Are You Free?

 
Reading in the book of James this morning, I came across a note that just resonated with my spirit.   It said:

"No longer slaves of sin, believers are now free to become 

everything God has planned for them to be."

I wanted to scream out "YES, this is so true!"

Having been a slave to sin (totally lost) for the first 23 years of my life, I can appreciate the difference between the two worlds and believe me, I would not be the person I am today without the salvation of Jesus Christ! 

When you're "LOST", you can feel deep within you that something isn't quite right; something is missing.   

I believe I had a deep knowledge of what God created me to be - a wife and a mom - but from where I was standing, that was only a faint glimmer in the very distant future.

When Jesus starting "wooing" me and the Holy Spirit started reshaping my life, that deep knowledge of who I was supposed to be, started slowly rising to the surface.  

Little by little, God purged me of worldly and fleshly desires and replaced them with thoughts of Him and His standards.    And, little by little I became free.

That freedom from sin brought about that "abundant life" that God promises.

It's amazing what walking with The Lord will do!

I was no longer a slave to sin, but I was free in Him!

Free to be a wife to an awesome man.

Free to be a mom to my amazing boys.

Free to live without guilt and shame.

I was finally free to be everything God had planned for me to be.

"It is no longer ME that lives, but CHRIST in me!"

Until YOU give your life to HIM, you will never be all HE created YOU to be.

Are you free?

A New Tool for Spending Your Cash

If you're a Dave Ramsey fan or even just a "cash only" fan, you might appreciate this post.

As a long time Dave Ramsey follower, I'll admit that I've tried his Envelope System more than once and failed at it, more than once.     But, because I believe in the method, I just keep trying!  So, anytime I see a new tool that might possibly help me along in this quest, I try it! 

In case you've never heard of the Envelope System, let me do a quick explanation of what it is:

This is a CASH ONLY system that you use with a set of envelopes that hold your money.

You create an ENVELOPE for each "CASH" category in your BUDGET and you carry only that allotted amount of cash with you, in order to keep you from overspending.   (I'm strong willed, so it's not an easy job - keeping me in line!)

I've tried Dave's Envelopes, but found that they got messy if I wrote on them, plus I didn't like to have my budget right on the outside of the envelope, for everyone to see.

Next I tried Dave's "Envelope Wallet", which looks like a normal, lady's wallet, but has the divided sections for your cash categories, instead of envelopes.   However, the problem is that when you unzip your wallet to take out your money, the person behind you (assuming you're in a line) will be able to see that you have a wallet full of cash.   This always freaks me out, because I'm just suspicious, that way.

I've tried a few other gadgets that I've created myself, but they never seem to really fit what I'm looking for, so I usually give up.   Well, let's be honest......I give up for many reasons, but I'll stick to blaming it on NOT having the proper tools!

So, last week, I came across a blog by Christy Fitzwater ( CLICK HERE ! ) where she describes the tool that she uses to keep her ENVELOPE SYSTEM going and it appealed to me, so I made one.  And, what kind of a friend would I be, if I didn't share this great idea with you?


Here's what I did and how it came out:

Step 1:  Find a cute little notebook

Step 2:  Go around town to all the Office Depots until you find a stack of these:

 

(You'll want to figure out how many categories of cash you will be carrying.  These aren't cheap, so don't buy more than you actually need.)

Step 3:  Put some sort of divider in front of each clear pocket.  

This defines your categories and also keeps people from seeing all of your pockets full of cash.  

I used some dividers that I happened to have, but you could actually make a set of these, out of cardstock.

Step 4:    Use your label maker to label each category.

Step 5:  Fill with Cash!

Step 6:   Slip in a notecard to keep track of your spending.  (You might prefer to keep your receipts for reference, but that would get too messy and bulky, so if you don't need them - toss them!)

(I list the amount I start with and each time I purchase something out of that pocket, I write the date and the amount on the card.)



Last Step:  Use it!

The key to making the Envelope System a success is to:

*Have a budget with specific categories for CASH ONLY.
(We use cash for:  Gas, Groceries, Eat Out, Pets, Hair Cuts, Allowance, Fun, and Misc.)

*Go to the bank every pay period and take out the allotted amount of cash you need until the next pay check.   It's best to carry only one week's worth with you, for safety's sake.  Leave the rest at home and re-fill your envelopes (or pockets) when the next week rolls around.

*Only spend what you have on hand.  


Spending cash does allow you to see how fast money goes.   I've tried it both ways - cash or check card - and when I see my cash going or know that I only have a $20 bill left, I tend to check my priorities a little more.   (Are those burgers really worth my last $20 bill?)   It hurts a little more when you use cash!

So there you have it!  Another tool in your toolbelt!  It's up to you whether you use it or not.

As for me, I'm going to attempt another round with the cash only plan.  

It just makes sense (or cents)!

Is God Holding Out on You?

Have you been waiting on the Lord for something specific?   

Do you feel like He's holding out on you?

You are right......He is holding back!

He's holding back that big thing you're waiting on, 

until He knows you're mature enough to handle all that comes with it.

Plus, He doesn't want you to doubt......He wants you to trust.....no matter how long it takes.

James 1: 4 says,  

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

And in James 1:6,  

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, 

because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind."

Sometimes we want something, but we are not ready for it.   We may be too immature, too young, too naive, too prideful, too selfish, or too inexperienced to handle it.    We may have things in our life that need to be weeded out. 

But God, in his infinite wisdom, knows exactly what we need, in order to handle what He longs to give us.   And His timing is different for everyone.

Sometimes God will supply "on the job training" and work out your deficiencies as you go.   This means you will endure some things called "lessons" and will most likely wonder if you're going in the right direction and why you're having to go through certain things to get there.    These lessons can be tough to go through, but in the end, you will look back and see why you had to stumble a few times.

But other times, God will call you to simply wait on Him.   This is almost harder than walking and stumbling, because it can seem inactive.   Who wants to be inactive when you're waiting on something?   It's extremely hard to wait!  Patience is not easy!      But, God is doing something in you and He wants you to be ready for what He's about to give you.    It requires great faith.   He's building character in you.    He's teaching you to trust Him.    He's increasing your faith.   And it hurts because God can appear to be silent in the waiting room.

Either way - you will get to the place where God wants you, if you stick close to Him.

Whether He's called you to wait or called you to go, He is working in your life.

Life is about the journey -  walking with the Lord.   It's not about just getting from Point A to Point B.     It's about walking with Him in between and during, that builds us up and prepares us for our destination. 

So, if you're on your journey right now, waiting for that big revelation from God, just slow down and really see what He's doing in you.   What's He teaching you?   What's He purging from you?   What's He asking of you?     

It all has a purpose.

I pray you will be richly blessed for waiting on the Lord.   I pray He will reward your faithfulness.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Heading for High School

Well, it's official......

My baby is no longer an elementary age kid. 

He's no longer a middle school kid.

He's now a Freshman in High School and this mom has some serious growing pains going on right now!

Here are some pictures of Collin throughout his "younger" years of school.     He's been a great student (although at times HE has been the one to tell ME what he wasn't going to learn - such as cursive!) 

He worked well when he was here, next to my desk.

It was a good set up for awhile, but he eventually

wanted to move to a quiet place

and he didn't need my help anymore.

Photo Contests

Projects

Getting paddled by the School Marm

at the One Room Schoolhouse

(field trip)

 Museums

 

 

 Art Lessons

(That's Spongebob, in case you couldn't tell)

 4H

(Food Challenge)

 Music Recitals

 

 Back Yard School

 

 Prom

And

Co-ops

It's been a busy 9 years for Collin and he's had a lot of fun.   He's tried new things every year and become quite the talented photographer, musician, and comedian.

Although I'm sad to be entering into our last four years of school together, it's an exciting phase of life, as well.  

Collin has gone from being a rambunctious little tyke,  to a fun-loving, big-hearted, God-fearing young man and I'm so proud of him!

So, Collin....when you read this.....just know that I've enjoyed (almost) every minute of being your mom AND your teacher (and your maid, but not that much :)    

Dad and I love you and are extremely proud of you and I can't wait to see what skills you learn and what talents are uncovered, as you walk into the next 4 years!

And we will be walking right beside you, all the way.

We love you!

Hidden Treasures

Did you know this week is Nursing Home Week?

Well, it is and that means that Nursing Home Activities Directors are making this week special for their residents! 

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending one of these functions at a facility in our town and it was such a blessing to me.

 David has been working in the Health Care field for 20 years now and we've been in many facilities to entertain, personally and on business.   But, for the last 7-8 years, David has added our son Ted to the festivities - in the unofficial "company band." 

 From Left to right:

Darin, Brit, Ted, David

(and the drummer Danny is behind Britt with the blue shirt on)

 

 Ted and David

(Father and son)

 David loves playing beside Ted and sharing these moments with him. 

 

 Britt and Ted

This picture is really special to me because Britt and Ted have been playing together for years and there is a lot of graciousness that is behind this pair.

Britt, who is a professional musician, has always been a mentor to Ted and when they play together, Britt doesn't think anything about stepping aside and letting Ted take the floor.  They have certain things they play together and it's been a tradition between the two, for Ted to play certain parts.

And it's just fun watching them year after year, as Ted has grown into an accomplished musician.

(Can you tell I'm proud?)

But, the true blessing came from watching these ladies turn into young women again, as they clapped and requested songs and listened to the band.  

At one point, Britt was singing "In The Garden" and I looked over and saw a woman, kind of away from the crowd, with her eyes closed and her hand raised, worshiping and praising the Lord.  

My eyes filled with tears as I watched that moment, because it was so touching.   As I looked around the room at the other women, their lips were singing the words and it made me realize that at one time, these were all probably active women, going to church and singing hymns with their families. 

When you look at each one of them like this, you can see them for who they might have been, at one time, and see beyond the housecoats and wheelchairs that they occupy now.     It just takes you giving of yourself, to become interested in what they have to offer, at this stage of their lives. 

I was so blessed by several of them that started conversations with me and thrilled to find out that one of them was related to David!   Another one knew David's uncle who recently passed away and so David was able to talk with both of them about family. 

David was also blessed by seeing an old coffee-drinking-buddy, whom we used to go to church with, and who David drank coffee with every morning down at the local Whataburger.    

Mr. Leon and David go way back and it really touched David's heart to visit with him again.   He says he intends on making it a point to go and have coffee with Mr. Leon again, as often as he can. 

Overall, it was just a great privilege for them to welcome us into their day!

I think they were blessed by us being there and I know we were equally blessed by them.

I feel like we uncovered some hidden treasures while we were there; each one very valuable in their own right. 

What a privilege.

If you're searching for a ministry opportunity, no need to look very far.   There is most likely one in a town near you.

The Hill Country

Growing up in San Antonio, the Hill Country was part of my life.   But, when you're around something every day, you can take it for granted and not appreciate the beauty of what surrounds you.

So, going back and really taking in the scenery is always a treat.   When I look at Texas and all of the different terrains just in this one state, it's not hard to see God's hand in the creation of it all.

 The view from the back deck of my aunt's house.

 Collin

My little photographer 

taking pictures of his own.

 

 Susie and Steve's house

(at times you can drive up and

find the three horses in the front yard)

 There they are!

 

 What's Central Texas without these.

(I hate cactus, by the way.)

 

 Always a bloom among thorns, right?

 

 Original structure on the property.

Had I not been afraid of what might be living in there, 

I would have gone in.

And, of course...

what's Texas without one of these?

If you've never been to the Texas Hill Country, it's worth making a trip!   Put it on your bucket list.

See ya!

Mother's Day

My mom  and I

Mother's Day

2013

My mom and I live about 6 hours away from each other.   Sometimes that gets hard.   I'm pretty good at handling it, until I see her and then I realize how much I miss her.    Thankfully, we have phones and Facebook, but it's always good to actually see her face to face and spend some time with her. 

So Mother's Day was really special this year.   

David, I, and the boys, drove to my aunts in the Texas Hill Country to spend the weekend with my mom and aunt, for Mother's Day.    We also took my mother-in-law, Carolyn with us, which was really nice.

Carolyn, Mom, Me, Aunt Susie

It was the perfect weekend.   Everyone just kind of did their own thing - sitting on the back deck (the one in this picture), walking down to the creek bed, target shooting, exploring, eating, and even a little horseback riding.

 Collin

 Collin and Uncle Steve

 Ted

David

One of the highlights of the weekend was my brother coming to join us on Saturday.

 My brother, Jeff, Mom, and Me

Jeff has been battling terminal bladder cancer for almost a year now and he gets very sick on the weeks that he has his chemo treatments.   But, God is good, and even though this was a treatment week for him, he felt good enough to come 45 minutes down the road on Saturday to spend the day with us.   That was such a blessing for us to be with him all day.  

On Saturday evening we got a game of Phase 10 going (cards) and I'm pretty sure, in Collin's mind, that ranked up there with the guns and horses! 

Collin was finally old enough to play cards with the grown ups and although this was a new game for him, he was winning!

Aunt Susie and he had a "skipping" battle going on (using a "skip" card on each other)  and it was really a lot of fun having him play with us.

We were only one phase away from ending the 10 phase game, but it was so late that we could barely keep our eyes open, so we had to quit for the night.   Maybe next time we're all together, we can pick up where we left off.

Sunday we had a delicious roast with potatoes and carrots and it was a wonderful meal together.

Unfortunately it had to come to an end and we had to make the 4 1/2 hour trip home.    But, not before we took more pictures, of course!

 Collin and Ted

 Nanny, Collin, Ted, Meme

 

Collin, Aunt Susie, Ted

This Mother's Day was such a blessing!   I can't wait until we can all be together again.

Until then, we have memories and the pictures to keep us going.

I hope you made some great memories this Mother's Day.

Blessings! 

They Need You! Don't Give Up!

It's that time of year when graduation invites are coming in the mail, graduates are excited, and........teachers are exhausted!

And Homeschool moms are no exception!

It's also the time for homeschool teachers to start thinking and preparing for the next school year.

When "prep" time and "burnout" time merge, the last thing you want to think about it doing this another year!    

But, I want to encourage you homeschool moms out there, who are on the verge of sticking your kid on that big yellow bus next year........don't do it!

Yes, you're tired.   Yes, your house is a mess.    Yes, you have several more kids and what seems like a hundred more years of Algebra to teach.   

 But, you can't quit now!   Your kids need you!

They need you to keep going!  

They need you to sit on the couch with them one more year, reading great stories.
 
They need you to run from child to child, like a pinball in a game, helping with one more spelling lesson and one more math problem, all at the same time.

They need you to turn ordinary tasks into educational lessons and family vacations into field trips.

They need you to turn a trip to the grocery store into a nutrition lesson.

They need you to keep dissection specimens in the freezer.

They need you to carry the box of 97 library books from the car to the livingroom and then spend months making sure you've found them all. 

They need you to pour hours and hours into choosing the tools you'll use for teaching, based on what works for them and what represents your values. 

They need you to keep doing what you're doing, because it makes them feel good to know you want to be at home with them.

They need you to keep going.

Because what you've poured into their young lives has made a difference.   It's making a difference, day after day.

They are growing, thriving, learning, expanding, loving their lives, their homes, their work, and it's all because of YOU!

YOU!  And, the sacrifices you've made by giving up of yourself - extra income, free time, workouts, fancy lunches, coffee with friends, climbing the ladder of success.   

So, even though it's been a long year and you can't imagine having the strength to do it all over again, don't quit!

Because what you're doing is valuable and appreciated and you'll never have another set of "growing up" years.    This is it.

 And, when you least expect it, you'll get one of these on your desk and it will be well worth what you've given:

I pray that each family that has sacrificed, in order to teach their children at home, will prosper and succeed, and be richly blessed.

Here's to a great summer!

Love,
Debbie

Busy But Good

Isn't it funny how your life goes up and down?  One week you're bored out of your mind because there is just not much going on and the next week you're so busy, every single day, that you can't keep up with yourself!

Last weekend started off a busy week for us:

Saturday we stopped in to hear our friend Rachel Honza sing at a Family Expo.   Rachel did an amazing job, as always, but this time she had some young admirers, which made it really special.

There were three young girls in the audience and they were really enjoying her music.  One little girl asked if Rachel would sing a Taylor Swift song, so Rachel surprised her by asking her to come on stage and sing with her.   

She did a great job!

You just never know who you're going to influence for life, when you share your gifts and talents!


Later that afternoon, we headed to the American Idol Homecoming concert for Kree Harrison.
Kree is from Woodville, Texas and was here doing her homecoming tour for this week's show.

The bonus was that our friend, Britt Godwin, was there opening the night with a tribute to George Jones.     As always, he did an amazing job, and gave us about 20 minutes of George Jones hits, to start off the night.      He could have just stayed and entertained us for the rest of the night, but he had to rush off to another stage, up the road.


This week has been busy with some friends and I planning summer activities for our teens, me planning Collin's high school work, David planning for a building to be moved off the property, and all of us planning for a short trip to see my mom on Mother's Day.

I've also been planning a trip to Nashville for the summer!  Whew!  Lots of planning going on around here!     I hope it all comes together and we actually accomplish some of these things!

David and I attended a Better Business Bureau banquet on Tuesday night.   We've been to many of these over the years and have actually heard some great speakers (Michael Reagan, Steven Covey, John Stossil), but this was their 50 year anniversary and the night consisted of various business members sharing their stories of how and why they've been BBB members.   Uhhh.......let's just say it wasn't the most captivating program I've ever been to, but the food was good!

Yesterday I spent the day here, working on Collin's high school plan.    I can't just plan one year at a time.   No!  I've got to plan the entire 4 years, at least a basic outline, so I can see the big picture.   And that's not an easy task!

I watched a webinar on organizing their school work in such a way that makes the kids much more productive, so I'll be incorporating that system into our year, somehow.

I've been ordering curriculum slowly and even discussing future co-op classes for next year, so that's rattling around in my head.

But, it's all good and I love doing it! 

Today is Collin's last day of BAND (he plays trombone) and they have a little 15 minute concert afterwards.     I don't think they are offering this class next year, but at least he's had a year of beginning band to add to his transcript (in real life and on paper).    Add that to his year of Violin, summer of Dulcimer, and teaching himself the Bass and Acoustic Guitars and I think we're good!

Tomorrow we have one of our last days at CO-OP, which has been a real blessing in many ways.  We've made some great friends there and Collin has learned a few tips about ART and much about the Film Production business.    It's been a really great year.   Thankfully we will be purposely keeping our kids connected during the summer and then returning next Fall for another year together. 

Then finally, I get to see my mom on Mother's Day.   I haven't seen her in over a year!

Although we talk and communicate by phone and computer, it's always good to get a hug from your mom.    

I'm looking forward to a great weekend with her and my aunt together. 

So, all that to say.......it's been a busy week and it "ain't" over!


The busy days just make me appreciate my cozy little home, that much more!  It's always a good place to come back to.

Have a great week!