Somebody's Watching Me ~ Day 27

Today's reading II Kings 4:38 - II Kings 15:26

" Come see my zeal for the Lord" II Kings 10:16 KJB

Jehu made a big show for everyone to see when he slew all the followers of Baal. But when it came to his walk with God, where it matters, the Bible says that "he took no heed."

What kind of character do you have when you think no one is looking? Do you still serve God, read your Bible and pray? What kind of shows do you watch on TV when you think you won't get caught?

I would like to think that I would serve the Lord when I think no one is watching, as well as publicly because God is always watching me.

Smith's coupon Special

It is so amazing how couponing has really changed my life. I have been actively couponing since the beginning of the year. I started purely by accident. There is a sight that offers all the links to companies that offer free birthday items. Well, I signed up for them and had so much fun with my four kids going around for two days redeeming coupons for freebies that I was hooked. Now, I print coupons off my computer and I get two Sunday papers and also the All You Magazine.

It does take time to get it together but I would rather do this and homeschool my kids then have a job any day! I enjoy being at home with my children and I LOVE seeing how God blesses our fiances on a weekly bases.

I spend $21 plus tax on the items above. Without coupons and the sale going on at Smiths, for one, I would not have shopped there and two, I would have spent $72.00 plus tax! Thank you, Lord for blessing our home!!

Enough is Not Enough ~ Day 26

Today's reading I Kings 16:21 - II Kings 4:37

" It is enough; now, O Lord," I Kings 19:4 KJB

Elijah had thought he had reached his breaking point. Little did he know that God was far from done with him.

How many times have I said, " Enough, Lord!" ? God is not done with me either. I am very glad for that!

Delightful People ~ Day 25

Today's reading I Kings 7:38 - I Kings 16-20

"Blessed be the Lord the G0d, which delighted in thee," I Kings 10:9

When God gives a compliment he is not just saying it to be nice. He is not exaggerating either. If He did not mean it he would not have said it.

I was thinking of the great people whom God has allowed to cross my path. They served God in such a way that make me want to do more for the Lord also.

I am sure that God could say of them that he delighted in them as well. I know I sure did delight in knowing them.

Passing Down ~ Day 24

Today's reading II Samuel 22:19- I Kings 7:37

"Bring thou down to the grave" I Kings 2:9 KJB

Before he died, David passed a lot down to his son Solomon. His kingdom, his wealth and his enemies. David wanted Solomon to take vengeance on a few people that had down him wrong in his life.

Do I want to pass that kind of legacy down to my children? Wouldn't it be better if I told them how God forgives and that I am not perfect either. My children will give away how I talk about others in our home. I want them to always treat people with kindness. Whether they have done my family wrong or not.

Strength ~ Day 23

Today's reading II Samuel 12:11- II Samuel 11:18

" He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hate me: for they were too strong for me." II Samuel 22:18 KJB

The mighty king David is admitting weakness here. His enemies were too strong for him? I never saw that. I did not see fear as I have been reading about David. Most battles he was turning to the Lord in advance seeking counsel whether he should go in and receive the victory or not. That did not come across as weakness to me. It seemed to be strength.

The battles I face are nothing like what David faced. Through David's example, I need to learn to bring all decisions to the Lord. There is where my strength will lie.

Associations~ Day 22

Today's reading I Samuel 28:20- II Samuel 12:10

" And David went on and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him." II Samuel 5:10 KJB

Because David wanted to please God by building a temple even though he did not build the temple he was just able to gather supplies for Solomon his son. God was even able to make it public that he was with David. God was not ashamed to say who he was associating with. David, like us, was not perfect and we know as Christians that God will never leave us or forsake us. I just find it interesting that God wanted everyone to know that he was associating himself with David.

Do I live such a life where the Lord God of hosts would want to make it public that he was with me? How do I treat my family, my neighbors, my enemies? Would God want to publicly associate with me? Would I want people to know I associate with God? Do I act in such a way that I would not want people to know that I am a Christian? This really gets me thinking.

High Expectations~ Day 21

Today's reading I Samuel 16:1- I Samuel 28:19

" And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he." I Samuel 16:12 KJB

Jesse was told to sanctify his family and bring them to Samuel the Prophet. Jesse gathered his children together and for some reason when his thoughts fell on David he did not think it was necessary to include him in the line up. Whatever Samuel had in mind, it surely would not include David.

I need to remember not to under estimate God and what he can do in my life. He made this world I live in out of the words He spoke. He made man from the dust. I need to hold God accountable to His Word and not lower my expectations because I do not see a probable out come.

Nothing~~Day 20

Today's reading I Samuel 2:30- 15:35

"What have we?" I Samuel 9:7 KJB

Saul went looking for his lost sheep. Then he decided to ask the Seer, which was Samuel, where his sheep were to be found. Saul had no idea that God was using these lost sheep to get Saul to meet with Samuel.

We do not possess anything that God wants. He wants us. Our lives, our love, our attention. What have I to offer the Lord? Nothing. He just wants me.

Alfredo's first egg!

Meet Alfredo one of five of the new chickens we bought this past Spring. She is the first one to lay an egg for us from her group. I did not know she was going to lay a white one. I am really not up on my chicken knowledge but different breeds lay different colors. Blue, green, white, brown and dark brown with speckles. That is what I know of but I am sure they may be other colors also.

My Hannah has been telling everyone she sees about our new egg, whether we know them or not! The chickens are her job and she was the one that found the new egg. Now the bible says that the first fruits belong to the Lord. So our preacher will be getting the first dozen of our new eggs from our five new chickens.

Thank you Lord for blessing our home!

You May Never Know~Day 19

Today's Reading Judges 15:13-I Samuel 2:29

"...and Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David." Ruth 4:21,22 KJB

There was so much going on in today's reading. First with Samson and Delilah then no judge at all . Then the trouble with the tribe of Benjamin. Then on to Naomi and the marriage of Ruth to Boaz. Then finally to Hannah and her answer to prayer named Samuel.

The Lord laid on my heart the thought that because Ruth was David's great-grandmother, she could have held little David in her arms. It is quite possible that Ruth knew David. I do not know when she died but it could have happened. In her wildest imaginations could she have seen her little great-grandson as the next King of Israel?

I look at my children and I really have no idea where God is going to take them. I am honored to raise them for the Lord. I am very glad I shelter them from this world and the thought that God has a plan for them makes me try harder to prepare them for however God wants to use them.

Such Victories, Such Sorrows~Day 18

Today's reading Judges 3:28-Judges 15:12

"...didn't I deliver you?" Judges 10:11 KJB

Up to a hilltop victory, down to the valley of sorrow. Up to a victory, down to sorrow. On and on. They did not get it. Obeying the Lord was in their best interest but they kept forsaking God.

The Lord has promised never to leave us or forsake us and I am very thankful that he keeps his word. I never have to wonder where my Lord is.

I am just like the Israelites when I stray. I need to very quickly get back to where the Lord needs me to be. That is where the blessings are. That is where the true comfort lies.

The Great Misunderstanding~~Day 17

Today's reading Joshua 15:1-Judges 3:27

"...that we might do the serve of the Lord." Joshua 22:27 KJB

The two and a half tribes of Israel that were going back to possess their land while the rest of the tribes stayed in the promise land, stopped to build an altar at the border of their properties. They had good intentions but the 9 and a half tribes of Israel misunderstood their actions and thought they were rebelling. The tribes did not ask the exciting tribes what they were doing. They just accused them.

Doesn't this happen so much still today? Even amongst God's people? Where some one's actions are immediately assumed to be done in rebellion instead of thinking that the person might be doing good.

Let me learn from this passage and not jump to any conclusions about another person's actions until I first bring it to the Lord in prayer for awhile and then to the person directly, if that is even necessary. I should try to always give people the benefit of the doubt. To think good of people instead of bad.

School Supplies FREE!!

I was not sure what to expect because usually I do not do well at Walgreen's because I get there so late in the week all the good deals shown on my Face Book are gone. I would say God was looking out for me today and I was able to get all these school supplies for free!

The picture on the bottom of the pens I paid 19 cents each for them. Yeah! Thank you very much Lord for helping save on school supplies!

A Memorial ~~Day 16

Today's reading Joshua 1:1- Joshua 14:15

"What mean ye by these stones?" Joshua 4:6 KJB

When the Israelites crossed over the Jordan river they were told to grab one stone for each tribe as a memorial to tell their children and future generations what the Lord had done for them.

When I go on a trip I like to not only buy souvenirs but I like to grab natural ones we may find along our trip. Like shells or bark or sticks I will even take pictures of buildings or sunsets. Anything that stands out as a memory of our time there.

I do that also when it comes to my spiritual journey. I have ashes taped to my bible for a reminder of a commitment I made to the Lord in a certain area. I have book marks that remind me of mountain top experiences where I had a spiritual victory.

When my children come across these precious mementos I am able to share with them my journey with the Lord and what he has done for me he will do for them also.

Long Life Living~~Day 15

Today's reading Deut. 23:12- Deut. 34:12

"And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of the seed, to love the Lord they God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live." Deut. 30:6 KJB

God wants us to love him. He has prepared our hearts to love him but he will not force us to. I mean, who would want that kind of love anyway?

I can show God I love him by my obedience to him. My children will see I love God that way also.

Hidden Blessings~ Day 14

Today's reading Deut. 8:1- Deut. 23:11

"...that ye may live and multiply...for it is he (God) that giveth thee power to get wealth" Deut. 8:1,18 KJB

The Israelites are going into a foreign land. Buildings and homes were already built. Schools and
Churches already built. Roads already laid out throughout the land. So God had to establish laws to keep his children clean so he could continue to bless them. Also, so they could prosper. Not just monetarily but with good health and child bearing.

Let us look at the laws not a weight that we are freed from because of Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross but as guidelines for healthier living. For example, if we refrained from eating certain animals that are noted in the bible as not clean. How much healthier would our bodies be?

Maybe God has hidden blessings just waiting for us from the Old Testament that would help us to be more be more prosperous in our daily living.

In All Things~~Day 13

Today's reading Numbers 32:20- Deut. 7:26 KJB

"For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him?" Deut. 4:7

This verse spoke to me because this last week I really saw God in what I was doing.

It kind of reminds me of my daughter Emily. She likes to be touched. So if she is sitting next to me, for example, she will move her hand to touch mine or move my hand so it is on her lap. When I look over at her she just smiles.

God wants me to know he is in my life even in the mundane tasks I have to do. I want to live a life where others can say that God is in all the areas of my life.

I Could Not Have Done Better if I Tried!!

I would say that I bought these but is that even fair to say, when I did not spend anything on them? This makes couponing so much fun! The total came to ZERO which if I tried to plan it that way it would not have worked out at all. God is so good to me.

I kind of had a frustrating day in that I kept forgetting coupons or deals and then it would mess up my train of thought but God showed me today that He is the one getting me the deals not me. I try to work out the deals and it's like he "one-up's" me, if you know what I mean. I really need him even in an area that I am doing well at. Thank you God for showing me that I can do things better with you as my Guide!

Pray for your Enemies~~ Day 12

Today's reading Numbers 21:8- Numbers 32:19 KJB

"thou shalt not curse the people for they are blessed." Numbers 22:12

Balak was afraid of the children of Israel so he asked Balaam to curse them. Balaam was told by God not to. Balaam ended up obeying God but I do not think he believed it for himself until the last time Balak asked him to curse the Israelites.

When Balam really looked at Israel his eyes were opened and the Spirit of God came upon him and he was able to truly bless the people.

If you are a Christian you are a child of the King. If you are at odds with another Christian you may not be thinking it consciencely but you may be wanting God to hold back blessings or even curse the person you are at odds with.

Your eyes also need to be opened to whom your asking God to curse. He is not going to curse one of his children.

I need to learn to lift up in prayers the people who I am at odds with so I will be able to rejoice when they rejoice and weep when they weep.

A Heavy Load ~ Day 11

Today's reading Numbers 8:15- Numbers 21:7

"I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. " Numbers 11:14 KJB

I find it interesting that Moses could handle writing down thousands of rules and getting them straight. He could organize the building of the tabernacle down to the smallest of details. He could organize millions of people into groups to share the burden of the service of the duties associated with the tabernacle. Moses had a lot of responsibilities but never a word out of Moses that his job was to hard.

Not until the people complained. In my opinion, they just were a bunch of whiners. If things did not go perfectly, they had something to say about it. That was too much for Moses to bear.

I need to teach my children not to complain but I also need to realize that complaining is a heavy load to bear. I need to lift people up and not burden them with my complaints. I need to take my complaints to God and let him deal with it. God will also be able to straighten me out also.

This Or That?

Ok, just humor me here. I had to go to the store last minute and I was not even sure I would get a good deal but Praise the Lord, I did!

Which did I spend more on the store brand hamberger patties or everything on the table below?

I was able to purchase the pizza's for 50 cents each! I paid $3.00 for everything on the table! Thank you Lord for helping me be a good steward with your money!!

In the Service of the King ~ Day 10

Today's reading Leviticus 26:27- Numbers 8:14

...every one that came to do the service of the ministry and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation. Numbers 4:47 KJB

In this reading the people were separated into tribes and numbered. They were also told to serve. They each had a specific job that they were responsible for in the tabernacle.

I want to be used in my church to serve the Lord. I want to serve in the ministry and be a tool my church can use in any area.

Separation ~ Day 9

Today's reading Leviticus 14:33- Leviticus 26:26

I am the Lord your God which have separated you from other people.

Lev. 20:24 KJB

What is the point of pages of do's and don't's? Separation. God did not want his people picking up habits from the people of the land. The Israelites were God's chosen people. They were special.

I want to remember that I am a child of the King. What may seem good for someone else to do may not be good for me to do. I need to pray about everything.

A place for everything...~ Day 8

Today's reading Leviticus 1:1- Leviticus 14:32

...(they) offered strange fire before the Lord. Lev. 10:1 KJB

I see God has an order. A way he likes things done. When Nadab and Abihu offered a different offering he not only thought it strange but then he killed them. That must mean doing it God's way is pretty important.

I have the free will not to do what I would like and we are not bound to offerings and such because of Jesus complete offering at the cross. I need to use my freedom not to satisfy my flesh but to honor and glorify Christ.

Put Your Heart Into It ~Day 7

Today's reading Exodus 29:1-Exodus 40:38

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, Exdous35:21 KJB

The Israelites' heart was stirred up to work for the Lord. They brought the supplies needed to make the tabernacle.
I want to be of a willing heart to do for God what he would have me do.

Holy, Holy, Holy~~Day 6

Today's reading Exodus 15:19-Exodus 28:43

...Holiness to the Lord Exodus 28:36 KJB

All these rules, the do's and don'ts. There are rules for everything. What to eat, what to wear and who to marry. All these rules are to separate the Israelites from the rest of the world. Then the building of the tabernacle, a place for God to dwell separated from the Israelites.

Separation, that is, until Jesus came and "the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom;" Matt. 27:51 KJB.

I see God wanting his people to know that he wants them to draw close to Him and not be like the world. A different and a peculiar people (Ex 19:5 KJB).

God wants me to separate myself from the world so that now through Jesus I can come boldly to the throne of grace and get closer to God. Less of the world and more of Him.

Couponing Perserverance

I was not able to go out like I normally do. I went by Savemart and it was closed. How did that happen? Then I went to Raley's to pick up cherry's for $1.47 lb. and they were out. I went to Kmart for any last minute deals, none. So when I went to Walmart I really wasn't sure what to expect but God blessed me big time. I bought both of these for 96 cents. I used two coupons from the newspaper. Praise the Lord!!

When the Going Gets Tough~Day 5

Today's reading Exodus 1:1-Exodus 15:18

Why is it that thou has sent me? Genesis 5:22 KJB

God called Moses to deliver the children of Israel out of Egypt. Now maybe Moses figured he would walk in demand results from Pharaoh and he would let the children of Israel go. The children of Israel would be so thrilled and everyone would be happy to see Moses and praise the Lord. That is not how it worked out.

God did call Moses but it got worse, much worse before it got better. It was still all part of God's plan.

Lord, help me to do your will and what you called me to do whether the task is easy or hard. Whether it is a good day or a bad day.

Something Great~~ Day 4

Today's reading Genesis 40:12-Genesis 50:26

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:7 KJB

Joseph knew God was using him to do something great. He prepared himself over the years for whatever God had in mind for him. When that moment came he was ready. Whether it was for organizing a country to support the world during a seven year famine or forgiving his brothers for selling him off to strangers when he was kid.
What if I grasped that in my life that God had something great for me to do? Then I should be preparing my heart for forgiveness for past wrongs done to me by letting go of anger and bitterness. I want to be ready for whatever God has planned for me.

Let's Make a Deal! Day 3

Today's reading Genesis 28:20-Genesis 40:11

"And Jacob vowed and vow..." Genesis 8:20 KJB

This day's reading showed a lot of deals. There were deals between Jacob and Laban. Jacob and an angel. Shechem and the twelve sons of Jacob. Then a deal with the twelve sons of Jacob and the Midianites merchantmen. The merchantmen and Potiphar. Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. Then Potiphar' wife and Joseph. Finally Joseph and the butler.
Also in the reading along with the deals were deception. I need to be aware with whom I deal with. I need to search for wisdom from God in prayer and in my bible before I join in a deal with someone.

Blessed ~~Day 2

Today's reading Genesis 17:1-Genesis 28:19

"...I am with thee and I will bless thee," Genesis 26:24 KJB

If one word could describe the today's reading it would be blessed. Blessed for obedience. Blessed for children. Blessed with a birthright.
God wants to bless us. Do I want his blessings more than what the world has to offer? My flesh said sleep in this morning but the Lord had a blessing waiting for me here. This time I chose the blessing. Thank you Lord!

90 Day King James Bible Read Thru Day 1

Today's reading Genesis 1:1- Genesis 16:16

Day One
I had planned on getting up at 6am but ended up getting up at 6:30. Not so bad. When I got up everyone else was up. Of course, on a normal school or work day NO ONE wants to get up on time much less at 6:30 or earlier! I knew than that the battle was not with reading the bible but it was everything else going on around me.

I did get a few things out of my reading which was a blessing. The first was that husbands are to rule over their wives. (Genesis 3:16 KJB)I do not want to get into the whole women's rights issue but what I got was that it is my husband who is to "rule" over me not my pastor or another woman. Not another families ideas or standards. My husband knows what is best for us. It is God's plan.

The second was found in Genesis 14:19,20 where the term "most high God" is used. Is God the most high in my life? Or is it the T.V. or the computer? Is food the most high in my life? I need to have God be the most high in my life. Then everything else will fall into place. Everything has its proper order. God needs to be first.

Kmarts Double Coupon Day One

I do not normally shop on Sunday much less a holiday but I went down to Kmart for their first day of their deal of doubling coupons up to and including $2. It is only in the health and beautiful department. I went with a list and my coupon book and I don't think I did half bad. You are only allowed to use 5 coupons per day. So in the picture is what I purchased for a total of $3.40. The subtotal came to $18.40. I ended up saving $15.00!! Not bad. Not bad at all. Thank you Lord for great deals!
That little black case for female things I puchased for free seperately because it was only 99 cents and I had a coupon for $1 off, so it did not need to be doubled to be free!

I Have the Freedom to Shop for FREE!

I had a really good time shopping this weekend. I think I am getting the hang of it finally. I still make mistakes but over all I do very well. I got all those things for free today. That really made me happy. In the next picture I got those things for 50 cents each. I enjoyed this shopping day by myself but that isn't always the case. My kids are getting the hang of couponing though. If they see coupons in those dispensers they grab me a couple.
I thank God that he has blessed us with this money saving way to bless our home. I do not take this for granted.



In this last picture was a few more things I got for free today!

Reading the Bible Through

I am going to start a 90-day Bible read through on Monday July 5th.

I got the idea from this site.

She is doing the program and will offer support via her blog.
I have read my bible through in a year and also as little as 27 days. I think 90 days will be good. I am going to blog my way as I read through the bible. Allowing you to see what I have read and also how it effecting my life as a stay-at-home-mom and homeschooling mother of 4.
I will also be using the King James Bible and really if you are going to read the bible it might as well be the Authorized Version.
Well, wish my blessing and I will see you back on July 5th. Have a Happy 4th of July weekend!