Tuesday thoughts

I'm always in search of a good christian parenting books. I'm always asking myself, "How can I be a better wife and mother?" And too many times I feel like I fall short. Motherhood in it self is not thinking of yourself. Too many times I'm concerned of what's best for me, how to get what I want out of it. So selfish.
Motherhood is thinking of others. Sacrificing your time and energy for the good of the family. It's being a servant. And what better example do I have other than Jesus Christ? He is the perfect example of a humble servant.
Just over a year ago, right when we found out I was pregnant, I was reading through Titus 2. I was going through this chapter with a study book. (Created to be his Help Meet by Debi Pearl) Here are some things that I wrote in my journal during that time. It was a great reminder of my duty as a Christian woman.

"A Titus 2 Woman first must be SOBER: To do one's duty, be moderate, self-controlled, thoughtful, and to learn to make wise decisions, and judgment. When a woman learns to be sober, she will not live for immediate gratification. She will appreciate those things that will last for eternity. "

Immediate gratification... So many times I'm frustrated because things are not done. If I don't get my 'too do' list finished, then I'm not happy. "Choose to do those things which will give satisfaction as you view life as a whole, rather than measure satisfaction at the end of each day." (A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming) Am I having eternity in mind here? Will having the 'too do' list checked off at the end of the day really benefit my relationship with my family? What am I doing that has lasting value?

"A Titus 2 Woman must love their husbands: Putting his needs before your own. BE READY to minister to him!"

Again, here it is. Putting others before me. I ask the Lord to help me in this area. At the end of the day, I realize times where I could have, should have ministered to my husband. I fail all too much. Please forgive me Lord. I have such a wonderful husband who deserves so much more than this foolish girl.

"A Titus 2 Woman must love their children: For a mother who loves her children, training is not a chore, it is a full-time, all-consuming passion. They are worth every minute of time and trouble to every 'dedicated' mother."

"To be Discreet: Prudent; wise in avoiding error and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose. Polite and honest."

"To be Chaste: Pure in though, word and act. To be modest and honorable in all things"

"To be Keepers at Home: Keeping a godly home with excellence for your husband and children is the christian woman's nonnegotiable responsibility."

"To be Good: A good woman is genuine, joyful, virtuous, valuable, kind, merciful, hard working, gracious and wise."

"To be Obedient to their own husbands: TRUST! Depend on his wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 12:4 'A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband...'"

So as I read through Titus 2 again this week, and looked back at my notes from last year, I am greatly convicted on how I've lacked in my motherhood life. I would wonder 'where am I in this ministry? How can I reach people? Send me Lord.' The home is where the Lord has sent me. My family is my ministry. This is my calling. And there's no where else I'd rather be. I pray that these things will show through in my life as I grow in my Christian walk.

Shadow

This post is taken from my mom's blog.


We've had Shadow for thirteen years (got her on Bethany's 10th birthday). She was stone deaf for about a year, going blind, but basically still doing good until a week ago. She got very sick, didn't eat for the whole week and we finally had to bring her in to the vet yesterday and have her put down. We will miss her a lot!!!

She LOVED to go camping. She was great friends with the chipmunks at Boot Lake!!

She was a Christian dog. Here she is ministering in her favorite way...cleaning up the gym floor at the church after lunch. (Actually she is helping us get ready for Bethany's wedding here.)

She sat in on a few Senior Picture photo shoots (for Brooke & Brennan, anyway...what's up with that? She was supposed to be Bethany's dog).

She HATED water in general, and getting a bath in particular.

She didn't quite understand the family picture thing...just look at her face!!

She made Scott believe that she enjoyed all the things he did to her. Not so sure about that...

...but she did enjoy Scott.

Lots of good times!!!!

Thanks mom. I am going to miss her so much.

Shadow, Thanks for taking walks with me in the woods and keeping me company! Thanks for playing fun games like hide'n'seek, with us kids. Thanks for being our pillow while we watched tv, and for always greeting us with a handshake! I wish I could have been there during your last days. But at least I have the memories of you. I love my dog Shadow. Good bye good friend.

On the road again

After being here in Greenville, SC for the past three months, it's time to pack up and start our Spring Tour with Bible Revival! Our first stop is Faith Baptist Church of Pekin, IL. We've been practicing, warming up our voices, and learning new songs. Today we all got together and did a promo shot. I don't have the team shot. But here's my family! Lincoln is such a cutie! :)Being in one place for a stretch of time, I noticed that stuff started to pile up in our little home. Things were adding up, and junk seemed to be cluttering in every corner. Today was a big clean-up day in our home. Everything has to be put away and secured before we travel. That's one of the good things of packing up and leaving every week after team meetings. The house HAS to be cleaned at the end of the week in order to travel.
I'm sad to be leaving the bloggy world for the next few days. We are never sure if we'll get wireless at our next stop. (the only thing we have right now is a desktop. Planing on getting a Laptop this summer) I finally found my own little corner in the blog world! I hope to be back soon to show the veiw from our front door.
I had fun partying, blog hopping and meeting new people through the UBP. I hope no one minds if I go back to the Linky site to see how everyone is doing! I will for sure check to see if I need to claim any prizes! :)
So...back to cleaning/rearranging clutter. I will miss my bloggy world. Hope to be back soon!

Tuesday thoughts

During rough, difficult times, I love reading Psalms. Psalm 27 has been one of my favorites.

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock...

...Thy face, Lord, will I seek...

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart...

These were just some verses that I read today that were encouraging. Always a good reminder.

I'm anxious to get back on the road and minister to fellow believers. I'm even more anxious to be home for the summer. These next two months are going to be so busy and the summer in Wisconsin is looking so inviting! I can't wait! I'll be home with my family, close to Joe's family, and best of all...Close to the beach! My favorite!

Take some time today and reflect on what the Lord is doing in your life. Is he stretching you? Did you read an encouraging verse today? I'm always reminding myself to practice a thankful heart.

5 things I'm thankful for today:

1. The sun is shining brightly! I love sunny days!
   
2. Quiet time in God's word.
   
3. My husband is out with another full days work before we head out on the road.
4. Lincoln didn't wake up at 3am like the last two nights!
5. Friends. I have wonderful friends that encourage me. I should thank them personally.
   

I better go now. Lincoln just woke up from his nap and wondering what's taking so long for me to realize he's awake. (I hear ya buddy, momma's coming!)

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

I won!

Thank you so much to Amy at Park City Girl for the lovely giveaway! I'm so thrilled! This is my first time to win a giveaway!


I will use my bag proudly! Thanks again! And don't forget to check out how you can win prizes here!

Lil bit of the weekend

Joe was able to pick up some hours this weekend, (praise!) so Lincoln and I have had the house to our selves! Joe is gone today (Sunday) as well. He is in Georgia singing with the Calvary Quartet. They were short one guy this weekend and asked Joe to fill in. Which is another praise! The Lord is providing in small ways.

Here's a video and some pics that I took over the weekend. Lincoln is so much fun to be with!

Don't forget to check out my party!

Let's Party!

The Ultimate Blog Party is getting started and you'll definitely want to join! WHY?! You can win PRIZES!!! And meet new people! What's more fun than that??!! So go over to 5 Minutes for Mom and read all about it. I can't wait to get this party started! Thanks for joining me, let's get to know each other!

My name is Bethany, I'm 22, and I've been married to my WONDERFUL husband Joe for 20 months now!We met at college through some awkward, but memorable moments! I love him dearly and can't say enough about him. (please check out his website! He's very talented!) He is trying to start up his business, Joe's Studio. Check it out.

On November 3, 2008, our adorable son Lincoln Joseph was born! You can get to know him if you look through my blog. He's fun to take pictures of!
Joe and I travel for the Bible Revival Evangelistic Team. (Old pic from last year before Lincoln arrived) With Joe's brother and his family, we make up the Bible Revival Team. We travel across the country to local churches ministering with music and preaching. We've been on the team since August of '08 and it's been quite an experience! What we call "home" is a travel trailer that hooks up to the back of our truck. We love having our home with us everywhere we go. And the view outside our door is always new and exciting!

Another thing that you have to know about me is that I was born and raised in Wisconsin and it's still very much apart of my life. I am a cheesehead and proud of it! I love being with my family and traveling does make me homesick. Other than Joe, my mother is my best friend! Please visit her blog. Her frangrenced soaps are wonderful!

Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to meet everyone! Don't forget to check out the Ulimate Blog Party and get your name entered in some of those prizes!!! I would be hosting a giveaway...but we will be leaving our station and packing up and moving to another location. I don't know what our options are for wireless...But I do hope that you come back and visit! There will be more stories of our lovely travels! Thanks again!
Happy blogging!

*If you are coming from the UBP linky site, please click on my header at the top to see if I've updated my blog. :)*

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There are so many prizes to be won. Here are my top choices:

1. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer from Mom's who think
2. $50 gift certificate to a Target Store provided by Shoot-Me-Now
3. $10 Gift certificate to Charley's Grilled Subs provided by Charley's Grilled Subs
4. Two $25 Gift Certificates Tiny Tots with Style

If any of my top choices are chosen, here are some other great gifts I'd like. Check out the list at the UBP
#21, #22, #26, #41, #58, #60, #72 Or anything else related with giftcards or baby items for my 4 month old. You know what? I'd just be happy to win anything!!!

Some thoughts

This morning I was reading my Proverbs for the day. Proverbs 19:21 caught my eye. "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, THAT SHALL STANDS." I also came across some other verses that showed that my God is a Provident God. A God that is providing carefully for the future. MY FUTURE.
Prov. 20:24 "Man's going are of the Lord, how can a man then understand his own way?"
Prov. 3:9 "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Prov. 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

These verses are very encouraging at this time in my life. Here we've been sitting in Greenville, jobless, money is tight, totally walking by faith. Isn't that what the Christian life should be? Walking by faith? But it seemed that we were stuck. No where to go. Why are we here? What do you have for us Lord?

Questions like these filled my mind. What's the purpose? "Man's goings are of the Lord, how can a man then understand his own way?" I feel that God is preparing us for something. Joe and I may not know what's going on. But God does. He is "providing carefully for our future." He is a God that is a provident God.

But what about the "devices in a man's heart"? How do I not let my heart, my foolish wicked, sinful heart get in the way? I don't want distractions getting in the way and obscuring my view from the plan that God has for me in my life. "In all they ways, acknowledge him..." I'm always asking God for wisdom, and for the strength each day.

God is making a path for this family. He has it laid out for us. There are twists and turns, bumps and hills. But by keeping our eyes on the Lord, diligently serving Him, we are in His will. This is God's will for us to be here in Greenville, jobless... It's a time of stretching, growing, seeking His face.

I really want to know what the future holds. How is God going to use this weak vessel? I pray that this family will be a light in this dieing world. That we will be an example to future generations. Our family is still young, but God can still use us. I feel that God will use us some way. I'm letting God prepare me now.

I know I'm not very much of a writer. I mostly ramble on and on. Not making too much sense at all. I just hope to be a small voice to future generations. Future mothers, wives, sisters in Christ... We all go through struggles in life. I just want to share how God is working in mine. Today I'm praising my God who is looking out for me and my family. I know that I can fully rely on him.
I won't be offended if you don't read my posts. But please let me know if you have something to say. Let's praise our God together!

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Today my Mr. Right (Joe) has a birthday! It's a special day! Today I will be making him homemade pizza and cheesecake! I love him to death and he is my very best friend! Right now I'm going to wake him up and wish him a happy birthday!

The view from our front door

I've been wanting to do this for a while and thought that it would be fun. The Bible Revival Team is back together and will be heading out of Greenville soon to start our Spring Tour. (That's what I call it!) Once we start traveling, I want to blog every Monday about what's "outside our front door." So that people who read my blog (if any) can see where we are and find out what's going on at our "house."

Meet the Snow Family

For the past 3 1/2 months, our home has been parked in the Snow's driveway in Greenville, SC. (Read the story of when we bought our home here.)

We've had a wonderful time here. The kids pop over every now and then to see what we're up to. Lincoln LOVES Elise! Joe and Andrew spend most of their times gaming or playing with their wooden swords. Lynn and Terry have been so gracious! We appreciate all that they've done for us!
It will be hard to leave! It's been fun! I'm really gonna miss the Southern Sweet Tea!
To find out more about the Bible Revival Team, visit our website. Maybe you can come see us when we are in your area!

Joe's Studio being featured!

My husband's business was featured on Particularly Pretty. Ashley is from Midland, MI (where my husband is from) and she was featuring some artists from the area. So Joe is on the Tuesday Top Ten. Check it out!

What's for Dinner?

I've been asking myself that question a lot this week. Money has been tight and the pantry is running dry. I've been bored with the main recipes that I use and am search for new ones. I love looking through KRAFT magazines and cook books and recipe blogs. But who better than fellow wives and mothers who know about good wholesome food that is affordable with a single based income?! So I'm asking you to help me out here. Please give me your family's favorite "cheap" meal.
Here's one that my husband and I love:

Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients:
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 chicken drumsticks (I use breasts or thighs as well)

1) Combine the soy sauce, oil, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder in a container to marinade chicken. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.

2) Drain and discard marinade. Bake chicken uncovered, at 375* for 35-45 minutes or until juices run clear.
Serve over hot rice!

I love this recipe because I cook it different ways depending on how much time I have. Sometimes I'll combine everything in the crock pot and let it cook all day. (The smells are wonderful) Or I'll combine everything in a pot and boil the chicken for about 45 min. Or reserve some of the marinade and grill the chicken outside for an awesome bar-b-que!

Joe says that I make chicken too much. I'm sorry...It's cheap and easy. He enjoys Mexican style and I like pasta, shrimp, and chicken! :)
This summer I'm going to try to cook for my whole family in Wisconsin. I've been wanting to work at my cooking skills and can't wait to use my family as my guinea pigs!
Hope you enjoy my recipe, and I hope to use some of yours! Thanks!

Winner of Joe's Studio Giveaway!!!

I can't believe that it's March and that Spring is here in Greenville, SC!
I'm excited to announce the winner of my first giveaway. I had fun and am looking forward to my next giveaway!
Now to the winner! I used Random.org and #36 Joy from Joy To The Blog is the lucky winner! Congratulations! Thank you for blogging about my giveaway, I'll be emailing you shortly. Thank you everyone for participating! If you are still interested in any of my husband's services, please check out his blog, website, and etsy shop. He is always working on something new. Remember to send him some love if you visit his sites! :)

Lincoln's trip to WI

We are up in the cold north for a few days visiting family. We got here Saturday and will be leaving Wednesday morning. It's so short. But I'm glad we had the chance to see everyone. We were able to visit Joe's family as well, and tonight we will be watching our brothers play b.b. against eachother.
Can't wait to come back here in the summer! I love summers here in Wisconsin! But it's back to Greenville for now. (Hope the snow is gone down there!)

This is my crazy brother. Always making us laugh!

Lincoln with Grandpa!

































































Lincoln with Grandma!