Scriptures 2 Encourage

I love to sends cards to people and encourage others when I can. Whenever I am discouraged, weary, or in a "funk" I read the Pslams. They renew my strength and give me much hope. I decided to make a little booklet with scriptures from the Psalms that might encourage others. The booklets are easy and cheap to make. I purchased cardstock (3.875 x 3.875 textured dark) from Hobby Lobby, index rings, and a sharpie. Here are a list of the scriptures I put in the booklet. You can add others. I was able to make 3 booklets from one package of cardstock. It was 3.99, but you can find it half price at Hobby Lobby. I would love to hear what scriptures you cling to, so please share! Here are the scriptures:

Look down and have mercy on me. Give strength to your servant. Ps 86:16

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Ps 16:8

I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Ps 32:8

He cares for you with a true heart and will lead you with skillful hands. Ps 78:72

Each day He carries us in His arms. Ps 68:19

Restores the sparkle to my eyes. Ps 13:3

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help. Ps 46:1

The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down. Ps 146:8

The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. Ps 146:14

We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. Ps 95:7

But I will keep on hoping for Your help. Ps 71:14

I am counting on the Lord, I am counting on the Lord. Ps 130:5

Take up my case my God and my Lord. Ps 35:23

My heart is confident in You O God. Ps 57:7

The Lord is for me so I will have no fear. Ps 118:6

May He send help from His sanctuary and strengthen you. Ps 20:2

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths. Ps 23:3

Be strong and courageous all you who put your hope in the Lord. Ps 31:24

But I will keep on hoping for Your help. Ps 71:14

The Kindness Jar

My little guys seem to be struggling with kindness towards one another. In a house of four boys, conflict can creep in often. We are constantly talking to them about the words they speak. We ask them often "Are you building your brother up, or are you tearing him down." or "Were your words helpful or hurtful?" One other area that we are trying to get them to take note of is the "tone" of their words. We encourage them to speak "gently" to one another. Even in the car this morning an incident presented itself and I started preaching/instructing away. I encouraged them to "respond" to one another and not "react". These are all very difficult and challenging concepts even for an adult!! I find myself daily asking the Lord to help me put on kindness and gentleness. I ask Him to help me to respond and not react. I am encouraging the boys to do the same.

So here is my little idea that I got last night while I was washing the dishes! This is going to be "Kindness Week". I am going to have a "KINDNESS JAR". Whenever I see them being kind to each other, I am going to put a marble in the jar. Once the jar is full, they will all get a special treat or reward. If this works well, I may continue it. Wish me luck.

Books/Devotionals/Bibles for Kids

As a child I was not taught the Bible in our home. We did go to church and most of my Bible teaching as a child was from the church. God used this to make me passionate about teaching the boys about the truths in the Bible. We usually have our Bible time at night before bed. I read to the 4 year old and 6 year old. Then I read to the 8 year old and 11 year old. I have listed some of the books and Bibles we have used over the years. I love Kenneth Taylor's stuff so you will see that I used many of his books.

Bible for Little People's Eyes by Kenneth Taylor (ages 3-4)

Family Time Bible in Pictures by Kenneth Taylor (ages 4-5)

Big thoughts for Little People by Kenneth Taylor (ages 3-5)

5 Minute Devotions for Children by Pamela and Doug Kennedy (ages 3-6)

My ABC Bible Verses (ages 4-7) I loved the scriptures they provide for memory.

Right Choices by Kenneth Taylor (my kids favorite book ever!!!)

Everything a Child Should Know about God by Kenneth Taylor (ages 4-7)

Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones (currently reading this ages 4-6)

Children's Chronological Bible by Karen Henley (7 min. a day, no pics ages 7-11)

Kenneth Taylor's Bible Study Book Bible (ages 7-9)

Then and Now Christian Heroes biographies ( I read these in the summer to the older boys. Love these. We have read about Nate Saint, Corrie ten Boom, George Mueller, David Livingstone, etc)

**I was struggling with my little two about them staying focused some nights for the Bible reading. Now, I give them a notebook and they draw what we are reading about. They love this.

Favorite Mommy Books:

Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman

Graced Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel

Love and Logic (one of my favorites)

Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson (love her books)

Sibling Rivalry (this was helpful when the kids were younger)

Power of a Praying Parent (I pray out of this almost daily)

Called to be a Keeper ( my all time favorite Bible study, great for moms) you can order one at www.keepersministry.com

I am not sure if this list will help anyone. I would love to hear about a series or devotions or resources that your family loves. Love to you.

Scriptures to read after a "crappy mom day"

I like call hard days as a mom "crappy mom days". How do I define a crappy mom day? It is a day when the children are not getting along or they continue to disobey. It is a day when I am enduring the children instead of enjoying them. It is a day where I go from instructing in love to disciplining out of irritability. It is a day that just seems to be on a downward cycle. I really dislike it when our days go that direction. Some nights I go to bed feeling so defeated and questioning my abilities as a mom. One particular evening, I thought to myself "I need some scriptures to run to after a "crappy mom day". So here is the list I have compiled for myself and for you. Hugs to every mommy!!

He renews my strength. Ps 23:3

May He send help from His sanctuary.. Ps 20:2

I will lift my eyes to You O God. Ps 123:1

But God is my Helper. Ps 154:4

...dont be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strenghten you and help you. Is 41:10

As soon as I pray, You answer me, You encourage me by giving me strength. Ps 138:3

Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Pet 5:7

Exercise ideas for Busy Moms

I am not an "exercise queen". I would describe myself more like an "excuses queen". Being a mom of four I can usually think of some pretty good excuses on why not to exercise. In the past, I have been fortunate to have some really great walking partners. We would meet early in the mornings and that is my very favorite way to get exercise done for the day. However, I am in a different season and I don't have a walking partner right now. My exercise goals for the week are pretty simple....exercise for 20 minutes a day for 4 or 5 days a week. Here are some of the ways I have incorporated exercise into my week.

....jump rope in the kitchen for 20 minutes while the kids are watching a video

...go for a bike ride for 20-30 minutes with the older child (exercise plus bonding time)

...while the kids are at the park, I walk around the playground or if there are steps, I run the steps for 20 minutes (I know this doesn't work if you are chasing a 2 year old)

...family walks after dinner (everyone ends up getting exercise).

...a little routine I got from pininterest....20 squats, 30 lunges, 50 second wall sit, 100 jumping jacks, 30 lunges, 20 squats (repeat for 20 minutes) You can do this while the kids watch a video.

...walk on a treamill for 20 minutes on a steep incline if you have one.

I am not an expert on exercise. I am just a crazy mom who wants to help other busy and tired moms. Love to you. I would love to hear your ideas too!!

Scriptures for Fear

There was a season in my life when I was very fearful. I had trouble sleeping through the night. I searched the scriptures and compiled a list to read over. I would read this list of scriptures until peace came. I am not sure if these will help anyone but I am hopeful. This week, I have felt like I am suppose to share them for some one.

I will not be afraid for You are close beside me. Ps 23:4

Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Ps 27:3

The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust Him with all my heart. Ps 28:7

The Lord protects His people. Ps 28:8

But I am trusting You O Lord saying You are my God. My future is in Your hands. Ps 31:14

We depend on the Lord alone to save us...only He can help us. Ps 33:20

I prayed to the Lord and He answered me freeing me from all my fears. Ps 34:4

We give thanks because You are near. Ps 75:1

...He is my God, and I am trusting Him. For He will rescue you from every trap. Ps 91:2,3

....they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Ps 112:7

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever. Ps 121:8

Scriptures for the Discouraged

These are scriptures I have compiled to pray for myself or for others who are down/discouraged/depressed or just in a "funk".

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go before you. Deut 31:8

Do not be afraid or discouraged. Be strong and courageous. Josh 10:25

He reached down from heaven and rescued me, He drew me out of deep waters. Ps 18:16

Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid for You are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Ps 23:3

So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Ps 31:24

He lifted me out of the pit of despair. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. Ps 40:2

Why am I discouraged, why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in You. Ps 42:5

I am discouraged, but I will remember You. Ps 42:6

When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Ps 94:19

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up. Is 41:10

Do not let your hearts be troubled. John 14:1

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Eph 4:23

May you be encouraged today. Press on Mighty Warrior!