You knew it was too good to be True!!!

I know, I know I said I would be silent and MUTE MARCH....it is hard to keep a good thing down!! HA!

I just have been so quiet this past week and at the feet of my Father much. Just felt like laying my heart on the line. I cannot get over all that I have learned and taken in from the MOM'S HEART conference!!!

First of all- I have had a HUGE struggle with priority....husband, kids, house, blog, business, paper work....etc... So I finally feel like I have the housecleaning down- only to realize my kids are watching 5-6 hours a TV a DAY (not all at once whew)!!! I know....call the authorities!! But the house is clean!!! Yet I still felt so dirty!!

Then I love my blog & LOVE to READ other blogs......but when my husband comes home and falls into the bed snoring on his way down......then I hit the laptop!!! Staying up late and not rising early to read my bible & study God's word.

So where is the happy medium?? I sat down and wrote my JOB description. Then I thought- IF I WERE at a JOB OUTSIDE THE HOME (notice I didn't day REAL JOB) What would my Boss say- or what would they have done to me if they realized I was NOT doing my job the correct way. I would probably be standing in line at the unemployment line!!!

First and for most I am a WIFE.....he & I were here before the kids......and will be here when the kids are gone- so we need to keep it real and not just be roommates!! We have planned many date nights ahead, and talked about doing FUN things as a family too- but just our time alone, is MOST important. His pet-peeve is when I am on the phone...when he gets home- and when he is home at all. Well, now that I text more than I talk....that is his new pet-peeve!! HA!!

Which brings me to my NEXT point.....ELECTRONICS....YULP!!! As I was in the conference and I was listening to Sarah Clarkson talk on her LOVE of reading. LIFE is a STORY she said. You are on an adventure, make it beautiful & wonderful. And in her book she writes- how on an average children watch 10 hours of TV a DAY!!! When they are watching TV the learning side of the brain shuts down- and the emotional side of the brain takes over!! That explains the crazy characters running around this house!!

I have noticed also- If I do anything electronically, my children completely loose control & misbehave!! TV, computer, telephone (talking or texting)- It takes my WHOLE brain to complete the task.....so I ignore them or send them to the side!! When I am driving, I find myself talking on the cell phone....missing out on the cows in the field, or the backhoe work, or BIG trucks that the boys see- and want to talk about.

I was thinking back to when I just had ONE child. I would sit in the floor and play with him hours on end!!! Read books over and over again- to the point I could close my eyes....I had them memorized. TV off.....NO high-speed Internet....no texting.....AHHHH the simple life!! Having two makes all the work double- and my mind work over time!!!

I am just too exhausted to play with them- clean the house- cook supper- blah blah blah.....where is time for ME..ME..ME!!! Some body SLAP ME!!! I have come to the realization this week- when I sit and I am at the mercy of my two cowboys & sword fighting super heroes....that is much more rewarding that a day at the spa. Plus when they are in college living hours away- or in the military a whole country away....I can go to the spa then!!!

When my grandmother's were raising my parents- how did they do it?? When my parents were raising us how did they do it?? All week long I pondered the thought. And I thought of how simple life was. I almost am mad that we have so much to take away from us now- I want everything at a snap of my finger......fast food.....high-speed.....instant messages!!!! ME ME ME WANT WANT WANT!!!

Wednesday morning, my boys slept in.....til' 9 am!!!! C was up most of the night- and T well, he just loves his zzzzzzz's!!!! But it was the FIRST time I have ever put C in the bed with me.....he usually just decides it is a game- and we are here to PLAY!!! So he goes back to his crib.

This certain morning BOTH boys were laying here- I looked at the clock as I was awakened by the soft ringing of the phone from the kitchen. Oh MY- it was 8 am. I had two boys snoring laying on my left arm.....and it also was asleep!! I thought to myself- I need to get up and read my bible so I can put on the word- and prepare for the day!!

As I tried to remove my arm.....I realized it would wake them up....at least C!! So, I thought, maybe I can reach my bible.....stretching my right arm...realizing it was out of reach. What to do?? Let's see, I was not planning on leaving the house that day....until church that night. So, hey why not just lay there and pray.

As I laid there and prayed....I watched my children's chest rise and fall- breathing in and out. I thanked God for his Glory- that he gave me these beautiful children, who are FULL of LIFE and healthy!! Although we may have our "bad moments" None of them could compare to some "BAD DAYS" other parents might have. I asked God to forgive me for not being the mother he has planned for me to be. I have realized I need to slow down and enjoy life- instead of consuming my days and thoughts about what will others think if this or that looks like what??

And hour later, yes I sat for an hour of my life watching my children & praying over them as they slept.....and hour I will never get back! Then the little guys started rubbing their little tired eyes and stretching their little arms with their super hero pajama's on. I kissed those sweet cheeks and as I did I almost cried- thanking God for another day to have my children here on Earth and here with me. I am so thankful I am able to stay at home and not miss out on this moment- too often I rush and run out the door.....I thank God for the ways he shows us his GLORY and that taking time to STOP and SLOW down.....we will miss out on so much if we go to fast!!

For the first time in a while I have seen JOY on my children's faces this week. When I tell T hey we are going to play this or out of the blue I spring a surprise pillow fight on him!! And the blued eyed boy God has placed in my care....his face lights up like a Christmas tree!! T also walked up to me twice this week- he use to do this ALL the time.....I miss hearing these words from him "Mama, your the BEST Mama that there is!!" He was really enjoying the TIME I was spending with him.

You see T & C are not mine.....I know I gave birth to them both....I was there I remember!! But God has placed them in my care.....only for a short time. How long?? I have no clue?? That is why I need to take this journey one day at a time. Stopping to smell the flowers, play a game or two, read LONG books, and let the house go. The material things- they will burn. It is the precious life that I have pushed aside for the things of this world that are NOT important.

I want my kids to come to know the Lord at a young age- I have prayed since the day I knew I had a baby in the womb. But who am I trusting to guide them....the church, their friends.....no, that is my responsibility- It is up to me & my husband- Children learn from example.

So being a Stay at Home mom....what does that mean?? I stay at home to clean.....I stay at home to wash dishes.....I stay at home to cook.......I stay at home to raise the next generation of Godly Men.......all of the above!!!! Which one will I look back on and wish I would have spent more time on?? Which one will my kids look back on and say I did correctly??

This week I am so glad I was silent......so I would NOT miss this message from the LORD- and if this week this was so heavy & powerful for me.......WOW- the whole month....what else is in store??

Psalm 130: 1-6
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in his world I put my hope. My Soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen. wait for the morning.

Mollie

Renewed!!!

This weekend was WONDERFUL!!! I went on my first Mom Heart Conference Getaway, in Dallas Texas. I went with my friend Tammie. We had a BLAST!!! We laughed, we talked, we listened, we talked, I talked, she listened, I talked she listened some more!! Anyway you look at it I came back refreshed and renewed in all areas!!

I honestly did not know what to expect. I did know they would talk about homeschooling. Which is an option we have looked at.....nothing in stone!! I was mostly interested in that stand point. My friend Tammie, home schools her 5 children. And I have many other good friends that home school also. I am definitely not against it- just don't know if it is for me & my kids?? Still in prayer about it.

I also knew by looking at the website- that it was just what Dr. Jesus ordered for me. As a mother of 2 little busy boys, I often find myself completely run down, worn out, and just plain exhausted- BOTH Mentally & physically!! I have been in a rut as a mother. Feel like the last two years since C was born that I have been spinning in circles and wondering when it was all going to STOP!! Finally, a few months back I got the physical side of the house under control- it was in total chaos for about a year. I found a system... I made up- and it has been working for me!!

When it came to the WORD of GOD and feeding my tired worn out body, I would just crumble at the end of each day into the bed......and fall asleep as I was reading my bible- or praying!! Just seems like I have NOT taken the time for the LORD the way I should. I know with the impending missions trip- I NEED to be ready, and mentally prepared for the task ahead.

This weekend is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Not only was it a Mom's Conference where you check into the hotel, and can wake up and walk to the conference in the same hotel.....sleep on sheets that are clean-that I didn't have to clean myself- nor did we have to make our BED!! Eat wonderful food and indulge in dessert. Not to mention get fed the word of God.....and LOVED on by Godly women!!! BUT BEST OF ALL......THERE WAS CHOCOLATE CANDY EVERYWHERE!!!! Chocolates on the tables, baskets sitting around- and even children walking around with a basket asking... "would you like some chocolate?"What woman would NOT be in heaven on EARTH!!!

When you are in a restaurant with out your kids & husband you can order this and get away with it!! Man I was glad I gave up Cokes for Lent and NOT CHOCOLATE!!!I had my OWN cake & ate it too!!!

Here is Tammie with Sarah.....she loves Sarah......and after listening to her I know why!!!

I was so inspired by all the speakers. First Sarah Clarkson a young 2o something writer who has

written a few books how the importance of reading to your children!! I read to them if they bring me a book- or at bedtime. But she talked about how all of our lives are a story a wonderful beautiful adventure! I have forgotten that....seems like I get so caught up in WHAT we are doing...WHERE we are going, and WHO we will see.....instead of just living for the moments God has planned for us!! Sarah told us...Even though we live in a broken world we have to FIGHT until the end- through or faith & trust in God....there is a Happy Ending!!Then there was Elizabeth Smith.....Oh I wanted to pick her up and put her in my pocket bring her home!! That way she could be my own little Gemini Cricket... no no Mollie don't do that- do it this way......Oh look there Mollie that is a good moment to do this.....good job Mollie!!

She spoke first on Training the WILL of your Child....I took TONS of NOTES.... I met Elizabeth later and told her - her words inspired me and lifted me up, knowing exactly what I needed to hear!! I then informed her that my little two year old boy back home...who is VERY strong-willed or as Tammie says "FULL OF LIFE"....he will NOT KNOW WHAT HIT HIM- when I return with all this information about strong willed children!!! She was SOOOOO GOOOOD!!! I love Elizabeth Smith....even if I kept calling her Elizabeth Smart....Tammie was there to laugh and straighten me out!! HA!These are the NOTES I took from her talk on Taming the Will of your Child!!! Oh my, I learned a lot!!! I AM READY FOR BATTLE, GOOD BATTLE!!!
Then there was Sally Clarkson- the WOMAN who started this all!! WHAT A MINISTRY!!! I was given her book by my sister in law for my 30th Birthday!! What a GREAT GIFT!! Thanks Cole!! It is the book Mission Motherhood by Sally. I have picked it up and read it here and there- when I have time to read! And now hearing her in person- I want to read it and not put it down. She is just a normal lady like me- she has raised 4 beautiful children, and yet as she spoke I was thinking I was the ONLY person in the room of hundreds of ladies. She spoke to my heart, and she knew just the right way and right words to say. She is human and makes mistakes, and we all do!! I told Tammie, I am going to get Sally to sign my book- and get a photo with her!! This is what we saw the whole conference....then we got up close & personal. Sally is so beautiful- you can see the love of God just radiate from her and the JOY in her life from helping other mom's!! She will get home and have many many jewels in her crown for the love & support she shows mothers!!

God's Glory reveled to us the next morning.....out the view from our hotel!!!!

Tammie & I both agreed we have a heart for mother's and really wish that next year ALL our friends & church mom's can go with us to this!! If you look at their website- I highly recommend going and listening to the conference. Or pick up a book by Sally Clarkson- your life will never be the same again!!

Lately, I have not put my goals down on paper- for life. I have my cleaning list, grocery list, to do list, calender, schedule. And yet among all that I have no room for my self- with my creator, my Father. Yes, I pray and spend time with him, read my bible- quickly. But it has become a habit of mine to take care of everyone in my family- there things then me, then sadly- GOD!!

I cannot tell you how many times in my life I have put him in the backseat....or in the trunk!! I just don't know where I have gone wrong. I still know I am a Christian and know I LOVE GOD more than anything on this earth. Cannot WAIT for the day he comes back for us- and we can meet him face to face. But on that day....what will he say "Hey Mollie....clean out your trunk some time!!" or "Hey friend remember me?" NO!! I want him to say "well done, good and faithful servant- I am pleased!!" Oh how I long for that day!!

If it were tomorrow I would definitely not get that answer. He might hand me a bottle of ferbreze and say clean out your trunk lately?? There are many things I have put ahead of him. And just as our Pastor spoke tonight on Galatians 5. What are our idols, our things that we put before him?? Material things, house work, people!!! I need to take a step back and reflect. I have given up Facebook for Lent- it has been WONDERFUL!! Thinking about not going back?? I also have given up COKES......Cannot believe it has been a week and a half with out my caffeine friend....hoping to ditch him forever!!

But lately my love has been this blog, I have spent nights up until midnight, writing, reading, and I believe it is therapy for me. My family also lives far away and I know it is a GREAT way for us to all keep in touch. At the same time those precious hours could be spent with the LORD!! Then as Sally reminded me- REST from work, word, worry & the world!!!

The month of MARCH.....I am muting the dryer. There will be pictures- and you know what they say "a picture is worth a thousand words!!" So you can get a laugh, or a thought out of what ever you think is going on in the picture. Just as Sarah was saying- live life and MAKE up your own stories!!

Just as Sally spoke and reminded me I need to Renew my mind, my home, my heart. For the things that matter MOST in my life and the days that are ahead of me are to be GREAT!! I told B after the first speaker....."I already got my monies worth of this!! I have been so touched and blessed already!!" I also told him "When I get home, I will be a new mama, and a more loving & caring wife!!"

I sat down and apologized to T & C.... I told them, that from now on things are going to change, mama learned this weekend that I need to be different- and only with God's help I can change. As I had tears falling down my face T looked at me and said "I love you the way you are already!" Oh thank you Father for putting those words in his precious mouth- even as if I feel as if I have failed my children, my husband & You my Father in heaven!!

I just want you to know you also can have this HOPE that I have found. Message me if you are interested in more information!!

H- Hold fast to Hope, hope is a promise!

O- Offer your LIFE to God!

P- Press on in FAITH!!

E- Endure until the END!!

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19

Mollie