With all the technology and bombarding of frequencies and everything else... Do we have a chance to live healthy lives? This is a question I do get asked. And the short answer is, yes! But the long answer is, to an extent. There are so many factors to figure in... But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Our whole family loves rocks. We can't go on walks without noticing treasures along the way. We have rocks everywhere. We also have a few crystals and gemstones. I've even invested in amber necklaces and bracelets for everyone. The older two girls do really think they helped the babies while they were going through bouts of teething and colic. My favorite jewelry through the years has always been nature pieces. One of my uncles gave me a beautiful wooden bead necklace when I was young. A high school friend gave me a pretty braided silver ring with a turquoise stone that I loved. My grandmother gave me a ring with a big beautiful pink stone, which my mother had a matching necklace for.

Crystals, Gemstones and Amber from a Biblical perspective

​“O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted,
behold, I will set your stones in antimony,
and lay your foundations with sapphires. 
I will make your pinnacles of agate, 
your gates of carbuncles, 
and all your wall of precious stones.
All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 54:11-13 ESV

I'm not really sure how many people read my blog posts (or any blog post for that matter) anymore, so I'm going to give myself permission to ramble uncontrollably a little here. This post has been sitting in the draft bin for 20 days now, bugging me every time I think of it. I've had a lot going on, but at the same time, I've been contemplating the direction of things, including my blog and social media channels, as well as world events. As things change both in the world and online, people's attention spans are getting shorter and their patience is disappearing. It's frustrating for someone like me who likes to spend lots of time reading, writing and being creative.

Controversy

Contentiousness

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. Proverbs 26:21

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath... Romans 2:8

 
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. 1 Corinthians 11:16

Leaving Bitterness Behind

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32

I took a walk in the mist yesterday. We've had less than an inch of rain and are still in extreme drought conditions. The temperature is supposed to be into the high 90's this weekend. But we've been enjoying the little bit of moisture. Sometimes when I walk, one or more of the children go with me. This time I was alone. I had my headphones on and music playing, but just let my mind wonder for two miles.

Wondering what to do this summer?

The Desecration and Disrespect of Femininity

Who am I?

Childhood memories are hard for me. I don't have many good ones. I remember wishing I had the memories of the family of "Little House on the Prairie." When I became a mother, that's what I was striving for. It spurred me on when our community hosted a mock land run for the Cherokee Strip Centennial celebration in 1993. With the help of friends and my Mother-in-Love, I made historical outfits for all of us. Our youngest at the time wore her great-grandmother's baby dress. I had so much fun learning how to sew these clothes that I just kept sewing for myself, our children, our home and friends.

Grandmother-hood is not what I expected

Memories aren't always the same as reality

Soaking it in

Which of these is on repeat in your head? ​     a.  You need to just grow up.     b.  Quit living in a your own little world.     c.  You're lazy and selfish.     d.  Don't you have any common sense?     e.  You'll never be good enough. I've had them all said to me and I've doubted myself with them off and on through the years. ...and then... Not suddenly, but gradually, I started to realize some things. Some Truths.

A. Growing up

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4

B. The fantasy world

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world..." John 18:36

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love HIM”— 1 Corinthians 2:9
​(Quoted from Isaiah 64:4 & Isaiah 65:17)

C. Looking in the mirror

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for HIM; fret not yourself... Psalm 37:7

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to HIS eternal glory in Christ, will HIMself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

D. Sense and Sensibility

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25

E. You are amazing!

For YHWH formed my inward parts;
    YHWH knitted me together in my mother's womb.  Psalm 139:13

“Whoever believes in HIM may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only Son, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send HIS Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through HIM." John 3:15-17

I understand

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Did you make it to the party? If you missed it, it's not too late to stop in for a lot of freebies and great information. ​Sometime this week, stop in and join the fun.

Creating a Legacy Facebook Party

Danielle Tate is the Sex & Money Mrs. tackling tough topics in marriage no one wants to talk about. Author of Restoring the Lost Petal, Danielle is a former Certified Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist through NAEA. She is also creator of The Believers Budget, a Biblical approach to managing money in a way that makes it work for you, instead of you working for it. ​Her goal is to regain the ground the enemy has taken and expose the lies he's planted and help people live thriving lives. At the party, Danielle shared her free mini e-course, 6 Steps to Debt Free Living.​

Mellisa Ochsenhirt is a family relationship coach, health foodie and author of printable planners, family games and activities. Mellissa specializes in preschool and special needs, training students to be productive while realizing their many unique characteristics and helping them find their special purpose. Mellisa is a printable queen!  ​During the party, several of her planners were shared during the party, including a holiday planner and a nice Thanksgiving recipe. Make sure to drop in to the party and get your copies.