sweet blessing.....

As Christians, we sometimes wonder about our value. I heard this song this afternoon and just had to share. I have been right here a time too many, so this really was such a blessing to me today.

In His gracious love,
Along the Way

The Daughter of the King

Who am I, that He would steal away to sit with me.

Who am I, that He would rush to comfort me. 

Who am I, that He would step down to rescue me.

Who am I

But His Beloved,

Beloved Daughter.

~by  Along the way~

~"You've so focused on becoming a mother; have you ever wondered if God wants you to focus first on being His Daughter?"~The Beautiful fight, by Gary Thomas

I came across this line while reading Gary Thomas's "The Beautiful Fight" (who is, by the way, an amazing author; one who challenges you to step into the role God has called you to.)

And  my heart began to ponder so many questions......what does a daughter of  the King of Kings look like? What does it feel like to be HIS daughter? How does she behave? how does she sound? 

I don't quite know. I should, I really should know a little by now, and maybe a little is all I know. I know that I've been forgiven time and time again. I've been restored and given a promise. A promise of Hope, love and long suffering.

~As she got off her donkey Caleb asked her, "What do you want?" She answered him, "Give me a blessing. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water also." So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.~ Judges 1:14-15

*I encourage you to read the whole account in Judges 1:12-15*

There was such beauty in this passage. He gave his daughter to someone who (he thought) could keep her safe and who would die for her. She was able to ask whatever her heart desired from her father and he gave it to her. She knew him and she knew his love for her. This is but one precious example from the Word, but we are still writing our story. God is still dispelling the enemy and creating a haven for us. He is still answering our request.

              And I will leave you with something I've heard the Father say to me time and time again.......

~Daughter ,O , Daughter lift up your eyes to the hills and there you will find me. There you will hear my voice.~

~Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God's children.~ 

1 John 3:1

~....and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with HIS son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.~ 1 John 1:3b-4

Part of the Journey......

The question arose while pondering this new quest of God's peace, "If I had the chance to go back would I choose differently......would I make the choice to home school? Would I choose to stay at home with my children and build my home?"

I believe in my heart of hearts I choose the high road. I choose the path that Christ has laid out for me. 

For me.....I miss that sometimes. 

I get caught up in the thoughts that I'm doing this for them only, that they may know the Lord ( which is a major reason why I'm doing this but not that alone). That they may in turn choose the way of our Lord. Today as I began the book of Judges, I read how an entire generation arose that did not know the Lord. The very people who swore to keep the commandments that Moses brought to them from the Lord. The same people that were miraculously delivered.

 Oh, how I began to cry out that the Lord might make this word a mirror to me. Show me, Father, the reflections of my heart. 

Is my life exemplifying the Father in  such a way that just 2 generations  later my offspring will still proclaim the name of Jesus or is it just enough to save my children for now?

I wondered in the beginning how does this tie in with the aforementioned questions. Oh, but it is so inter-woven through every fiber. Praise God that He didn't desire to save Abraham for salvation sake for Abraham alone, but for the seed that was within Abraham. That I might be saved today and proclaiming HE is Lord to my family. How awesome is that! How dare I entertain the notion of anything less.

Yes, yes, a million times YES......I would choose this way. I would choose the high road. I want to know Him with all that is within me, even as I've been know. He is so good :)

"....another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel."  Judges 2:10b

Building our homes....

"Every wise woman builds her house...." Proverbs 14:1

I came across this topic in a generation ceder post and it got me to thinking; in my everyday activities such as homeschooling, Sunday service, wednesday night prayer and other serving opportunities that we do along this road to godliness; what are we doing to build our homes?

All the things that we do to "glorify" God are good things in themselves but do you find yourself just going and going.....Are we really building our homes in all of this?
In all of our trivial pursuits as a wife and mother we find that this title bears a much greater calling then many of us can even comprehend. And might I add creates a desire for many to achieve excellence.

As wives and mother's we tend to get caught up in getting everything done and teaching every lesson; and the question God is asking me and many of you is "In all of this, what are you doing to build your homes?" Making it a place where MY Presence is known and abides..... Where the hearts are receptive and seeking My Voice...Where love,worship and servanthood is a center focus....??

So here I am on this pursuit of finding who I am by discovering who HE is, and HE drops this question......
I'm not quite sure of why, but I am learning that I cannot do this apart from HIM. And that it is only by faith that I can do this with HIM.

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him,for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

" In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge."

Proverbs 14:26

So here we go.....Transitioning

Wow :) I have considered going natural for a while now. I finally decided to take the leap. I have been 4 months relaxer free and counting....YAY!!! Okay now, I know this is not going to be easy with four little ones but i am so excited about this; I can hardly contain it :) ! There have already been days when i just want to "big chop" and get it over with. Dealing with two different types of hair is not easy, but thoroughly encouraging to see my natural hair coming through.

I have tried two different transition hairstyles thus far. Hopefully i can get a few more that work well for me :)

This style up above has been my favorite. I don't know why other than it is just plain simple; and i am loving simple right now. It is just a scarf and my hair pulled back in a ponytail and tucked under.

  This style is in a rod and braid-out. It is okay but does not hold up with my hair very well. By the end of the day it is just frizzy.But it holds the moisture very well. And i love how shiny it is.

 

Now, what am I using right now?
-Shampoo-Avlon Kera Care ( I don't use this often but this is the only shampoo i use. It is a sulfate free shampoo.)
-Co-wash-Silk Elements mega cholesterol conditioner.(I use this to clean my hair at least once a week.)
I am using a Shea butter whip that is homemade. I found this recipe on Naptural85 youtube page.(I love her page, she has great advice on natural hair and natural products for your hair :)) Love it.

It seems God has me on a journey to a more natural way of living, every aspect of my life.
One of the major aspects of this journey i am a learning is natural eating. A healthier way of eating. My complexion and skin looks so much better today than it did even a few months ago. I am enjoying all the things I am learning. I praise God for all of this. How He cares for every part of our being. It is amazing :)


"For by Wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life." Proverbs 9:11

More Birthday fun...

I can remember the cool Saturday morning I began having contractions. A few hours later my precious little Indy-girl was born. Happy Birthday Indya Nicole, mommy loves you very much. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with lots of love and kindness:)

Birthday wishes...

I have been so blessed to be called mommy by this little sweet heart! I wanted to give a very special Happy Birthday to her. I love you my sweet Israel Makayla! You are a very special little girl with lots of love. 

"Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word."

Psalm 103:20

Blessed am I

 Blessed is the one who place their trust and hope in the Lord. For he will see the face of my great Lord.

You will see the fullness of His mighty Glory.

Blessed is her who continually seeks the face of her Lord for she will hear His heartbeat.

Blessed am I, for He has chosen to delight Himself with me. 

Blessed am I for my Lord has come again to reside with me, to cloth me, not with filthy rags but with

His precious attire.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. 

I love you, Lord!

More than my finite being can comprehend.

How I desire to be filled again and poured out as a drink offering.

Blessed am I for my sins have been forgiven.

Thank you, Lord!

My heart rejoices bountifully in the Grace of my God!

How I've delighted myself in His sweet mercies!

Peace sweeps over me as I take on the posture of complete reverence.

Thank you, my LORD!

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Sweet Peace....

I have been so caught up in the day to day and completing everything on "my list". Washing, drying, folding and putting away clothes; cooking, cleaning, doing hair, changing diapers,decluttering,grocery shopping, doctor appointments, homeschooling, and I could go on and on a bit more but I think you get the point. 

As women our "list" can get out of control. I realized that chaos had crept into my daily routine completely unannounced! 

Finally when I slowed down enough and looked around; I found that I had, indeed, accomplished nothing.

Now this is coming from a girl that lives to see the finished product. I don't like to even begin something without being able to see the finished product. 

Can't you just hear Jesus laughing......? 

I find myself being drawn to a verse that I had come to know very well....

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. 

I began to focus on my to do list and not on the most important thing. 

I had my day set up initially, focusing on Christ, from the beginning to the end of my day.

Some how it became the last thing on my list. Something I tried to rush through just so that it could get checked off.

I began losing the peace that governed my day, my life. A peace that I so desperately needed.

Have you ever found yourself there?

The dirty clothes kept coming , just as fast as I had washed them. The sink continued to fill up with dirty dishes day after day and lets face it in the phase I'm in with 4 little ones, decluttering is and will be never ending :)

But time spent in the very presence of God will always be precious. It will always be needed and something to be desired. 

It quenches an area that no amount of work can fill. It sweetly strengthens our very being to undoubtedly accomplish HIS every desire; all the things on HIS list. That is the list that we long for, right? A list that will never be overbearing but sweetly blesses our souls and spirit.

I'm going to change my course. No more trying to outwardly order my day but allowing the Father to inwardly order me and that order will spill into every aspect of my daily life. Not only for my sake but my family's as well.

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good."Titus 2:7

Am I ready...? Are you ready....?

Let's dive in!

"I will listen to what God will say; surely the LORD will declare peace to HIS people, HIS godly ones, and not let them go back to foolish ways." 

Psalm 85:8

And it begins.....

God is orchestrating such a sweet change this school year. He is turning my focus back to the heart of "why" He desires for me to homeschool and let me say, it has been amazing. There is a much more relaxed environment. Don't misunderstand, we are still completing our school work(schedule and all,LOL) but we are coming about it in a much more loving and patient way. More Encouragement than must do's.  My kids have been totally receptive and they love this "new way". Which is the way God planned from the beginning. 


We are all learning.....we are all becoming more christian( looking more like Christ) everyday we embrace him. Everyday we allow him to shape and mold us. Everyday we commit to walking with him. Everyday choosing to sit at HIS feet, gleaning from HIS fields and on occasion sitting in HIS lap.


God has such a way of using everything we encounter to shape us and draw us to himself. And I am so thankful for that.


I say all that to say, we had a great first week of school. Our kick off day was Wednesday August 10; and it ended with a special milkshake/slushy treat from Sonic. They really enjoyed that. Our schedule was easy to begin implementing since we did it a little the second half of last school year. Though we had some discipline issues to weed through they were still over joyed at beginning school. 


Here is our curriculum:

For my 5th grader-

Abeka 5 Language arts

Abeka 5 Arithmetic

Abeka 5 Spelling
Abeka 5 reading program
Simply music guitar DVD program
Bible:Proverbs People, Abeka 5 bible memorization
Homemade handwriting curriculum
Abeka 5 science, health and history


For my 1st Grader-

Abeka 1 Language arts/Phonics
Abeka 1 Arithmetic
Abeka 1 Spelling
Abeka 1 reading program
Simply music piano DVD program
Bible:Abeka 1 bible memorization
Abeka 1 handwriting with phonics
Abeka 1 community helpers


For my K4 child-

Abeka ABC-123 letter/number recognition
Abeka k4 writing with phonics


We have field trips and at home projects to keep us good and busy through this first half of the the year :)

...................And the journey begins.........................






"It should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, 
which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4

  

Excitement Rings.....

Oh, the joy in beginning a new school year.I know the type of school was in question just a few short weeks ago, but oh how sweet it is in knowing that I have the opportunity to pour the love of Jesus into my children through school. And allow "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding" to resonant in my inner most being. Don't get me wrong, this is not an easy task. And most days are just down right hard but," Don't grow weary in well doing, for in due time you will receive your reward". But then there are other days, just grace filled days, when you can see a glimpse into the sweet rewards of teaching your children at home.

So we have been scurrying around the house cleaning and organizing for the first day kick off (I like to make it big and exciting for my little ones, to get them all giddy inside). 

Of course we started with the homeschool cabinet. This is where I keep all of my teacher books and there workbooks. Just everything school here.

I plan to post our curriculum for 5th, 1st, and k4 in the coming days :)

Along with some of the kick off field trips. 

So exciting........

Then we moved to cleaning and clearing out their bedrooms. This will make it easier to do their morning chores.

"Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you" 

~Psalm 17:7~

New adventures....

We are having so many exciting things going on in the Southerland family, lately :) I have been absolutely over joyed! I will be posting more on this subject in the coming weeks but here is a sneak peak at one of them. My 10 year old just got his brand new guitar in the mail. He is so excited to begin taking guitar lessons. The next step is to, of course, find an instructor that we can afford. Though he has been practices a lot from what he can remember of the Simply music guitar DVD. Maybe i will just find a dvd series for him.....hmmm

sounds like a good thought :))

"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." ~Psalm 37:4~

Homemade butter....

So I decided to make my own butter; and boy did i enjoy it :) ! It is such a delight to actually set out to make something and that something is the result....if you know what I mean. 

Okay, before I ventured out to try this I looked it up and then watched a few youtube videos.

Recipe:

1 qt. heavy whipping cream

pinch of salt 

2 drops pure vanilla (optional) 

I added the vanilla because I wanted to use this specifically as a spread for some fresh homemade bread.

So phase one: place ingredients into a deep bowl.

I used a stationary mixer, so all i had to do was just spin the bowl. 

 And blend some more until you begin to see.......

 .....the tiny yellow chucks begin to seperate from the milky liquid.

 Then I poured it into a strainer and placed a bowl underneath to catch the liquid as you also make butter milk.

 Then i took the crumb-like butter and molded in my hands, pressing the liquid out of it.

Here is the finished product.

It was delicious!! And a great creamy spread for your homemade bread!

The butter milk, which is the by product, works well for homemade biscuits! 

Enjoy :) !




~"She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong."~ Proverbs 31:17 

Update...

As you read in the previous post, I decided to choose peace rather continue to argue about what was in the best interest of our family concerning homeschooling. Prayer, prayer and more prayer :) ! In that moment of total surrender I began to feel the peace and rest I so desired from the LORD. So after a couple of days I approached my hubby and this topic again with a different attitude. We discussed our differences, though he did not change his  mind he still feels strongly about the structure of a school system; but, we did decided since i have already purchased all the materials for this upcoming school year we would carry on with homeschool for this next year and look at it again for the next year. 


I realized what had affected me so deeply with our first conversation.....I saw it as a direct threat to my abilities. He had, in my mind, affirmed what I had already toiled with and that is...." I'm failing them". Some way some how I was not measuring up. All the things i had tried was not changing my children's behavior. 


I will continue to pray and petition the Father for wisdom and a right spirit in and through all of this. HE WILL affirm me. 

"For I know the thoughts that i think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." ~Jeremiah 29:11-12~

homeschool or public school?

I have so enjoyed homeschooling for the past 4 years. It has been such a blessing to see and know God as I have during this time.But the question has arouse yet again in discussion with my hubby; whether to continue homeschooling or send them to a nearby public school, as we cannot afford a private christian school. 

He strongly desires for them to go to school. His reasons are noble and understanding. My heart literally is breaking even as I am typing. I long to shape my children's world and guide their filtering processes through the word and personhood of God the Father. But I cannot ignore a very real desire of my husband's. So, as painfully as this is for me; I am going to wave my white flag.

So, Please be in prayer and intercession for me and my family as we step into a journey that deeply breaks my heart. Though this is but one element of motherhood and homemaking; it is a very rooted area for me.

~"Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."~ 2 Corinthians 13:11


~"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."~Ecclesiastes 3:1


~"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; And lean not on your own understanding...."~Proverbs 3:5


~"So there is HOPE for your future, declares the LORD. Your children will return to their own land."~ Jeremiah 31:17

Hope....

"....there is a faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven"

Colossians 1:5

There is such great joy in knowing that the much needed faith and love literally comes from the hope that Christ

has stored up for me. It is not something that I have to work toward to obtain. Now let me clarify that "work" to me was me trying to be approved by God. Not so!! 

Praise God, that He is setting me free from 

approval addiction (more in the coming days on this liberation).We do need to take steps in obedience to exercise that faith.

 Now we know that it is an everlasting hope, whose flame can not be burned out. There is always room for hope :) ! 

No matter the storm or the circumstance hope will get us to the next step and the next step. 

It helps me to remember that God is 

always in control and He working it out for my good. 

I love it ;) ! 

In Galatians , Paul writes, "It is for freedoms sake that Christ set us free." I am finding such a freedom in allowing God to cultivate my faith and make me a channel of love for those around me.

"Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."

Isaiah 49:23

You show that you are a letter from Christ.....

I have pondered on this topic for some days now. There is such a beauty that comes with that. I am learning that beauty comes from the spirit within. I have journeyed through so much along this walk but I have learned to place my trust in him. This was not an easy decision initially with me filtering things through my past experiences. But God, in all His gentleness drew me to this special place. Where He began to teach me so much about Him and I drew closer to Him. I dive into His presence now and enjoy it. 

"You show that you are a letter from Christ, .....written not with ink but with the spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

2 Corinthians 3:3 

Steve and Teri Maxwell and Family Conference

The Maxwell's will be in the Savannah, Georgia area this October 21 and 22. This will be a great time of encouragement.

For more details please click the link below and it will give you the full description.

http://www.titus2.com/conferences/Locations/savannah-ga-11/Savannah-GA.pd

"You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, 

with eternal pleasures at your right hand."   ~Psalm 16:11~

An eye opening book

I purchased this book sometime last summer. I was so excited when it came in the mail. I began reading it and then got very side tracked. Being a mother of four, homeschooling, a wife and homemaking; it gets to be a little overwhelming. But Thank God that He never gives up and is always there to softly guide us back to where He desires for us to be.
   Gary Thomas has a unique way of revealing the truth with practical application thats biblical!!! He does not cover up or dress it up. He is a bold author, who writes under the unction of the Holy Spirit.  The Beautiful Fight, is an amazing eye opening read that challenges you to hear and see the the Father through a more proper lens so that you can more effectively walk out the Christ-life. It has not ceased to speak directly to my heart. Oh, to know the Father in such a way and to continually draw closer to HIM is my hearts desire.

"The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, I have not drawn back." 

Isaiah 50:4-5

"The more I live this way, the more my heart sings with Paul when he calls 

Christianity a beautiful fight, " the only race worth running"(2 Timothy 4:7 MSG) -excerpt  from The Beautiful Fight by Gary Thomas, p.129.

Homeschooling with purpose

Remembering that where I get my strength is from the foundation of it all. The questions are: why

did I decide to homeschool? and why is homeschooling essential to my family?

Simply because HE asked me to. The Father could have given me any other decree

but,

He wants me here pouring into my family. Drawing closer to HIM. Snuggly

embracing HIS desires for my life and my family's life. 

John 14:6 " I AM the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me." 

Here is the foundational verse for our school. 

A special thanks to Raising Arrows for reminding me that we homeschool on purpose and with a purpose!

Indya's Kindergarten Graduation

My precious Indy-girl just finished kindergarten. She accomplished so much. I am so proud of her.

Indya and Eden

Indya in her cute cap and gown.

                                                           

                   

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that wehn He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

1 John 3:2

Prom photography shoot

My sister celebrating her last year at Westview Middle School. They ended the year with a prom and here are the pictures.

Good Morning Girls

So very excited to  be joining a group of wonderful ladies. 

Challenging one another ( iron sharpening iron).

Blessing one another daily!

• Psalm 127:1
• John 15:4-5
• Matthew 6:33
• 2 Timothy 1:5
• Proverbs 6:20-22

~Be Blessed~

"Then you will know that I AM the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed"

~Isaiah 49:23~