I know I haven't posted in awhile but I have been under the weather first with a cold and then with some intestinal issues. Some of my issues aren't resolved yet but I'm getting better.
Lately I haven't been managing my home as well as I should. Housework has gone undone and I am behind on just about everything. I would like to blame this on my illness but really that's just an excuse to be lazy and I need to nip it in the bud.
I recently received my first issue of the magazine Above Rubies and I must say I am move inspired and convicted all at once. What a blessing, I highly recommend it. Check it out at www.aboverubies.org .
Along with neglecting my housework I have been neglecting my Bible and prayer time. The Spirit has lead me to commit to a 30 day Internet fast so that I can institute the things I have learned instead of being distracted and reading about what I should be doing lol. So starting tomorrow my computer will be turned off and will not be turned back on for the next 30 days. I know I will still need encouragement and I would like to ask you to call me every now and then. If you don't have my phone number please Email me and I will get that to you.
I am planning on reading the rest of the book of Mark and also memorizing Romans 6. I pray during this time I will also be able to see a Doctor to get my medical issues under control.
Please pray for me and my family during this time of rediscovery. Know that all of you that read my blog and support me and encourage me are so incredibly important to me. Words cannot express how much I learn and grow from you. Thank you. See ya soon :)
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Focus
A few years ago I found out that I am an inattentive type ADD personality. Not a big surprise to those who know me best. I really don't see it as a disorder but really a personality type. God made me this way for a reason. I struggle with it most when my schedule gets thrown off by sickness or unexpected events. I am not the most organized person in the world but I have found that I work best when I have a detailed schedule written out. If I get sick, like I did this last week, my schedule gets thrown off and then I get behind which leads to feeling like I have to catch up and then to feeling overwhelmed and then an anxiety attack.
With all of my kiddos in school during the day I find myself spacing off more than usual. This isn't good because it leads to me disconnecting from everyone around me. It takes alot of energy to overcome these little obstacles but I'm trying so hard. The last 3 days have been my worst in a long time. I can't seem to clear my head and focus on the tasks in front of me. It's times like this when I would reach out to my closest friends and ask them to come over and chat with me while I cleaned the kitchen or folded laundry. That's really how I get the most done in the least amount of time. It also helps to keep the depression at bay that creeps up on me when left in my own thoughts to long.
My goal for this next week is to stay the course and tweak my schedule a bit more. So join me in praying for focus on what I should be doing so that i may be a blessing to my Husband and my Children.
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
With all of my kiddos in school during the day I find myself spacing off more than usual. This isn't good because it leads to me disconnecting from everyone around me. It takes alot of energy to overcome these little obstacles but I'm trying so hard. The last 3 days have been my worst in a long time. I can't seem to clear my head and focus on the tasks in front of me. It's times like this when I would reach out to my closest friends and ask them to come over and chat with me while I cleaned the kitchen or folded laundry. That's really how I get the most done in the least amount of time. It also helps to keep the depression at bay that creeps up on me when left in my own thoughts to long.
My goal for this next week is to stay the course and tweak my schedule a bit more. So join me in praying for focus on what I should be doing so that i may be a blessing to my Husband and my Children.
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
Parables
Hi, I am back and feeling much better. I was down with a nasty summer cold for the last week. The good news is I finished the book of Matthew and have moved on to Mark :) But I still wanted to write about what Matthew taught me.
If you haven't read it I encourage you to do so but I will give what info I know. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector that was busy doing his job when Jesus walked by, looked at him and said "follow me." So he did. Amazing right? No conversation no ifs ands or buts he just did it. Maybe he was one of the few Jews who recognized the Messiah immediately. Something about that intrigues me because I have always heard Matthew mentioned as a tax collector but never as a Jew. I think it is more important to see him as a Jew first because then you realize that he had been taught from a very young age that the Messiah was coming and to watch for Him.
That's what the Book of Matthew describes, the coming of the King. The Ruler the one who will set us all straight. Not a whole lot of fluff or warm fuzzies. I also learned why Jesus always told Parables when addressing the masses. In Chapter 13 Jesus explains that unlike his disciples the general public isn't really prepared to hear his message so he must give it to then in a way that they can understand. Kinda like feeding your baby rice cereal at first and then gradually moving into solid foods.
I have to admit that sometimes I had to read a parable a few times sometimes switching translations until I got it. I am glad I took the time to stop and really figure out what Jesus was saying. Oh and another thing I think is pretty awesome is if you go back to the later chapters of Isaiah it is almost like reading Matthews account of the life of Jesus only it was written 700 years before Jesus was born. You probably knew that but like I said I have never sat down to read the whole book :).
I do have a few favorite parables that I will share but I'm not going to quote them here you'll just have to look them up :) Matthew 18:12-14 5:21-26 6:5-18
OK so one parable the other two just hit me hard. So on to Mark :)
I will be posting again tonight just so ya know I have peace and quiet and I am taking advantage of it.
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
If you haven't read it I encourage you to do so but I will give what info I know. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector that was busy doing his job when Jesus walked by, looked at him and said "follow me." So he did. Amazing right? No conversation no ifs ands or buts he just did it. Maybe he was one of the few Jews who recognized the Messiah immediately. Something about that intrigues me because I have always heard Matthew mentioned as a tax collector but never as a Jew. I think it is more important to see him as a Jew first because then you realize that he had been taught from a very young age that the Messiah was coming and to watch for Him.
That's what the Book of Matthew describes, the coming of the King. The Ruler the one who will set us all straight. Not a whole lot of fluff or warm fuzzies. I also learned why Jesus always told Parables when addressing the masses. In Chapter 13 Jesus explains that unlike his disciples the general public isn't really prepared to hear his message so he must give it to then in a way that they can understand. Kinda like feeding your baby rice cereal at first and then gradually moving into solid foods.
I have to admit that sometimes I had to read a parable a few times sometimes switching translations until I got it. I am glad I took the time to stop and really figure out what Jesus was saying. Oh and another thing I think is pretty awesome is if you go back to the later chapters of Isaiah it is almost like reading Matthews account of the life of Jesus only it was written 700 years before Jesus was born. You probably knew that but like I said I have never sat down to read the whole book :).
I do have a few favorite parables that I will share but I'm not going to quote them here you'll just have to look them up :) Matthew 18:12-14 5:21-26 6:5-18
OK so one parable the other two just hit me hard. So on to Mark :)
I will be posting again tonight just so ya know I have peace and quiet and I am taking advantage of it.
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
Thursday, August 4, 2011
I'm not Perfect.
We have all said those words before right? When met with criticism we say well I'm not perfect what more do you want? Is it really that we aren't perfect or that we are uncomfortable with examining ourselves and plucking out that imperfection? I use it sometimes as an excuse, like somehow it's a good reason to say something or do something offensive.
I am about halfway through the book of Matthew and one thing that has been eating at me the past few days has been this word "Perfect." What is so scary about perfect? More than that does the word perfect hold the same meaning to everyone? OK so enough questions.
Matthew 5:48 says Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Jesus said this while he was teaching the multitudes on a mountainside. Otherwise know as "the Sermon on the Mount." So maybe I am crazy but there it is Be Perfect. Really? It baffles the mind.
So to apply this in my own life I have decided that maybe I need to take criticism with grace and really listen when others call me out on things. I have never really tried to be perfect, I wonder what would happen if I ever put some effort behind it.
Now just so people don't get worried I am not one of those that will really get hung up on trying to be perfect all the time to the point that I would end up in a mental institution.
But really Read Matthew yourself I think you will like it :) The end of Chapter 5 is like a bit of a Nike commercial "Just Do It" lol.
My next post I'll talk about Parables, Oh yeah fun stuff sure to entertain.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
I am about halfway through the book of Matthew and one thing that has been eating at me the past few days has been this word "Perfect." What is so scary about perfect? More than that does the word perfect hold the same meaning to everyone? OK so enough questions.
Matthew 5:48 says Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Jesus said this while he was teaching the multitudes on a mountainside. Otherwise know as "the Sermon on the Mount." So maybe I am crazy but there it is Be Perfect. Really? It baffles the mind.
So to apply this in my own life I have decided that maybe I need to take criticism with grace and really listen when others call me out on things. I have never really tried to be perfect, I wonder what would happen if I ever put some effort behind it.
Now just so people don't get worried I am not one of those that will really get hung up on trying to be perfect all the time to the point that I would end up in a mental institution.
But really Read Matthew yourself I think you will like it :) The end of Chapter 5 is like a bit of a Nike commercial "Just Do It" lol.
My next post I'll talk about Parables, Oh yeah fun stuff sure to entertain.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
My Mom
I feel like it is important in order to know me you need to know my Mom. Growing up there is no one I would rather hang out with than my Mom and thats the truth. She makes me feel calm, she carries all of my worries, simply her touch radiates the love she feels for me. Even to this day I get a little homesick for her every now and then. We live pretty far apart so we can't see each other as much as we would like.
Most of what I learned about being a Mom I learned from her. I learned how to treat each of my children as individuals. I learned not to sweat the small stuff and that kids are messy sometimes and thats ok. Mostly I learned how to love without conditions. Thats my Mom, she loves me no matter what I do no matter what I say she just loves me. Even when I open my big mouth and insert my big foot.
I love the fact that even my Husband loves my Mom. He thinks she is a very kind and loving woman and He admires Her.
Right now my Mom is having a difficult time. She is in near constant pain due to a problem with a nerve in her back. This is my plea for your healing prayers. She is in desperate need for healing so she can get back to work.
I miss you Mom and I Love you very much. Call me :)
Blessings always
Cassandra
Most of what I learned about being a Mom I learned from her. I learned how to treat each of my children as individuals. I learned not to sweat the small stuff and that kids are messy sometimes and thats ok. Mostly I learned how to love without conditions. Thats my Mom, she loves me no matter what I do no matter what I say she just loves me. Even when I open my big mouth and insert my big foot.
I love the fact that even my Husband loves my Mom. He thinks she is a very kind and loving woman and He admires Her.
Right now my Mom is having a difficult time. She is in near constant pain due to a problem with a nerve in her back. This is my plea for your healing prayers. She is in desperate need for healing so she can get back to work.
I miss you Mom and I Love you very much. Call me :)
Blessings always
Cassandra
Friday, July 29, 2011
Help is on the way!!! God is soo good!!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
And the Winner of the Doorposts Charts is...
Oh how I wish I could share these wonderful charts with each and every one of you! Thank you all for your help in making this giveaway a success. The comments you left here on my blog were a real blessing to me.
I was amazed to see the number of emails that were coming in yesterday (though the children were singing at the county fair, my trusty Android phone kept showing "new email"). Last night I clicked on Doorposts' Facebook page and realized they had posted this giveaway. Thanks Pam and Daniel and the whole Forster family for not only sponsoring this giveaway (and promoting it), but for dedicating yourselves to producing these fantastic products to teach us parents how to apply Scripture in order to discipline, disciple, and character train our children. You have benefited my family in so many ways and I am eternally grateful to you!
Now for the winner...
RANDOM.ORG chose # 51 Cassandra said...
I am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. My husband and I have recently returned to Christ and have realized we have been raising MONSTERS! I am encouraged that maybe it's not too late to turn things around. There are so many things on Doorposts I would love especially the book on dating and courting (My oldest is eleven and already feeling pressure to date!) Thank you so much for sharing this.
Cassandra
I have to tell you this; as I clicked "choose winner" I began praying that the Lord would hand-pick the winner; someone who would REALLY benefit from these charts. Congratulations Cassandra; I KNOW you will be blessed! I'll be contacting you for your mailing information.
I have been realizing that in order to be more like God you first need to know Him. I mean really know Him. So how do you get to know God??? It seems like an impossibility. Then one night it hit me like a ton of BRICKS.
Let me give you a little background on me. I'm a reader. I LOVE to read as a child I would escape in my books. I have traveled around the world probably three times in books that I have read. I can devour a novel in two days. One if I hyper focus lol. But SHAMEFULLY I have never read the entire Bible from cover to cover. I have read certain books of the Bible and verses here and there but never have I sat down to curl up with a book and that book be Gods word.
God has used that conviction to inspire me to correct it. He has also lead me to start in the New Testament so that I may know him more clearly. Who better to teach us who God is than his only Son!
I own a Nook and I do most of my reading on it because it is light and easy to take along with me. So my search was on for a free KJV of the Bible compatible with my Nook. It took me about 10 minutes to find it and install it.
For the last 2 days I have been using my free time to delve into the Word of God. What a Blessing!!! Thank you Lord for all of your blessings and for your gentle teaching ways.
Forever Praising the Almighty God,
Cassandra
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ruined?
One of my greatest fears as a Mother is that I will ruin my children. Already I see signs that I haven't been doing something right. Lately I feel like the Spirit has been bringing the worldliness (is that a word?) of my family into focus and I don't like what I see. Then the scary thoughts start that cause me great anxiety, is it to late, are we ruined forever, are we destined to feel disconnected from our savior by our own selfishness? *Deep Breath* I feel the tears creeping up on me. The more I focus on God the more I feel pulled in two separate directions. Why is this? Am I being to "Religious"? Am I taking it to far? Is this not what I was created for? Do I need to be careful about the number of times I mention God's name to my children? How can this be? The Bible directs us to constantly keep our eyes on Jesus.
This tearing away of my old self is painful and bewildering. So much of what I have known about myself is not so and yet so much of myself has been brought back to life in Him. For His glory. The only one I can change is myself and by constant learning and constant prayer the hearts of others will change also.
All I know to be absolutely true is this, I was created by Him for Him and to Him I will forever be grateful.
Blessings Always,
Cass
This tearing away of my old self is painful and bewildering. So much of what I have known about myself is not so and yet so much of myself has been brought back to life in Him. For His glory. The only one I can change is myself and by constant learning and constant prayer the hearts of others will change also.
All I know to be absolutely true is this, I was created by Him for Him and to Him I will forever be grateful.
Blessings Always,
Cass
Thursday, July 21, 2011
My Testimony part three: The slow return
At 20 years old I married the man of my dreams. I had visions of late night Bible studies and deep meaningful prayer with this strong man of God that I would forever be bound to. I really expected that he would shape me into this Godly Woman that I so desired to be. I truly believed that once we were married he would magically change into some sort of super Christian. Turns out I was wrong and I soon found out that my husband had many of the same struggles I did.
The first ten years of our marriage wasn't entirely bad but we weren't nice to each other and we weren't good stewards and we really had no idea what we were doing. (LOL) I let some weeds grow in my heart, I didn't protect it as I should. What a mess!
So here I am still so very blessed. The strange thing is that even when I was pulling away from God I continued to receive his blessings not only on myself but also on my marriage. He has always provided for us and our family and has been so patient just waiting for this day.
Now I return. I have received so much grace that I do not deserve. Even at my worst most selfish, lying and ugly God loved me and waited. He waited for me to run back to Him weeping and broken and ready to be what He had always known I would be. Truly a prodigal daughter.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
The first ten years of our marriage wasn't entirely bad but we weren't nice to each other and we weren't good stewards and we really had no idea what we were doing. (LOL) I let some weeds grow in my heart, I didn't protect it as I should. What a mess!
So here I am still so very blessed. The strange thing is that even when I was pulling away from God I continued to receive his blessings not only on myself but also on my marriage. He has always provided for us and our family and has been so patient just waiting for this day.
Now I return. I have received so much grace that I do not deserve. Even at my worst most selfish, lying and ugly God loved me and waited. He waited for me to run back to Him weeping and broken and ready to be what He had always known I would be. Truly a prodigal daughter.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
My Testimony part two: The drift away
When I was 12 my parents divorced. My Mom will tell you that it was what all of us kids wanted and that's true. I think we really wanted the fighting to stop. I was also a greedy and selfish creep and I wanted two Christmases. Most of my friends had parents who had divorced and they made it sound so great. I truly had no idea the ramifications of my request.
I think this was the point when I really started slipping away. We moved twice that year. Once into an apartment with my Mom and my Sister, then into a mobile home with my Moms new husband his son and daughter. It felt like the longest year of my life. I slowly made friends and started Jr.High. We really didn't discuss church or faith and yet I still had this little seed in my heart struggling to grow. I became a follower just trying to fit in. Somehow I never felt like I did.
Then I started High School and I went about doing enough just to get by. Most of my friends didn't go to Church and it never occurred to me to seek one on my own. I met my Husband when I was 15. He was home schooled and went to church every Sunday. To me his family dynamic seemed very strange. I had many discussions with his parents about God and the Bible and I even went to church with them a few times. He was and still is my best friend.
Once we graduated High School his family decided to move about 45 minutes away. On my eighteenth birthday he proposed and I accepted. I was terrified I would loose him. We tried for awhile to maintain a long distance relationship. I admit it wasn't that far but again I was eighteen, ten minutes was like a lifetime. We were trying hard to figure life out.
I had a bit of a falling out with my Mom and in anger I moved out. Looking back I recognize the manipulation aspect I hurt her just so I could have my way, it's not easy to see myself like that but it's the truth and I won't hide it. I think as teenagers and young adults our selfishness reaches cataclysmic proportions and we end up hurting those we love the most. I moved in with my husband and his parents.
During this time we were required to attend church. We did and I learned a lot, for the first time I began to recognize the Holy Spirit and the changes that were trying to take place in my heart. I grew ever so slightly and yet I still had no idea how to be a Godly Woman.
Logan and I had a few sessions of pre-marital counseling and finally we were married. Now that we had our own place we thought we were ready for anything.lol
Part three coming up.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
I think this was the point when I really started slipping away. We moved twice that year. Once into an apartment with my Mom and my Sister, then into a mobile home with my Moms new husband his son and daughter. It felt like the longest year of my life. I slowly made friends and started Jr.High. We really didn't discuss church or faith and yet I still had this little seed in my heart struggling to grow. I became a follower just trying to fit in. Somehow I never felt like I did.
Then I started High School and I went about doing enough just to get by. Most of my friends didn't go to Church and it never occurred to me to seek one on my own. I met my Husband when I was 15. He was home schooled and went to church every Sunday. To me his family dynamic seemed very strange. I had many discussions with his parents about God and the Bible and I even went to church with them a few times. He was and still is my best friend.
Once we graduated High School his family decided to move about 45 minutes away. On my eighteenth birthday he proposed and I accepted. I was terrified I would loose him. We tried for awhile to maintain a long distance relationship. I admit it wasn't that far but again I was eighteen, ten minutes was like a lifetime. We were trying hard to figure life out.
I had a bit of a falling out with my Mom and in anger I moved out. Looking back I recognize the manipulation aspect I hurt her just so I could have my way, it's not easy to see myself like that but it's the truth and I won't hide it. I think as teenagers and young adults our selfishness reaches cataclysmic proportions and we end up hurting those we love the most. I moved in with my husband and his parents.
During this time we were required to attend church. We did and I learned a lot, for the first time I began to recognize the Holy Spirit and the changes that were trying to take place in my heart. I grew ever so slightly and yet I still had no idea how to be a Godly Woman.
Logan and I had a few sessions of pre-marital counseling and finally we were married. Now that we had our own place we thought we were ready for anything.lol
Part three coming up.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My Testimony part one- The early years.
After much prayerful consideration I have realized I need to stop procrastinating and just spill it already. Eventually I want this on it's own tab at the top of my blog but I don't know how to do that yet. So here goes.
I was raised in Southern California and I think we started attending Green Hills Baptist Church when I was 3 years old. Just to be clear not all of my memories will be 100% accurate but I am writing it how I remember it. My Dad was raised Baptist and my Mom was raised Lutheran they are both amazing people. We went to church as a family pretty sporadically. As soon as I was old enough I started to ride the bus to church. I tried my hardest not to miss a single Sunday and the only time I did is when my family had plans out of town. I also attended choir practice on Wednesday evening and often begged my Dad for a ride until he gave in even when he was utterly exhausted.
I loved going to Church. I didn't always fit in with the other Church kids and I had very few Church friends but I got to meet with God there so I loved it. I would sing at the top of my lungs,include all hand motions or marching with great zeal, and I would worship with my entire soul. By the time I was 10 years old I had heard the Gospel message thousands of times. I had heard the invitation to accept God into my heart just as many times. I never not once raised my hand. I was painfully shy and I was terrified. One Sunday I was enjoying "children's church" when he invitation was given and I felt my heart swell up like it was about to explode. I slowly inched my hand up, I was terrified. I was taken aside by Mr.& Mrs. Aguirre who I highly respected and admired. What a relief I felt after praying for Jesus to enter my heart. I can remember this like it was yesterday.
Shortly after I accepted Christ I was baptized. Again I remember it like it was yesterday. When I rose out of the water I felt so incredibly clean and shiny. I have no other words to explain it. I couldn't stop smiling and I felt like I was literally glowing from the inside out.
I continued to attend Church until my family and I moved and I'm not sure why but we never searched for another Church.
Tomorrow I will post Part 2: the drift away.
Blessings Always
Cassandra.
I was raised in Southern California and I think we started attending Green Hills Baptist Church when I was 3 years old. Just to be clear not all of my memories will be 100% accurate but I am writing it how I remember it. My Dad was raised Baptist and my Mom was raised Lutheran they are both amazing people. We went to church as a family pretty sporadically. As soon as I was old enough I started to ride the bus to church. I tried my hardest not to miss a single Sunday and the only time I did is when my family had plans out of town. I also attended choir practice on Wednesday evening and often begged my Dad for a ride until he gave in even when he was utterly exhausted.
I loved going to Church. I didn't always fit in with the other Church kids and I had very few Church friends but I got to meet with God there so I loved it. I would sing at the top of my lungs,include all hand motions or marching with great zeal, and I would worship with my entire soul. By the time I was 10 years old I had heard the Gospel message thousands of times. I had heard the invitation to accept God into my heart just as many times. I never not once raised my hand. I was painfully shy and I was terrified. One Sunday I was enjoying "children's church" when he invitation was given and I felt my heart swell up like it was about to explode. I slowly inched my hand up, I was terrified. I was taken aside by Mr.& Mrs. Aguirre who I highly respected and admired. What a relief I felt after praying for Jesus to enter my heart. I can remember this like it was yesterday.
Shortly after I accepted Christ I was baptized. Again I remember it like it was yesterday. When I rose out of the water I felt so incredibly clean and shiny. I have no other words to explain it. I couldn't stop smiling and I felt like I was literally glowing from the inside out.
I continued to attend Church until my family and I moved and I'm not sure why but we never searched for another Church.
Tomorrow I will post Part 2: the drift away.
Blessings Always
Cassandra.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Rested and ready.
Sorry I haven't written in awhile. My kiddos spent a week in Arizona with Grandpa so I spent some time resting and reflecting. I feel so recharged now even though I missed them terribly.
School started today and all three of them are in school now. It is kind of bitter sweet when you no longer have a baby with you all day.
I am working on writing my testimony. God has laid it on my heart to write it and share it here. This will actually be my first time sharing my entire testimony so this should be good. Stay tuned I may be able to post part one later today.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
School started today and all three of them are in school now. It is kind of bitter sweet when you no longer have a baby with you all day.
I am working on writing my testimony. God has laid it on my heart to write it and share it here. This will actually be my first time sharing my entire testimony so this should be good. Stay tuned I may be able to post part one later today.
Blessings Always
Cassandra
Friday, July 8, 2011
Overcomming fear
Today I only have a picture to share. I have been a busy Mom this morning teaching my 8 year old son how to ride a bike without training wheels. :)
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Thursday, July 7, 2011
Prayers Answered
Lately my Husband and I have been a bit worried about money. This is nothing new to most people it is the #1 thing we all tend to latch onto and worry about. About a week ago I decided that I really needed to exercise my faith muscle in this area. After all God is our provider and we need to trust that it will come in his time. Easier said than done no doubt.
So here is a little background, my Husband works purely on commission. If he has no customers we have no money. The economy has affected everything and so I was a bit worried when we decided to make this leap of faith and move back to California. It has no been easy but really it hasn't been incredibly hard either. We have been blessed beyond measure with the support of our extended family.
So fast forward to yesterday. My husband has received news that will potentially triple his sales! Amazing! Even though the way this came about was very unexpected and definitely has it's own consequences we are again completely blessed. It has really taught me that sometimes the answers to our prayers come about in ways we could never fathom.
There are quite a few scriptures I could post to further illustrate my point but I have a dirty kitchen calling my name :) I know I just started blogging and my following is very small but I so much appreciate your support and continued prayers for our family.
Blessings Always,
Cass
So here is a little background, my Husband works purely on commission. If he has no customers we have no money. The economy has affected everything and so I was a bit worried when we decided to make this leap of faith and move back to California. It has no been easy but really it hasn't been incredibly hard either. We have been blessed beyond measure with the support of our extended family.
So fast forward to yesterday. My husband has received news that will potentially triple his sales! Amazing! Even though the way this came about was very unexpected and definitely has it's own consequences we are again completely blessed. It has really taught me that sometimes the answers to our prayers come about in ways we could never fathom.
There are quite a few scriptures I could post to further illustrate my point but I have a dirty kitchen calling my name :) I know I just started blogging and my following is very small but I so much appreciate your support and continued prayers for our family.
Blessings Always,
Cass
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The reactions of an imperfect Mommy and the Grace of her Savior.
Hello again! After a long restful weekend I have some catching up to do.
Thursday afternoon I struggled to hold my temper. My children are testing my limits and I failed to step up to the task of leading them with a quiet spirit. I am guilty of loosing control of my words and lashing out at them. That is very hard to swallow because I long to be the Mom who has all of the answers and can discipline her children with love and kindness. A friend of mine posted on her Facebook that " it is our spontaneous, unconscious, unscheduled reactions that reveal who and what we really are." There it was staring me in the face the reality of my Sin. There is no excuse all I can do is lay it all out before the Lord and pray for his Grace.
Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Amazing Grace indeed. Everyday is new and I am given a new heart to serve my Lord. How completely and utterly amazing is that? I have no words to express the humbling and joyful feeling that fills my heart to level of bursting when I read those words.
My story does not end there. After such a rough day I quieted my spirit and decided I would sit with my children at dinner and discuss their behavior. My dear Husband was working late so I was able to focus on each one of my children. I started with Jacob the oldest. We somehow ended up talking about his salvation and about the fact that he was saved. This lead to me giving my children my testimony (albeit a shorter kid friendly version) for the first time. This lead Jordan to ask questions and to express his desire to accept Jesus as his personal savior! I was SHOCKED! how can this be? How can the Holy Spirit reach this child when his Mother is such a blatant sinner?
Thursday night in the quiet of his bedroom my son accepted Jesus into his heart with tears of joy. Oh be still my heart the light that shone from my boys eyes I have no words for. The complete understanding of his sin and the acceptance of the savior moved him so that I had no doubt in my mind that the spirit was behind it all.
As God continues to mold and shape my heart I must remember that He is also working on the hearts that are closest to mine. It is not me that lead my son to Christ but the spirit to which I am merely a servant.
This morning during my quiet time God continued his work teaching me how to come to him. Psalms 51 is where I was lead and it has taught me how to daily confess. Something I have never been faithful in doing.
2Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will Iteach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
May you have a blessings filled day.
Always
Cass
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Thursday afternoon I struggled to hold my temper. My children are testing my limits and I failed to step up to the task of leading them with a quiet spirit. I am guilty of loosing control of my words and lashing out at them. That is very hard to swallow because I long to be the Mom who has all of the answers and can discipline her children with love and kindness. A friend of mine posted on her Facebook that " it is our spontaneous, unconscious, unscheduled reactions that reveal who and what we really are." There it was staring me in the face the reality of my Sin. There is no excuse all I can do is lay it all out before the Lord and pray for his Grace.
Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Amazing Grace indeed. Everyday is new and I am given a new heart to serve my Lord. How completely and utterly amazing is that? I have no words to express the humbling and joyful feeling that fills my heart to level of bursting when I read those words.
My story does not end there. After such a rough day I quieted my spirit and decided I would sit with my children at dinner and discuss their behavior. My dear Husband was working late so I was able to focus on each one of my children. I started with Jacob the oldest. We somehow ended up talking about his salvation and about the fact that he was saved. This lead to me giving my children my testimony (albeit a shorter kid friendly version) for the first time. This lead Jordan to ask questions and to express his desire to accept Jesus as his personal savior! I was SHOCKED! how can this be? How can the Holy Spirit reach this child when his Mother is such a blatant sinner?
Thursday night in the quiet of his bedroom my son accepted Jesus into his heart with tears of joy. Oh be still my heart the light that shone from my boys eyes I have no words for. The complete understanding of his sin and the acceptance of the savior moved him so that I had no doubt in my mind that the spirit was behind it all.
As God continues to mold and shape my heart I must remember that He is also working on the hearts that are closest to mine. It is not me that lead my son to Christ but the spirit to which I am merely a servant.
This morning during my quiet time God continued his work teaching me how to come to him. Psalms 51 is where I was lead and it has taught me how to daily confess. Something I have never been faithful in doing.
Psalm 51
King James Version (KJV)
Psalm 51
1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.2Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13Then will I
14Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
18Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
19Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
May you have a blessings filled day.
Always
Cass
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Unexpected company
I did it! I got up at 6:30am today and I did not go back to bed.
I had plans and I was energized. I couldn't take my shower because I needed to wait for hot water. I didn't let that stop me I got up made coffee and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I turn around to see my lovely little girl standing there pouting about not saying goodbye to Daddy.
It seems my daughter is much more of a Daddy's girl than I ever knew. She hears his voice and she is instantly awake. So what about my quiet time? I give into her request for cartoons and set about getting some things done. I hung a load of laundry on the line and started another washing, fixed a bowl of rice for my little girl and read a few of my favorite blogs. I came up with a new plan.
I decided to use my shower time for praise and worship to prepare my heart before I had my quiet time. The boys slowly drifted out of there rooms to be fed and while they were watching cartoons I snuck off to enjoy my shower.
It seems I have a shadow today. My little girl followed me into my bedroom and sat outside my bathroom asking me every few minutes why I was singing with the radio and if I was done yet. I can't help but laugh. While I was getting dressed I grabbed clean clothes for her and we spent time brushing our hair and putting lotion on. Ok good girly time I needed that.
As I was starting a new load of laundry in the washer my wonderful Uncle and landlord shows up with his son and a tractor. This time I laugh out loud. I never know what my day will bring so I better just smile.
I send my boys outside to help, hang another load on the line and smile because my daughter is now my Uncles shadow. I head inside to clean up the kitchen, turn on some praise music and start over.
What does God say about plans? The Bible teaches me that God is a God of both purpose and planning. Also that all of my planning is nothing without God.
James 4:14-15 says
"14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appearethvanisheth away.
15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
I get it. I am teaching my daughter how to be a Godly Woman. I am thankful that the spirit helped me stay calm and roll with the rythym of my morning. It didn't go as I planned but Gods plan was so much better. I don't know if I will be able to stay as calm and lighthearted as I was this morning but I am confident that if I continue in prayer it's very possible. Neat right?
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
P.S. please ignore any mispellings my spell check isn't working. HaHa
I had plans and I was energized. I couldn't take my shower because I needed to wait for hot water. I didn't let that stop me I got up made coffee and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I turn around to see my lovely little girl standing there pouting about not saying goodbye to Daddy.
It seems my daughter is much more of a Daddy's girl than I ever knew. She hears his voice and she is instantly awake. So what about my quiet time? I give into her request for cartoons and set about getting some things done. I hung a load of laundry on the line and started another washing, fixed a bowl of rice for my little girl and read a few of my favorite blogs. I came up with a new plan.
I decided to use my shower time for praise and worship to prepare my heart before I had my quiet time. The boys slowly drifted out of there rooms to be fed and while they were watching cartoons I snuck off to enjoy my shower.
It seems I have a shadow today. My little girl followed me into my bedroom and sat outside my bathroom asking me every few minutes why I was singing with the radio and if I was done yet. I can't help but laugh. While I was getting dressed I grabbed clean clothes for her and we spent time brushing our hair and putting lotion on. Ok good girly time I needed that.
As I was starting a new load of laundry in the washer my wonderful Uncle and landlord shows up with his son and a tractor. This time I laugh out loud. I never know what my day will bring so I better just smile.
I send my boys outside to help, hang another load on the line and smile because my daughter is now my Uncles shadow. I head inside to clean up the kitchen, turn on some praise music and start over.
What does God say about plans? The Bible teaches me that God is a God of both purpose and planning. Also that all of my planning is nothing without God.
James 4:14-15 says
"14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appearethvanisheth away.
15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."
I get it. I am teaching my daughter how to be a Godly Woman. I am thankful that the spirit helped me stay calm and roll with the rythym of my morning. It didn't go as I planned but Gods plan was so much better. I don't know if I will be able to stay as calm and lighthearted as I was this morning but I am confident that if I continue in prayer it's very possible. Neat right?
Blessings Always,
Cassandra
P.S. please ignore any mispellings my spell check isn't working. HaHa
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Proverbs 31 and laziness.
This morning during my quiet time I was given a sharp reminder about my love of sleep. I sleep a lot. I must admit that and frankly I am embarrassed to say I at times border on lazy. I enjoy staying up late watching movies or playing video games (*blush*). I know that these actions do nothing to glorify my God nor do they bless my family in any way.
Proverbs 31:15 says "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." A woman of great virtue will rise before dawn. Hmm it is so not me, but here is the cool part, it can be. God has given me the ability to be this woman. So why don't I use it? Another verse in Proverbs warns us of laziness verse 20:13 says, " Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."
So here I sit completely convicted but not at all feeling sorry for myself. (Amazing how the spirit works.) Today it is my mission to fix this problem. I realize I need to make myself a schedule so that's what I am working on today. Finding my rhythm is also going to help me accomplish this task.
Thank God for his mercy and for showing me such grace. I am so blessed to be forgiven!!
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" Colossians 1:12-14
Blessings Always
Cassandra
Proverbs 31:15 says "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." A woman of great virtue will rise before dawn. Hmm it is so not me, but here is the cool part, it can be. God has given me the ability to be this woman. So why don't I use it? Another verse in Proverbs warns us of laziness verse 20:13 says, " Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread."
So here I sit completely convicted but not at all feeling sorry for myself. (Amazing how the spirit works.) Today it is my mission to fix this problem. I realize I need to make myself a schedule so that's what I am working on today. Finding my rhythm is also going to help me accomplish this task.
Thank God for his mercy and for showing me such grace. I am so blessed to be forgiven!!
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" Colossians 1:12-14
Blessings Always
Cassandra
Friday, June 24, 2011
The World's way, theBiblical way
I came across this blog the other day and it really inspires me so figured I would post a link. I have been struggling lately with church and such blah sometimes my human self really inhibits my spiritual self. Why must we complicate our own lives so much.
The World's way, theBiblical way
Ok so enough feeling sorry for myself. Let me share something new. I have found that I truly enjoy hanging my clothes on the line to dry. There is something very maternal and soothing to the ritual. The way the wind makes my line "sing" makes me grin. It's silly I know but it's me. I have also found that I get my house work done alot faster if I get up and get fully dressed in the morning down to my shoes (or sandals in my case). I have no idea why this energizes me it just does, I feel like I have a job to do and thats how I prepare myself for that job.
Thanx for listening
Blessings Always,
Cass
The World's way, theBiblical way
Ok so enough feeling sorry for myself. Let me share something new. I have found that I truly enjoy hanging my clothes on the line to dry. There is something very maternal and soothing to the ritual. The way the wind makes my line "sing" makes me grin. It's silly I know but it's me. I have also found that I get my house work done alot faster if I get up and get fully dressed in the morning down to my shoes (or sandals in my case). I have no idea why this energizes me it just does, I feel like I have a job to do and thats how I prepare myself for that job.
Thanx for listening
Blessings Always,
Cass
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
We are moved and settling in!
So much has happened and changed since my last post. At the last minute an opportunity came through for a larger home, a house really. We were planning on moving into an apartment but as luck would have it my husbands Aunt and Uncle purchased an income property and offered to rent it to us. We gladly accepted!
Our first month in our new home has been an adventure. Many things have gone wrong but alot has gone right and really we are so happy to be back in California.
I am working through the balancing act that is the life of a Mom. I hope to make this blog an encouragement to others as well as myself. So more to come soon I promise. My goal is to post every morning but I loose focus frequently :)
Until next time
God Bless
Cass
Our first month in our new home has been an adventure. Many things have gone wrong but alot has gone right and really we are so happy to be back in California.
I am working through the balancing act that is the life of a Mom. I hope to make this blog an encouragement to others as well as myself. So more to come soon I promise. My goal is to post every morning but I loose focus frequently :)
Until next time
God Bless
Cass
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Our Exodus
Sometimes I find myself confused and unsure if I am doing what I am meant to do. What was I born to do? The answer seems quite simple for any Christian, I was born to serve God. Simple but vague. How? This is probably my true question. More than that how does this impact my day to day life? While wiping my child’s nose or picking up after them or fretting over what to serve for dinner. As a Mother and a Wife it is easy to loose sight of the big picture.
My family and I are in the midst of packing and preparing to relocate. We are returning to our “homeland” it seems a bit ironic that I was lead to spend some time in the book of Exodus but fitting none the less. Our new home is quite a bit smaller so decisions have to be made. Every time I move I realize it is time to cut the fat return to simplicity and release some memories.
This is the place that God has prepared for us so that we may glorify him. I accept this wholeheartedly and yet with every new growth there is a bit of pain. I have met the most extraordinary group of women here and I have learned so much from them I will miss them terribly. These women encompass the true meaning of the word beautiful.
Thank you Lord for showing me your love and for refining my heart. I pray as we continue on this amazing journey I continue to grow closer to you.
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