Ashley's Art Closet

You Can Stay Home With Your Kids By Erin Odom

2018-04-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

Do you long to stay home with you children, but you or your husband say, "there's no way"?

I've been home 14 years. This was never my desire. My father always instilled in me, you work for what you get, and to do your best. I felt nothing best about coming home. I felt I'd live in poverty by failing to bring home a steady income. You see, after being a pregnant teen, age 19, and marring my high school sweet heart. We had less then $800 between the two of us. We knew hard times. I knew what it felt like for us to bust our tails providing for the family God created for us; house note, car note, insurance, groceries, childcare, etc. Then I battled liver cancer. The battle in it's self was hard enough. The bills created was even worse. We didn't once receive financial help from anyone on those medical bills. In the middle of my survival, I became pregnant, without maternity coverage. We did this to cut down our premium - no more kids since cancer, right. The Lord said watch, and I had a baby. We paid for the doctor, hospital and delivery bills. When this child was 9 months old, I was sitting at my work desk when I heard the Lord loud and clear, "go home". I gave my two week notice the next day. Hardest words I did ever spoken to my respected boss. I'll never forget the look on his face. Nor will I forget the day I walked out that back door for the last time. Nor will I forget the transformation in my marriage. Nor the healing I gained emotional from battling cancer by writing a book about it. If I'd never said yes, my marriage could've been by the waste side and I could've ended up in a mental hospital due to not healing emotionally. Because the Lord had me preoccupied nurturing my family, my marriage and my mental/physical health, I didn't miss the income. The gain He provided was more then just about money. And I wouldn't be where I am today. I would've never become an author. I would've never become an artist. Two things, if you look back in my old journals, I wanted all along. The Lord knew. In my obedience He created space to heal and help me create income alongside my husband.

My question to you is, what's He calling you home for?

You too can do it. He will provide.

I am reading, "You Can Stay Home With Your Kids" by my friend Erin Odom. The Lord is using Erin for the work of His Kingdom and this excites me. It's a great resource tool for any family no matter who's bringing in income.

You can pre-order a copy on Amazon https://amzn.to/2DRlzLc.

It has practical bite-sized action steps to curb spending, eat well on a budget, shop secondhand and sales, hunt houses and vehicles, diy household products, and create more income.

It's currently the #1 new release on Amazon for Budgeting & Money Management books!

If you preorder before April 10 Then visit youcanstayhomewithyourkids.com to receive pre-order bonus gifts, including an ⭐️EBOOK, MOTHERHOOD ART PRINT, 2-WEEK ALDI MEAL PLAN, BATH BOMBS & FUDGE!⭐️ I pray no matter your journey the Lord provides healing, understanding, a peace of mind and gives you strength to get up and do something. #youweremadetoshine

Second too the number one reason (money), people don't chose to stay home home is they struggle to find their self worth, value in life, purpose-meaning they seek it from the outside world. They depend on the world, things, material possession, clothes etc to fill them up. Many of theses people are even believers in Christ. I know this because although I walked through coming home successfully and God provided, I missed the outside world. He showed me how to replace that with Him. I depended on the outside world to make me feel accomplished, valued, needed, beautiful, etc. A nice devotion to help you walk through this working or not working is my friend Katie's devotion, Heavenly Minded Mom. I mentioned it the other day. Get your copy here https://amzn.to/2pC4Qas

If I had a copy for every mom out their I'd give you these two books as a pair. And tell you to spend some time with Jesus and watch your spiritual life grow with ways to put food on your table.

#spiritualgrowth

#nextstep #heavenlymindedmom
#publishing #katiebennett @abingdonpressbooks #erinodom #youcanstayhomewithyourkids @zondervan #whyherbook #shm #homeschool #sahm #launchteam #curbspending #eatwellonabudget, #shopsecondhand #sales #househunting #vehicles #diy #clickmagazine #mom_hub #connectingmoms

#motherhoodunplugged #liveauthentically #unitinmotherhood #maternity #firstmom #southernraised #migisboutique #artistlife #authorlife #Godsgrace #familygoals #marriagematters #bookdate #reading #easter #mothersday #sidehustle #swoonworty #homelife #spring #minimalism #homemaking #motherhood #momwithcameras #youcan #ihadcancer #cancersurvivor #medicalbills #pregnantteen #highschoolsweetheart

Read GoodReads Book Reviews of You Can Stay Home with Your Kids

This is an email from the author, Erin Odom, herself today answering questions she receiving so far about, "You Can Stay Home with Your Kids".

1. How is this book different from More Than Just Making It?

Great question! More Than Just Making It released in the fall of 2017 with the same publisher. It's a 240-page paperback book that is part spiritual memoir and part practical how-to on overcoming financial frustration.

You Can Stay Home With Your Kids would make a perfect companion guide or follow-up to More Than Just Making It. It's a 200-ish page hardcover book with beautifully-designed, glossy pages. It takes the information from More Than Just Making It plus more and breaks things down into easily-digestible, bite-sized chunks with action steps.

My hopes are that More Than Just Making It will leave readers with an encouraged heart and a head spinning with ideas. You Can Stay Home With Your Kids can make those ideas a reality.

You Can Stay Home With Your Kids fits into the gift book category. It truly would make a wonderful gift for any mom friend or relative in your life.

2. Is the book just for stay-at-home moms?

I've been getting this question a lot! Some people have written saying they are empty nesters or not moms yet, and they enjoyed More Than Just Making It and want to read this one too.

The truth is that You Can Stay Home With Your Kids is truly a book that anyone can glean from--and I'm not just saying that.

In fact, early readers have said the exact same thing over and over.

The book is 100+ money-saving (and some money-making) tips divided into 8 categories that most everyone encounters--Curbing Spending, Eating Well on a Budget, DIY Household Products, Entertain Your Family Without Spending a Fortune, Shopping Secondhand and Sales, Provide for Healthcare Needs, Hunt Houses and Vehicles, and Create More Income.

I do address the mom who wants to stay at home (or continue doing so) throughout the book since that is what my publisher wanted to title it.

But to answer the question? No, it's not just for stay-at-home moms!

3. The title alone offends me! Seriously, do you think everyone should stay at home with their kids?!

I was afraid of that--but please don't judge the entire book by it's title!

The book's title came from a blog post I wrote in 2012 called "Staying at Home With Your Kids When You Can Barely Afford It."

In fact, that was my publisher's first idea for the title of this book. They changed it because they felt like "barely afford it" might offend some people. We do live in an easily-offended world, so I get it!

Early in the book, I state that I support all moms--no matter if they are stay-at-home moms, work-outside-the-home moms, or choose to do some kind of hybrid to support their families.

I also state in the book that I am a work-at-home mom now--that gets to stay at home with her kids because I work from home.

Part of the "Create More Income" chapter addresses that sometimes we have to change our mindsets of what staying at home with your kids means. For some people, like for my family, it might mean that we do bring in full-time incomes--but we have figured out a way to do it without leaving home (which has allowed us more time to spend with our kids).

4. When do the pre-order bonuses expire?

You have until tomorrow night at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10 to grab the pre-order bonuses! ACK! So, act soon!

Believe me, you're going to want to have these bonuses! They are:

The Woven Heart - my e-book on motherhood
2-Week ALDI meal plan
Motherhood Art Print shipped for FREE from my publisher!
Bath Bombs & Fudge from Free Reign Farm (does require shipping)

You will have until Monday, May 14 to actually download or redeem your bonuses.

5. How do I redeem the bonuses?

1-Buy the book at your bookstore of choice (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Christianbook.com, etc.).

2-Save the order #.

3-Go to http://www.youcanstayhomewithyourkids.com and fill out the form that is embedded directly on the site.

4-You should get an email with all bonus info. almost immediately after you fill out this form. If you do not get an email, please email me and let me know!

6. Do I have to pay shipping on the bonuses?

All digital bonuses do not require shipping, and the art print will be mailed from my publisher with free shipping.

The two bonuses from Free Reign Farm--the bath bombs and the fudge--do require that you pay shipping. You do not have to redeem these if shipping costs are a concern.

7. Will you be offering any sales on the book? I just can't afford it!

I understand, and I wish I could just give the book away and still support my family! The truth is, my publisher is the one who determines the price and any sales. With this, your guess is as good as mine.

But when they do run a sale, I will be sure to let you know! I have also signed up for Barnes and Noble's e-newsletter so I can find out about coupon codes to share with you all!

8. How long does the Mega Giveaway last? Do I still have time to enter?

Yes! You have until April 17 to enter the giveaway! Enter here.

You can watch a video I created on Youtube by clicking HERE.

Erin's book is for all families, work from home or work away from home, we all technically stay home with our kids. We end our days at home with them don't we? Regardless what we do all day. Our homes are our hiding places, safe place of healing and hope. We all need tips to create more income and saving money, right!?

LOOK for Erin on the 700 Club tomorrow for her book release day!

See what other bloggers are saying about Erin's book:

(click their individual names, this will take you straight to their post)

Morning Motivated Mom

Happy Robin Shaw

Choosing Real

Simply Nature + Nurture

Jacinta Huang

Building Up Moms

Brenda Rodgers

In The Sweet Sunshine

Novel Homemaking

Finding Home

Intentionally Simple

Snail Pace Transformations

The Messy Mom

Heavenly Minded Mom by Katie Bennett

2018-03-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

READING: I am currently reading, Heavenly Minded Mom by @embracingasimplerlife - Katie Bennett, a 90 day devotion on my iPad.

Are you a mom looking for encouragement to live all in for Jesus? Are you feeling trapped in things of this world? I recommend this devotion as a tool for your spiritual growth, no matter the season. It will help you see your life in the scope of eternity. It will help you remove the blinders, changing your perspective to focus on storing your treasures in heaven. You will be a new mom, a new momma in Christ, a newly grown spiritual mom. #spiritualgrowth

#nextstep #heavenlymindedmom

This devotion releases April 3rd. You can visit http://heavenlymindedmom.com to review pre-order bonuses and see suggested places to buy. Amazon is on there, https://amzn.to/2pC4Qas. Order and go back to claim those bonuses. How do I know all of this!? Because I am on the launch team, actually serving as the launch manager.

Side note: A true God story how that happened (thank you @thehumbledhomemaker ). I am trusting God through the process because I think He's really up to something big. Such as; hiring me out for other launches or to write a book about launching a book. Please be in prayer for me on this, that I'll being able to discern the direction He's calling me. You know what!? Enough of that go order Katie's devotion book! I am not just saying this, but you'll truly be blessed. I've sat in week after week listening to the moms, just like you, on this launch. They are blown away by what the Lord is doing as they participate in reading of the devotion. I will say through the years I've sensed moms looking to me for wisdom like covered in this devotion. I know these things. My gift is not relaying but I can tell you Katie is gifted! Go check it out!

#booklaunch #booklaunchmanager #getpublished #bookmarketing #cheerforauthors #WritingTip #BookMarket #BookMarketing #PromoTip #SelfPublishing #SelfPub #Publishing #AskAgent #AskAuthor #AskEditor #EBooks #wordcount #writterlife #amwritting #publishing #katiebennett @abingdonpressbooks #erinodom #youcanstayhomewithyourkids @zondervan #whyherbook #shm #homeschool #affiliatelink

*artwork by Ashley Murphy

How To Become Confident

2018-02-07T17:54:00.000-06:00

Heading Out to Make Deliveries: This girl here, as a child, wouldn't walk to the counter to even ask for ketchup. As I grew older, matured through life experiences, I slowly overcame the fear of stepping up all by realizing where my true confidence comes from. Although, I still have waves of not wanting to walk in front of others, speak in front of crowds, be the center spot, etc. It's a great reminder why I need my Jesus daily dose. Thankfully with the Lord by my side earlier this week, I walked in @southernraised39042 like a boss! The owner, Ashley Purvis, graciously met me from behind the counter. She is as precious as they come. Finally, after communication only through messages, we were happy to meet in person. My one big "why" I am thankful for technology. I know it has its perks of disadvantages but the advantages of communication outweighs them in my case. Do you struggle to show up? Are you afraid of walking up to the counter? As a follower of Christ, I've learned there is a different source of our confidence. It is not obtained from the consistency of our experiences or the development of our gifts, talents, or abilities. Nor does it come from the strength of our personalities or our track records of success. Likewise, it is not diminished or damaged by inconsistency, failure, suffering, dysfunction, or wavering nature of life. Our confidence is anchored in God. Our circumstances don’t affect God; he affects our circumstances. He is our proactive, loving heavenly Father, who not only has a plan for our lives, but also has the resources to make happen everything He intends. When we realize our confidence comes from Him we are resilient, we persevere, and endure. This kind of confidence is what the Bible calls faith. The condition and strength of our faith is a reflection of our view of God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” Hebrews 11:6 So I am happy to share, it was all God who brought Ashley and I together. His intend was to network our lives together all for His good. Please visit her store today, like her Instagram page- @southernraised39042, find them on Facebook- Southern Raised, and tell your friends they now sell artwork by Ashley Murphy. I am confident you will be glad you did!!!

#southernraised #kidsroomdecor #downtownbrandon #mississippiartist #likeaboss

#confidenceinchrist #kidscollectionreleased

What Does It Look Like To Be Kind In Christ

2018-02-05T17:48:00.000-06:00

KIND: who is the kindness person in your life? Do you like the color yellow? Have you purchased your Valentine's happy for the special person in your life? Are you kind? Kind in Christ? Anyone can be kind. Like really they can. Are they kind in Christ?

What does it look like to be kind in Christ?
Before anyone asked, the kindness of God appear through the life of Jesus Christ. This is the best illustration of kindness we'll ever know. God saw hurt, brokenness and despair. He saw people with no hope of breaking free from pain and suffering. So with no logic deserving reason he sent his Son to the rescue. No one deserved his kindness. But thankfully, God didn't treat us like we deserved. Kindness in Christ is doing for others when least deserved-the ability to recognize the needs of others and take steps to meet those needs. Kindness is understanding. It's compassion. When we're kind, others get to experience warmth, and whether they realize it or not they're experiencing some of God's character.

How can you approach kindness moving forward?
1. Ask God to help you recognize his incredible kindness more and more.
2. Ask God to make you more sensitive to the needs of others.
3. Ask God to help you find practical ways to show grace to your enemies

We must remind ourselves true kindness is impossible unless God does work in our hearts. So, no need to feel intimidated because you haven't been kind or you could've been kinder. We must remind ourself unkindness is not of the Lord. And I don't know bout you but I don't want any part of not being of the Lord. He wants us to show up fresh every single day. Walk with Him. Seek His will for our life. And His richness will overflow into the lives of those around us in kindness!!! I am serious. Try. Hit reboot if necessary. Kindness ...to take a fresh breath and to let God renew your attitude and spirit. Ephesians 4:23 (VOICE)

...because there was a time when we, too, were foolish, rebellious, and deceived—we were slaves to sensual cravings and pleasures; and we spent our lives being spiteful, envious, hated by many, and hating one another. But then something happened: God our Savior and His overpowering love and kindness for humankind entered our world; He came to save us. It’s not that we earned it by doing good works or righteous deeds; He came because He is merciful. He brought us out of our old ways of living to a new beginning through the washing of regeneration; and He made us completely new through the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:3-5 (VOICE)

#getyourstoday #christlikecharacterhearts #valentinesday #migisboutique #shoplocal

#willship #kind #giftidea #titus #ephesians

How To Photograph My Artwork

2018-02-04T17:44:00.000-06:00

photographing • while • photographing

sunday afternoon prep work for the week

how was your sunday question mark

#bronco #kidscollection #releasesthisweek

How Do I Know God's Will For My Life

2018-02-02T17:37:00.000-06:00

There are not many things which stay consistent in this life. Our name, maybe. Our schedule, sometimes. The Lord. Yes. all the time. This girl right here, me, loves being consistent. My mind works better. When I think of how things things in our life can be so inconsistent, I think how God feels about our inconsistent walk with Him. Just because things get hard, we don't like them or wish to have gone another way, stayed the same. The Lord may be calling us be consistent in our walk with Him, to stay put. In those moments He wants to minister to our souls. If we kick and scream running from the moments we most likely are missing out on His intent for our spiritual growth, our life. When things do come up and we feel the need to make a change we must ask ourselves, "Is this Gods will for my life or am I running?" "Is this a healthy situation?" To be consistent in Christ’s eyes means that we are consistently attempting to live in His will. If our focus is Christ, and on him alone, the circumstances we find ourselves in matter a whole lot less. We are on mission for Him no matter where we are and no matter what we do. We must be reminded consistency in Christ doesn’t look the same as consistency in the world.

#consistentinchrist #artistsignatures #nothingstaysthesame #but #christ #Ephesians

So be careful how you live; be mindful of your steps. Don’t run around like idiots as the rest of the world does. Instead, walk as the wise! Make the most of every living and breathingmoment because these are evil times. So understand and be confident in God’s will, and don’t live thoughtlessly. Don’t drink wine excessively. The drunken path is a reckless path. It leads nowhere. Instead, let God fill you with the Holy Spirit. When you are filled with the Spirit, you are empowered to speak to each other in the soulful words of pious songs, hymns, and spiritual songs; to sing and make music with your hearts attuned to God; and to give thanks to God the Father every day through the name of our Lord Jesus the Anointed for all He has done. Ephesians 5:15-6:9 (VOICE)

How Is A Heart Transformed

2018-01-29T17:23:00.000-06:00

Giving: A "GIVING" heart is a generous heart. One which allows us to give to others because God has given abundantly to us. The wise use of stewardship and attitude that what we have belongs to God and knowing we are the caretakers for His purpose. To be like Him, we must open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others along our way and give meaningful service each day.
#christlikecharacterhearts
A heart like Christ is transformed by Christ.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17
#giving #christlikecharacterhearts #heart #valentinesday #migisboutique #shoplocal #willship purchase your "giving" heart at MiGi's boutique today • a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

What Movie Should I Watch

2018-01-28T17:14:00.000-06:00

Family Movie Night: Megan Leavey • 2017 Drama/Biography The true life story of Megan Leavey, a young Marine corporal whose unique discipline and bond with a military combat dog saved many lives during her deployment in Iraq.

#pg13 #meganleavey #movienight #murphylodge #longoverdue #goodmovie #familytime #hometheater #madememissmydog

How Messy Is Your Art Studio

2018-01-27T16:59:00.000-06:00

My Messy Space: do you remember a few weeks ago I shared with you "my space" tidied up? Well this is what it looks like messy. I wanted you to see the real side of things. This picture was taking yesterday. I took yesterday morning off from the studio to get things in our home done (one of the true perks of my job, flexible, can trade hours at any given moment, to having to be very disciplined). Laundry. Love on my daughters room-something I don't always do because I've always instilled in my girls to be responsible independent individuals. While I do remember how special it was to come home from school on the days my mother did this for me. I want to carry on the tradition creating a safe place for my family to come home. We are all tired. busy. overworked. and you get the picture. Who's space do you need to tidy up? Maybe it's your own, someone in your house, someone who's moved away, or someone you never lived with. I'll pick back up in my studio again soon where I am creating a special "children's" collection I am excited to share with you in the upcoming weeks. In the mean time I am going to embrace the mess! #createasafeplace #youvegottogetmessy #beforethejobcangetdown #cleanuplater #workspace #artstudio #mississippiartist

What Does A Humble Heart Look Like

2018-01-25T16:51:00.000-06:00

This year, as I begin creating artwork for Valentines Day. I started, as I always do, by scoping out other Valentine's Day trends. Such as candy, trinkets, clipart, etc. A common process I use in order to gain inspiration before applying paint to a canvas. As I looked at these things, I begin to realize how much emphasis is put towards, kiss me, you're cute, text me, you rock, love me, etc. And I thought, "you know, you don't really see many focusing on the actual heart, heart of Christ." So, I sought out to hear His voice. He spoke over me to use words honoring His character, Christ like character. I was very HUMBLE•ed by this. He would choose my art to shine His light. In a way others can honor themselves or someone in their life who exemplifies Christ like character. I hand selected 6 Christ like characters; humble, kind, giving, honest, pure and wise. I am certain He wants us to utilize these recognizing His character this Valentine's.

Today's Christ like character heart is "humble".

Visit MiGi's to see this treasure. Take a picture of it. Share with friends. Post it on Snapchat. Instagram stories. Any social media. Purchase it. Keep it. Give as a gift.

•Humble Christians•
strive to be like Jesus
studies God's word
study the life of Christ
empty their thoughts of self
do not need a strong dose of reality because they see themselves as they really are
thinks better of others than their self
see their heart as He sees it, through bible study & prayer
work on strengthening their weaknesses
think the best in others
thinking only of others positive attributes
think of others potential for God
forever thinking how poor he is and how much more he needs to become.
magnifies Jesus Christ
think of the joy of giving his treasures back to the One who is perfect in all things
has God’s perspective on material things. It all belongs to God and biblical stewardship dominants the humble life. A proud man adores his material possessions in a manner, look what I got!
will wash the feet of others. There is no job too low for the servant.
not impressed with the rich man
runs to the hurting

Take notice, there is the path of pride and there is the path of humility. When we walk in the Spirit, we are walking on the right path.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” – Phil. 2:5-8

#migisboutique #christlikecharacterhearts #valentinesday2018 #shoplocal #willship #mississippiartist

• a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

What Music Should I Listen To

2018-01-24T16:45:00.000-06:00

How was your day? I spent mine jumping in without an end result in sight. Layers. Glue. Pieces. Paper. Silence. Music. Open mind. Serenity.

#judithmarch #hat #artstudio #workspace #worshipmusic #francescabattistelli
#iheartradio #tellmeaboutyourday

How To Help My Dry Skin

2018-01-23T16:41:00.000-06:00

Look at this: my mom gave me this jar of repair cream in my Christmas happy box this year. Y'all it's amazing. You know the week we had the winter storm of 2018. My skin was so dry from the heat constantly running and countless blazing hot showers. I decided to try the repair cream. It was like heaven. My skin came back to life. No joke.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - 14 oz Supersize
Allergy-Tested*Fragrance Free
Safe For Sensitive Skin
No Parabens, Harsh Chemicals or Colorants

Get yours today! You can order from Amazon PRIME http://amzn.to/2DtHtrJ (affiliate link - I may earn a small percentage if you purchase using the link at no additional cost to you)

#repaircream #sensitiveskin #hydrate

How Honest Should I Be

2018-01-23T16:35:00.000-06:00

Honest: we tend to think of being honest as, trusting a person not to steal our material possessions or our money. The Lord wants us to go deeper. He wants us to see honesty as something bigger. If we aren't honest how our jobs, life, etc are going we rob ourselves and those around us. We rob ourselves of opportunities to grow emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Here's my honest story.
I want to be very transparent with you about something. You see me on social media or even in real life showing up as an artist. An artist who's written books, photographed weddings and my latest adventure selling artwork in a local boutique. My vulnerability comes from a place I'd like others to understand, one of those three made me the most money. It's was a trial run of 10 years venturing out to capture couples special moments on their wedding day. Meeting lots of people and growing spiritually along the way. The other two writing books and creating artwork hasn't been my most productful income avenues. Being honest here. Honest with myself. Honest with others. Yet, I know I've heard Him correctly call me into these places to use my time, resources, knowledge, and talents. I share this to help make a connection as your sister in Christ. Don't give up. All of our years might not finically be productful but He is still at work in our lives and the lives around us. Each day is a new piece of our journey which is building our life legacy. Our life legacy will be the inspiration or encouragement someone needs in 10 minutes, 10 years from now or 10 years from the moment you depart from this place we call earth. What you are doing now matters. You matter. In those dry moments like I spoke of which do not bring in the most revenue, the Lord still wants to minster to your soul and the souls around you. Trust. Believe. Listen. Speak up. Show up. Keep pressing forward. Don't stand in the "well I don't see the result I selfishly think I should. So I'll just go lay on the couch watching Netflix." Wrong. Now there is a time to take a break. I am not saying stopping often for enjoyable entertainment isn't necessary. Because in those moments of rest He is ministering to our souls to prepare us for the hustle. Are you a hustler? Are you honest?

Being honest is one character trait of becoming, growing in building Christ like character. None of us will ever be fully grown here on earth. Continue seeking honesty for growth.

Do you know of someone who examples honesty? Your Spouse. College student. Elementary student. Child. Teacher. Coworker. Parent. Friend. Honor this character trait. Tell them you see this in them. Write a note. Leave a sticky on their desk. Text them. Give them an "honest" Christ like character heart, shown in picture, for Valentines Day this year. Stop by MiGi's today to inquire about this beauty.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

Are you holding off telling someone something?
#behonest #honest #honestheart #christlikecharacter #valentinesday #migis
• a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

Should I Teach My Kids To Do The Laundry

2018-01-21T16:31:00.000-06:00

Doing Laundry: a teaching tool for in this life there will be things we don't always want to be doing. It's about where we start. When we celebrate the truth by saying thank you for these clothes, the job which ables us to purchase clothes and the precious bodies in which fill the inside of the clothing. Life is busy. I get it! Let Him take over. Worship. Turn on positive encouraging music. Lift up what we are fighting against and be reminded doing laundry is the start of something good. He is working on us through the process. Because we are all unfinished. Much like our laundry always is.

If i haven't taught my children anything else in life it's been to do the laundry regardless. I want them to experience the process of doing things in life we don't always want to be doing but if we seek to do them we find victory through the process. #growth

Be reminded our children are watching how we do the laundry. How we handle the frustration of not really wanting to do something.

Be reminded our children should also be helping with the laundry, not as a chore, but a beautiful life lesson.

I am thankful for the laundry my family conquered today!

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

#laundry #momlife #lifelessons #teachablemoments #idontlikelaundry #idontliketodolaundry #encouragement #john137

How Can Today Be A Better Day

2018-01-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

Two Is Better Than One: speak truth over your day. Claim today to be the better day of the two snow/ice days. If you are home with kids get in the floor, play and say the heck with routine. For one day the kids will be grown and gone. To all, challenge yourself to brace another day stuck at home/work. This snow/ice didn't land in the wrong place by mistake. Praises for it's landing to strengthen our tolerance and patience. He's using today as patchwork for future days. #winterstorm2018
#bekindtoyourself #embrace #breathedeep #claimit
"Today's going to be a good day."
#teachablemomentsforoursoul
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23
*Can I get all the "stay home mommas" in the house...yesterday was just another day wasn't it!!!! Another unpredictable change in schedule like our already non existing routine life. For once we were on a normal routine.

Can I get an Amen ? #stayhomemomlife #workfromhomelife

10 Ways To Break Free Of Boredom

2018-01-16T13:49:00.000-06:00

The Struggle Is Real: I know. Boredom. One must choose to pull a rope breaking the cycle.
10 Ways To Break Free Of Boredom
1. FaceTime someone
2. Take down the Christmas tree
3. Ride a zip line
4. Cook
5. Watch a tv series
6. Feed the birds
7. Ride down the street
8. Work on an unfinished project
9. Exercise
10. Pull something old out and put to use
#boredom #itsachoice #breekfree #snowday #schoolsclosed #enjoyyourtime #thankful #happyfaces #shine #winterstorm2018 #zipline

Are you looking at the bigger picture

2018-01-14T13:40:00.000-06:00

Something Bigger: Recently, I sensed the calling to help provide shoes for a family in need. The family is collecting shoes as part of their adoption funding process. One may wonder, "How will 10,000 pair of shoes produce a baby?" "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” Mark 8:35 When we show up, because we've been called to serve, we fully experience His goodness through the process. There is a found freedom in living for something bigger than self, living for His purpose. Not in questioning the process and not in never giving. Although, I do believe He wants us to ask questions to further our knowledge so we can then share the good news. I quickly realized, He wasn't just calling me to give. He was also calling others in my life. "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 I can only image the conversations among each ones walls of their homes as they too helped gather shoes. My prayer is the growth you experience is truly newness, a fresh start to cleaning out your space of unneeded items, while serving our good, good Father. I was reminded through this process, He provides grace to protect us from the confines of our self-focused world and frees us to live the eternal purpose and delights of His Kingdom. I am thankful for your giving hearts. As I know, the May's are amazed at His work through this entire process.

I delivered our gathered shoes to the May family Friday.

#godgiving #allforhim #greaterthenthyself #serving #giving #apartofsomethingbig #wearecalled #shoesforbabymay #thankyou #angelbins #recycling #fundraising

What's He calling you to be apart of?
Anyone looking to learn more about the May's journey please like their Facebook page, Shoe Drive To Bring Home Baby May. The companying the Mays are partnering with is called Angel Bins, @angel_bins_fundraising . A recycling, fundraising organization located in Los Angeles, CA. Use #angelbins and you can see others who are hosting their own drives for school fundraising, cancer related fundraising etc. Maybe you're being called to start your own fundraiser.

Why is my soul thirsty

2018-01-11T13:37:00.000-06:00

Our Souls Are Thirsty: this afternoon for less then 5 minutes I stood playing in the sun. I wanted to capture a picture for those who missed seeing it. I walked out to get something out of my car and there it was. The. Sun. I felt the warmth wrap around my body as I've been longing to see the sun for days. In those moments, I was reminded just as much as we long for the sun to touch our bodies, our souls long to be touched by God. "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." Psalm 42:2

reminder: He is everywhere-day and night, He knows your thoughts and hears your heartbeat, you must earnestly seek Him and you will find Him, the thirst in your soul is one only He can quench. #sinceresearcher No one can find Him for you. #openyourheart #isawthesun #encouragement #fillmysoulup #ineedarefill

(The quench in our soul when not filled by the living God is often filled with unhealthy negative things such as drugs, alcohol, lies, pornography, money, material possessions, etc. If you or someone you know struggles with these, or you may just be simply tired and worn out-need a refill, claim His goodness over yours or their life right now. All you have to do is whisper it. "Please fill me up with Your Spirit." If you said it for someone else you can share it with them or keep to yourself, He knows. Start fresh to all.)

Suggestion: Listen to, He Lives by Alan Jackson

What is the best part of my job

2018-01-10T13:32:00.000-06:00

The Best Part Of My Job: walking in like a business woman. #walkingin @migisboutique #valentinesday #dropoff these will not last, go check them out and see whats really in the bottom of the basket #christlikecharacterhearts #remoteworking #artistlife #xo #love #getyourstoday #boutique #newyear #businesswoman

How to cope with Empty Nest

2018-01-08T13:28:00.000-06:00

One Day Your Nest Will Be Empty: for most it happens gradually. Those small moments, going to grandparents, camp or a friends house, the Lord uses building up to the bigger moments. Such as a school age child or a college student returning to class after a long holiday break and one day on to marriage. Regardless the transition of any kind is hard. Because we as parents strive for a long time actively parenting. When the nest of loneliness sets in one must walk through the natural process. It's unavoidable. There's no pretending it's not happening. Acceptance of the new that's coming is of value. It's okay. Embrace it. Newness is right around the corner of growth for all. We must release! Let go. So everyone can be free. Fly.

The biggest thing to remember is the child is in transition too. One doesn't stop being a parent. Regardless. Loneliness is a trap of the devils. He wants you to think it's over, you are not needed and you are done. I am here to tell you we are not done. Mommas never stop being mommas. Dads never stop being dads. Kids never stop being kids. No matter the age. No matter where one lives. All must be treated and valued with utmost respect. #emptynest

What is the best gift

2018-01-07T13:20:00.000-06:00

A Gift More Precious Than Gold: the gift of eternal life. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart? Think about that for a second, think about the people you come across in your daily life who may or may not be really saved. We can walk the streets of everyday life assuming people around us are saved. Being mindful our Christ like actions touch those around us. The unsaved might not jump to our presence, jump to our actions but He still uses us as part of their testimony. You know how you can't rush a baby to walk. You can't rush someone's salvation. Patients. Persistence. Head up. Aware. Be the light. We are His messengers. Think outside your box today. Speak to those around you. Smile. Wave. Let someone out in traffic. Pay for someone's meal. Check on a neighbor. Send a hello text. Place a card in the mail. Not everyone has family. Not everyone has a friend tribe.
#servants #christservants #weareone

Who are you here to please

2018-01-06T13:13:00.000-06:00

Who Do You Please: it's easy to try fitting in a square of perfection. Until all the lines don't match and you begin realizing the hearts of people around you aren't perfectly matching either. What a let down. A let down in ourselves and others. Here's the thing, we are not called to stay down. We are not called to be defeated. We are not called to perfection. Let the lines cross, let the spaces be unequal, and the hearts unmatchable.

Who are you here to please? #notothers #notself#Christ
So you ask what does this look like?
1. You show up
2. Be a servant of Christ
3. You will not care what others think
We can't do both, people pleasing and be a servant.
#galatians110

How can I be helpful to the world

2018-01-05T13:10:00.000-06:00

The world needs our ears, more than our mouth. Listen. Lean in. Be there.

#leanonme #listen #beavailable #slowtoadvise

5 Easy Ways to Create Sunshine

2018-01-04T13:06:00.000-06:00

Create Sunshine: it's common to believe the world seems dark, like a mix bag of rummage. Today, I am here to share, we all have the authority to pick up the papers and take out the trash. We have the authority to go from sun-dried to sunshine. When we do this it overflows in the lives of those around us. Rise up. Shine.
You matter. Your shine matters.
Let's light the world together.
5 Easy Ways to Create Sunshine
1. Place a bright flower on your desk.
2. Get up and move; walk, run, dance
3. Listen to uplifting funky music
4. Leave a handwritten note
5. Smile at someone
#happy #sunshine #authority

Should I buy a instapot

2018-01-03T12:57:00.000-06:00

Here's The Truth: this is not a time machine. It slightly resembles a small version of a machine my grandmother cooked ceramics in when I was growing up. People these days call it an "instapot". I am here to inform you, it's not insta. You still buy groceries, look for recipes, meal prep, heat the machine up, cook, simmer down, eat and clean up. Insta to me is, you hit one button and a plate of warm food comes out in a matter of seconds and you eat. End of story. This pot requires basically you do all the same things to prepare a meal, just at a different hour in a different amount of time. I hope this doesn't ruin your dreams of owning one of these pots. My husband gifted me this pot. For that, I am grateful. I've cooked bake potatoes, turkey loin, broccoli, red beans and rice, cabbage, and salmon. I'll keep my crockpot handy though. So, that's the truth and I am sticking to it. My hope is you find this helpful and encouraging as you ponder the "pot"! #itsnotallcookeduptobe #youstillcook #youstillclean #foodisgood #instapot #electricpressurecooker #cuisinart #ilovemyhusband