Strength Training...

Sorry to have been away so long again but I have been undergoing some "strength training" in different areas of my life.

Some of it I have brought on myself and some of it I haven't. Either way it has been a tough few weeks and at times I feel like a boxer in the ring, not sure where the next blow is going to come from.

Much of my "strength training" has occurred at the obvious place - The Gym. I have continued to visit "Cruella's" classes, and have even come to appreciate and actually like her very much (even if she does seem to enjoy torturing me, lol). The result of continuing to push myself is paying off and I am definitely feeling stronger! I can lift more weight, do more reps and not feel quite so sore the next day!

The other "strength training" I am undergoing is much more personal. It is strengthening as a Mom and in myself as a Christian woman. As I am stepping out to serve the Lord and teach at CBS I am watching my personal life come under attack like never before! Satan knows exactly how to push my buttons and I have definitely been feeling it recently.

I know that raising children is a challenge (and the fact that I have more children than most means I should probably expect more challenges than most) but it doesn't make it any easier when you are facing an attitude of rebellion. Rebellion that runs so deep as to say, "I want to behave this way and if you try to punish me I will hate you forever."

And as if that rebellion weren't enough to deal with, there are phone calls from the school regarding another teenager (Skipped classes, failing grades....) Of course there are the younger kids (field trip money due, programs to attend, schedules to keep...) and the older ones (do you ever stop worrying about your children???....) and even my husband (working late again, not listening, disagreements over how to handle just about everything....). Worst of all there is someone close to me who continues to disrespect me and speak derogatorily behind my back.

Yeah, Satan is pushing my buttons big-time! And, just like when my muscles are pushed to the limit by Cruella at the gym, it is at this point in my "training" that I want to give up. I want to say:

"God, I can't do it! It is too hard and it isn't worth it!"
"You can do it!"
"But it HURTS! I am not strong enough!"
"Find your strength in Me!"

So I press on and I can honestly say that whatever strength I have comes directly from the Lord: I must trust my children and their future to Him, I need to choose to let Him defend me against those who criticize and gossip behind my back, and I must not let Satan use those attacks to deter me from what God has called me to do. It hurts and it isn't easy but it does strengthen my faith.

As hard as a "strength training" class at the gym is, I love the feeling when it is over. I feel weak but I also feel strong and invigorated. It is very much the same as I go through this "strength training" with God. At times I may feel raw and vulnerable but I know that I am HIS and the more I depend on Him the stronger I feel!

I don't know why I am in this valley right now. Perhaps it is because God knows I need to have "thicker skin"; maybe I need some lessons in dealing with conflict; or it could be because I need to pass this lesson on to someone else. Whatever it is, I can be sure that there IS a good reason behind it and God will not let these lessons be wasted.

WFW~~Standing Strong....

I have always been envious of those people who say they heard a personal message from God. You know "God told me....." or "I clearly heard God say...."

Since I returned home from the She Speaks Conference last June I have been praying hard about what God wants me to do now.

It is frustrating because I feel like I was obedient in going to the conference, I was very motivated by what happened there and optimistic that God was going to use me through what I learned. Oh yeah, my life was going to be radically changed!!

And yet here it is 5 months later and it seems nothing is different. I don't know what I expected but I am still the same "stay-home" wife and mom I was before I went. Yes, I am giving teaching lectures at CBS but I guess I just thought that God would open all kinds of new doors and I would sashay through them.

Then one morning about a month ago I woke up very early. I was sort of half conscious and a verse from scripture kept playing and replaying in my head:

2 Timothy 4:17...2 Timothy 4:17...2 Timothy 4:17.....

It was like I had a song "stuck in my head" and it was keeping me awake. So I grabbed a pencil and paper from next to my bed, wrote it down and then fell back to sleep and forgot all about it.

Later that afternoon I saw the paper and reached for my bible to look up 2 Timothy 4:17:

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the Lion's mouth."

After months of wondering if going to the conference was a mistake and praying about what God's purpose for me is, I believe I heard the voice of Jesus whisper in my ear that morning.

It was a whole new perspective on how God was using me. Two weeks later I gave my first CBS teaching lecture of the year and I can't count the times I have been able to shepherd and encourage my friends and family through knowing and applying God's word.

This may not be the way I expected God to use me but since when does God do things the way I expect Him to? I was telling God "I am ready to impact the world for You!!" And He said, "Impact those around you. Your class, friends and family." Perhaps God will enlarge my territory one day, I don't know, but I do know that if I am not faithful with little He won't entrust me with much.

So even though my kids get tired of hearing those "bible stories" and my husband thinks I am loony when I call him at work and say "Guess what, Jesus whispered in my ear this morning!" I am going to keep on proclaiming the message! And today as I speak to my CBS class I know that I won't do it alone "the Lord will stand at my side and give me strength."


Check out more Word Filled Wednesday inspiration by clicking here.

Randomness.....

AAAhh! Another weekend comes to a close. The past week has once again been a crazy one! I think it is funny that as much as I look forward to the weekends I am almost relieved when Monday rolls back around!

In case there is anyone who is still reading this blog, here are some random events to relate from my recent past:

~~HELP! I've Been Shot.....
A couple of weeks ago I took "Pablo" to the pediatrician for his kindergarten immunizations (yes kindergarten started 3 months ago but that's how we roll around here). Come to find out he needed 4 shots and since they offered adult flu shots I decided I would get a shot too (just to show him it was no big deal). I am proud to say that we both were very brave and didn't cry at all when they stuck us with the needles.

Did I mention that I have never had a flu shot before? Well I don' t know what happened but by 5 o'clock that night I was in bed with what seemed to be a case of the flu (chills, headache, cough, fatigue, achy and weak muscles....).

I was feeling so bad that I was giving my husband instructions on what I wanted for my funeral. And poor little Pablo kept coming into my darkened room apologizing for making me get a shot. Luckily his flu shot hadn't affected him at all.

By the next morning I was fine. In fact I went to a class at the gym and did a weight training class. I guess I won't be having a funeral just yet after all!!

~~A "Lot" to Learn.....
This week I am scheduled to present a "teaching lecture" on Genesis 19 in my CBS class. It is the story about Lot & his family as Sodom and Gommorah is destroyed. The last teaching lecture I did was on Lot being rescued by Abram. HMMM, I am kind of wondering what God is trying to teach me through all of this Lot business? Whatever it is, I am doing my best to share those lessons with the class and my teenagers as well!

~~Cheerfulness....
Our family participated in something new this weekend as Sophie competed in a big cheer competition. It was very fun, exciting and intense. I get the feeling this can be a real "cut throat" sport! Not only did the girls look sharp and professional, many of the moms looked like cheerleaders as well. Our squad took 2nd place for 3rd graders in both cheer and dance. Which reminds me, I also learned that my daughter can really "bust a move"!

Family Support....


~~Grandma Me???
Here is something I never thought that I would say: "I can't wait to be a Grandma!"
I agreed to babysit the 3 month old son of my daughter's friend over-night on Saturday while they had a party. Oh my gosh, we had so much fun with that sweet little guy!! Even my husband was so ga-ga over this baby that he spoke the words, "It makes me want another one!" however he quickly followed that up with "but then I know what they turn into!"


I think we both agree that we are going to love being Grandparents someday. Meanwhile we have said we will watch this little guy anytime they need us to!


I am hoping that all of this exciting and intriquing information hasn't sent anyone into a coma! It truly isn't easy to live such an exotic lifestyle and find time to blog about it as well!!

Seriously though I am grateful for the "everyday" things in my life. I have learned that it is the "boring details" that really make a life livable because it is in these details that relationships are developed and strengthened and that memories are made!

I pray that you will can find the blessings in your "everyday moments" as well!!

Happy Halloween!

Here is a "little known fact" about me. I LOVE to sew! I don't get to do it much anymore (in fact I haven't seen my machine in about 4 years) but together my trusty Kenmore and I cranked out some glorious creations, until I somehow ran out of time and creativity.

More than anything I loved making Halloween costumes. In the kids' elementary school I was known as the costume lady and every year I would spend weeks making costumes for my kids, my husband, myself and anyone else who needed one.

The beauty of costumes is that they don't have to be perfect (size is approximate, they fasten with Velcro...) and they are unique. When you make it yourself you won't find anyone else dressed quite like you are. Unfortunately I learned that making costumes doesn't save money. In fact homemade ones can cost more than store bought.

I know Halloween is a Pagan holiday with all kinds of wicked associations but I can't help it, I just melt when I see all of those little children in their costumes! In our house we like to think it is an innocent day when we can all let out our "inner child" and play dress up together!!

I have put together a slideshow of some of our favorites over the years........

Another Word-Filled Wednesday.......

I first memorized Philippians 4:7-8 several years ago in a scripture memory contest. I think I won a giant sized 3 Musketeers bar but the real prize was burying this verse in my heart. I can't tell you how many times I have come back to it.

I don't know about you but my life seems to be "extra anxious" these days: The election, teenagers, the economy, natural disasters, gas prices, teenagers, juggling schedules & deadlines, and did I mention teenagers (lol).... Not to mention that Satan is roaring around looking for a way to devour me and those I love.

What is a girl to do??? Thank goodness Paul has given me an answer: " be thankful, tell God all about it through prayer" and in return He promises "a peace to guard our hearts and minds." Sounds like a good deal to me!

Of course it doesn't hurt if you are able to pray for peace in a peaceful place (like at a lake retreat) but Paul is saying that God's peace is available in the chaos of every day life as well. That is really the peace that transcends all understanding and it is the peace that I need today!

Check out more WFW posts here.....

Be Wise -- Prioritize....

Since I was a little girl I have been a people-pleaser. Let's face it, who doesn't want to be loved and validated, especially by those closest to us?

On the other hand, one thing I love about being over 40 is that I am so much more comfortable in my own skin, and I don't feel the need to impress or live up to other people's expectations.

That doesn't mean I don't wish for acceptance by others (I don't think that ever truly goes away) I just don't live for it. And since each individual has different expectations, values and priorities I have come to terms with the fact that I will never be able to please everyone! As soon as I do, you can be certain I am letting someone else down.

What I have learned, and am continuing to learn, is that as an adult woman (and all of the roles that includes) I have a responsibility to set my own beliefs and priorities and not compromise them to please other people. If I fail in doing that then my life will stand for nothing and my purpose will never be fulfilled. I am reminded of the country song "You've Got to Stand For Something or You'll Fall For Anything."

So what are my beliefs and priorities?

First and foremost I am building my life on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ and the Grace that He offers.

How do I do that? Through spending plenty of time studying His word and on my knees in prayer. Some might think this is a waste of time; I disagree. It is the BASIS on which my entire life is built. For me the Bible is a literal translation of how to live my life and I consider prayer the privilege of entering into a relationship with God. I don't understand why people would bother praying if they don't believe in the POWER behind it. Not only are our prayers eternal, they are also the most powerful weapon we have against the darkness of this world! God has issued us an invitation to commune with Him, how will you respond? I will respond with nothing less than complete submission to His call on my life to spread the Gospel through the ministries in which He has placed me (my marriage, motherhood, CBS, Church, Lifegroup).

Following faith, the next in my list of priorities is my family. Meaning, I am investing my time and energy into my husband and children. I believe that being a mom carries certain responsibilities. This may mean missing out on some things (parties and social events, travel opportunities...etc) but as Laura Schlesinger says, "I am my children's mother." If I don't put my children first, who will?

One of my favorite verses in scripture is: "One generation will commend your works to another, they will tell of your mighty acts." My husband and I neither one come from a "biblical" background but it is our deepest desire that our children (the next generation) will know Who God is and have a personal relationship with Him. Yes they will make mistakes, just as I have made and will continue to make mistakes, but together we will know the grace our Heavenly Father offers when we humble ourselves, ask forgiveness and submit to Him. My heart rejoices at the knowledge that my husband and 5 oldest children have confessed Christ as Lord of their lives and been baptised.

Fitness and Finances would be next on my list of priorities . I have been blessed beyond measure in both of these areas of my life but in very different ways.

Although I would love to lose 15 pounds I realize that after birthing 7 babies things could be a lot worse! However being in my mid 40's I realize it is more important than ever that I have a healthy fitness plan. For me working out relieves stress and makes me feel so much stronger and better about myself so it is a crucial part of my life plan.

Finances are definitely a "hot button" for me. Although we have never been "poor" I would not say we have ever been "financially stable" either. But again, after 7 kids and several career changes things could be a lot worse. My background is one of financial struggle and being completely dependant on my husband's income (0r lack of it) is a scary thing for me. But then I remind myself that it is God who provides. He has gotten us this far and I can trust Him!

So there it is: Faith, Family, Fitness and Finances.

The areas of priority in my life. It isn't a list for everyone and I would never want to tell someone else what their list should look like. Even my children need to develop their own lists based upon what is most important to them. Yes, I would love it if they all looked exactly like mine but most likely they won't. It doesn't make them wrong, it makes them unique.

God has made us all as individuals with different gifts and talents that He wants us to use to please Him and when it comes down to it isn't that the One we need to focus on pleasing?

Meet the Parents (parent's edition)

Before I begin this post I have a confession to make....
I didn't really catch the fish in the previous post. The man of the house caught it in some kind of "fish cage" that sits in the water and we each took a turn getting our picture with it. I never even touched that fish. And in case you are concerned, they let it go right after the photo shoot! Sorry if I was deceptive, I guess I was living out my fantasy of being a "Fisher Woman"! lol

Now today it is all about the child who claims I never write about her on my blog....

One night, right before Labor Day, my oldest daughter was visiting and explaining to my husband and I how wonderful her "on again/off again" boyfriend was. Even though we thought he was selfish and controlling she was convinced it could work if she would just change a few things about herself (like eat healthier, get in shape, wear more revealing clothes, be more fun...).

As her mom I wasn't convinced and I prayed for God to intervene. Specifically I prayed that somehow God would open her eyes and show her the plan He has for her life, and that she would have the courage to pursue it before she was burdened with big consequences from an unhealthy relationship.

Well God acted fast and I didn't have to wait long. The boyfriend broke up with her the next day, saying "he spent too much money when they were together." I know you must be thinking "what a charmer!" but she was devastated! For two weeks she cried until her eyes were swollen.

Then one day, about mid September, I got an emergency phone call from her:

"Mom, I have a date with a guy named Dominic!"
"Great! With a name like Dominic I'm guessing he's Italian."
"NO, I am sure he is not but he does come from a family of 8 kids."

First thing the next morning I received another phone call:

"Mom, it was wonderful! He is sooo nice but I do think he is Italian."
"Really? Why do you think so?"
"His brothers are Tony, Vinnie and Dimitri."
"Yeah, that is pretty Italian!"

Over the past few weeks she and Dominic have become almost inseparable. The old boyfriend has done his best to get her back but she has moved on. God's timing couldn't have been more perfect! If she had still been dating the wrong guy she wouldn't have ended up with this guy, and if she hadn't met this guy she most likely would have returned to "Mr. Wrong".

So this week we had Lauren and Dom over for dinner. We ate some yummy Italian Sausage Soup (yes, I'm sure the sausage was Italian, lol) and enjoyed some great conversation.

He seems like a really nice guy and it is good to see my daughter so happy! I know from experience that there is nothing like suffering through a bad relationship to make you appreciate a good one!

Here is a picture of the two of them........


And here is a link to the recipe for the Italian Sausage Soup I made. It is my favorite kind of recipe: Cheap, Fast and Easy!!