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About Me
I am a wife to the man of my dreams! We've been married for nearly three years now and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it! I am also a mom to a seven month old daughter who I absolutely adore! I love the Lord with all my heart...without Him in my life I would not be where I am today! I am enjoying the balancing act of being a stay at home mom and wife and, together with my husband, am enjoying our wonderfully blessed life!!
Motivation For Moms
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A Positive Reminder-Encouraging Devotionals
Posted by jennasue
Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged when life isn't going the way you think it should. It's at those moments that we need to remember to remain positive and know that God has something wonderful instore for us! My mom receives encouraging daily devotionals in her e-mail each day. She often forwards them to Scott and I...especially when she knows that there's something we're dealing with specific to what that devotion is talking about. The latest one she sent was about those times in life when maybe we're believing in God for something but it's not happening when we'd like it to. There are some things in our life right now that seem to go that way at times...but as the devotional talked about...no matter how long you've been waiting it's important not to give up and continue to have faith in God. He knows the right time for things...and His plan for us is the absolute best. Isn't it neat how in times of discouragement God can lift us up with an encouraging passage of scripture or devotion? I think it's awesome how this happens. After receiving this devotion it helped me remember that God is faithful and His promises are true! If we declare His promises over our lives and surround ourselves with those who are positive as well...our hearts will be at peace knowing God is working everything out!
Encouragement in Busy Times
Posted by jennasue
Lately life has been extremely busy and hasn't seemed to let up. Between the home improvements we're embarking on, as well as Scott working 14 hours a day/6 days a week...it makes it hard to find any time to relax. This busy schedule has been going on for quite a while...and it's odd to say, but it's actually something that we're beginning to get use to. We know that things are a bit hectic right now and that we can only get done so much in a day. It gets a little overwhelming at times, but "this too shall pass". Soon our basement will be finished and such a wonderful place to spend time together as I family...I can't wait. All of this busyness is well worth it!
In the beginning, when our schedule seemed to increasingly become more and more busy...it was a bit overwhelming! As a stay-at-home-mom I am kept very busy...and with Scott working so much and everything else that is going on...I was feeling exhausted. I've learned through these busy times though, how important it is to keep my focus on Christ, amidst all that is going on. I recently came across the lyrics of a song by DC Talk, "Day By Day" and it really encouraged me and got me thinking.
Thoughts on Marriage
Posted by jennasue
Seeing how it's our wedding anniversary today, and my parent's anniversary of 29 years just a couple of days ago...it had me thinking of the wonderful union of marriage that God has created! It can be so wonderful if we seek Him in all we do, and make the Lord the center of our lives! I happened to stumble across a neat article about Jason and Jennifer Barton. Many may have heard of them, as Jason sings in the Christian band, 33 miles! This article was all about their marriage and what it means to them. Everything they had to say was right on in my opinion...and things I could completely relate to.
Basically, when they got married, they made a decision that divorce was not even an option for them. Marriage is not something you can just take back or return if it's not working out, which is their main point when they discuss God's design for marriage and the promise to stay together forever, one that is never to be broken. The binding promises that they have made to one another gives them the assurance that no matter what trials they may go through in their marriage, it will not change the love that they have for one another. Their faith in God is what gets them through! A neat thing that they spoke of was a selfless love. The kind of love where you put the other before yourself and the idea of working as a team.
I really enjoyed reading all that they had to say about being married and keeping the vows you have made to one another without even allowing the word divorce to enter your marriage. I agree with them 100%! It is not something to be taken lightly and I am glad that there are still people out there who think the same way we do.
Three Year Anniversary
Posted by jennasue
Today is a very happy day for Scott and I...we are celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary! I can't believe it's already been that long...time sure does fly when you're having fun! I know that's what everyone says...but it's so true! I am so blessed to have someone like Scott as my husband. He's the most generous, loving, and sweet man I know! Our lives have changed so much over the past three years of our marriage...and it keeps getting better! We're both done with college, Scott has a good job, we've bought our first home, and had our first baby! The Lord has truly blessed us, and we're so looking forward to the blessings He has in store for us as the years continue to go by!!
Usually Scott and I just get each other a card on our Anniversary and most times go out for supper or to a movie or something. This year, having Kaelyn, we'll probably just stay home and relax. We have lots of movies that we haven't watched yet...so that may be an idea as well. Since we typically give cards, I was surprised to wake up and find that Scott had bought me a little gift along with his card. He knows how much I love Willow Angels, so he got me the big "promise" one with the couple who is dancing. It was so sweet of him...he is the best!!
Dealing with Disappointment...
Posted by jennasue
Although a bit crazy, this past weekend turned out to be very enjoyable! We had plans for Father's Day on both Saturday and Sunday, but a few difficult circumstances happened Saturday...leaving us emotionally drained and sending us to our knees in prayer. Thankfully we had plans on Sunday with my wonderful parents! It was incredibly refreshing to see them and spend the day with them. It gave us a chance to clear our heads and remember that there are amazing people in our lives who love us unconditionally!
Sometimes disappointment and heartbreaking circumstances come our way. In these situations it's important to turn to loved ones, and most importantly, the Lord. He is our rock!! Isn't it great that he never disappoints?! He is always there, through the good times and bad. I cannot imagine not having Him in our lives. It's also important to continue to show God's love and forgiveness, even in the toughest of situations. It's not always easy, but in the end God will take care of the rest. If we can't make the conscious decision to forgive, then there's no way we can move on with absolute peace.
True Meaning of Easter
Posted by jennasue
My husband and I watch the Passion of the Christ movie every year around Easter time. It's the most moving movie I've ever seen and helps to remind me of exactly what Christ has done for me. He lived, He died, and He ROSE AGAIN! He took my sin and my pain upon Himself so that I could be saved and can live eternally with Him one day! Isn't He amazing?!?!! How exciting to know that because I have given Him my life, putting my faith and trust in Him completely, and through acceptance of Him and believing in Him I will spend eternity in Heaven with Him one day!!:) I am just speechless when I think of all He's done for us, how much He loves us, and how much He continues to do for us everyday! With that said, I recently came across a short clip from YouTube that I wanted to share with everyone...remember what Christ has done for you, not only this time of year, but throughout the entire year and surrender your life to Him...He is the "way, the truth and the life"; and NO man will come unto the Father but by Him!(John 14:6) He's the ONLY way!!
Finding Peace in a "Cluttered Life"
Posted by jennasue
As I've mentioned before, I find it very encouraging and uplifting to spend time with the Lord each day. I began doing some devotions from a book I received at one of my baby showers, Devotions For Moms by Ellen Banks Elwell, a while back. It seems I always find the right devotion to help me understand a situation that I've been facing at the time. God is SOOO good!
Just today I was thinking about how busy life is and how stressful it can be at times. I tend to get a little overwhelmed with the chores at home, taking care of our daughter each day, etc. I even find myself forgetting things and becoming increasingly unorganized. I was brought up to stay positive though, as the tongue is a very powerful thing! So, as I began to feel down on how overwhelmed I feel with the busyness of life lately, I quickly turned to Him! I opened up my devotional, and wouldn't you know I turned to a section on The Cluttered Life. It quickly became apparent to me that Satan would love to try and distract me from all God has for me. He wants to get me down and lose focus on what's really important. He wants nothing more than to rob me of my joy and to have me feel stressed out and overwhelmed....but I will not let that happen! That's when I began praying that the Lord give me peace and guidance. I need to lean on Him and He will give me strength and joy! Thank you Lord!
1 Corinthians 14:33, NKJV
When it Rains, It Pours
Posted by jennasue
Have you ever felt like sometimes "when it rains, it pours"? Being a stay at home mom, I find that the budget is often pretty tight. It's definitely so worth it knowing that I get to be home with my little girl...it just means that we need to watch what we spend on at times. Sometimes though, things come along that are out of your control. This happened to our family recently. Between unexpected bills and then our computer crashing on us, it was quite a stressful time as far as money was concerned. I thought that the quality and longevity of the computer we owned would cause it to last us a lot longer than it did. You just never know when something like that could happen. Thankfully we didn't lose too much of our important documents and information, and as always, the Lord always provides. We now have a new computer on its way so that I can continue the work I do online. God is good!! Labels: Children, Faith, Making Money, Motherhood
The Greatest Man In History
Posted by jennasue
Have you ever received a forward in your e-mail, or read something that really touched your heart..a poem perhaps?? Usually when I get forwards I either throw them out before I even read them, or read them quickly and then throw them out. Between caring for my daughter, tending to the chores I have, and working online, I rarely have time to sit down and read through all of the forwards I get each day. However, there was one that I received a while back that really touched my heart.... Labels: Children, Faith, Internet, Motherhood
Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy
Posted by jennasue
I'm sure by now many people have seen the following clip in their e-mails or at church. The first time I saw it I couldn't even get through the whole thing without getting teary! What a wise little boy with such an important message to share...the love of our Heavenly Father and all He has done and continues to do for us! I just wanted to share it with others who may not have had the opportunity to see it yet.... Labels: Faith
Bible Study for Mom's
Posted by jennasue
I always enjoy finding new devotionals and study guides to help me strengthen my walk with the Lord. As a mom I balance many different things in my life...everything from family to work to taking care of the house! I always appreciate finding something out there that's uplifting and encouraging, and geared specifically towards mothers! Recently I came across something very intriguing, Mom's Ordinary Day Bible Series. There are 8 volumes that can really be life changing as they cover useful topics like prayer, time management, friendship, and so much more!! One that I'm particularly interested in is the Mothering Without Guilt Bible study. I feel this one in particular would be an encouragement to me each and every day, and I definitely plan on looking into the other 7 volumes as well. Labels: Children, Faith, Motherhood, Parenting
Raising Children
Posted by jennasue
I find it very uplifting to start my days out reading my Bible and spending time with the Lord. Recently I began doing some devotions from a wonderful book I received from someone at one of my baby showers. It's titled, Devotions For Moms by Ellen Banks Elwell. Aside from this I also enjoy reading some of the prayers from my book, Whisper a Prayer For Moms. These devotionals and prayers not only help me grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord, but also help me to be a better Mom because of it. Labels: Children, Faith, Family, Motherhood, Parenting
Just today I was reading, and the topic was, "Teaching My Children". I was just talking with my mom the other day about how many things children have to deal with growing up in the world we're in today. They have many more issues surrounding them, than even I did as a young child. It got me thinking about how parents have a very important responsibility of bringing their children up in an environment where they learn about, and see God's love, so that they can grow up understanding what it means to have a personal relationship with Him and have the desire to be a follower of Jesus Christ. To me, it's one of the most important jobs a parent has.
The way we live and raise our children should reflect God's love...that means modeling patience, love, compassion, forgiveness, etc. Children learn through us...they watch us. I think it's important to remember that, even when they are babies. It's my prayer that the Lord will help me and my husband be parents who instill wisdom into our children's hearts and minds so that they can make the right decisions throughout their lives and learn what it means to KNOW Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and live for Him.
Christian Loans
Posted by jennasue
One of the big things that we're starting to see as new parents is that it takes a lot of money to have a baby in the family now. I'm staying at home, which means making sacrifices, and sometimes money is tight. It's definitely SO worth it and we are dealing with our finances as we go. It's sure nice to know that there are services out there like Christian Faith Financial, that is willing to help those in need. I came across their site and really appreciated the way they match lenders and borrowers. They're motto is that they "...help you the Christian way." which I think is absolutely wonderful!! I am very impressed with this company and all they have to offer, and believe it will be a great choice for us if we are ever in need of finding a lender for payday loans.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Posted by jennasue
When I found out I was pregnant, I knew that I wanted to breastfeed. Now that I have my baby and have been nursing for over three months now...I can tell you that it's the best decision I could ever have made. I realize that there are circumstances where a mother cannot breastfeed for one reason or another, but I have to tell you...that if you have the opportunity and are able to breastfeed your baby...definitely give it a try! Labels: Children, Faith, Health, Motherhood, Pregnancy
I not only promote breastfeeding because it's a time to bond with your little one and the obvious convenience and affordability of it, but also because it's the way God made us and it's what's best for our babies. Breastmilk has immune boosting ingredients that help prevent babies from getting sick as easily. If a baby does get sick, it's also the best thing for them to get over the sickness. It promotes healthy brain and and body development as well. It can also be useful in helping keep babies from getting allergies, ear infections and other conditions...it even helps reduce the risk of SIDS! It is also helpful for the mother in preventing different cancers, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer.
There are so many reason to consider breastfeeding your baby, many others than just the few I've mentioned here. Whether you breastfeed for 6 months, 1 year, or even longer...it's the very best thing you can do for you child! In fact, in my opinion, it's one of the absolute best gifts you can give your child!!
Lessons in Motherhood: 3
Posted by jennasue
Each month I try and write about a lesson in motherhood that I've learned and come to realize as important now that I am a stay at home mom. Although there are things I learn each and every day, that are crucial to me. This month it's a lesson learned about, and for myself. Remembering to take time for mom is key! Labels: Children, Faith, Family, Motherhood, Parenting
Over the past few months of being a mom I've learned so many things, but one thing I've learned that's so important to remember, is that it's important to take time for yourself. Having a baby is wonderful...I enjoy every day I get to spend with her. But sometimes it's nice just to take a moment for myself. Not only important, but crucial! Being a mother is the most important job in the world. I want to be my very best, and to do that I must take time for myself. Sometimes I just need to recharge my batteries. Whether it be taking a bath or reading my Bible, it's important to take time here and there for myself!
Although this is important, you may be saying...."But it's not an easy task to take time for yourself when you're trying to balance everything else that goes along with being a wife, a mother, and a homemaker, etc." This is true. It's not easy task, but something we truly need to work at. No matter how hectic life gets, even if you don't think you have the time, it's important to make the time. I'm not talking a whole day off or anything, just a half hour here and there.
I've learned how important this lesson really is. If you want to be the best mom that you can be, you must take time out for yourself. You deserve it!!
The Little Things
Posted by jennasue
I'm sure many other mothers feel the same way....but I just have to say how much I LOVE watching Kaelyn reach new milestones as she changes and grows each and every day!! What a miracle babies are!! I thank the Lord everyday for her and the joy she brings to our lives. Whether it be something simple like smiling, cooing, rolling over, or grabbing at toys....it's always a big deal to me and so much fun to watch!! She brings so much joy...I can't even describe!! Being a mother is the best, and most important job I've ever had and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Labels: Children, Faith, Motherhood
New Ford Escape
Posted by jennasue
As I posted previously...one of the changes in our life since our little girl was born is the new vehicle we purchased. I am not one that wants to spend money on vehicles very often...but after Kaelyn was born Scott and I began discussing the possibility of buying a different vehicle. We were looking at SUV's as we thought these would be safer and more practical for our growing family. Just as we were beginning to talk about it, my parents told us that they were in the market for a newer SUV themselves, and that they would be selling their Ford Escape when they found one that they liked. What a blessing that was!! Scott and I had to figure out what we were going to do with the car we had at the time. Just as I was discussing it with my mom one night, her brother called her on the phone and told her that he was looking for a car for his oldest son. We worked everything out and he ended up buying our car. God is so good! He took care of us all, meeting our needs in each individual way! We now have a wonderful vehicle that our growing family will be able to use for many years!
God Is Good!!
Posted by jennasue
As 2007 comes to an end, I can't help but look back on the past year and smile as I remember all of the wonderful new adventures my husband and I experienced and the journey God is taking us on. I was sitting here thinking about how much has changed since last year at this time! Let me tell you...2007 was definitely a busy and life changing year for my husband and I...it was one of the busiest and happiest years of our lives!! The Lord has truly blessed us! 2007 started out with Scott accepting a great new job position. We moved early February to a house that we were renting. Around that same time we found out that we were expecting our first baby!! What an exciting time! :) Later on...in June...Scott and I began looking for homes. We liked the house we were renting, but wanted something to call our own. We found the perfect home for us...it had everything we were looking for and more!! We ended up buying the house and moving in around the first week of August. After that we were getting closer and closer to the arrival of our little one (at the time not knowing what we were having). Kaelyn Sue was due Oct 28, and was born Nov 1!! She is such a wonderful little girl. We're enjoying watching her change and grow each day. It's hard to believe that she's over two months old already!! Finally, with the recent addition to our family we began searching for a vehicle that would suit us better. We found the perfect one...my parents SUV that they were selling. They were in search of a different vehicle as well...so we bought theirs from them just recently. Thinking back to what a busy year it's been I have nothing but joyful thoughts and appreciation for all God has blessed us with! We are now very proud parents of our beautiful little girl, homeowners, Scott's working and I'm a stay at home mom, and we have a vehicle that will now last us for a very long time!! God is good!! He continues to bless us in so many ways!! We're absolutely loving life and all God has for us!
Parenthood
Posted by jennasue
Scott and I were just talking the other night and we can't believe how quickly the past year has gone...specifically in terms of finding out we were going to become parents, and then having our beautiful daughter just a short time ago!! It was in February when we found out that we were expecting with our first baby. We were so thrilled when we found out....and can't believe that she is already here with us and changing our lives in so many wonderful ways! Parenthood is unlike anything we've ever gone through in our entire lives. What a miracle and a blessing to not only have a new life in the family, but also to be starting a family with the person that you love with all your heart!! We are really enjoying parenthood and all it entails. I knew Scott would be such a great dad...and he is!! He's a Christian man which is most important, and he is also so loving, kind, understanding, patient, forgiving....I could go on and on!! :) The most important thing to us as parents is that our children not only grow up knowing they are loved and have parents who will always be there, but also that they will grow up in a Christian home, one where Christ is the center of our family and all we do, and knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I am so thankful to my parents for being such wonderful role models and for bringing us up in a Christan home where we felt loved, secure and above all, where we saw and learned what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ....allowing us to truly get to know Him and make Him the Lord of our lives. I think that's one of the most important things a parent can do for their children...is to have that Christian foundation set in their home, where their children can grow in the Lord and come to know Him as their Lord and Savior!!
Lots Of Pictures
Posted by jennasue
Labels: Children, Faith, Family, Motherhood
Wow...what a busy past couple of days we've had! We sure had a nice Christmas....but with all of the family gatherings we had it made the time go by very quickly. Scott and I learned that life with a baby makes things a little bit different around the holidays especially. We found that it wasn't as easy to just get up and go to the different gatherings we had to go to. Getting a third person ready makes for a very busy morning. We still haven't quite figured out how long it takes for all of us to get ready and out the door so we're getting to places on time. I guess we're just learning as we go! :) As I said though...what a nice time we had with each of our families. There were lots and lots of pictures being taken...especially on my side of the family of Kaelyn and her cousin Emry (a couple of which I've included in this post). Having two babies around was so much fun! What a blessed holiday season it has been. Thank you Lord for all you've done and continue to do for us! Thank you for our families and our health. May you guide and direct us as we enter a New Year...helping us to continue to put you first in all we do! 
