great writer. Who knew??

Comfort makes me think of cozy bed sheets. I love climbing into my bed after a long, stressful day.

Yes, I still sleep with a stuffed animal. His name is Goober. This silly bear was a gift from my best friend who happens to live in Oregon. Kevin comforts me, but he also lives miles away. It's not always easy!

There are a million things I could worry about tonight. I find comfort in knowing that God has it all in His hands.

1) God should be your greatest source of comfort

2) Friends come next

If you have both - you are blessed x2!

STOP

Five Minute Friday: Giant Killer

I'm excited start Five Minute Fridays! No, really! I've been waiting all week. Today's word prompt is Brave.

GO

Imagine you are sitting in the middle of a field tending to your sheep. Your father comes by to ask a favor of you. Will you deliver this lunch to your older brothers who are busy at battle? You agree not knowing that there is a giant awaiting your arrival.

You rise early in the morning to find a babysitter for the sheep and start walking. Growing up your brothers haven't always been the nicest to you. It's a quiet walk.

You gaze downward and see trenches from the wagon wheels. 

The battle lines. You've made it.

You talk with the men standing around you. They tell you of a champion who is mocking your God. Your oldest brother accuses you of being irresponsible. "Why would you leave your sheep in the wilderness to watch a battle?" he yells. Your response is humble, but Saul sends for you anyway. 

Now is your chance.

You can fight the Philistine!

Past victories encourage you to take a stand. 

We all know how the story ends. David prevails against Goliath with Lord's help and his trusty sling shot.

What are the unknown giants that you facing today? Are you going take a stand? Obedience requires a brave and willing heart. God will fight your battles for you. Be Encouraged.

STOP