For Such a Time as This

For Such a Time as This

Posted by Sarah on 7:07 PM in Faith, Footsteps,

PANIC....CHAOS.... FEAR!!!!

I remember hearing stories from my grandparents of the times when life was "HARD". They would tell the stories from the great depression and of war times, when people where scared, had no money, had no food to feed their families. A time of uncertainties, a time of panic, chaos and fear. As I would sit and listen to these stories, I remember thinking, I would never be able to survive such an ordeal. Nor would I ever have to live through something like that because the world as I knew it was better and stronger than what it was back then.

Fast forward to today. Life as I knew it to be and capable of being has changed in almost an instant. In March 2020, our country pretty much shut down due to the fear of the unknown from a "new" novel corona-virus. Since then, out lives have been flipped upside down with restrictions, panic, and chaos. Store shelves were emptied immediately, and the kicker is, the first item to disappear completely was toilet paper. Restrictions and protective safe guards were put into place in everywhere. Businesses were forced to close leaving people with no work and no income. Schools and churches were closed. Any type of gathering was simply not allowed because the fear of the virus spreading.  People have been urged to simply just stay home!

We have since reopened (slightly) to a new "normal" that now requires us to wear face masks every time we leave our homes, wash our hands constantly and social distance ourselves from others. It was a struggle for churches to reopen, with many of them being fined because the state governors deemed them as not following their mandates. Practically every event under the sun has been cancelled because the mandates have made it nearly impossible. It became very clear that this pandemic as they were calling it was more of a spiritual and political war than an actual health crisis.

Now, I am not suggesting that the COVID-19 virus is NOT real. It very much is a real virus and I have friends that have been affected by the devastating outcome the virus can bring. However, where the problem lies is that the media and government officials have taken this virus and blown it way out of proportion creating panic, chaos and FEAR across the nation. They have been manipulating the numbers of positive cases and death rates on a daily basis. What's even more interesting is that they are requiring everyone to follow the CDC's guidelines, yet the CDC clearly states that the risk of this virus is less than 1%. So why are we upturning our lives for a virus that is no worse than the seasonal flu? The only answer I can give is Satan is at work. BIG TIME!!!

I have to constantly remind myself that this virus did not take God by surprise and that even though the enemy is continually firing his darts, GOD is STILL IN CONTROL!  In such a time as this, I don't know what tomorrow may bring or how long the chaos of this virus may continue. What I  do know is WHO holds tomorrow and I must let my faith in Him alone be bigger than my fear.   

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Time Management

Time Management

Posted by Sarah on 5:19 PM in Homeschooling, Mama Bear Moments, Time Saving,

We are officially back into school mode.  So far, not so bad.  But what I struggle with the most is my time management. Between homeschooling, preparing meals, keeping the house clean, laundry and my part time work duties, there just seems to never be enough hours in the day.

It's easy for me to become overwhelmed with the thought of getting it all done on a daily basis. I find that I'm no different than many other women when it comes to time management.  I may start a project, move on to something else because it's out of place or catches my eye, which later turns into having 5 million projects started and nothing completed.  Yep- feeling pretty defeated!

So what can you do to help with time management?

~ Pace yourself and make a realistic list.

I find that it helps to write my objectives for the day down and focus on one thing at a time. After completion, cross it off and move to the next.  Over time, I found it to be very effective as I check off my completed tasks. The feeling of completion makes a world of a difference.   Recently I have enjoyed using the Happy Planner to which I am able to able to keep my lists all in one spot. Best part is that I can enjoy decorating and getting creative with my planner weekly. 

~ Have a calendar and use it.

Managing meetings, doctors appointments, schoolwork and other activities between my husband and I was very stressful.  We have found that using a calendar and marking all events or activities as soon as they are scheduled helps us both with maintaining a happy home. We don't feel so rushed and can easily plan ahead for events together.  One of my favorite tools is using google calendar. I can color code and share events as needed making organization a breeze. 

~Just Breathe!

It helps when you take some time for yourself everyday as well just to breathe. It could be a quick snack in between tasks, fun time with the kids, or even your devotional time with God.  Finding time for yourself in the midst of everyday tasks is refreshing. 

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What Matters Most

What Matters Most

Posted by Sarah on 12:20 PM in Faith, Footsteps, Mama Bear Moments, Time with God,

That moment when the stress of life hits you so hard, you feel so overwhelmed that the acid from your stomach begins to creep up and burn. Deadlines or work, homeschooling that need to be finished, cooking, cleaning,... and the list goes on and on. Yep, all demand your immediate attention. You feel as though you could just curl up in a ball and cry and ask yourself, "is it really worth it?"

The past several weeks have been nothing short of what I have just described. I can't tell you how many times I have sat and cried all while trying to manage what life was throwing at me. It was so easy to get lost in the moment of feeling overwhelmed that I simply lost track of what mattered most. My time with the Lord dwindled as I struggled to meet deadlines for work. I became short tempered with my hubby and girls. Instead of giggles and laughter, my home became a war zone. My priorities were way out of whack!

Satan uses distractions to keeps us from the blessings of life. We are just foolish enough to fall for his trap time and time again. This is why its so important to keep your walk with the Lord a strong one. When we become distracted, we miss the the important things in life.

Take the story of Martha for example.  When Jesus and the twelve disciples came to her house unexpectedly, she was so focused on serving and doing that she totally missed out on the best thing... Just being in the moment with the Lord.

Luke 10:41-42

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one this is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. 

Friends now is the time, more than ever, that we need to focus on what matters the most.  This world is full of sin and it's so easy to become consumed by all the chaos. But let us not get weary or lose sight of the victory we have over this mess through the Lord. 

Keep walking with the Lord, he will direct your path each day.   That's what matters most!

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Steps to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half!

Steps to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half!

Posted by Sarah on 5:54 PM in In the Kitchen, Made by Mama, Money Saving,

So what have I been up to in the past few months.... Well chasing after two energetic girls, a wonderful husband and just the normal everyday life at the Sechler household.  Other than that, I have taken a huge interest in frugal living, but more importantly how to live more joyfully.  I have found that the two go hand in hand when it comes to our everyday domestic living. Simplifying our lives and our budget has taken a huge stress off our shoulders and more time available for the important things in life.... To be servants of the Lord. We are also to be good stewards of our money as well.  I think it starts with having the mind set that whatever we have in reality belongs to the Lord first, not us. So how do we be good stewards of what the Lord graciously blessed us with? 

Do it in BABY STEPS! I am the first to admit, I am not a patient person. I like to do things right the first time around instead of in baby steps.  I only found myself frustrated and overwhelmed. But when you take a step back and start over again in those small steps, the journey is sweet.

MY FIRST STEP: FOOD  

 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise" Prov. 6:6

 Since the grocery bill seems to continually grow. I took on the challenge of lowering that first. This does take time and planning and I am still learning new valuable tips along the way, but at least it's a good start.

1. Buy off brands:  We have come to realize that a lot of the off brands taste just as good and sometimes better than the name brands, plus we are saving $ in the mean time. I've tried the whole coupon thing but found myself very frustrated trying to plan to save the most money. A lot of times you will find the off brands will still be cheaper than the name brand on sale and using a coupon. Aldi's is my go to store for almost everything. I have literally saved about 50% just by switching to Aldi's alone. What's great about them is the fact they their food is good and they are really taking on the natural & organic approach for their customers. They have excellent produce and much more. 

2. Menu Plan: A lot of frugal ladies out there will tell you to do a menu plan. I struggle with this because I like to just make whatever I'm hungry for.... and a lot of times find myself not knowing what I am hungry for really- go figure!  But by menu planning you can then make your grocery list and buy everything you need at the grocery store at once and lest often. I made this dry erase menu board from an old picture frame. (I'll have a diy post in the near future). It's a start for weekly menu planning.  

3. Make a list and stick to it:  I usually go thru my cupboards before heading to the grocery store to make a list of what I need. Also look at your menu plan if you make one and that also will help you decide what you need to get. This avoids impulse buying when you are at the store, and it does help in saving money.

4. Grocery Shop less often: I started this task by planning grocery trips every two weeks instead of weekly. Slowly I started to build each trip up father apart. I now go once a month. When I went weekly I averaged a grocery bill of about $140 per week. Now I average about $300 every 4 weeks and that totals to be about $75 a week. Big Savings!!!

5. Buy in Bulk: I have been buying a lot of my staple items in bulk (such as flour, sugar, etc). What's so nice about this is that you always have it when you need it and it does cost less than buying pre-packaged items in smaller sizes.

6. Go Homemade:  The internet, local library etc are full of wonderful, easy and free recipes. USE THEM. You can even find recipes to make mixes in bulk, store and use as needed. I have done this with brownie mix, pancake/waffle mix, pudding mix and many others. This will save time for those who think that homemade stuff just takes too much time. In reality it doesn't take much time at all. But the BIGGEST benefit is that it is much, MUCH healthier. No preservatives, additives and other yucky stuff I can't pronounce.  I recently found a recipe for homemade hamburger/hot dog buns using my bread machine. (Included on my blog under Recipes tab). They are so yummy, I do prefer them over the store bought any day. And it took me very little time to do so since I used my bread machine.

 Just by following these simple steps you will soon start seeing the savings and health benefits.  It really is as simple as that and it really works! It's just making your mind up and following through with the plan to do it, is what is so hard. Don't Give Up!

"My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine." Proverbs 23:15

~Blessings,

Sarah

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Using Essential Oils Safely with Children

Using Essential Oils Safely with Children

Posted by Sarah on 4:22 PM in bearNATURAL, Essential Oils, Natural Living,

Essential oils have become increasingly popular over the past several years and there is good reasons as to why. With so many health benefits, it's hard not to get on board in using these natural gifts from God within your own household. Over the past several years of my own experience in using essential oils, I have become familiar with many single oils and their properties, uses and applications. Although some common practices are questionable and debatable in my own opinion, one thing is for sure. Using essential oils are effective!

I do get asked a lot from family and friends about using essential oils with children. This is an area that I am still constantly learning in.  I too want make sure I (as a mother) am also using the most effective oils on my children, but in a SAFE manner.  In majority of the cases, essential oils are 100% safe & effective on children, however essential oils are extremely potent, and using the wrong ones can actually be harmful to children. This is why it's vitally important to know what's safe, what's not, and how to use essential oils with children. One thing I do stress in any case, when using essential oils with children, make sure you DILUTE... DILUTE... DILUTE!!!

 One very helpful resource for me has been the book "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" by Valerie Ann Worwood.  This book by far is my "GO-TO" when it comes to treating my girls. In the book, Valerie has broken down what to use and how to use based on what condition your child may have.  She also had proper dilution guides and which essential oils to use on children at certain ages.


For instance, I've recently learned that using  peppermint oil on children under the age of 6 is not wise. Our youngest daughter gets cases of car sickness once in a while and knowing that peppermint oil is good for that I naturally pulled it out during our car rides and left her inhale. So when I read that I panicked... well not quite but  studied and I found that ginger is a better and safer choice when it comes to motion sickness for children.

So what can I use you may ask. Here is a list I found from certified aromatherapist at Plant Therapy on SAFE oils for children (especially ages 2-6). I refer to this chart constantly as well as Valerie's Book when it comes to using oils on my girls. Remember to ALWAYS dilute!  (Good rule of thumb is 6-9 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil).

(oils suggestions for children ages 2-6 by Plant Therapy)

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Bulk Mix Recipes

Bulk Mix Recipes

Posted by Sarah on 2:43 PM in In the Kitchen, Made by Mama, Money Saving,

Saving time and money is always welcomed at our house.  I found these amazing recipes and wanted to share with you. Hope you enjoy! Cream-of-Whatever Soup Mix
2 cups powdered nonfat milk  3/4 cup cornstarch  1/4 cup instant chicken bouillon  2 Tbsp. dried onion flakes 1 tsp. basil leaves 1 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 tsp. pepper

(Makes equivalent of 9 cans) 
To use in place of canned cream soups in casseroles or as a base for your own soups. Much lower in fat and salt than the canned versions. The trick is to have it made up ready to use!

Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. 
To substitute for one can of condensed soup: Combine 1/3 cup of dry mix with 1 1/4 cups of cold water in a saucepan. Cook and stir until thickened. Add to casseroles as you would the canned product. 
Makes equivalent of 9 cans of soup.

Brownie Mix

8 cups sugar
6 cups flour
2 cups cocoa powder
1 1/2 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tbsp salt

To Make: 
(just lightly mix the ingredients, if you beat them a lot it gets too much air in the eggs and gives more of a cake-like texture.)
2 1/4 cups brownie mix
2 eggs beaten
3/4 cup oil
1/4 cup water2 tsp vanilla

Pour into an 8x8 " pan.  Serves 8-9  (these brownies are quite thick- about 2"-- if you want them thinner place them in an 9 x 13 pan.  They will be about 1/2-1" thick then) 
 Bake for 30-35 min at 350 degrees.  (25-30 min. for the 9x13 pan- serves 12-15)

All Purpose Quick Mix

5 lbs flour (20 cups)
4 c. dry milk
3/4 cups baking powder
2 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp Cream of Tartar
5 cups vegetable shortening

(you should not use margarine or butter in substitution for the shortening unless you are going to refrigerate your mix)

To Make:

Biscuits
3 cups quick mix
3/4-1 cup water
Spread  2 tablespoons of melted butter on biscuits before baking.
Bake for 10-12 min at 450 degrees

Try to handle the dough as little as possible, as this will create rubberiness if handled too much.

Shortcake
3 cups quick mix
2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup  water
Bake 10-12 min at 450 degrees

Coffee Cake
3 cups quick mix
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup  water
1 tsp vanilla
(optional: add 1/2 cup sour cream to make it creamier)

Filling
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine quick mix and sugar.  Mix in egg, milk and vanilla.  Add dry ingredients.  Prepare filling by mixing dry ingredients then cut in the butter.   Spread half of the cake mix, half of the filling, then the other half of the cake mix, then the other half of the filling in an 8x8 pan.  I used a 2" deep pan and it filled the pan to the top.  So, you could probably use a larger pan and the cake would be just a little thinner. Bake for 40-50 min. (mine was done in 30 min.)

Cinnamon Roll Biscuits

4 1/2 cups baking mix
1 1/3 c milk
2 T butter 
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 T. cinn

Glaze:  
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2-3 T milk

Mix together mix and milk.  Roll out the dough on floured surface.  Spread butter, then sprinkle on brown sugar/cinnamon mix.  Roll up the dough and cut into 2" wide slices.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 min.  Mix together the glaze then spread on rolls when cooled a little.

Homemade Tortilla Mix

16 cups flour
2 Tbsp baking powder
2 Tbsp salt
1/2 cups shortening

To make:
2 cups of tortilla mix

1 cup of water

Divide dough into 15 little balls and cover with plastic wrap.  Let them rise 10-15 min.  Roll them out as thin as you can get them.  Fry on a dry, hot griddle, about 2 min. on each side or until little brown spots begin to appear.

The consistency you are looking for in the dough is almost like play dough.  If it is too crumbly they will not roll out well.  That is why the water amount is so varied.  Depending on the humidity of the day, you will need more or less.

Pancake/Waffle Mix

8 cups of unbleached flour
2 cups nonfat dry milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp baking powder
1 1/2 Tbsp baking soda
2 tsp salt






To Make Pancakes:
2 cups mix
1 3/4 cups of water or milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp vegetable oil

To Make Waffles:
2 1/2 cups of mix
2 cups of water
3 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Corn Bread Mix

4 cups flour
4 cups yellow cornmeal
2 cups dry milk
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking powder
1 Tbsp baking soda
2 tsp salt

To Make:
1 1/4 cups cornbread mix
1 egg beaten
1/2 cup water or milk (butter milk is even better!)
2 Tbsp oil
Pour into 8x8" pan.  Bake 12-15 min at 425 degrees

(you can also make corn muffins by baking them in muffin tins for 15 min. at 425 degrees)

Muffin Mix

12 cups flour
4 Tbsp baking powder
1 Tbsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
4 1/2 cup sugar

Plain muffins:

2 3/4 cups mix
2 eggs
1 cup milk 
1/4 cup oil
Bake 15-18 min at 400*

Optional Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup of flour
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
Cut the butter into the flour/brown sugar mix.  Pour half of muffin mix into half of muffin cups.  Sprinkle half of the streusel, then cover with the rest of the muffin mix, and finally top with the rest of the streusel.

 

Blueberry Muffins:

2 3/4 cups of muffin mix
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 cup blueberries
1 tsp vanilla
Bake 15-18 min at 400*

Chocolate Pudding Mix
2 1/2 cups instant nonfat dry milk  5 cups sugar  3 cusps cornstarch	1 tsp. salt  1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa

Mix all the ingredients until they are well blended. Store in a tightly covered container. 
To Use: Stir the mix in the canister before measuring out 2/3 c of the mix into a saucepan. Add 2 cups milk and cook over low heat, stirring, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Continue stirring for 1 minute, remove from heat and pour into individual serving dishes. Pudding will thicken further as it cools. 
Yield: 10 servings

Variation: Cook as directed but add 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 tsp. butter as it cooks. For a chocolate mocha flavor, add 1 tsp. instant coffee to the pudding mix before cooking.

Pie Crust Mix  Makes 9 pies
5 pounds or 20 cups flour  2 Tbsp. salt	1-1/2 pounds lard  2 cups shortening

Mix all ingredients together until crumbly. Store in tightly covered container until needed. This should be refrigerated. When ready to bake pies, combine 3 cups mix with 1/3 cup milk. This ratio will make enough dough for two 9 inch pies.

Ranch Dressing Mix Plus
1 cup dried parsley flakes  1/2 cup finely crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)  1/2 cup dried minced onion  1/2 cup garlic salt	1/2 cup onion salt  1/4 cup garlic powder  1/4 cup onion powder  2 tablespoons dill weed

In a large mixing bowl, combine first 8 ingredients; mix well. Store in airtight container in a cool dry place. 
YIELD: 3 cups mix (enough to make 24 batches of ranch salad dressing).

For Ranch Dressing: 
In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of mix with 2 cups mayonnaise and 2 cups buttermilk. Refrigerate until serving. Yield 4 cups.

For Thousand Island Dressing: 
Add 1/4 cup chili sauce and 2 tablespoons pickle relish to 1 cup prepared ranch dressing.

For Cucumber Dressing: 
Add 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and pureed and 1 teaspoon celery seed to 1 cup of prepared ranch salad dressing.

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Dear Homeschooling Mama

Dear Homeschooling Mama

Posted by Sarah on 5:01 PM in Footsteps, Homeschooling,

Why do we put ourselves under so much pressure as homeschool mamas? I'm guilty of this over and over again.  There have been days I wanted to just bang my head against the wall while feeling defeated in my attempts to get something so simple across to my kids. In desperation to see them "succeed" I become critical and harsh on them when they simply just don't understand or get it.

Problem is I have the tendency to compare the "success" or "knowledge" of my children against the public schooled kids. Why? Because of two reasons.

1. The Public School system is all I know since that is how I was taught.
2. If I feel that my kids are not "keeping up with the Joneses" it's a huge reflection of failure on my behalf. At least that's what Satan keeps telling me.

In these moments of weakness, God will remind me in some way to keep pushing forward and do as HE has willed for me to do...

The world says... Teaching is for only for the qualified
God says... Train up a Child

The world says... Homeschooled children will never amount to anything
God says... I know the plans I have for you.

You see, homeschooling your children does not have to be hard. WE make it hard because we hold high exceptions of ourselves and our children.  It's a constant battle, I get that. But in those moments, we need to realize that God is BIGGER than our struggles and He is there for us through it all.

God trusted your children's care and education to you when He allowed you the privilege to become their parents. You, of all people on earth, should know what is best for your child, right?  Then why should your child's education be a "one size fits all"?

In the trials of the past year, the Lord has revealed a lot to me. Especially in homeschooling our girls. Where I once use to stress over the rules and regulations of homeschooling, I now relax and find joy in the the journey. Where I was so critical, I am now more compassionate.  When I started to expect too much, I began to listen more to the interests of my children and allowed them to explore and flourish on their own.  I'm finding that true learning is found where their interests and heart lies, not in the guidelines of some textbook.

Yes, there are still things we need to learn regardless of how we feel about them, (Math is a doozie for my kids) but the struggles are less and less when we get back to the basics and realize what is the true purpose of learning and whom should the foundation of our learning be based upon... God Almighty!

Keep moving forward Mama Bear! You can do this. God believes in you and so do I!

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New Chapter

New Chapter

Posted by Sarah on 5:26 PM in Faith, Footsteps, Time with God,

So we are officially a few weeks into a new year. While many have made resolutions to change something in their life, I have chosen to see newness that the new year will bring.

For me this year represents a new beginning in some areas of my life. Letting go of anger and allowing Christ's love to shine through me, turning from depression and my selfish ways, fearing the Lord instead of fearing what man will do. These are just a few of my never ending list.

You see, for me, 2018 is the start of a new chapter on my life. Unfortunately it took me going through a deep valley in the previous chapter to get me where I am today.  It still hurts sometimes, but Christ has taught me a lot about myself through the valley and has given me peace and a new joy in my heart, that allows me to see that He has a bigger plan for me.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 says: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 
(12) Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (13)  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. "

Through my valley, I have realized that I have not put Christ where he needed to be... FIRST in my life! I'm the one who likes to have control of life and to try to fix things myself.  In doing so, I was not seeking Him in EVERYTHING.

We all have heard the saying..." If He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it."
We are all flesh and we have choices to make in life, some of which the Lord simply steps back and lets us fall, only to be there for us, pick up our broken pieces and put us back together into something more beautiful than what we were before. That's where I am in my life!

My story is not finished yet.  My prayer and heart's desire is that I seek Christ with all that I am until my book is complete and that it all brings glory and honor to Christ alone.

Trusting in His footsteps,
Sarah

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Peace in Times of Pain

Peace in Times of Pain

Posted by Sarah on 6:10 PM in Faith, Footsteps, Time with God,

Many of us have experienced pain of some sort in our lifetime. Physical, emotional, spiritual, you name it. It's especially hard when pain comes at the least expected time.  It can break and shatter you, take you into deep despair, make you angry, bitter, feeling there is no hope or no reason to go on.

I have recently went through a deep valley myself. One that I never expected nor did I ever think I would would be able to bare. Truth is, in my flesh, there is no way I would be able to bare on my own. I would rather sit in my own self pity, hold on to the anger and bitterness this valley has caused me, remember and remind the hurt I am in. But why? What does that accomplish for my soul? Nothing!

Instead, despite this valley I have chosen to cling to Christ.  I have chosen to love and show Christ likeness no matter how much it hurts because Christ showed His love for us when He died on the cross.   I have chosen to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. I have chosen to find joy and peace in every moment and to have faith and hope to keep moving forward to a brighter and better tomorrow.

Reading God's word has been my hope and peace. God's word promises us that He will never forsake us, that He will comfort us, and if we surrender everything to Him, He will restore us.

Looking back over the past weeks, many verses actually were pressed upon my heart prior to entering this valley and I couldn't understand why? For weeks Psalms 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."  stuck out to me over and over again.  Others came to me after and have been nothing short than comfort to my heart.  Although there are many, here are some of my favorites.

 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise. Think on these things." Philippians 4:8

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 3:13-14

God has also used music as a comfort to my heart as well.  One song particularly brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it, yet it gives me hope and faith that Christ will give me peace to cover all my pain if I only lean on Him to carry me through.

My prayer is that God will use me in all of this to be a blessing to someone else who may be struggling with the same valley as I am going through. But more importantly I want to see Christ glorified through my life.

Blessings,

Sarah

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To Be Mama Bear

To Be Mama Bear

Posted by Sarah on 1:18 PM in Footsteps, Homeschooling, Mama Bear Moments,

To all the Mama Bears out there,

It's a beginning of a new journey for me. I can't help but be excited, yet scared at the same time. I'm not a natural writer in any way, yet the Lord has blessed my life abundantly and  I feel compelled to write about my journey. My hope is that these efforts can be in some way, even if it's in a small way, a blessing to you.

So why focus on Mama Bears?   You've all heard the term of someone pulling a "mama bear" moment. Perhaps you heard, "if mama bear ain't happy,  ain't nobody happy", or the favorite in my den, "Watch out for mama bear!" As mothers we all have some comparable characteristic of mother bears whether we like to admit it or not.

Mother bears of all species set an example of how one sacrifices and strives to
teach her young important life lessons.  She works hard to help her cubs prepare for a harsh world. A mother bear's love is all about  protecting and defending her cubs to the point of risking her own life.  She leads by example.

Amazingly, God create us as wives and mothers with some of these same attributes. He has entrusted our children to us to protect and train them up for the world that lies ahead of them.  In order to do this, we sacrifice and give unconditional love, just like Christ has sacrificed and loves us unconditionally.

 "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE his only begotten son..." John 3:16a

So I encourage you to take this journey with me. Let's strive to follow in the footsteps of the Lord and teach and lead our cubs by example.

~Sarah

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