The Fulfilled and Fulfilling Wife and Mother Series

Part 1

Understanding the problem from God's point of view-

Psalm 128:3 says, "Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

There are several instances in the Bible that a picture of a vine is used to describe something or someone. In this case it is describing the woman of the house. Jesus also described Himself as the vine because the vine symbolized life, refreshment and ministry.
John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.


Likewise wives give life (through childbirth), refreshment (through our attitudes and homemaking), and minister in our homes.
In a godly family, a wife must be more concerned about being (her presence) than doing, more concerned about what she is than how she performs. Christian conduct is rooted in christian character. Without Christ within, we can't do a thing!

So to be a "vine" in our own homes, ladies, we must have the Vine in our hears! Without that relationship we can do nothing out of our own strengths!!

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

How are you going to give what you don't have? You can't! I know I personally don't wake up with all the patience, kindness, gentleness, discipline etc that I will need for the day. And God doesn't expect me to. That's why He gave us His Word and the Holy Spirit. So that everyday when my resources are depleted, I can drop to my knees and say "Lord, I need YOUR patience YOUR kindness YOUR gentleness to deal with these crazy boys!" Without Him, I am one crabby mama ;)

Lord, help me to remember to come to you my Vine and my Strength in times when I have none. Help me to remember that I can do NOTHING without You. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to lift me up when I need it.
Amen

19 kids and counting giveaway!!

The Duggar Family Blog is giving away 3 copies of 19 kids and counting. the give away ends tonight at 9pm!!!

New Bible Study!!!

I will be starting a new Bible Study tomorrow on Biblical Womanhood, focusing on being fulfilled as a wife and mother. My hope is that this study will open my eyes to the blessings of the position that God has called me to be, and to be content with His calling.
I also hope to become more of the woman He has called me to be.
So join me here tomorrow if you would like to study this with me.
We will begin with taking a look at the "problem" of discontent in motherhood and wifehood(?)
Scriptures we will use are : Ps. 128:3 and Jn. 15:1,5

Have a blessed evening!

Moderation (or "I think I'm trying too hard")

So I went to the mall this morning, and apparently I got there about 20 minutes too early. So I took Crazy C and NKOTB for a stroll around the mall.
What is it about the windows that make you want to buy everything!?! Crazy C was enamored by it all, apparently I need to get me kids out more often LOL.

Anywho, as I was strolling around, a weird sensation came over me. All of a sudden, I felt like Ms. B again. The real Ms. B!! Not the Ms. B who cares what everyone thinks of her. Not the Ms. B who's trying to be "The best that she can be". The Ms. B who dresses weird, and doesn't care. The Ms. B who makes mistakes (a lot). The Ms. B who likes fashion and doing hair.

And that's who I am, for better or worse. I can't help it. THAT is who God made me to be, not a better version of myself, just....myself.

Lately I have been trying sooo hard to figure out who I am, what I should wear, how I should act. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with trying to better yourself (especially when you're doing it to please God). But in trying to better myself, I have lost myself. And that does NOT please God! He has made us all different. And that's OK!!! That's the spice of life :)

So here is a revised version of : Who I AM

I am...
a woman
a Christian
a wife
a mother (to 3 boys,and I don't have to have 19 kids and counting if I don't want to!)
a funky dresser
a klutz
a hairstylist (at heart until I finally get my license)
a sister
a daughter
an aunt
a book devourer
a writer

and, most importantly... me!

Blog Hop!

Child Training Bible

 So I have stumbled across the most amazing product! It's called the Child Training Bible. And basically this puts God's opinion and directions regarding your children's behavior at your fingertips (literally!)

How does it work? First you need a Bible, or you can buy one from their website (http://www.childtrainingbible.com/). Then you order your kit, which comes with tabs for anything from lying to eating your veggies. Then you wait for a trainable moment with your child (nice choice of words, huh?). Then the magic happens. Instead of getting frusterated because you can't remember where in the Scriptures it says that your child MUST obey you -- because let's face it, NONE of us have the whole Bible memorized!-- you can look up the corresponding tab and VOILA the correct scripture is revealed! You can show your child that they are to obey and here's why!

I totally want one! And guess what, they're giving away 3 of them!!!! So go enter before the deadline!!!

Boys...

New Kid on The Block made his arrival on January 12, 2012. Weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz and 21 1/2 inches long! This now brings the male to female ratio in my home to 4:1.... and I wouldn't have it any other way!

To be honest when I first found out that NKOTB was another boy, I was disappointed. I had dreams of finally hearing the words "It's a Girl!" and buying lots of pink things. However, God had/has other plans for our family.
When people find out that I have 3 boys, the usual comments are:
" Wow! You'll have your hands full!"
"Don't you wish you were having a girl?!"
"Are you trying for a football/baseball/basketball team?"
"So are you going to keep trying for a girl?"

And now that my third, sweet boy is here, I have to ask.... why such negativity towards boys???
I understand that boys play rough, are loud, and are pretty much always dirty. But what naysayers don't see is how sweet, considerate, and protective they are :) They might play pirates and superheroes instead of babies and Barbies, but under the tough guy exterior, is a tender heart. One day they will grow up and become men with scratchy beards on the sweet soft faces that I kiss as much as I can. But for now they are my sweet, snugly little men.
Don't get me wrong, boys are LOUD!!! And it has taken me a while to get used to living in the "Land of Boys".
It is said that God will never give you more than you can handle, so I'm trusting Him on this!

So... now that my hormones have completely taken over I will leave you with the words of this song:


"Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)"

Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

                                           I love you my little men!!!