Week Two: Get Excited About Life!

Last week I started this little segment entitled "Get Excited About Life!"  I tend to get so busy with everyday commitments, and my life is just going through the motions!  I forget what my priorities are . .. I don't take time for the things that matter . . . the things that will actually add the BoUnCe to my step, and the sMiLe to my face!  So I am writing this segment mostly as a reminder and a challenge to myself.  I want to be intentional about my priorities, and live the AbUnDaNt LiFe Jesus promises to those who put their trust in Him!  Hopefully you will be encouraged in your life as well!

Last week, I focused on Getting Excited About Life with God!  I can say that I spent more time in His presence than I have in awhile.  Boy, did it feel good!  More of Him and less of me is the recipe for a joy-filled life!  The more I seek Him, the more I can't get enough of Him!

And now for this week . . .

Week Two:  Get Excited About Life . . . as Husband & Wife !

This morning I woke up, and all I wanted to do was cuddle with my husband and tell him how much I adore him!  I had this crazy dream that I was being forced to marry someone else, and I could never again be with Skyler!  When I woke up and realized it was all a bad dream, I was so thankful and appreciative that God chose me to be the wife of this amazing man!

Some mornings I don't wake up with this realization!  Some mornings, after being married just over two years . . . I rush around trying to get ready, I don't take time to make him breakfast or lunch, and I give him a quick kiss goodbye.  When he calls after school, I am tired and don't have much to say.  When I finally get home after my baton/dance/Zumba classes I complain about not having enough time to get everything done - house work, cooking, etc.  Sometimes out of my frustration with the busyness, I get irritated at him.  Silly things . . . like him playing the same song on the guitar over and over, and it's so loud I can't even be in the same room!  I'll refuse to sing when he asks . . . cuz "it's a boy song, and I have other things I need to be doing.  Geez!!! What a selfish wife I am some days!!!!

The sad part is . . . if I'm not careful, those "some days" will turn into "most days", and "most days" will turn into "always"!  A great friend and mentor of mine once told me to think about what I want my marriage to look like ten years from now.  So what do you want yours to look like?  We have to start doing the work now, if we want to have a passionate and loving marriage in the future!  Too often I take my husband for granted.  So this week . . . I am going to refocus my priorities, and give my husband spot #2 in my life, after God of course!  

I read this book, The Excellent Wife, with a group of ladies at my church while in college.  (This is a great book by Martha Peace, and I highly recommend it.  There is also a book called, The Exemplary Husband that I've heard is great as well).  I remember, as an unmarried women, getting so excited about the chance to serve my husband!  I had always dreamed about growing up and getting married.   Learning about what it meant to be an excellent wife was so fun!  I could not wait for the day I would be "Mrs. Powers"! 

There is one section of the book in-particular that gave "Eighteen Ways a Wife May be the Glory of Her Husband".  I am looking at the book right now, and I have it marked, highlighted, stared, and notes are all over the place!  I was EXCITED!    I wrote at the top, "I want to do this, to be the glory of Skyler"!  Later I put, "How blessed am I!?  I desire to do all this for Skyler - I can't imagine following any other guy!!"  So this week, as I concentrate on getting excited about my marriage . . . I thought this list might be a good reminder of those little things that are so important!

Here it is (from Martha Peace's book, The Excellent Wife):

1. Ask your husband, "What are your goals for the week?"

2. Ask your husband, " How can I help you accomplish these goals?"

3. Ask your husband, "Is there anything that I can do differently that would make it easier for you?"

4. Be organized with cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, and cooking.  As you fulfill your God-given responsibilities, your husband is free to do his work.

5.  Save some of your energy every day for him.

6.  Put him first over the children, your parents, friends, job, ladies' Bible studies etc.

7.  Willingly and cheerfully rearrange your schedule for him when necessary.

8.  Talk about him in a positive light to others.  Do not slander him at all even if what you are saying is true.

9.  Do whatever you can to make him look good, to accomplish his goals.  Some examples are offer to run errands for him, organize your day to be available to help him with his projects, pray for him and make good suggestions.  Give him the freedom not to use your suggestion, and do not be offended if he does not follow it.

10.  Consider his work (jobs, goals, hobbies, work for the Lord) as more important than your own.

11.  Think of specific ways that you can help him accomplish his goals.  Examples are to get up early in the mornings to help him get off to work having had a good breakfast, take care in recording telephone messages for him, anticipate any needs he may have in order to attain a specific goal, and keep careful records of money spent to keep up with the budget.

12. Consider the things that you are involved in.  How do they glorify your husband?  Ask his guidance.

13. Be warm and gracious to his family and friends.  Make your commitment to him obvious to them.

14.  Do and say things that build him up instead of tear him down.

15.  Dress and apply your makeup in an attractive manner that is pleasing to your husband.

16. When your husband sins, reprove him privately and gently, always giving him hope and pointing him to the Lord. 

17.  Encourage him to use his spiritual gifts in ministry.

18.  Realize that just as God is glorified when man obeys Him, your husband is glorified when you obey your husband.

Wow!  Thank you Mrs. Peace!  I needed these reminders!!

I've gotten so busy, that I haven't always put my husband above myself in life.  I am sure some of you are so influenced by the feminism mindset in today's culture that the above statements make you angry.  Well, it really comes down to putting our husband's before ourselves.  Isn't that what love is?  You know the command "consider others more important than yourself?"  Shouldn't this start with our spouses - the ones we are supposed to love more than any person in the world? It may seem cheesy and 1950s to talk of serving our husbands, but sadly the same women who mock this are often the ones in marriages that are falling apart. 

I'll admit that I understand the difficulty of trying to do all of these things, especially while working outside the home.  I can't wait for the day when I will be able to stay at home, and I am blessed to have a husband who is supportive of this.  However, I realize that some of you may not have that option, and at this moment, I myself do not have that option as I am in a teaching contract, and committed to the studio for the remainder of this school year.  However, that does not mean I can't fulfill my God-given responsibility (and privilege) of putting my husband before myself.  

This week, I am going to Get Excited About Life as a wife!  I am going to focus on serving my husband, and putting him and his needs before my other commitments! 

Ladies I challenge you to focus on prioritizing your husband this week!  Love on him, then and be sure to come back and share how it went (well . . . you can leave out some of the more intimate details)!

P.S. Men,  I know most of this post was dedicated to the wives, but here is a challenge to you from Skyler:  Try to do more for her than she does for you! (always a competition with you guys! :)

What To Do About Halloween?

Halloween is right around the corner.  My students have been sharing stories of spook houses and costumes for a month now!  Today was "costume day" for Red Ribbon Week activities.  Next Monday the elementary students will parade around school to show off their costumes.  Monday evening our Church is hosting their annual "Harvest Party" with games, inflatables, and candy to last each family a year!  So all this has got me thinking about Halloween, and if/how our family should celebrate this creepy holiday (which by the way is not an official federal holiday).  Here are some of my thoughts:

As a child, I celebrated Halloween with no regard whatsoever as to what I was celebrating.    My parents had decided it was harmless fun, and although they never allowed us to dress up in terrifying costumes we always had fun coming up with creative costumes.  I don't remember thinking much about the scariness of the celebration despite the haunted houses and hayrides.  I guess I always felt safe with my parents there beside me.

As an adult Halloween has become much more disturbing to me.  First of all, the Bible says "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8.  Last year I saw a fourth grade student wearing a mask with a hidden pump system so that blood appeared to gush over his face! Disgusting!  Also, many girls (including Christian friends in college, and high school girls at school) see Halloween as an opportunity to dress a little more sexy because "it's just a costume".  Spook houses, haunted hayrides, and scary movies usually accompany Halloween celebrations.  I'm not sure that these things are edifying, nor do they qualify as "excellent" or "praiseworthy".  In fact, it seems much of what is Halloween is celebrated would be considered evil (of Satan).

The history of Halloween certainly points to such evilness.  Although it's roots probably go back much farther, many researchers attribute Halloween to a Celtic celebration called Samhain ("sow-in").  The celebration more or less was one to honor the dead, and the coming winter.   They also believed spirits were allowed to come out on this day to destroy crops and cause mischief.  Thus, sacrifices were  made in order to appeal to the evil spirits.  Costumes were worn and fires were burned to prevent the evil spirits from possessing them.  Over time this day of celebrating the dead has morphed. Like other pagan holidays, Christians eventually tried to redeem this one by celebrating "All Saints Day" on November 1st to honor the saints and martyrs in Christian History.  Of course the day of the dead was still celebrated on October 31st, and many pagan traditions were mixed with the Christian ones.  In the late 1800's to early 1900's the Irish and Scots brought Halloween traditions with them to the United States.  Eventually, this celebration became a part of our mainstream culture.

Today, Halloween is celebrated by many for a variety of reasons.  Although many cultures around the world celebrate a day for the dead at the end of October, not every country glorifies Halloween as we Americans do.  Obviously since the Irish and Scots brought many of their traditions with them to the U.S., Halloween is celebrated in their country.  However, much of the world sees Americans as the ones who celebrate Halloween.  I'm sure we can thank are humongous (wow I am pretty sure I have never written that word before!) commercial elements for that!  Oh yea, there is another group that celebrates Halloween . . . practicing wiccans, satanists, and occult members celebrate Halloween as the start of a new year.  This day is an important day of celebration for them.  Yikes!  Who celebrates Halloween? . .. Americans, and Pagans!?  Does anyone find THIS disturbing?

So it seems Satan would like to claim this day as his own, but . . .

" The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
   the world, and all who live in it;" ~ Psalm 24:1

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24

So even though Satan would like to have us believe that Halloween is a day for celebrating him.  He is incredibly mistaken!  Halloween, just like any day, is a day to glorify the Lord!  Although others around us may glorify evil on this day .  . . "as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord" ~ Joshua 24:15!

So what does that look like?  What does it mean to glorify the Lord on Halloween?  For some it may mean abandoning the celebrations all together.  For others it may mean attending a church event, such as a Harvest Party, in order to enjoy a night of fun and fellowship without all the wickedness.  Here are a few ideas I have for our family.

* I think honoring the saints and martyrs who have died for the cause of Christ is a great way to celebrate this time of year! I can picture reading through Foxes Book of Martyrs or Jesus Freaks together as a family.  This is a much better idea than telling silly ghost stories.

*  As we sit around bon fires during this Halloween season it would be a great time to talk about the reality of Hell.  Of course this should lead to a discussion of God's grace, His Son's sacrifice for our sin's, and the importance of sharing our faith with others.

*While so many celebrate this as a time of death . . . I say let's celebrate the life and abundance God has given us!  Celebrate the Harvest, celebrate the blessings we have given, and make this into a time of thanksgiving!

*Historically, sacrifices were often made during this time of year.  So let's talk about sacrifice, and what that meant to the Jewish people, as well as people around the world since Adam and Eve first sinned.  Then let's talk about Jesus and his willingness to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.  Perhaps a special communion service could take place within the Church Body or even within individual families. 

*Once the mood is set and our family realizes what it is we are celebrating, I see nothing wrong with dressing up in fun costumes and going to a Harvest Party hosted by the Church.  I even think candy (in moderation), fun games, and inflatables is a great way to reach out to the community of unbelievers.  Our church does this each year, and it is amazing to see the people who will come to our church.  Many of whom may have never stepped foot in a church before, or heard the good news of Jesus Christ.  Yet they come because we are hosting an event that is free, and fun for their kids (often times they have fun too!).  Seeds get planted all over the place, and that's what really matters!  We pray for these people, love on them, and hopefully they see the Light in us that makes them want to come back for more!   Not only that, but we are offering people an alternative to the scary, evil, and demonic realities of Satan's scheme.  On Halloween we are proclaiming to Satan that THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE!  Some may disagree with me, and that's fine.  I believe the Holy Spirit can lead each family to a different conclusion.  What might be sin for one family based on the conscious, could be an exercise of Christ-given freedom for another.  Remember that this is an issue of conviction, and should not be a dividing issue within the Body of Christ.  Also, I believe every Christian family should prayerfully seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, and discuss the issues of Halloween together as a family.

*My husband and I live in the country, but if we lived in town I think it would be neat to hand out something to trick-or-treaters.  Maybe not candy, but perhaps a small toy.  The item would have a sheet of paper attached with ribbon that would tell the Gospel of Jesus in a unique and fun way as to grab the child's attention!  What a great way to spread the Good News to those who need it most! :)

Does your family do anything special to reach out to the lost during this time?  Have you discussed the issues of Halloween together as a family?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Also, I am linking with Casey Leigh over at her blog!  If you haven't checked out her blog, you should!  She is incredibly creative, and artistic!  Also, be sure to link up with their Follower Fest!  Meet new friends, and find some inspirational blogs! :) Peace ~ 2 Thes. 3:16

Fall Photos: Part 2

So these are some of my favorites from outfit #2! Can you tell I love my husband!? Not only is he HOT, he loves the Lord!  I am so blessed to be married to this man! :)

Fall Photos: Part 1

Somehow fall pictures have become a tradition for Skyler and I . . . and why not?!  It's one of the most beautiful time of the year . . . when the leaves change!  Did you know that it's only once the leaves start dying that you actually get to see their true beauty?  Crazy Huh!?  It reminds me of how we must die to ourselves in order for Christ (the TRUE beauty) to show through!  I love it!  Just another reason why fall is my favorite!  So we've taken "family pictures" each fall, and I think it should go ahead and become a tradition!  We don't pay a professional photographer or anything.  We just head out to a pretty place with a camera and my lovely momma!  I figure if we take enough shots we are sure to find a few we like! :)  So here they are . . . a few of my favorites (from outfit #1 that is . . . lol).  There will be more to come!

Week One: Get Excited About Life!

I have been thinking about life . . . sometimes it gets so monotonous.  I start feeling overwhelmed with all my commitments, and I forget to focus on the MoSt ImPoRtAnT!  I am going to write for the next five weeks about a few things I  have to be excited about!  I hope it gets you excited too!  Let's strive to live every day All For God!  Let's learn to keep our priorities straight, and give everything we got to the stuff that is most important!

Week 1:  Get ExCiTeD About Life . . . with God!

How can I not get excited about being a child of God!?  How can I take Him for granted!?  I think it's because I get distracted, and I don't make Him #1 in my life.  Instead, I shamefully participate in the idol worship of self! I focus on what I want, and everything revolves about me!  If only I would take the time to remember . . .

Remember that I was but dust.  Remember that I had a huge debt, and that I really don't deserve anything!  Remember that Jesus is the most beautiful, perfect gift I could ever receive, and because He loved me so much I am ALIVE, and made new!

Praise the LORD, my soul;
   all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits—
 who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases,
 who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion,
 who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

  The LORD works righteousness
   and justice for all the oppressed.

  He made known his ways to Moses,
   his deeds to the people of Israel:
 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
   slow to anger, abounding in love.
 He will not always accuse,
   nor will he harbor his anger forever;
 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
   or repay us according to our iniquities.
 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
   so great is his love for those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west,
   so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

  As a father has compassion on his children,
   so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
   he remembers that we are dust.
 The life of mortals is like grass,
   they flourish like a flower of the field;
 the wind blows over it and it is gone,
   and its place remembers it no more.
 But from everlasting to everlasting
   the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
   and his righteousness with their children’s children—
 with those who keep his covenant
   and remember to obey his precepts.

  The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
   and his kingdom rules over all.

  Praise the LORD, you his angels,
   you mighty ones who do his bidding,
   who obey his word.
 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
   you his servants who do his will.
Praise the LORD, all his works
   everywhere in his dominion.

   Praise the LORD, my soul.

 ~ Pslam 103

I think I take Him for granted because I think I can do all of this . . . life . . . on my own.  And that's why my life seems mediocre, and monotonous!  Jesus promises the AbUnDaNt LiFe, but it's only found in Him!

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ~ John 10:10 

 What does that mean to live abundantly in Him?  It means taking my focus off myself, feeling His presence in every moment of my life.  Less of me, More of Him!  Do I realize who He is?  He is MIGHTY!!  He is POWERFUL!  He IS Love!  I don't think I do . . . 

How can I get excited about Life with God as a New Creation if I don't know Him!?  . . . I gotta get into the WORD! I have to make it my #1 priority to SEEK HIM!  Seek Him with all my heart <3!  I'm talking about more than just my daily reading before I go to bed.  I'm talking about feeling his presence in every moment!

 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~ Jeremiah 29:13

Imagine  . . .

I woke up in the morning, anticipating a new day!  A day of opportunities for the Lord.  I get on my knees, and I humbly pray that God would change me and make me more like him.  I pray for opportunities to serve others, and participate in building His Kingdom.  I make the daily sacrifice of my life, and it is replaced by His (Wow! - I'm so much better with Him than I am on my own!).  I embrace every second . . .noticing the beauty, noticing His grace - not taking anything for granted!  Each person I meet, and each student I work with is a precious creation worthy of my love and attention.  I would be anxious to read more about Him, and discover His life and truth!  I would be the bride in love!

This week.  I am going to make a commitment to get excited and be intentional about my love for God!

Everyone will be called to different ways of expressing their commitment to our Lord.  Here are a few things I feel He is asking me to do:

*Waking up a little earlier for prayer-time, and reading my Psalm and Proverbs of the day.
*Keeping a journal of thanks and my camera handy to capture those gifts God blesses me with when I live in the moment! (Thanks for the encouragement & inspiration Ann Voskamp!)
*Taking time to feed my spirit at breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Word from the Lord.  Currently I am reading a couple different devotionals, that are really good!  Jesus is Calling by Sarah Young and Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler.  It's nice to have a good devotional book with Scripture to encourage me throughout the day!
*Pray!  There is power in prayer, and I don't do it enough.  I have found it helps if I write my prayers down in a journal.  I will use my journal of thanks to write prayers also!
*Finally, I will spend a good portion of time at night devoted to studying the Word.  Currently we are going through the book of Mark at church and homegroup, so that's what I'm studying now.

Of course, this is not a checklist.  I am learning that following the Lord means listening to His Spirit, and following His lead.  I write this list simply because I struggle with being disciplined - that means I struggle with be a  disciple of Jesus!  I write this list because these are things I feel God has spoken to me about, and prods me to do everyday.  Some days I listen, and some days I get too busy for him.  This week I am going to start being more intentional about my priorities, and God comes first! 

How about you?  What are some things that get you excited about living life with God!?  How might you be more intentional in your relationship with Him?

Also . . . just to get you excited about who God is  . . .

Have a blessed weekend everyone! 

Peace :) ~ 2 Thes 3:16

Megan Jenelle
 

   

Update & Homestead Barn Hop

Hey there everyone!  So just in case you are wondering what on earth is going on here at A Blossoming Homestead . . . my mom has asked me a handful of times if I am even blogging anymore! So I figured some of you might be curious too!  Well, as I have mentioned before . . . school is in full swing.  As a teacher, obviously I am spending much of my time at the school attempting to impact the lives of 8th and 9th graders.  Not only that, but I also spend Monday-Thursday evenings at the dance studio teaching baton, hip hop, and zumba.  Friday is usually date night, and Saturday is my day to clean up around the house.  Sunday we get to enjoy Church and a day of rest, and Monday we have homegroup at our house after I get done at the studio.  All that said, I have once again filled my schedule to the brim!!  Why do I always do that!?  Although it can sometimes be overwhelming, I feel very fortunate to be able to bring in some extra income to help pay off my student loan debt.  We shall see what God has planned, but hopefully I will be staying at home after this school year!  All that being said, I am still planning to do some blogging!  In fact, I am missing it very much . . . especially your sweet comments, and the community we have here!  So bear with me for now . . . enjoy some of the past posts, and soon I will be posting once again!  Also, I'm sure you've noticed the new look!  Once I do begin blogging I hope to make it a little more personal, and give you more of a glimpse into our lives.  Skyler may write a few posts, and eventually I would like to start an etsy shop.  Certainly it will be awhile before it all gets up and going, but now seems as good of a time as any to do some updates while my posting is so sporadic!  Thanks for being patient! :)  In the meantime . . . enjoy the Homestead Barn Hop!

Hosted By:

Jill @ The Prairie Homestead

Amy @ Homestead Revival

Kendra @ New Life on a Homestead

and me! :)