We're moving!

No, not to a new house (although maybe one day!)....but we're moving to a new address on the web. Our new address is www.allforhimblog.com.  We're not finished yet, but come check it out anyways! It's going to have printable coupons directly from the site, more pictures, more Homeschool and Bible Study posts, and much much more! Just come see for yourself!!!

We won't be making many more posts here, and if we can figure out how to migrate our old posts over here we will But for now, check out the new site, and show us some love!

Big Changes!

So, it should come as no surprise that we are making some big changes around here. We have committed to start living like we believe in the power of Christ, and we're going to start acting on some of our dreams that always seemed far off. I still have no idea as to the answer of *some* of the things that have been causing doubt and fear to hang over my head, BUT I can live like I believe it, and trust that God will direct my path! So the most obvious thing is this blog is changing. For the immediate time being, it will stay here at blogger, but we have changed the address. It shouldn't affect those who already subscribe, but if you are typing in the link, you'll need the new address (which by now you know).  We've also changed the look, and we'll continue to do this for a little while, so bear with us! We're learning! We've created some pages at the top, to make it easier to find the posts that are related to those topics. Those are the things I blog about most. I have several different things I blog about, and I don't see that changing any time soon. But we are going to be changing this to gear it more toward our family is doing, and encouraging others.

For the knuckleheads like me...

This post is for the knuckleheads like me that have a hard time applying what we should have learned so many other times to whatever situation in front of you TODAY. Ok so This post is for me, not just those like me....

I'm not going to act like I am some kind of Bible scholar. I don't live a perfect life (though by now if you read the blog, I would think that'd be clear). I don't have all of theology understood. I make mistakes, I don't study God's word as often as I should, and am no where close to the 'perfect Christian wife/mother/daughter/friend/etc' If you think I am, I'm sorry we aren't better friends. Shoot me an email and we can talk about how God has used my many failures for His glory, because it still amazes me. This post is not going to sugar coat my life by any means.

It's that time of year again...

One of my favorite times of the year. Yehp. You guessed it. School shopping!!! I have to admit I LOVE shopping for school stuff. Yes, part of this stems from being a homeschool mom. I love the planning of the things we will do for the new year. I love researching and picking out curriculum. I love coming up with related art projects, and buying art stuff.

But I also love school supplies. Call me weird, but it just makes me happy. I love the smell of brand new Crayola Crayons. I love looking at the brand new paper, markers, and ink pens all neatly stacked ready for the new school year. I have always been this way too, even as a kid. My favorite part of summer was getting to go to Walmart and pick out all the school supplies we'd have to use for the upcoming year.

What I don't love, is paying a fortune for them! As a singe income, homeschool family, not only do I not bring a paycheck to the table, but my "job"  "costs" us money too!  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of ways to homeschool on a shoestring budget, but sometimes with school supplies, you get what you pay for.

For example, we've found that it's actually better to budget now and  spend a little more on things like Crayola Crayons and Ticonderoga pencils. See, you may be able to save a few pennies now, but in the long run when they break much more easily or don't last and you find yourself buying several more boxes throughout the year, what have you really saved. Then again some things, like cap erasers, are cheap no matter what brand you buy, so for those I look for doorbusters. What I mean is stores like Walgreens, Walmart, and the office supply stores often have a few featured items for mere pennies, to get you in the door. They plan on luring you with 25 cent rulers, thinking you'll spend a ton on everything else. But that's where being a thrifty mama comes in handy. Just like with couponing, you only buy the things that are a good price. Feel no shame about leaving with the minimum purchase (or max allowed items) if it is in your budget's best interest! I can't make promises that I'll keep this up, It took me about 2 1/2 hours to go through all the ads and do this, but I figure at least this week, I can pass the info along to all you other thrifty mamas!

I know everyone is looking for different things so I tried to organize them by General Art Supplies, Writing Utensils, Paper/Notebooks, and a miscellaneous section. There are some other deals that are only available at one particular store, or didn't seem to fit anywhere else; those will be at the very end.  If I am able to keep this up next week, I will try to stick with this same set up.  The deals with *asterisks* to the left of the item are what I think to be a good price this week. This is based on a few things, including if it is a "doorbuster" item, if it is on a rare brand to be sale, the amount the item is discounted, etc.  The good deals have one *, the better deals have two ** and the very best deals have the word STOCK UP!!! next to them. I hope this helps you to locate the items you need. Keep in mind that we have several more weeks of Back to School sales, so unless you need it right now, you may want to hold out for the sales of the coming weeks.

Also, this does not include ANY coupons.  I may try to add those in later, but for right now, the main ones I know of are Target printable coupons and Cartwheel (seems like I saw $1.50 off up and up school supplies on Target's website), and Rite Aid Video Values by Adperk. There are several school supply ads to watch and save even more money. I just watched pretty much all of them this morning while I was going through the ads. It doesn't take that long. I am looking at the sheet now, and I see $1 off any ink joy, $1 off pilot, $1/2 post it, $1 off 5 star 3 or 5 subject notebooks. Specifically that last one, those are 25% at Rite Aid already, so if you need that Brand, I would print it and check on the price when you get there!

Something else to note, Office Depot and Office Max are essentially one store now. This has been in the works for a while now, but I don't know the details. All I know is, whereas last year we were able to get the doorbusters from EACH store because they had separate ads, this year there's one combined ad.

One more thing. As of right now, I don't get any kind of kickback from doing this blog. I don't get paid to do any of this, so if I make a mistake, sorry! I'm just a mom on a mission to save, in an effort to be a good steward of what fGod has given our family. Couponing and deal shopping for the things my family needs is part of the job I do as a mom, and I put this list up simply in hopes that the time it saves you will bless your family too.

7/13 school supply prices

To God be the Glory

"There's honor in that. God gets glory from that."

That's what I told a friend this week at our weekly Bible study, speaking of motherhood. She spoke of how she'd wanted to get a medical degree and go overseas and help kids in Africa. But due to her lack of ability in Chemistry, it was clear that God had not called her that direction. Instead, she finds herself now expecting a baby girl in about 4 months. It's the same situation I found myself in 9 years ago. Motherhood. It is a calling many of us find ourselves thrown into before we have any idea what we are doing. In fact, 9 years later I still don't feel like I have this "Mom thing" figured out. My house stays a mess. Lived in, my mom-in-law calls it. My kids yell, and sometimes I am too quick to anger and I yell back. But I'm trying. I'm trying to do what God has called me to. Even though I fail frequently, I'll never give up. I'll keep trying and struggling to live in a way that honors God. Because to know Him, and to make Him known is the whole point of living our time out on earth. I'll never begin to understand why He thought me worthy of mothering these three children. These 3 "little sinners" as my friend Amy calls them (with utmost love!). Last month she spoke on motherhood being our ministry. That was such a profound thought that had never occurred to me, in all my 9 years of being a wife and mother. That is my calling, and whether I chose it or God chose it, it's where I am. But if I do my best to honor God in how I parent my children, whether I screw up here and there is kinda irrelevant. I think He knows we're human, and we're incapable of perfection, just like the kids. I think for me, sometimes it's hard not to sit back and take stock, looking at all the areas where things are flawed and feel like you are not even making a difference.

I spoke the other day about the extraordinary amount of messes my youngest makes. My middle child is extremely sensitive and takes everything to heart. My oldest, 8 year old drama queen is an expert at making mountains of molehills. She constantly forgets what I've told her a million times, and then feels awful about it. She loses her temper constantly over stupid things. Well, she comes by the last one honestly.


But I have the fantastic responsibility of molding these children before the world gets a hold of them.  It's one of those tasks that I get lost in, and most days when I'm in the thick of it, it does feel mundane. But I'm being reminded there is glory (for God ) in that. Certainly not glory for me. But we should not be glory seeking. Our goal, our main goal should be to live and love in a way that brings God honor and glory. Motherhood does that. It's one of those behind the scenes jobs that never gets recognized most of the time. All the things that get done through the day, most never even get seen by anyone else. When I'm sweeping the floor or washing what feels like the hundredth dish, the kids don't see that. But God sees it. I'm learning to praise God  with a sincere heart even when the task is the most monotonous or stressful. Because God sees it. And because for the big picture, the kids see it. They might not know or understand everything mom does, but they see my attitude. I am trying to find that balance of praising God even when I feel unappreciated (by the kids) because that they do see. Hopefully when my kids are grown, they will have a strong and grounded relationship with Christ in their own lives. I pray that they will have rich, strong marriages and godly parenting strategies. Not because I was a great mother, but because somehow, despite myself, God shined through me.

But I think the decision and calling to be not only a stay at home mom while my kids are little, but also a homeschool mom is sometimes a belittled one. My husband gets it. We have chosen to take charge of our children's education and spiritual guidance, because we only have them for so long. We want them to learn to be a light to others. That means that I get to be the one who helps them discover new things for the first time, all the while playing a huge part in their spiritual guidance. Who am I that God would choose me for this? I'm a broken, messed up person. But He did. He choose me. He chose me to mother them. 24/7. That's humbling to me. He obviously sees something in me I could never see. But that makes me want to honor Him and please Him that much more.

Beauty in the Everyday

I have said it before, and I'll say it again now: I don't remotely have this whole "Christ-follower" thing figured out. Not even close. If you think I do, then we must get to be better friends! If you do know me, you will know how hard-headed I am. This past year has been a time of being hit over the head with the same lessons over and over, much like the disciples, because I was too immature to figure it out the first time.

I am a work in progress. Hopefully, God is always changing me, always chipping away at the parts He doesn't like. Sometimes it hurts. Actually, most of the time it hurts. Much of the time I eager to be changed until God starts to chip off pieces of my self I am rather fond of, or am resistant to let go of-like my possessions, my security in worldly things, my temper, my lack of patience. All of this is good that God knows to remove it, even when I don't see it myself.

Right now, the lesson God seems to be hammering into me is this: There is beauty in the day to day stuff.

Life lessons on prayer

Okay so I just want to share something. I've said this before and I'll say it again now. Prayer works. God can definitely handle the biggest things-nothing is TOO big for God. He already knows what you are going through, what weight you are carrying, what seems impossible to you is no surprise to God. He made you, of course, so naturally He knows your innermost struggles and desires. He knows your deepest, darkest secrets and loves you more than you could ever comprehend. I am feeling overwhelmed by His presence and goodness this morning.

If you are a Christ follower, this is something you've experienced. The true feeling of being overwhelmed by His attributes-His Grace (giving you something good you didn't earn), Mercy (sparing you from punishment what you earned), Love, comfort, peace of knowing even when things seem insurmountable that He's got this! If not, I get that you don't get it. The Bible says the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing-and that is what will happen. It's hard to wrap your brain around, but it is one of those things that you just don't get till you get it. LIGHT BULB!!

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!

So we are, believe it or not, wrapping up the end of our FOURTH year homeschooling. Seems like just yesterday we were dipping our toes in the shallow end of the homeschool waters, trying to figure out if we could do this or not. I won't say it has always been super fun and super easy--if you know me, you know we have good days and bad days, just like any parent. All I know is as we reflect on this official school year ending, I am nothing if not grateful for the opportunity. Some days are perfectly routine; everything goes as planned and "normal" for us.  Other days are what I call "fly by the seat of my pants days". Some weeks we get everything planned accomplished with recess time to spare. Most days though, we have to go with the flow. Someone (or everyone) gets sick. Our spur of the moment plans take precedence sometimes. Sometimes it's our extra-curriculars, or errand running that cause us to mix it up and shuffle things around. Sometimes I even had to extend our school year dates or move planned breaks around because I didn't want the kids having makeup work from days (or a week) of sickness ON top of school work. Yes, that's a real life skill that needs to be learned. But while they are very young, I understand that there's only so much work they can actually complete in one day, and if they are doing school work from 6 am until 7pm which few breaks, they have no time to be just kids. On the other hand, if they choose to waste their time or not to focus on the task at hand, they end up eliminating free play time.

Happy Easter! He is risen!

Check out Under the Radar's Easter episode. Click the link for some great indie music.


Hope everyone had a great Easter holiday, and I hope today you don't go back to normal and loving complacency. How's that for putting it bluntly!? Because He's risen, we have this hope so that we shouldn't to live like He's still dead. We don't have to live like we're dead! I really believe, based on all that's happening today in the world, that He's coming back soon. If you have chosen, at any point in your life, to become a Christ follower and accept His forgiveness of your sins, He took care of that for all time. There's so much freedom in that, knowing He came just for you, and you alone were worth it. He knew every wrong thing you'd ever do and thought you worth saving anyways, so why do we hang on to our past like we are still in bondage to it?

Spring has spring part 2: We have chickens!!

 It's official! We finally have chicks! We have been wanting to get them for a couple years, and knew this would be a great learning experience for the kids. When we went to pick them out, we each ended up picking out a completely different breed, which is kinda neat! When we looked at buying slightly smaller chicks at Tractor Supply, we were going to have to get at least six chicks all at once, and if we wanted a female chick that was a good layer, we'd have to buy 6 of the same kind that they had that week. This way ended up being much better, and especially much more fun after months of research and getting ready for them, we got to get all the ones we had decided we liked over the last few months!

So without further ado, here are the girls.

Spring has sprung!! Part 1!

Sooo, we've been home for almost a month that has flown by faster than just about any of the other months recently.

Here's what we've been up to as of 3/12/14

We finished (finally!) Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis. Yay!!!
We've been sick quite a bit for the last month. In fact, every week, at least two people were suffering from sickness at any given time. This resulted in us missing many of our weekly activities, rescheduling playdates and visits with friends multiple times, 2 trips to the doctor and 1 to the emergency room, since we've been back from Haiti alone!
We've been working on our backyard and garden area. It's a work in progress, but we put a fence up to keep the dog out of the garden area which we are expanding. FYI: It didn't work well, so we are going to have to reinforce it. We started our chicken coop, and there's been a pretty large learning curve, but we hope to have baby chicks here by the end of the month!

This was us laying the fencing down.

Trip blog #5

So Friday was our R&R day. We hadn't gotten to see much of the area except the drive to and from HOA, so Friday after a week of hard work, Fenel rewarded us by taking us to not 1 but 2 beautiful beaches.

The first beach, "the cove" is where we got to dip our toes in for a few minutes earlier in the week. We came back again for a few minutes to do a little souvenir shopping for family and friends. They had pretty bracelets, hand carved boxes, figures, wooden machetes, and even (albeit extremely inaccurate) hand made wooden globes. It was funny because the places on the globe were distorted at best, but it was still really cool. I know I could never do that any better!

Trip Blog #3

In continuing to recap our recent Haiti mission trip, I wanted to talk about what we did last week a little bit more each post. It's still hard for me to believe we've almost been back a week already. It feels like we were gone much longer than just a week, and it also feels like it was so much longer than just one week ago. It's a strange feeling that I can't really explain except that I'm sure other people who travel out of the country for something like that do feel out of sorts for a little bit.

Back to the trip, though!

Day 3 found us getting ready Monday morning for the first work day. We headed to the work site and the kids ran out to catch the action any time they had a brief break from their schoolwork.

Trip blog #4

Days 5 and 6

Wednesday and Thursday we got more time to play with the kids, and more work to do! Thursday was an especially busy day for the team, as we divided into 4 teams to get all the jobs accomplished. Jim worked on welding

Trip Blog #2

For those wondering, here's a summary of our recent trip to Jacmel, Haiti. If you have questions, feel free to leave them as a comment and I'll be happy to respond. We had such a jam packed, overwhelming week of new experiences, sometimes it's hard to really put it into words, but I can try!

Saturday: We got up bright and early at about 3 am to get ready to go to the airport, and my dad picked us up early because of all the snow and ice on the road. Once we boarded the plane, I wasn't sure what to expect. The only thing I knew was God had taken my fear away and replaced it with excitement and eager anticipation. It was more fun and less scary than I had assumed. Kind of like a big charter bus with wings, if that makes sense!

Trip blog #1

As I sat here this morning, drinking my Spark, and eating my apple slices for breakfast, I realize I am still trying to get back to the swing of things. See, all last week my husband and I had probably one of the coolest adventures we've had in our almost 9 years of marriage. We went to Jacmel, Haiti where we got to serve with members of three other churches on a mission trip team. We got up early, went to bed early, and for some reason it's been kind of wonky trying to get back on Mississippi time, even though it's only an hour difference, it literally feels like another world down there.  These last few months have been a series of firsts for my hubby and I, and I know already that it is going to continue in the coming months.

Some of you may know, if you know us personally or have kept up with this blog, that since September God has been pulling us out of our comfort zones and stretching our trust, further than I ever thought possible. He has torn down walls, shattered fears and expectations, and has been chipping away at the security bubble around us.

Modern Day Slavery

Slavery.

It's easy to think that slavery doesn't exist anymore.  It's especially easy to live in our comfy little US bubbles, where are are *free* to be blind and oblivious to oppression in all the other parts of the world. After all, slavery was abolished a long time ago, right? But the truth is, it happens every day. I have to admit, I was stupidly blind to this issue for quite some time. But it is all too common. Actually, it's probably right under you nose, in your city!  We just choose to look away, and after a while, it doesn't even phase us or worse-we're naive enough to think because we don't see it, it doesn't happen. Not even a blip on our radar.

In Oceans Deep.....

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior

-Oceans, Hillsong United

I've been hearing this song quite a bit lately. If you have turned on the local Christian radio station or been to a modern worship service lately, chances are you have too. Although, I have to admit, I liked this song from the very first time I heard it. Something just resonated with me. It could have been the lyrics, since that is usually what draws me to like a song. I'm a lyrics junkie, for sure. Or perhaps the passionate voices set to peaceful "oceanic" music that built and built up intrigued me. 

As I listen to the lyrics, I'm reminded of one of the great stories we've grown up with. Glossed over even. See, for so long, I was one of those Christians. Those Christians who had a sincere belief in the Lord, but no real lasting hunger for Him. I don't know what happened. I had it as a child, but somewhere along the way, I got satisfied with mediocrity and Sunday school characatures of those mighty men and women of God, and sound byte Bible studies that really are only suitable for kids under the age of five. What happened??? I let the world influence me too much. I let the enemy fool me into being satisfied with mediocrity. With being a fence sitter. Sure, I knew where I stood on sin-especially sins of others. Homosexuality? Wrong. Murder of innocent babies? Tragically wrong. Lying? Wrong, but acceptable... Somewhere along the way, I became so complacent that I was satisfied to "facebook rant" about stuff rather than actually doing anything about it. Somewhere along the way, I became apart of this distorted, twisted world that hates and points out the sins of others, and even prays for them to 'find their way', but ignored my own sins. 

Here I am calling myself out. Laziness. Gluttony. Selfishness. Lack of willingness to spend a daily quiet time with God, though I knew the importance of it. Losing my temper and acting in anger too frequently. Lack of obedience to tithe and commit my finances to God. Not having trust in God to do what He says. Letting my fears keep me from doing something God told me to do. Not having a daily prayer life. 

For so long, Jacob and I both lived this way, but this is personal to me. People would stop me and tell me how good I was raising my kids. That they were well mannered and loved God. That did make me happy, satisfied even. Job well done, pat on the back to myself. The problem is, what kind of example were we setting if we never prayed except meal times or in dire need of God to save us from some unexpected trouble. I never doubted the power of prayer, except that I never did it, so obviously I didn't understand the power of it. But I had accepted Christ, and I meant it. And I went to church, and that was enough right? That's how you raise Godly kids right? Teach them to accept Christ and attend church and that will be that, right? They're good, right? I'm good, right??????????? 

Then there was the marriage conference. It's about time for a tune-up I figured, but we were doing good for a marriage going on almost 9 years. No major defects. That was true, too, but I had no idea and neither did Jacob what was missing. I tell you what, no one event in my life besides my salvation has rocked me as much as that weekend. When Pastor Shannon O'dell spoke, I had no idea what we were in for until it was too late. I was no longer satisfied with what I now identified as mediocre at best. It was like a light bulb switched off to my faith, AND Jacob's! The Holy Spirit was at work that weekend big time and I know so many other marriages were shaken too. 

Since that weekend, I don't want to be satisfied with mediocrity ever again. And I pray I never get to that place. I pray I stay hating my own sin more than yours, and focus on God rather than myself. I pray I am a light to my husband, my children, my family, my church, my community and my world. I pray that God continues to reveal Himself to me and that I can get over my selfish fears and moments of weakness. I pray that God will continue stretching me and my family to serve Him and His purposes instead selfishly seeking whatever is we thought we wanted.  Because it pales in comparison to what God has planned I assure you. That dream of owning some big house eventually and having plenty of money and earthly things and being comfortable doesn't matter as much anymore. I pray that these might not just be words, but I am willing to put them down on 'paper'...or more permanently rather, the internet, where words live forever. I'm willing to do that because as much as that scares me to hold myself accountable like that, I want it! I want to have that much faith in my God, that I will hold him to what He said about providing for me. I want to have that much faith, that I believe Him enough to provide the money for our trip like He said He would, to tell all of you that He said that! He told me if I would only obey, no, if we would only obey, that He would provide and that I needed to trust Him. We have 2 weeks left till we leave and I'm freaking out here just a little bit! But I know God always keeps His promises. And I know what He said. We're going to Haiti. It's a done deal. Am I scared? Sure! But I have to trust God more than I fear the unknown. Just like Peter. 

When I hear that song, that's who I think of. I think of not only the mistake He made, but what we can learn from it.  
Matthew 14:22-33 
Jesus Walks on the Water

25 Early in the morning, Jesus went out to the disciples. He walked on the lake. 26 They saw him walking on the lake and were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said. And they cried out in fear. 27 Right away Jesus called out to them, "Be brave! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, is it you?" Peter asked. "If it is, tell me to come to you on the water." 29 "Come," Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, "Lord! Save me!"  31 Right away Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "Your faith is so small!" he said. "Why did doubt me?" 32 When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those in the boast worshiped Jesus. They said, "You really are the Son of God!" 

Vision of Love

Matthew 22:36-40

 Jesus replied, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.' This is the first and most important commandment. And the second is like it. 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' Everything that is written in the Law and the Prophets is based on these two commandments."

2013 In review...

So, the biggest New Year's resolution I had for 2013 was to eat/live/be healthier. And I'm happy to say although I'm not perfect and could have stuck to it better, I kept it! I lost a significant amount of weight and kept it off. We made better choices in 2013 like cutting back on junk food, rarely eating Fast food, and making better food choices (lean ground beef or turkey instead of 'the cheap stuff', buying whole wheat, and skim milk or reduced fat cheese too). and trying to get more active as a family.

More importantly, it wasn't a resolution but it should have been-having a regular quiet time. Jacob and I made God our focus rather than merely a part of our routine. That has been a struggle but when you see that you start to veer off course from that, it's important to steer back the other way to correct it. Since Sept, we have really tried to take that time, both separately and together to pray and read God's word. It has (not sure why I was so suprised) taken us by surprised by the drastic and dramatic awesome effects it had over our lives.