In Him: Songs in the Key of Life

I don't know about you, but songs have always had a way of connecting me to my emotions and thoughts. I can hear a song from my teenage years and still feel like I am back in that time when that song had the most meaning to me.

Today, our worship songs in church are one of my favorite parts of being there. I try to totally focus on the words and sing praise to Him. Sometimes I get so caught up in emotion that it's hard for me to sing because I get welled up. John Waller's song "While I'm Waiting" has held special meaning to me over the past couple of years.

Pastor Rickey is beginning a 7 week study on the book of Psalms that I am really excited and looking forward to..."Songs in the Key of Life!" The book of Psalms is a book of songs about life. I think Pastor said it best when he said, "in every mess there is a message." It is reassuring to me in times when there are no solutions that I can control that I can turn to Him!

Sometimes people can misunderstand that Christians are not praising God for all things, but rather we are praising Him in all things/circumstances. That's what Faith is all about, isn't it? Trusting in Him, that He is in control, that He will do what is best for us, that even when things are tough or don't seem fair He is teaching us, strengthening our faith, possibly to have us someday be there for someone else going through the same thing, right? Right!

So let's get to it! This week Pastor started the series with "A Pattern for Praise" from Psalm 145. He challenged us to try these 5 steps every day for 21 days to then create a habit of praise that will take over even when we are not thinking about it! As pastor said, "praise the Lord not curse the world!"

1. Praise God every day!

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 (NIV)

Yesterday in church we had such a treat...the little ones came in to say a poem and a sing a song to the moms! We so enjoyed seeing our girlie and her friends have such joy and praise for the Lord! I learn so much about having faith, trust and joy in the Lord from my girlie! She doesn't think twice about starting to sing a song to him regardless of who's around! If she has a problem, say the hiccups, she stops and prays right then to God to take them away! If you have a girl then you know how much they love their hair getting brushed...not! Or should I say knots? The other day she said "Jesus totally needs to take these knots to jail!" May we all sing spontaneous praise to God and have a deep faith that reminds us to give all of our problems to Him!

2. Praise God to the next generation!

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:4-7 (NIV)

One important thing we do when we pray together as a family is always start by giving thanks and praise for every blessing He has given us. Even at 5 my girlie is learning to focus on all of the good that God does and will continue to do!

3. Praise God for who He is!

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13-14 (NIV)

He does not kick those who are down! He lifts us up, provides comfort, peace, He knows what we need! Thank you!

4. Praise God for how he provides for us!

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16 (NIV)

He certainly provides for our needs! I am so thankful to Him for each day! We can in all circumstances "peel back the junk and see the giver of good" as Pastor shared with us!

5. Praise God for his loving care!

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:17

His love is an action verb

• He is near. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
• He hears our cries. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19 (NIV)
• He watches over. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:20-21 (NIV)

Pastor closed by reminding us of the awesome truth that Jesus is a friend who:

• is compassionate
• is gracious
• is slow to anger
• keeps promises
• lifts me up when I am down
• gives me what I need
• is truthful
• is never busy to talk and listen
• has the power to fill my desires
• runs to my cries of help
• watches over me

What song speaks to you most at this time in your life?

In Him,

Friday Follow: Free Stuff Programs

Sponsored By

I just had to share another game with you this week! And, bonus, I got it for FREE!

I buy Disney Movies and LOVE the Disney Movie Rewards Program! I have gotten so many cool items that I put away for Christmas presents for my girlie. OK, the one year I did get the singing Troy pen for hubby and the singing Gabriella pen for me, but mainly they are gifts for girlie!

The prizes change, but the latest one we got was the Lilo and Stitch's Island of Adventures DVD Game!

It can be long, but it is so interactive and fun you will be shocked when you look at the time! They do have a speed version too that cuts the time in half!

The tokens move on the board and the DVD transports you through different parts of the island! You get out of your chairs to cheer on your lizard in a race, compete in a surf competition and more! You only get to advance if you participate so hubby found out quick he better play along!

What programs have you found that offer great FREE stuff?

Happy Friday,

The Power of a Positive Mom: Introduction

I have mentioned before I love to learn! Yes, I was probably the annoying nerdie kid in school! I recently learned how much I loved learning God's Word, how to apply it to my life and fellowship with other ladies through bible studies at our church.

I also realized that it can be difficult for some to be able to take part in a group study like that due to their schedules. Since I always have a book I am reading/learning from and get so excited about the concepts I thought why not share them on my blog? It will be a virtual book club!

The book "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd has really been a handbook of encouragement to me over the years...what a good place to start!

Think about one of your greatest joys in motherhood and one of your biggest challenges.

The Introduction in the book can be summed up in four words "You Can Do It!"

Karol shares how every child needs a positive push in life, and as a mom it is our very important job to make a positive difference. "As moms, we have the opportunity every day to boost our children onward and upward. Ours is a very influential job. Through our affirmative support and loving care, we are in a unique position to help our children reach for their dreams and God-given potential."

Let's face it, it is pretty challenging to always stick to our good intentions! Do you feel like you spend your day putting out fires, tantrums, correcting, cleaning, doing laundry, running errands, cooking, need I go on?

Karol reminds us how we felt the day our little ones were born and first put in our arms...so precious! Then life begins, chaos ensues and we learn that being a positive mom is more challenging than we thought it would be!

The good news is that her book is written with great gems that really work when applied, to help you be a more positive mom!

"Yes, you can do it! With God's help and his Holy Spirit living inside you, you can be, as the writer of Proverbs said, "the wise woman (who) builds her house" (Proverbs 14:1). The seven principles I offer in this book are meant to help you recognize the amazing power that God has put in the hands of positive mothers-and to inspire you to become the positive mom you want and need to be."

I will be sharing the Power Points that are at the end of each chapter that include a suggestion for a bible verse reading, a model prayer, a positive choice, and an activity to reinforce the learned point from the chapter. "After all, God's power is not in the reading; it's in the doing!"

Discussion Questions

1. What is one thing you said "I will never do that" as a mom but now you have done.

2. Who has been the greatest influence in your life in helping you to be a better mom?

3. If you were going to choose one time of the day that you most enjoy or cherish as a mom, when would it be?

4. What is your most dreaded time of day?

I know we can't answer all of them...pick what jumps out at you! I will go first...

The one thing I said I would never do is put my child on a leash! Then I had her, at Disney, and panicked I would not be able to find this running, crazy girl! It wasn't exactly a leash, they make cute puppy and monkey backpack harness looking things now! I got her to learn that if she didn't want to wear the puppy then she had to agree to stay by mommy and daddy...it worked...eventually!

I look forward to reading your comments!

I pray that from these postings you will have something new to take away and apply in your life as a positive mom! We are not perfect, but through Him we strive to be a little more of a positive light!

SeaWorld $5 Children's Ticket

Are you planning a trip to any of the SeaWorld parks before December 31, 2010? If you are a US Resident you can get a $5 Children's Ticket (ages 3-12) when you purchase an adult ticket!

More good news? 100% of the proceeds will be donated by SeaWorld to a wildlife conservation project of your choice!

Click here for details from SeaWorld Cares.

Have fun,

FREE Ice Cream

I previously shared with you how to get a FREE sub from my favorite place Firehouse Subs, how about some dessert too?

Coldstone Creamery and Baskin Robbins have Birthday Clubs you can join to get FREE Ice Cream on your Birthday!

Coldstone is also offering FREE ice cream for Mom on Mother's Day!

Check out my FREEBIES page for more details and deals!

Thanks Coupon Clippin Daddy for this treat!

Girlie's Giggles

I think it would be fun if things were called what our kids think they're called, don't you?

Wouldn't it be cute to take your children to the "Babyatrician?"

Maybe our pets wouldn't mind going to see the "Vegenarian?"

You wouldn't feel guilty for eating all of those Girl Scout "Skinny Mints!"

Although I am not sure I would drink as much "Root Beard!"

Do you think Johnny Depp would appreciate his name changing to "Johnny Deaf?"

My all time favorite is that my girlie calls M&M's "Dum Dums!"

Thanks girlie for always bringing giggles to my day!

What has your kiddo renamed?

Giggling,

Wipe Out!

I can be a bit of a germ-a-phobe! I guess I just think (way to much) more about the path things take and the little germ guys they pick up along the way. I can think this through quite fast too! That is a big reason I LOVE baby wipes!

Before girlie was born I remember thinking about what expenses would be temporary...diapers and wipes were at the top of that list. She's now 5 and I can't imagine not having baby wipes handy!

I keep a convenient travel pack that I refill daily in my bag wherever we go. My hubby thinks I should use something with antibacterial stuff in it, but I like how gentle the wipes I use are. They must be better than nothing because we don't get sick too often. Here are a few instances we use them:

• Wiping down the table when we eat out
• They work better than a napkin with messy foods
• We have annual passes to Disney...hands are constantly wiped after rides, activities, you name it
• Great for a clean-up after the lolly pop from the bank in the car
• After dance class in the car...before she eats her snack
• After church...again before snack time in the car
• When we are out shopping and girlie wants a snack after touching everything...out comes the wipes
• After the doctor or dentist office...you know they are touching stuff and of course want a snack!
• I read a new one for home use, tried it, works great...cleaning my plantation shutters!

I know washing hands is best, but as you can see I would be in public restrooms a lot...and don't get me started on how I feel about those! I do have little bottles of antibacterial liquid for serious disinfecting, but I don't use them all the time because they can be harsh on your hands...especially as often as I feel the need to clean!

Our kids really do learn from what we do...my girlie does not like dirty hands or face while eating! Don't worry she is not as crazy as I am! Keeping our family clean, healthy and now dust free works for me!

This post is linked with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other creative solutions over there!