Family MIssion & A Giveaway!

I am a Christian Educator by trade. (you know in those days before I was blessed to be able to stay home with our children) My husband is a nurse who continued his education as a Nurse Practitioner so that I could come home. The opportunity finally arrived after almost a decade of working, I went to tell our friend and my boss. His response was- "You won't be able to do this long. I expect you to be back in ministry in a couple of years."

At the time, we had 2 children- 13 months apart-I remember telling him that I would be in ministry, but in my home. What God had in store, I had no idea. We now have 4 children, and we are 13 years from that conversation.

With two high school daughters, I stand by the fact that I'm in ministry at home.  Our main goal as a family has been to raise children who love the Lord and share that love with others.

When the kids were little we owned every DVD, cassette, and CD that taught Bible verses and Christian values. I read more books that inspired Godly conversation. I was so determined to teach God's love.

Now those babies are growing, I see them beginning to make their own decisions and choices. I know that foundation is set, but I still think the example of reminding them whose and who they are is important. Around our house I have placed Bible verses, crosses and other things to show them (and others) what we believe.

A regular quote our Pastor uses has been from St. Francis of Assisi- "Preach the gospel everywhere and if necessary use words." Our children have grown up hearing this said weekly in our church. The older girls and I got the opportunity this past spring break to travel with our youth group to Nicaragua. While on the mission trip, we got to live out what we have said was our family theme.

A wonderful way to share our family theme is through the products that DaySpring offers. I have purchased many of the items for gifts, but I also chose to show our mission through these products. This month DaySpring is offering several of items like this one at a discount.

I also am able to offer a giveaway from DaySpring. Please leave a comment below. Also if you follow me on Twitter (@sallieding). You can leave a second comment.


(I am writing this review on the DaySpring product, under my own opinion. I have not been paid by DaySpring for this comment.)

MIRACLES and GIFTS

Do you believe in  miracles?
        Do I believe in miracles? I think I've seen some.

We say quickly, it is a miracle we made it to school, church, etc. on time. We see healing in the life of a friend or family member as a miracle. We get money to pay the bill just in the nick of time...a miracle. It is a phrase we throw around when it is convenient for us.

I sat yesterday listening to our youth pastor preach on the 2nd chapter of Acts. He shared how the believers in that small group of people had seen Jesus after the resurrection. When the loud noise happened and the people were seen with the flames and bright lights the others outside felt the small group of people might be "drunk on wine". 

God had intervened here. The miracle wasn't how God changes people, but THAT He changed them at all.

In verses, 17-39 Peter explains his philosophy to explain they've seen the risen Christ. He knows that Jesus death and resurrection changes lives. He knows that change is a MIRACLE.

A miracle occurred in lives of these people. The way they viewed life changed.

We should look for the MIRACLES because Jesus death and resurrection make it all possible. If we believe that Jesus death and resurrection are real, then it will change the way we view the world. The MIRACLES of this life are proof that God is life and light.

God is so much bigger than our "stuff". He is the God of MIRACLES!

As I keep my list of One Thousand Gifts, I look at them differently today. Each gift I list is in itself  a MIRACLE that God chose to show me today.

Lord, please let me stop to take notice of the MIRACLES that you lay before me. I want to be changed!




Counting My Gifts and Miracles...# 735-791
the fact that I'm learning to be flexible
a morning of reflection
clean sheet day
singing birds
recognition of  child for ACT score
family enjoying another baseball win

a day to help others
getting to pour my heart out to women who seem lost
hugs from friends
seeing new life
a child who can drive the other to soccer
getting to go to softball with my husband-like a date
a girl who loves her sport

writing reflective thoughts
a girl excited about her hair cut
family night at home

learning to enjoy yoga
time of Bible study and learning
wise women to help in studying your word
daughters who help with carpool
seeing good friends at the ball fields
being able to encourage friends

time to organize
a gentle rain
the sound of a candle flickering
a relaxing massage
a great conversation with a friend
a rainbow after the rain
shopping with the girls

a hubby who makes the coffee
friends who share rides to soccer
remembering a coat on a cold, May, soccer day
seeing old friends
lunch indoors on a cold day when a picnic had been planned
blankets
a husband who makes goals and reaches them
a sister who helps the younger one
an exciting baseball season that the town rallies around
a coach who encourages boys even when they are losing

quiet time on Sunday morning
Seniors who invested in my children
living somewhere long enough to watch kids go from elementary school to senior year
small group
a missionary friend home on a leave and getting to encourage and hug her
a Dad who's son has cancer giving God glory for his blessings
a family who opens their home to ones in need
a time of rest
a husband who listens and responds
kids grateful for their youth leaders
a youth leader with cancer coming to lead on a day that he felt better
my husband's uplifting prayer
a wholesome book that is addictive to read

a son eager to finish his book
morning coffee and conversation with my husband
the last full week of school
refunds that go to improvements

sermons that help you see things in a new way

Mother's Day Blessings


Family
Baseball

Coke 10 K

Green Festival

40th Annual Gum Tree Festival

Friends

Sweet Tea
D'Casa

Movies- AT HOME

Heating Pad

Cards





 Gifts

Worship

Cooking Together

Music

Nest Painting

Son Awarded for Writing

Remembering Mother's and Grandmother's



Honoring Mother's

Philip and my Mama

A weekend of FAMILY and LOVE....

THANK YOU!



Gifts List #686-734
a restful day
a time of reflection
a deer crossing the raod-not at all concerned about me
MK confidence about showchoir tryouts
kids who count down days until summer
Wynn practicing piano without being asked
Sarah's honesty about her feelings

Bible reading that teaches
a morning walk that reminds me it is Spring
baby ducklings
yoga that helps my body heal
help for a family member in need
a warm shower

ducklings swimming with their Mom
music that lifts the soul
time in Bible study with a friend
seeing kids run and build confidence
schedules that work themselves out
a boy's confidence in a sport that isn't his best
girls singing songs that remind me of my high school choir days
a child who makes showchoir-seeing the excitement on her face

getting to bake for a single mom
sending cards to Mom's in my life who need encouragement
time at baseball games with family
seeing Wynn play with a friend who makes her laugh and smile
a talented husband who can and will help decorate cakes

time to walk through green festival
celebrating the boys successful run-58.01
meeting an old friend who I admire
girls who make lunch
a good talk with MK
Wynn's day with her friend
time with Trippe and MK
seeing friends at Gum Tree
sweet tea on a hot day
cool breezes when you are hot
mexican with the family
laughter at dinner
a long journey that leads to a relaxing night at home
early restoring rest

my favorite omlet for breakfast
a slower, quiter morning
thoughtful, hand-made and picked - out cards
a sermon that challenges me to "let-go & let God"
cooking lunch with Philip
the afternoon with my family at Gum Tree
the kids excited to get me a gift of art
Trippe's creative writing being honored
a little girl who wants to go to night church
an after dinner treat
family traditions
family laughter

Thankful in the storm

I have been working on trying to capture the events of the past several weeks around our town, region and nation. I have spent time being thankful for our safety. I have prayed for those who have lost. I have been grateful for the capture and ending of the life of an evil man. I have ached at the thought of his death does not really bring about peace we so long for.

Last week, I woke with a migraine headache. I took my medicine after Philip and the kids left for school. Normally it begins to let up so that I can live life, but that morning it seemed worse so I got back into bed. It was dark and rainy outside so I slept for a couple of hours. A friend text me that she wanted us to be safe and she would be praying. I groggily text my husband to see if I needed to be concerned. I began to check the weather and in looking out the window, I realized the weather was bad.

The reports were that tornadoes would be in our area all day. I worried so much about our children. I knew that our baby girl would be sitting in the hallway of her school in fear. I also had a feeling that I needed my babies home.  After lunch, I had watched the weather enough and texted Philip enough that I went to the elementary school to get our younger two.  Our oldest was taking a state test so I knew that checking her out would be hard. I just committed to prayer for them.

The second wave of bad weather came through near carpool time so the older girls were stuck in safe places at school. The others of us were in our home safe place and I was praying for safety.

Towns in our area damage and a few towns experienced total devastation. After the storms had passed, we watched television coverage of the path of the storm. We were very blessed. The storm had passed us by, but the loss for others were overwhelming.

I have shared with our children how important our safety is. I shared that even when bad things happen we have to rely on the thing that we know about God. He is faithful. He protects us. He will never leave or forsake us. God is good all the time.

For our safety, I am thankful!

Gifts List # 654-685
seeing excitement on faces of pregnant women
prayer before the day begins at Parkgate
text from Mom who chose life-rejoicing over her choice
son recognition for writing at school board meeting
talking with good friend who encourages  & I encourage her
a massage appointment time

a good walk
a new exercises that makes me feel good
 walking taller
getting more done because I feel good
my Bible study friends
a  "free" night

family night at baseball
a kid who appreciates your support
a sweet girl's birthday and getting to celebrate
beautiful weather for soccer

boys who give their all
time together as a family
puppies and their breath
picnic lunches
ability to buy clothes for kids with my money

confidence of soccer boys
Trippe bravely facing pk & making it
coach recognizing boys character
girls staying home and getting themselves to church
a good afternoon nap
breakfast for dinner
unexpected blessings about a new church service

walk
family night at baseball-cheering for the home team
Philip helping find help from kids
new dinners ideas that all liked