Mixed Berry "Sherbet" ~ THM Recipe, S

I love sherbet!!!  My favorite flavor is raspberry.  I also love to snack on something cool in the summer.  I accidentally created this recipe one day as I was trying to make the Chesecake Berry Crunch recipe in the THM cookbook (pg. 352).  It was delicious, and melty, just like real sherbet!!  So, without further adieu...here it is!

THM Mixed Berry Sherbet - S

1 cup frozen (slightly thawed) mixed berries (a blend without strawberries...they don't puree well)
2-4oz. thawed 1/3 fat cream cheese (if you like it most like sherbet, use 2oz.  More cr.cheese makes it so deliciously creamy!)
1 TBS Pyure sweetener (or whichever one you use)
1 dash vanilla extract
1 dash almond extract

Puree all ingredients in a food processor.  Blend until smooth.  Transfer to a bowl, and ENJOY!  It will slowly start to melt like really sherbet, or ice cream!

4 Reflections on our First Year of Homeschooling

Wow.  We did it!  We did our first year of homeschool!!  I can't believe I made it, honestly.  There were SO many times I was ready to quite.  So many times I wondered why on earth I had wanted to do this in the first place!  But, my Fionna and Tiernan can READ!!!  They can do addition and subtraction!  They can tell time!  They can recite verses and poems!  They know days of the week, months of the year, continents, planets, their state, country, town, capital, counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s;  the four directions, the seasons, and SO MUCH MORE!!  I am so proud of them!  As I've reflected on our first year, I have 4 things I'd like to share:

1.  Why I homeschool.

I school my kids at home because I truly, honestly believe that God tells me to.  In Deuteronomy 6:7 it says, "You shall teach the diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."  How can I do that if my kids are away for 6 hours/day at school?

2.  It's a mutual effort between you and your husband. 

Homeschooling isn't just the mom's job.  It is a mutual job done by both you and your husband.  Yes, you are doing most of the teaching work, but your husband can contribute many great things that will help your kids learn.  Sometimes when Daddy explains things, the kids finally understand it!  And keep in mind, some of your children will take after their daddy, so they will learn and understand like their daddy.  Who better to teach them than Daddy!

3.  It is flexible.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you can be FLEXIBLE.  This is especially great if you're like me, with 4 little ones who aren't in school constantly needing attention.  If you're having a bad day, you're sick, you didn't sleep well because of your nursing baby, etc. you can take a day off.  You can make up a missed day on Saturday.  If one or more of the children is having difficulties learning something, you can sit with them and work it out, and not bother with the clock.  After I had Winry, I struggled for a few weeks with scheduling, feeling tired, and having to adjust to 6 kids.  It was so wonderful to know that I could take the weeks I needed to rejuvenate and adjust!

4.  You are there for every milestone in your kids development.

I saw my kids adding for the first time.  I was there when they read their first sentence!  I would have missed those times if they were in school.  I get to see the light go on in their little faces when they understand things.  The pure joy of correcting their papers to find they did everything perfect is beyond rewarding!  I am part of my kids lives 24/7, and it's amazing (most of the time).

I would encourage everyone to take a step back, and thing about homeschooling.  It's not something weird, anti-government, conspiracy-theorists do.  Recent research has discovered that thousands of families are choosing to homeschool their kids more than ever before.  You can choose to have your kids indoctrinated at school, where you have absolutely no control over what they hear;  or you can teach them at home, where you have 100% control over what they learn.  And that big "how will they get socialization" question....well, just come over to my house and see just how social my kids are.  (seriously, they hug random strangers at the store...{we're working on Stranger Danger{)  Both my husband and I were homeschooled, and it is so wonderful to be able to do the same for our family.  We love it, and pray that our children will homeschool our grandchildren;  leaving a legacy of at-home education that fosters a love for God and a passion for learning. 

I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to my mom, and my mother-in-law;  who took the time to educate us at home.  You did a fantastic job.  You instilled in us a love for God, a desire to learn, and we take that and pour it into our children.  THANK YOU for your love, your time, your heart, your tears, your frustrations, your perseverance, and your patience. 

My Top 10 Books for Wives and Mothers

I'm sharing with you all my top 10 mommy/wifey books I absolutely LOVE and recommend!  I have a TON of these books, and each one is unique in it's own way, opening my eyes further to the truths of motherhood/wife-hood like never before.  So, here they are:

1.  Desperate:  Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe ~ Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson

 I needed this book so much after my 4th baby was born!  It is so beautiful, so true, and so uplifting.  (There is an accompanying DVD as well.)  It's a refreshing read when you're just feeling so overwhelmed with motherhood.

2.  Having a Martha Home the Mary Way ~ Sarah Mae

 Oh, Sarah Mae!  She gets me.  She speaks to my heart.  This book is fabulous!  I love that at the end of every chapter there is a Martha challenge, and a Mary challenge.  It speaks to the spiritual and homemaking aspect of our lives. 

3. The Excellent Wife ~ Martha Peace

 This was the very first wifey book I ever read.  I read it cover to cover every single year.  It has such wisdom in it!  My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, friend and SIL's mother did a Bible Study on this book many years ago (when I was pregnant with my second!)

4.  Idol Lies ~ Dee Brestin

I had the priviledge of hearing Dee speak at a women's conference this past April.  She has such heart for women and ministering to them!  Sometimes we can have idols in our hearts we aren't even aware of, and this book brings them to light. (This isn't exactly a mommy/wifey book, but a Christian womanhood book.)  

5.  Mission of Motherhood ~ Sally Clarkson

God has blessed Sally with the ability to speak His truth about motherhood so eloquently!  I  hung upon every word in this book.  It really opened my eyes to what my goal as a mother should be.

6.  Ministry of Motherhood ~ Sally Clarkson

How do we minister to our children?  Pick up this wonderful book and read the truths spoken within it's pages.  Sally becomes your mentor, your spiritual mother while you read.

7.  Longing for Paris ~ Sarah Mae

This was the book that woke me up.  It resonated deep within my soul.  Sarah's words are so raw, so real.  It's ok to dream, but we must never let those dreams steal our joy and contentment with the life God has blessed us with in the here and now.

8.  Own Your Life ~ Sally Clarkson

I am owning my life, owning my faith thanks to this beautiful book!  It has stirred my soul and created a yearning for God's Word in my heart! 

9.  The Life-Giving Home ~ Sally Clarkson & Sarah Clarkson

This book has made me rethink the workings of my home, and how I run it.  I'm still learning, but I know now that I want my home to be a life-giving home that helps my husband and children thrive.

10.  The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex ~ Sheila Wray Gregoire

Now, you may be a tad shocked at this last book, but I'm telling you...it's a fabulous one! I came into my marriage timid, shy, and pretty much completely uneducated in the sexual realm of married life.  I thought sex was scary, rather nasty, and something naughty.  I was NOT sexy for my hubby AT ALL.  Reading this book opened my eyes to the beauty of marital intimacy.  It is good, it is blessed of God!  Just think:  Your husband is the ONLY man you will EVER have sex with the rest of your life...makes sure it's the greatest fun you'll ever have.

*You can find all of these amazing women on their websites here:  Sarah Mae, Sally Clarkson, Dee Brestin, Sheila Wray Gregoire, Martha Peace.

Trim Healthy Mama in a Large Family #1

So, I posted before about how my diet is structured around the Trim Healthy Mama plan.   This week, my THM post is a look at how I fed my family of 8 and only spent $197.  Here's the break down...

Menu Plan (all recipes come from the THM Cookbook)
    I don't really decide what I'm making until that day...


~ Coconut Thai Chicken (pg. 45) {S}

~ Cabb & Saus Skillet (pg. 58) {S}

~ Fakertot Casserole (pg. 147) {S}

~ Spaghetti & Meatballs w/Dreamfields pasta

~ Homemade Pizza (on plan for me, off plan for the rest of the fam)
   [crust recipe found here:  All Day I Dream About Food]

~ Hamburgers & Coleslaw (pg. 230) {S}

~ Wipe Your Mouth BBQ (pg. 43) {E}

I loaded all  6 kiddos into our van and drove up to the grocery store.  My list was one page long, also containing some non-food items that aren't a necessity so I left some out.  Most of my cart gets filled up  in the produce section.  After a ton of zig-zagging, and a bathroom break for almost everyone, I finished up and headed to the checkout lane.  (please note that not all of the food in my list is THM approved. My hubby and kids don't do THM 100%.)  My list included:

2 cabbages
20 apples
6 bottles kombucha soda
2 cartons fresh strawberries
2 cartons fresh blueberries
2 loaves sprouted bread
1 carton mushrooms
1 bag pre-mixed coleslaw base
2lbs. ground beef
1lb. bacon
1lb. turkey bacon
1 container sliced roast beef
2 links smoked sausage
2 bags frozen meatballs
2 bottles coffee creamer
1lb. block mozzarella cheese
1 bag frozen seasoning blend
2 bags frozen stir fry veggies
3 bags frozen mixed veggies
1 bottle nutritional yeast
14lb. bag of dog food
2 cans coconut milk
2 packages boxed Thai food
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 boxed Dreamfields pasta
1 bag peanut powder
2 cartons assorted cookies
2 bags cereal
1 package paper towels
3 boxes smoked oysters
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1 carton chicken broth
1 carton beef broth
5 bottles Hog Wash juice

*if I've forgotten anything I will add it.

So, all of this and I had $2.50 in coupons so my grand total was $197!!  All of these meals are filling for my large family, and there are always leftovers for my hubby for work the next day!  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and I will answer them as soon as I can! 

3 Ideas for Controling Chaos

Managing a large family is quite the learning curve!  I grew up in a household of 5.  My husband grew up in a household of 5.  We are a household of 8.  So, with that comes some learning.  You have to learn how to manage your family appropriately without going crazy or always feeling like you're drowning in chores.  How do you manage all of the laundry that comes with a large family?  (I am STILL learning that one.)  How do you budget for a large family?  How do you manage extracurricular activities in a large family?  All of these questions are important to managing your large family.

LAUNDRY:

Yeah, this one is my nemesis.  I have yet to conquer this one.  We did try one summer to limit how many of each item of clothing everyone had, but I ended up buying more clothes as I was washing too many loads every day to keep up. (having 4 boys will do that to you.  They attract all manner of dirt and grime.)  What I *TRY* to do every day is at least 2 loads.  (you know that meme where it says you keep washing the same load so mildew doesn't set in?...yeah that's me.)  Just this past year I created a system of baskets with everyone's name on them.  The baskets are small and light so even my 2-year-old can carry one.  Each morning (or whenever I have a load done) they grab their baskets and put their clothes away in their assigned drawers. I've even taught my almost 7-year-old how to put wash in the washing machine and then transfer them to the dryer.  She likes that chore.  My advice is to include the children in the laundry as soon as they are able.

BUDGET:

My husband is in charge of the finances for us.  He gives me a weekly budget, and every Monday I go to the bank and withdraw the amount in cash.  Cash makes sure I don't go over budget.  It's kind of hard to spend money you don't physically have, right?  Everyone's weekly budget will look different, depending on income, number of people, and other things.  I suggest talking it through with your husband and mutually coming to an agreeable amount.

ACTIVITIES:

With so many kids in one family, and all of the kids getting older and looking for fun things to do:  how do you keep them all straight and happy without going crazy??  I just signed F up for summer gymnastics class with her cousin.  My brother-in-law has wonderfully offered to pick her up and take her to the class every week.  On the Monday's he cannot do it, my dear Mother-in-law has offered to take the girls.  Most things require me to pack all 6 kids in the van and go.  I don't mind it most days, but it can get overwhelming.  I can only imagine what it will look like if TJ wants baseball, L wants football, or K and R have soccer.  In the fall, the kids who are 5+ go to Pioneer Club at their cousin's church every Wednesday.  I usually am able to take only the kids in PC and leave the littles at home with Daddy.  But on the days I can't do that, I take them all and we just play in the nursery until it's done.  My advice is to just understand that if you want your kids to be involved in sports or other extracurricular activities, it's gonna take a lot of time and some annoyance.  I'm blessed to have a husband and family I can rely on, but it's not always possible.  Extra things will take sacrifices.

Do you have some suggestions in these 3 categories?  Please share them in the comments! 

#WCW: Susanna Wesley (Women of Faith series, #1)

Susanna Wesley

Susanna Wesley was the mother John and Charles Wesley.  She and her husband, Samuel had 19 children, 9 of which lived to adulthood.   She was an amazing woman, who homeschooled her children and had great faith.  She had 16 House Rules that she ruled her house with. You can see them listed at Raising Godly Children.


We can use Susanna as a godly role model for motherhood.  She homeschooled her 9 living children.  She raised them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  Her sons became great preachers.  She lived for Christ, and instilled her faith in every aspect of her life.  We must be diligent about doing the same in our lives.  Our children must see our faith being lived in us.  We must pray daily that our children grow in faith and never wander away from the faith.  We must trust in the Lord and place our children in His tender loving hands

5 Things I can't Live Without

There are just some things that a mom just can't live without.  Here is a list of the 5 things this mama of 6 just can't live without.

5. Keurig 2.0
    
Yes, I know...I *could* technically live without coffee.  But seriously, caffeine is in my blood.  I can drink coffee before bed and still sleep 7 hours.  I love my Keurig!  I love the little K-cups.  I love that I can have single cup of coffee without re-heating a pot every time I want need one.  Yes, I know the little cups are expensive, but it's one expense my dear hubby is willing to make.  **Side note:  We just got the 2.0 and it can now brew a carafe!!!!!  So when company arrives I can make a 4-cup carafe.

4.  Essential Oil Diffuser

Seriously.  This thing is AMAZING!!  You can have wonderful aroma's wafting through your home without harsh chemicals or soot.  Plus, the oils can help with ailments you may (or may not) have flying through your home.  (my husband's favorite blend is Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon)

3. iPhone

I love my iPhone!!  (I have the iPhone 6)  This little box can do SO much!  I can listen to music, connect with friends, take pictures of my kids, etc.  I mostly use it to listen to music, which is also in my blood. (I took 7 years of violin lessons)

2.  Woven Wrap

I am totally in love with babywearing!! It is a real life saver!  So, I have literally 12 of these things.  (I'm trying to sell some but with no luck)  It is so nice to just throw my fussy 5-month-old on my back so I can do laundry, school, or anything else that need to be done (which is pretty  much everything)

1.  Study Bible

I had a regular Bible for the longest time, and didn't really think about any other Bibles.  Then, I needed a new one and I discovered study Bibles.  WOW!  They are an awesome resource for Bible study, and personal reflection!  Sometimes I get lost in God's Word because I've been reading in one passage and the commentary at the bottom leads me to one verse which takes me to another passage and that's how I get lost in my Bible.   I really encourage you all to check out a study Bible.

So, there you have it!  The  5 material things I can't live without.  What are some things that you absolutely love?  

A Quick Guide to Trim Healthy Mama in a Large Family

Trim Healthy Mama is an eating lifestyle created by sisters, Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison.  It has taken the world of women by storm.  I started my THM (as it's called) journey 2 years ago.  Since starting I've lost 38lbs!!  (I also had a baby in that time, which explains the slow weight loss.) I won't go into the specifics of the plan, but if you'd like to know more, please visit Trim Healthy Mama.  (for those of you already on plan, I have listed the page numbers and category of meal.)

The THM Plan calls for special ingredients such as non-sugar sweetener (stevia, erithritol, xylitol, etc.), sprouted flours, and lots of veggies. Sometimes it can really add up, especially because stores today price healthy foods higher than the junk-laden ones, sadly.  I have come up with a menu that is very inexpensive, and all of the meals are loved by my brood.  (Most recipes come from the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook, which is available at Barnes&Noble, Amazon, or the THM website.)  Please, feel free to share your favorite meal, menu, or website in the comments!!  (If you are interested in purchasing any THM products, please click on my affiliate link in the sidebar.)

Here is a peek at some of our weekly dinner menus:

**Week 1**

MONDAY:  Spaghetti & Meatballs w/Dreamfields pasta  {S}

TUESDAY:  Cabb & Saus Skillet (pg. 58) {S}

WEDNESDAY:  Whatcha Want Mexican Chicken (pg. 47) {E}

THURSDAY:  Eggroll in a Bowl (pg. 62) {S}

FRIDAY:  Loaded Sweet Potatoes w/Chicken (pg. 166) {E}

SATURDAY:  Homemade Pizza {S, XO}

SUNDAY:  Cheat Day (whatever we want) {off plan}

**Week 2**

MONDAY:  Cabb & Saus Skillet {S}

TUESDAY:  Rich & Tender Stew (pg. 38) {S}

WEDNESDAY:  Loaded Sweet Potatoes w/Chicken {E}

THURSDAY:  Spaghetti & Meatballs w/Dreamfields pasta {S}

FRIDAY:  Cowboy Grub (pg. 59) {E}

SATURDAY:  Chicken Florentine w/Dreamfields pasta (pg. 46) {S}

SUNDAY:  Cheat Day

So, as you can see, we repeat a lot of meals.  That's because we LOVE those meals, and they are cheap!  Most of my cart gets filled up in the produce department!  Spinach, cabbage, peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.  Depending on the season, things can get very cheap!  I also usually have a small garden so in harvest time meals will be even cheaper!

Now, here's a sample of my breakfasts.  I don't usually have my kids and hubby doing THM all day;  just supper.  I am a nursing mama, so most of my breakfasts are crossovers so I can maintain my milk supply.

MONDAY:  2 fried eggs, 1 slice turkey bacon, sprinkle of nutritional yeast, Trimmy Rich (basically bulletproof coffee) {S}

TUESDAY:  Oatmeal with coconut oil, on-plan brown "sugar", Collagen Tea {XO}

WEDNESDAY:  2 eggs scrambled, 2 slices sprouted toast, 2 tsp. butter, Collagen tea {XO}

THURSDAY:  *same as Monday

FRIDAY:  Oatmeal with on-plan brown "sugar" {E}

SATURDAY:  2 fried eggs, 2 slices sprouted toast, 2 slices cheese, 2 slices bacon {XO}

SUNDAY:  *same as Wednesday

Here is a sample of my lunches during the week.  I am a Drive Thru Sue, so I'm ecstatic that there are a lot of places to go for a good lunch while out and about.  There are even drinks you can get at Starbucks...although I usually just cheat and get my VBH refresher or a WC Mocha.

MONDAY:   Naked chicken Burrito Bowl (Qdoba) {E}

TUESDAY:  BLT salad {S}

WEDNESDAY:  Quesadilla (1/2c shd. cheese, 4 slices deli turkey chopped, 1 low carb tortilla) {S}

THURSDAY:  Loaded Fotato Soup (pg. 117) {FP}

FRIDAY:  Quesadilla (like Wed.)  {S}

SATURDAY:  leftovers

SUNDAY:  off plan

I do enjoy all of the THM desserts and drinks.  I've compiled a list of my absolute favorites for you all.



DRINKS/SHAKES:

Good Girl Moonshine {FP}

The Shrinker {FP}

Earth Milk {FP}

Singing Canary Shot (pg. 399) {FP}


Fat Stripping Frappa {FP}

Chocolate Thin Thick (pg. 423) {FP}

Strawberry Cheesecake Shake (pg. 412) {S}

Chocolate Beauty Milk (pg. 440) {FP}



SNACKS:

Cottage Berry Whip (pg. 374) {FP}

Popcorn w/nutritional yeast {XO}

Breyer's Carb Smart ice cream {S}

Salted Almonds {S}

Cheese Sticks {S}


DESSERTS:

Cheesecake Berry Crunch [w/out the nuts] (pg. 352) {S}

Secret Agent Cake w/Raspberry Frosting (pg. 308) {S}

Key Lime Pie [substituted with lemon flavoring] (pg. 326) {S}

Secret Silk Pie (pg. 330) {S}

Bust-a-Myth Banana Cake (pg.298) {E}

Lemon Curd Layer Cake (pg. 299) {S}

Cry-no-More Brownies (pg.314) {S}

*For more delicious recipes please checkout these websites:  Live, Laugh, Love, Encourage, Mrs. Criddle's Kitchen, Rohnda Sue, All Day I Dream about Food, Briana Thomas, & The Laundry Moms.

Becoming an Essential Oil Family

 I'm not one to believe in homeopathy that much. I like doctors and medicine.  But lately I've been turning to more natural methods of curing ailments.  And I've discovered the world of essential oils. I use a number of brands such as Eden's Garden, Aura Cacia, Veriditas Boctanicals, NOW brand, and Healing Solutions.  I have very recently fell in love with Young Living brand.  The entire company is lovely, and I like their transparency and their official "Seed to Seal" promise.

I was completely skeptical at first, but last night dispelled all my doubts.  I diffused Lavender and Cedarwood in both of our kids' bedrooms (boys in one, F in the other.).  They slept well, and slept until 7:00!!!  My 4th child, Liam, has a bad habit of waking up and banging his head on the headboard to get himself back to sleep.  It's such a natural thing to him he now has 2 bald spots on his head!  He did not do that last night.  I am amazed!

I have 3 diffusers in the house right now.  One in the kitchen/dining room area, one in the boy's bedroom, and one in Fionna's bedroom.  The one downstairs (kitchen) I use for fun scents like Fruity Pebbles, Garden Fresh, Ocean breeze, etc.  I love having air freshner that's non-toxic and one that my hubby can stand, as some candles bother him.

I use essential oils topically (specifically Lavender, Peppermint, Basil, Fennel, and Tea Tree (or melaluca).  Sometimes in a carrier oil, sometimes neat.  Basil and Fennel are known for helping boost milk supply in lactating women.  Lavender and Peppermint can help a headache, and Tea Tree is an amazing anti-septic.  To help with my baby's cradle cap I use a blend of Lavender and Geranium oils in fractionated coconut oil.

I use essential oils in my baths.  My favorite oil is Lemon.  For a relaxing, helpful bath I use 1 cup epsom salts, and a few drops of Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint oils.  It smells amazing, and I can relax knowing my bath is completely natural with no harmful chemicals.  I also make a homemade shampoo using castile soap and Lemon oil.  If my kids are needing a relaxing, calming bath before bed I use Lavender oil for them.

*For more information on essential oils and different brands, please check out these websites:  Young Living, The Essential Family. 

**Disclaimer:  I am not a representative of any essential oil brand.  I only can attest to the brands that I have used.  I have not yet been able to try Young Living essential oils, but I will be doing so in the very near future.  I am all for using essential oils and trying natural solutions, but if things persist and you aren't healing...don't hesitate to go to a doctor.  Medicine and doctors are there for a reason.  Please use caution when using essential oils and diffusers.  Please research and follow all instructions on the bottles provided before you dive head first into this amazing world.  Enjoy!  

 

Growing in Grace

I am a Reformed Christian.  "What is that?" or "What does that mean?"  you may ask.  Simply this:  I believe that God chooses whom He will save, and that man has absolutely nothing to do with his own salvation.  I baptize my children in direct obedience to God, believing that the covenant He has with my husband and I also extends to our children.  I know full well that I, in my depraved, sinful ways would have never chosen God.  He chose me to be His child, and he loves and cherishes me.

This is my Coming to Jesus story.

I was born to an unwed, 17-year-old mother in 1991.  She knew that she was unable to care for me, so in a selfless, loving act;  she put me up for adoption.  Through God's grace, I was placed in a wonderful, Christian home.  We were raised in the Baptist church.  At the age of 5, I prayed the "Sinner's Prayer" and received a pin commemorating my salvation day.    At age 7 I was baptized.  I thought I was ok, I was going to heaven now.  I did what everyone expected me to do. I quoted Scripture and parroted all the Christian words I was supposed to say, but it wasn't MY faith.  I was living a lie, because I honestly didn't truly believe.

Fast-forward 9 years.  I was almost 16-years-old.  My family went to church one Sunday, and on the way home my parent's  announced that we were no longer members.  My older brother, father, and mother had recently "discovered" Reformed Theology and were slowly converting.  I didn't care...all I was going to church for was to see my friends.  I became angry at God.  Why did He take away all of my friends?  Why were my parents being so ridiculous?  Who cares about theology?  

On one October day in 2007, I remember being in my room when I suddenly felt this overwhelming feeling of God pulling me towards Him.  I fell to my knees and began to pray.  I confessed my sins, I confessed my living a lie, I confessed my anger at Him, I begged His forgivness for living in His name while not believing in Him.  I could no longer ignore His prodding.  I was His, and it was time I gave my life fully to Him, and to sharing Him with the world.   I felt a feeling of total peace and contentment wash over me.

From that day, I began to grow.  Less than a year later, I was married.  We began attending a Reformed Church of the United States (RCUS) and my knowledge of the Reformed faith grew.  I was learning things all over again, learning about my faith.

Now, 7 years later I am STILL learning!  Lately I have dived into the Word to learn more about the WHY to my faith.  WHY do I believe this?  WHY should I believe this?  HOW can I help others know God and live rightly before Him?  HOW do I share my faith.  I am owning my faith, and loving my God.

My hope and prayer is that through my faith and testimony other will turn to Him, the wonderful Savior;  the Author and Finisher of our faith.  He is God.   He chose me. I am loved by God.  Jesus died on the cross to save ME.  He is in control of everything in the world.  And THAT, my friends, is the most amazing, most comforting thought.

*For more information on Reformed Christianity, please visit Ligonier Ministries