Taking a break

I'm taking a break from blogging. This blog has helped me to witness and work out my thoughts but now I think I've come to a very important crossroad in my journey that for some reason I can't work out here. I'm so thankful for the friendships that I have made through this blog and would love to hear from you through email. If you wish to contact me I can be reached at Hereinislove@gmail.com

Teshuva

What matters in life? Is it time spent with loved ones, the things we acquire, the status we reach?  Or is it the time we spend with Hashem?  While I've been away from blogging I've been learning a lot about my self and what really matters to me. To be really honest, I've been lonely. I felt like I didn't have a friend in the world. But as I've learned that isn't true. I have an amazing Abba that loves me and never leaves me lonely. When I feel alone its because I have left Him. Its easy to turn to the things we've always known and that are tangible for comfort. Its easy to find peace in what we see, and not in the things we don't. But it's those times when we must solely rely on our faith, that's when we find true comfort. It is in our weakness that we are made strong and it is by faith that we are able to carry on.

I think for me it's easy to get lost in the shuffle because I didn't grow up with strong faith. We had a lot of traditions but for me personally they weren't spiritually fulfilling. Now that I know what routines and traditions keep my "spiritual tank" full I still seem to drop the ball! I guess its just human nature to get lazy but I'm working on it. I discovered that when I blog I keep my self spiritually grounded and looking heavenward. Hashem made me a writer and an artist for a reason. I need to use the things He gave me to communicate with Him.

I was reading back over some of the different things I've written and I kind of inspired myself! I realized that He knows what He's doing! So I need to just chill out sometimes. I get too wrapped up in the out come of things and I miss right now. I think I've mentioned this before. But at least you know I struggle too, and sometimes with the same things repeatedly! So now here I am for the millionth time at the point of teshuva {repentance}. I'm turning back to Hashem and getting my priorities in order.


I pray that your Fall Chagim {holidays} have been blessed and that you feel refreshed and more connected to Hashem then before. 


Love and Blessings, 

A new year....

A few weeks ago I celebrated my 25th birthday! I'm really excited about starting a new phase in my life, but I've been confused about a lot of things too. On my birthday I decided to read Psalm 25 and I was so shocked to find that it is MY psalm for this time in my life. It's like YHVH was giving me the words I had been praying for.

Psalm 25
 ¹Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
 ²O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
 ³Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
 ⁴Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
 ⁵Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
 ⁶Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
 ⁷Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
 ⁸Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
 ⁹The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
 ¹⁰All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
 ¹¹For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
 ¹²What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
 ¹³His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
 ¹⁴The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
 ¹⁵Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.
 ¹⁶Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
 ¹⁷The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
 ¹⁸Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
 ¹⁹Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
 ²⁰O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
 ²¹Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
 ²²Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

YHVH is so good and as I continue on this journey I know that He will guide my steps and show me the path He wants me to take. So I'm saying "hello 25, you sure are looking good!"

Yisrael

(Sea of Galilea by Jon Arnold)

Today has been one of those days where my heart longs for Israel. To be able to go to the Kotel {Western Wall} and cry out to my Abba. Nothing is wrong, at least not really. I just long to feel connected to Israel. I've been looking at pictures and some are just breath taking. I know that it's not all beautiful. I know that it can be dangerous, and that there is much conflict. But that doesn't change my love for the land and the people. To be able to step foot on the hallowed streets of Jerusalem would be a dream come true. Or getting to watch the sun set on the beaches of Tel Aviv, or walk through the markets smelling spices. There is just so much that speaks to all of my senses. My body is here, but my mind and my heart are in Israel.

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. Ezekiel 34:13

A big step

My husband and I are taking a really big step (to us at least). We've decided to wear tzittzit! I know to some this may seem like an odd step or maybe like a really simple one. But for us it's both logical and difficult. Since it's Shabbat (or at least about to be) I won't get into it. But I will update you all on how this has worked out.




Shabbat Shalom

Our Anniversary Day!

The day started out slow and I was convinced it was going to be uneventful. We woke up to the tail end of the storm and were just extremely thankful to have power! Many in our area are still without power still today. YHVH really sparred us from the effects of the storm.

Once the storm was officially over, hubs made the decision for us to try to get to church if it was possible. So he called and the van was able to come pick us up! We needed a few things so he went out to get them and I got the girls ready to go. When hubs came back home he had some fresh picked flowers for me. :o) I love flowers.

Then we went to church and got to fellowship and get prayer over our marriage and our family. But even more exciting than that..... We signed our ketubah!!!! So exciting! Its all I really wanted for this anniversary!

First hubby :o)

Then me :o)

(we also had our pastor sign and two witnesses)

The way we designed it, we have on one side our vows to each other in poem form and then on the other side our actual personal vows that we wrote to each other.

Our vows:

I, *Husband*, promise to love, honor, and protect Tewauna all the days of my life. I promise to always lead her in truth and provide for her. I promise to always be understanding and compassionate putting her needs before my own desires. I promise to guide our family in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. I will train up our children in the way they should go and love them unconditionally. I promise to remain faithful to her until the day of my death. Through the enabling grace of God I will carry out these promises.

I, Tewauna, promise to love, honor, and obey *Husband* submitting to him as unto the Lord, putting his needs before my own desires. I promise to be his confidant and helper in all things. I promise to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to always give to my family with all my heart, mind, and soul. I promise to live out our marriage covenant until the day of my death, forsaking all others and giving myself only to him. These promises I will carry out through God’s enabling grace.

The other portion read:

I join you to me forever. I join you to me in everlasting faithfulness. I will be your loving friend as you are mine. Set me as a seal upon your heart, like the seal upon your hand, for love is stronger than death. And I will cherish you honor you, uphold and sustain you in all truth and sincerity.I will respect you and the divine image within you. I take you to be mine in love and tenderness. May my love for you last forever.May we be consecrated, one to the other, by these rings. Let our hearts be united in faith and hope. May our hearts beat as one in times of gladness as in times of saddness. Let our home be built on The Word of God and loving-kindness. May our home be rich in wisdom and reverence.

And here is a picture of our ketubah :o)

We had so much fun making this together and I'm just excited that we got to share the moment with our church family. Now to find a frame big enough....

The storm is over and were all safe Praise Yah! I'll update more soon! *I'm trying out text blogging so I'm sorry if these posts look weird.

Thank you to those who were praying for us and that wished us a happy anniversary!

A year ago today.....

A year ago today I legally gave my heart to my beloved husband. I say legally because he's had my heart long before then. We made promises to each other in the past, but this one is documented!

We got married at our church in a small ceremony. And I really do mean small. It was our pastor, his wife, and four of their children. Our then 1 1/2 year old daughter was our flower girl. My family was away and hubby's family lives out of state.

We initially had a big wedding planned, but then I got pregnant. Obviously we were struggling with not being married so we decided it was probably not best to keep waiting.

Sometimes I wish we had an amazing courtship story of being pure and saving our first kiss for our wedding. But we don't. I just pray our children will learn from our mistakes and not make the same ones.

This first year of marriage has had its ups and downs. We've definitely had to spend a lot of time getting used to actually being married. Plus having two children. We certainly didn't do any of this the easy way.

Nonetheless I am extremely thankful for my husband and excited for the future that's ahead of us. He brightens my life and is the secret behind my smile. I pray that this next year we are able to draw closer to each other by drawing closer to YHVH.

We don't have any exciting plans. We're actually under a hurricane AND a tornado watch. We are one of the many families on the East Coast in the path of Irene. If you are also please know you are in our prayers.

We did plan to renew our vows and sign a nice pretty ketubah (that we designed) but with the impending storm I'm not sure if we'll make it to church. (We still have no car, so it all depends on if someone can pick us up)

As for now our plans are just to make it through the storm. But at least we'll be together :o)

Preparation Day!

Today has been a busy preparation day as usual. But not too much cleaning! Just a lot of baking. I'm making challah, baked fish for dinner tonight, cinnamon buns for breakfast, and vegan Jamaican beef patties for lunch tomorrow. My kitchen is HOT. But I'm excited. I love the smells of Erev Shabbat. It makes my house smell like a home to me. I can't wait for my hubby to get home and find out that I made him some patties. He loves vegan beef patties and I have never made them before so I know he'll be very happy. Our anniversary is on Sunday so I'm hoping to make this whole weekend special despite the hurricane heading our way! If you think of us please just keep us in your prayers that we won't get blown away in the storm.

I pray that you all have a a wonderful Sabbath.

Shabbat Shalom,

Amazing

YHVH never ceases to amaze me! I wanted to share this scripture with you all that just really spoke to my heart today.

Isaiah 56¹Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
 ²Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.
 ³Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
 ⁴For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;
 ⁵Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
 ⁶Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
 ⁷Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
 ⁸The Lord GOD, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.
 ⁹All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.
 ¹⁰His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
 ¹¹Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
 ¹²Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

We really serve an Amazing Elohim!

Shabbat Reflections

Our Sabbath Table on 8/19/11

These last few weeks we kind of got lazy and our Shabbat hasn't been what it should be. Not meaning that we didn't have Challah :o) but that we weren't truly focused on YHVH. We just kind of went through the motions and were trying to catch our breaths. Its hard to dive into things head first, and with out the proper foundation its easy to loose steam. We know why we keep the Sabbath, and follow YHVH's commands, but with out people around you to sharpen you it's like you feel alone and confused. It's like running a marathon with out pacing yourself, you end up with out enough energy to finish. But I want to finish the race! So we regrouped and now we're back at it!  This Shabbat I was able to discuss scripture with some friends, listen to some teachings, read, and spend time with my children. But more importantly I was able to connect with my Abba!

It was a MUCH MUCH MUCH needed break from a pretty dramaful week. My hubby was in car accident (he's fine Praise God!) but our car is wrecked. Our insurance is totally dragging their feet so we are car-less. But I won't get into it too much. If you think of us just please pray that we'll get this all sorted out soon and find a new vehicle that we can afford so hubs can get to work.

Although this Shabbat is over I pray that we can carry its Shalom with us into the week.

Picture I found on google :o)

Shavua Tov!

Slow Cooker Wednesday

I'm so excited!!! While my family and I were away, in North Carolina, my aunt gave me a crock-pot and a hand-mixer that has bread hook attachments! Now I already had a Crock-Pot but this one is a much newer version and getting it resparked my interest in making easy slow cooked meals. So I've decided to start a series called Slow Cooker Wednesdays! I picked Wednesday because it's our church's prayer and bible study meeting night and I could use the extra time that using the slow cooker will allow.

Soooooo tonight's dinner is slow cooked lasagna, fresh baked bread, and corn! YUM!

For the lasagna you'll need: half a package of frozen spinach thawed and drained, 1 container ricotta cheese, 1 box lasagna noodles, 1 can pasta sauce, 1 bag (2 cups) mozzarella cheese.

I mixed the spinach with ricotta cheese to use as a filling. Then I put down some sauce in the bottom of the Crock-Pot, followed by lasagna noodles broken to fit. Then I put some of the spinach ricotta mixture followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Then I just kept repeating that process until the Crock-Pot was full. then I just covered it and set it to high. I left it on high for about an hour and then switched it to low. It's not ready to eat yet but here's what it looks like so far:

For my bread I'm following this recipe:

I'm linking up with:

The Rock

Once there were three Christians. Each built their faith on what they deemed right. The first Christian built their faith on the law, the next on good works, and the third on the Gospel of Jesus' finished work on the cross. Then one day the enemy came along and decided to attack. First he came to the one whose faith was in the law. Well he huffed and he puffed and he blew their faith away. Then he came to the one whose faith was in good works. He huffed and he puffed and he blew their faith away too. Finally he came to the one whose faith was built on the Gospel. He huffed and he puffed, and he huffed and puffed some more, but he couldn't blow their faith away. Confused the enemy went away to return again another day.

We aren't promised that we won't be tried but we are guaranteed to have something to stand on. As long as we're standing on the right thing.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. -Matthew 7:24-27

"My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and Righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand." - Edward Mote 1834

I'm linking up with Women Living Well! 

Do People Know?

I don't believe in lifestyle evangelism, as the ONLY form of evangelism. I believe we are to share the Gospel. We are to talk about God and the Cross constantly. We should have a heart for souls like God does.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

-2 Peter 3:9

But that doesn't excuse us from also showing Messiah through our actions. Our lives should be a reflection of the change that has occurred in us because of what Yeshua (Jesus) did on that Cross. That old rugged cross should be ever before us. But is it? Do people know that you are a Believer? Do people know that you are Heaven bound? I'm not talking about the people you go to church with but rather the lady at the check out counter or your doctors. Do you have unsaved friends? Why are they still unsaved? Is it because you haven't tried to reach them?

This isn't me trying to wag my finger at you and say well you should do this or you should do that. No, this is my heart. I am "not willing that any should perish". I know that it isn't easy. I know that some days we just don't want to smile or we just don't want to forgive that one person in our lives. But what if your unforgiveness or your frown is the thing standing in the way of a person giving their life over to God?

I know some would say that if God wants to do something He'll do it. I agree with that. But what if what God wants to do is use you to do it. What if He is leaving it up to you. Not by what you say but by what you do? Would that change your attitude or how you carry yourself? Would that help you to forgive others as He has forgiven you? Would that help you to love others as He has loved you?

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. - 1 John 4:11

This might be a bold statement but I believe it to be true. God didn't save us, just for us. He saved us so that others could get saved. Its not just about us. He doesn't just love you or me. He loves the world!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

My friends there is so much more to this life than the here and now. There is more than what's happening in our lives. There are people out there who are going to go to hell. They will not get to see Heaven. Does that not grieve you? What are you willing to do to help see that those that you meet will be saved?

You see if we live our lives no different than the unsaved then how will they know? How will they know that you are different? If you listen to the same ungodly songs, if you watch the same ungodly movies and television shows, how will they know?

We as believers are called to be Kodesh, Set Apart, Holy.

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. - 1 Peter 1:16

 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

 -Leviticus 20:7

Are you living set apart or are you just blending in with the world? Ask God to show you areas in your life where you need to change. I know for me personally its the TV. I am working on my issues (because we all have them!) are you willing to work on yours? 

Did you proselytize today???

I was watching a documentary and in it there was a woman who was searching for her "born-again brother". Now the documentary as a whole didn't really speak to me much. It was actually pretty boring, but, something really stood out to me. The woman made a statement about how her brother never tried to proselytize her. That comment reminded me of another time that I had hear (or maybe read) someone make a similar comment. But I wasn't sure what it meant. Yay for dictionaries! :o)

pros·e·lyt·ize
to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte;  recruit.

Well now that I know what the word means I have some bells and whistles going off. Aren't we as believers SUPPOSED to convert people?????

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Matt 28:19-20

I totally get that witnessing can be uncomfortable. No one likes ruffling feathers. Its so much easier to just go about our lives and just have a private time with YHVH and hide our light. But that is NOT what He asks of us!

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. -Matt 5:14-16

A side from it being a command to spread the Gospel, how can we say we love someone and then not care where they spend eternity? How can you be friends with someone and not care if they are heaven bound? It's easy if we only love in word. But YHVH has something to say about that.

My little children, let us not love in word,neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth 

-1 John 3:18

Now if all of that is still not enough for you what about knowing that you will be held accountable for those that do not hear the Gospel???????? All of Ezekial 33 explains this but I will give you just these 2 verses.

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 

-Ezekial 33:8-9

People can say what they will about me, but, the one thing they can't deny is that I will share the Gospel. I am NOT ashamed! That's not to say its always easy or that I consistently go out of my way to reach someone. But I try. I pray often that I will be yielded to the Spirit and that I will act when God wants me too. I don't want to be the reason someone doesn't get saved. Do you???

*if you have no clue what I'm even talking about please click here*

 

Hello Mornings!

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? 

when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep  

-Proverbs 6:9

I am finally saying Hello to Mornings! I am so far from being a morning person. My idea of getting up early is 9:30/10 am. I recently started trying to get up at 9 but that still hasn't been enough time to get anything done before the girls get up.

So I've decided to take the plunge and get up really early. I'm talking 6am early! I plan to do so with the help of Kat from Inspired to Action. I've filled out her Maximizing Your Mornings workbook and I'm ready to start! With this new plan in action I hoping to spend more time in the word, and get in shape. Any suggestions for how to get out of bed in the morning when all you really want to do is hit snooze?? What time do you all get up?

Spirit of the Living God

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me; 

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. 

Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. 

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. 

                                                         -Daniel Iverson

This is my prayer for all of you (and myself) this week and always. 

May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. 

Re-focused on Family

So I've been away for awhile. I wish I had some exciting stories to share or some extremely valuable knowledge to impart. But I don't. Quit honestly I've been struggling. I've been just trying to keep my head above water. I was fighting to stay a float and not properly using my life saver. I was so busy trying to fix everything myself I didn't trust in the only way I could truly not drown. I wasn't trusting in God. I got fed up when I felt I was giving too much of myself. But YHVH doesn't say give only while you're getting back. He says to esteem others as better than ourselves. (see Philipians 2:3) That means that I'm not doing anything to benefit myself but to benefit those around me. For me that mostly includes my children and my husband. I'm not washing dishes everyday because someone is going to thank me or praise me but because my family needs it. I'm not making the bed everyday because someone is going to thank me, it's because even if he won't admit it my husband likes the way the room looks when I do.

I've been feeling utterly exhausted but I wasn't looking to the proper place for my strength. I complained about not having friends (at least none that I can go visit and sit and chat with, or grab a coffee, or go shopping with). But I've learned that truly there is a season for everything and maybe just maybe this is my season to gather stones (see Ecclesiasties 3:1&5). For me those stones are what makes me get a step closer to my King. A step closer to really being in His will and truly trusting in Him for all things. Because when I am walking closely with Him, then I will find true joy in my place in this world. I know this is a lesson I seem to keep needing to learn, I'm just thankful for an AMAZING and longsuffering Heavenly Father. So again here I am re-focused on my family and my role as a helpmeet, and mother. I know that I am blessed beyond measure to have a family to take care of. I just pray I can remember that the next time I'm feeling a bit stressed.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. -Phil 2:3 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; -Ecc 3:1&5

Just the Beginning

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" -Philippians 1:6

Sometimes its hard for me to be focused on the present. I always want to get to the end result. But I realized that in thinking that way I miss, not only the laying down of the foundation, but also the beauty of the moment. In my rush to arrive I tend to miss the journey. My husband is so good about living in the moment and often times he has to anchor me to what's happening now. He has to remind me that the Lord has "begun a good work" in me and that He will see it through.

Lately I've been super focused on being being the perfect homemaker. I've been reading books, and other blogs, gathering all these different tips that I try to put into practice. I must admit I've improved quite a bit. I even got some BEAUTIFUL African violets because of all my hard work {thanks love}. But then I started to get a little discouraged. Because despite all my hard work I'm still not where I wanted to be. I'm not meeting my standard of perfection. But I'm still learning and growing in the Lord and I know that through prayer and dedication I will get there. Not just because it's what I want, but because being a help meet is what I was made for and YHVH always finishes what He starts.



Love and Blessings

I'm linking up!

Getting on the right track

I have a confession. I'm terrible at home keeping. I have an amazingly patient husband who doesn't mind (too much) that some days the dishes pile up or the living room didn't get swept. Our house isn't gross but it can get a little messy. Especially with a two year old running around. But I've been praying on it and with YHVH's help we're developing a schedule that will hopefully help us all get back on track. If we can stick with it we can finally get to bed at a decent hour and have more productive days. 

Today was our first day on the new schedule and the hubs and I stayed up WAY too late so it kind of threw the whole day off. But that's the beauty of a schedule. When you get off track then you just pick up where you should be. So today we were able to still accomplish some of my goals. I got to do a lesson with my oldest about God's love. We made a lady bug out of hearts, sang songs, and read some scriptures. She loved it. 

Here's a sketch of what it was supposed to look like

This one is her's :o)

We're also working on letter recognition. I'm not too big on making her sit still for long periods of time. That only frustrates the both of us. She is only two after all. So in order to help her we put up an alphabet border on the wall. A few times a day I'll pick her up and we sing the ABCs while touching each letter. I'm just hoping it works. 

As for my house.... well I need to do dishes lol. But I'm working on getting it all together and I found this amazing book on amazon called Totally Organized by Bonnie McCullough. She has some really great tips and she suggests implementing them one at a time. So right now I'm working on her Minimum Maintenance routine. Which has you work in the main rooms everyday for five minutes before you do anything else. That way you're not stuck in the cycle of feeling overwhelmed. Which was totally my problem. Now while yes I need to do dishes, my living room is clean and so is my hallway :o)

Hope everyone is well